New post for Mike Russell

Feb 13 2009 by Craig Robertson, Dumfries Standard Friday

SOUTH of Scotland MSP Mike Russell has been given new job in the Scottish Government’s cabinet reshuffle.

It will see him take a front seat as the SNP Government gears up for its referendum on independence next year.

He becomes minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution.

The high-profile post is a shift from his environment minister role which he took up after the SNP won the 2007 election.

Mr Russell’s duties will see him working closely with First Minister Alex Salmond and his responsibilities will include Europe, external affairs, constitutional affairs, culture and the arts, architecture, built heritage, Historic Scotland and lottery funding, major events strategy and Gaelic.

No other local MSPs are involved in the cabinet.

The First Minister said: “Michael Russell moves to a revamped post in the Office of First Minister, where his responsibilities will include developing the Government's work on the constitution — and steering forward the National Conversation — as we move towards our planned referendum next year.”