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Minister for Innovation, Technology and Tertiary Education

Current role holder
Ben Macpherson MSP
Ben Macpherson MSP

Contact

Address

Minister for Innovation, Technology and Tertiary Education
Scottish Government
St Andrew's House
Regent Road
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG

Email
MinisterforITTE@gov.scot

Mr Macpherson was appointed Minister for Innovation, Technology and Tertiary Education in May 2026.

Responsibilities

Supports the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic.

  • tertiary education
  • apprenticeships 
  • careers and young people's transitions to work
  • adult learning and lifelong learning
  • non-advanced vocational skills
  • widening access
  • qualifications and accreditation
  • student support
  • community learning and development
  • youth work
  • university research
  • international education strategy
  • Scottish Funding Council (SFC)
  • Skills Development Scotland (SDS)
  • Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS)
  • Office of the Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland (OCSA)
  • scientific engagement and advice
  • STEM education (science, technology, engineering and mathematics)
  • innovation and technology
  • artificial intelligence policy and strategy
  • young people's arts and music
  • UNESCO World Heritage 

Biography

Mr Macpherson grew up in Edinburgh before studying a BA Honours degree in Philosophy and Politics at the University of York. After graduating he returned to Edinburgh and worked in a number of different roles before going on to complete a postgraduate LLB and a Diploma in Legal Practice at the University of Edinburgh. He then qualified as a solicitor and practised as a lawyer with one of Scotland’s large commercial firms. As well as his legal training, he has worked in financial services, for an NGO, in renewable energy, in a school and in hospitality.

Mr Macpherson was first elected in May 2016 and served as the MSP for the Edinburgh Northern and Leith constituency until March 2026. At the election in May 2026 he was re-elected to serve the new constituency of Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith, where he lives.

His previous ministerial roles included the portfolios of:

  • Europe, migration and international development
  • public finance and migration
  • rural affairs and the natural environment
  • social security and local government
  • further and higher education

Beyond working and campaigning, he enjoys running, football and watching films and documentaries.

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