We use cookies to collect anonymous data to help us improve your site browsing experience.

Click 'Accept all cookies' to agree to all cookies that collect anonymous data. To only allow the cookies that make the site work, click 'Use essential cookies only.' Visit 'Set cookie preferences' to control specific cookies.

Set cookie preferences

Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

Publication - Transparency data

Special advisers

Last updated
8 June 2026 - see all updates
Topic
Public sector

List of special advisers who provide advice across all portfolio areas in the Scottish Government.

The First Minister has appointed the following special advisers:

  • Colin McAllister, Chief of Staff
  • Emily Mackintosh, Deputy Chief of Staff
  • Ross Ingebrigtsen, Head of Communications & Senior Political Spokesperson
  • Davie Hutchison, Head of Policy
  • Sean McGivern, Deputy Head of Communications & Political Spokesperson
  • Jeanette Campbell, Senior Special Adviser
  • Stephen Noon, Senior Special Adviser
  • Erin Mckee, Senior Special Adviser
  • Marco Biagi, Special Adviser
  • Emilie-Louise Purdie, Special Adviser
  • Helen Scott, Special Adviser
  • Olaf Stando, Special Adviser

This page will be updated if further changes are made to the team.

Further details, including portfolio responsibilities, will be added to this page when confirmed.

Contact

Email: contactus@gov.scot

First published
17 February 2020
Last updated
8 June 2026 - show all updates

  1. List of appointed special advisers updated.

  2. Removed list of advisers due to election protocols.

  3. Updated to remove Jack Middleton

  4. Various updates made to list.

  5. Update Leanne Dobson's details.

  6. Ross Ingebrigtsen job title updated.

  7. Various updates made to list.

  8. Added Ian Muirhead as a special adviser.

  9. Added Marco Biagi as a special adviser.

  10. Updated to include Stephen Noon, Erin McKee and Olaf Stando. Responsibilities of Emily MacKintosh and Sean McGivern updated.

  11. Updated list to reflect portfolio breakdown by role.

  12. Updated to reflect changes following new cabinet announced on 8 May 2024

  13. Updated to remove Gavin Corbett

  14. Updated to amend roles for Callum McCaig, Jennie Gollan, Davie Hutchison and Emily Mackintosh.

  15. Updated to add secondary title to Callum McCaig's entry and amend Leanne Dobson.

  16. Updated to add Kevin Pringle and Emilie-Louise Purdie and amend Jeanette Campbell.

  17. Updated to add Sean McGivern

  18. Updated to reflect special adviser staff list following appointment of Humza Yousaf as First Minister.

  19. Updated for August 2022.

  20. Updated for April 2022.

  21. Updated for March 2022 and changed url from www.gov.scot/publications/special-advisers-february-2020/

Back to top