Alyn Smith MSP has been formally appointed as Scotland’s new Minister for Innovation, Technology and Tertiary Education. His portfolio includes responsibility for youth work and Community Learning and Development.
The Stirling MSP succeeds Ben Macpherson, who stepped down from the Scottish Government in August.
Mr Smith was elected to the Scottish Parliament in May 2026, having previously represented Stirling at Westminster from 2019 to 2024. Before that, he served as an MEP for Scotland between 2004 and 2019.
He studied Law and European Law at the University of Leeds before completing a master’s degree in European Studies at the College of Europe in Warsaw. His varied career has included teaching English in India, working with Scotland Europa in Brussels and practising commercial law in London and Edinburgh.
Mr Smith has previously supported a more joined-up approach to improving young people’s lives, bringing together education, employment, mental health support and sustained investment in youth services and community programmes.
His appointment comes at an important time for Scotland’s youth work sector. Youth work makes a vital contribution to learning, health and wellbeing, employability, community safety and tackling poverty and inequality. However, services continue to face significant financial pressures while demand for support grows.
YouthLink Scotland warmly welcomes Alyn Smith to his new role. We look forward to working with him to champion youth work, strengthen the sector’s national infrastructure and ensure it is fully recognised and resourced as an essential part of Scotland’s education and skills landscape.