Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity

Jim Fairlie MSP

Contact

Address

Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity
Scottish Government
St Andrew's House
Regent Road
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG

Jim Fairlie was reappointed Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity in May 2024.

Responsibilities

Supports the Cabinet Secretary for Transport and Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands.

Specific responsibilities are:

Rural

  • agriculture
  • allotments and community food growing
  • animal health and welfare
  • crofting
  • natural resources and peatland
  • plant health
  • rural portfolio impacts of Brexit and Retained EU Law Act
  • wildlife management and crime

Transport

  • aviation and air services (including Highland and Islands Airports Limited)
  • bus services and concessionary fares
  • island connectivity
  • Scottish Canals

Biography

Jim Fairlie was born in Perth and has lived and worked in the area all his life.  He began his career as a shepherd before becoming a hill farmer. He built a successful food and events-based catering business and has extensive experience in urban and rural affairs. He was elected to represent Perthshire South and Kinross-shire at the 2021 Scottish Parliament election.

He was appointed Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity in February 2024.

Read more about Jim Fairlie on the Scottish Parliament website.

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