Public appointment: Member reappointed to the South of Scotland Enterprise Board

Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic, Kate Forbes MSP, today announced the reappointment of Paul Winstanley as a Member of the Board of South of Scotland Enterprise. 

Member 

Paul Winstanley has a deep seated interest in economic development and has deep expertise in digital transformation and supports the Scottish Government on the digital transformation of manufacturing. He has also worked on the development and delivery of innovative projects and is passionate about using innovation to deliver beneficial outcomes. 

Reappointment 

The reappointment is for six months and runs from 1 April 2026 to 30 September 2026. 

The reappointment is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner. 

Remuneration and time commitment 

The reappointment attracts remuneration of £275.58 per day for a time commitment of 2.5 days per month. 

Other Ministerial appointments 

Mr Winstanley does not hold any other public appointments. 

Political activity 

All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.  However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity within the last five years (if there is any to be declared) to be made public. 

Mr Winstanley has had no political activity within the last five years. 

Background 

South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) is the dedicated economic and community development agency for the South of Scotland.  Recently celebrating it’s fifth anniversary, SOSE has lead the way in responding to the unique opportunities and challenges in the south of Scotland.  

With a focus on growing the economy, both regionally and nationally, SOSE works closely with the Scottish Government and partners to build on Scotland’s entrepreneurial strengths, boosting innovation and productivity, supporting trade and exports and attracting investment. By working with communities and social enterprises through its place-based activities, they maximise their contribution to economic growth and to tackling inequalities. 

More widely, SOSE works to help support and deliver the actions set out in the Programme for Government to deliver on the Scottish Government’s four main priorities of eradicating child poverty, growing the economy, tackling climate emergency and ensuring high quality and sustainable public services.