MID Fife and Glenrothes MSP, Jenny Gilruth has been appointed as Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills.

In his government reshuffle, shortly after becoming First Minister, Humza Yousaf appointed Jenny Gilruth for the role overseeing Scotland’s education system.

Prior to being elected as MSP for Mid Fife and Glenrothes in 2016 - which has Kinglassie within the constituency -, Ms Gilruth worked for over a decade in education, most recently as a head of department at St Columba's High School in Dunfermline.

Before that, she worked at Education Scotland as NQ lead for Modern Studies, supporting the development of the new qualifications and also as a Modern Studies teacher.

Commenting, Ms Gilruth MSP said: “I am honoured to have been asked by Humza Yousaf to serve as Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills.

“I look forward to continuing our mission to tackle the attainment gap, tear down barriers to learning and end the digital divide.

“While it is a privilege to serve Scotland in cabinet, my first priority will always be my constituents and I will always make myself available to help those who need it.”

Commenting, the First Minister said: “The Cabinet team I have unveiled reflects the priorities that we will pursue as a government – including tackling child poverty, improving public services and building a fairer, greener economy.

“Ahead of my appointment as First Minister, I have committed myself to a radical, ambitious and progressive policy agenda for Scotland – and I know that this team is the right one to deliver it.”