Headshot of Stewart
Changing Faces

First woman of colour appointed Scottish Culture Minister

Arts Professional
1 min read

KAUBAB STEWART has been appointed the new Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development in a Scottish cabinet reshuffle, following the resignation of former Health Secretary MICHAEL MATHESON over roaming charges on his parliamentary iPad.

A former primary school teacher for almost 30 years, Stewart replaces CHRISTINA MCKELVIE, who has been appointed as Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy.

In 2021, Stewart became the first woman of colour elected to the Scottish Parliament and is now the first woman of colour to become a minister in the Scottish government.

Among her parliamentary duties, Stewart will be responsible for Creative Scotland, Museums and Galleries Scotland, Edinburgh festivals, national performing companies and UNESCO World Heritage/Intangible Cultural Heritage.

First Minister, HUMZA YOUSAF said: “I am proud to bring the first-ever woman of colour into government in Scotland – I believe another sign of the progress we are making as a nation – with the appointment of Kaukab Stewart as Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development.” 

Stewart called the role "an honour and a privilege", adding that she was "looking forward to getting stuck into such a varied and important brief".