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Ben Macpherson MSP

Role
Minister for Innovation, Technology and Tertiary Education
Ben Macpherson MSP

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

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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