A new Cabinet level portfolio has been created in the Scottish government, bringing together energy, transport and net zero.
In her post-election reshuffle, Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon announced that Michael Matheson has been appointed Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport.
The new portfolio brings together cross government responsibility for coordination of net zero policy, encompassing transport, environmental protection and energy
Matheson will also oversee for the Scottish government the delivery of the COP 26 UN climate change conference, which is due to take place in Glasgow later this year.
Matheson was Cabinet Secretary for Transport in the last Scottish Parliament.
Paul Wheelhouse, who had been energy minister since 2016, lost his seat on the South Scotland regional list in this month’s Scottish Parliament election.
Forty-year old Matheson has been an MSP since 1999 and the occupational therapist was elected to represent the Falkirk West constituency in 2007.
Announcing her new Cabinet, Sturgeon said: “We are dealing with the joint challenges of a global pandemic and recovery from it, the ongoing tests posed by Brexit and the urgent, pressing need to take forward our net zero agenda as part of the global efforts to secure a greener future.”
Responding to the new Cabinet, Scottish Renewables chief executive Claire Mack said: “The appointment of a Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy & Transport today is a welcome acknowledgement of the importance of the renewable energy industry and reflects Scottish Renewables’ request of the new Scottish Government in our manifesto for the recent election.
“The establishment of this key position demonstrates that our industry is now a central part of Scotland’s economy and, of course, our transition to a net-zero carbon society.
“I congratulate Michael Matheson on his appointment and look forward to working with him in his new position, which builds upon the work carried out as Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity, as well as with other Cabinet members whose portfolios include areas in which our members are active.”