Stephen Flynn MSP
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport
Stephen Flynn was appointed Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport in May 2026.
Stephen Flynn was born in Dundee. He studied history and politics at the University of Dundee before being elected to Aberdeen City Council in 2015.
Mr Flynn represented Aberdeen South in the UK Parliament for more than 6 years, and was elected as MSP for Aberdeen Deeside and North Kincardine in 2026.
Anna Holligan
BBC Foreign Correspondent
Anna Holligan is a BBC foreign correspondent and author based in the Netherlands, best known for delivering “Dutch news from the cycle path” by cargo bike.
Her reporting for BBC News spans TV, radio and digital, where she has pioneered mobile journalism from the saddle, using everyday journeys to showcase the Netherlands’ world‑class cycling infrastructure and what it means for safety, health and climate.
She is currently writing Verhalen vanaf het fietspad, a non-fiction part-memoir, book of stories from the cycle path exploring bikenomics, cities built around bikes and how cycling shapes belonging, care and resilience in a changing country. Drawing on Scottish roots, years of reporting from The Hague and her workshops on mobile bike journalism and non-linear storytelling, Anna shows how rethinking the daily ride can transform both how we move and how we tell the stories of our streets.
Paul McNamee
Journalist, broadcaster and previous Editorial Director of The Big Issue
Paul McNamee has been with Big Issue for 19 years, first as deputy editor of the Scotland edition, then, since 2012 when Big Issue amalgamated all regional titles, as UK editor and now Editorial Director for the entire Big Issue group. He has guided Big Issue through a shift to digital-first output, while maintaining street sales.
He has been named British Editor of The Year four times by the British Society of Magazine Editors, was named Editor of the Year four times by the leading publishing industry body PPA Scotland, was inducted into the PPA Scotland Hall of Fame in 2021. He recently served as Chairman of the board of trustees of Glasgow’s Citizens Theatre and on the board of Glasgow Jazz Festival.
Also a broadcaster, he is a regular contributor to news, politics and sports shows across BBC and Sky.
Zara Mohammed
Former Secretary-General, Muslim Council of Britain
Zara Mohammed is a nationally recognised leadership voice in British Muslim civil society. As former Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Britain, and the first woman and youngest person to hold the role, she led critical work inspiring a new generation of leaders.
Through her consultancy, Zara supports civil society organisations with leadership development, governance and inclusive practice.
Zara is a cycle leader working with Scottish Forestry on projects that help diverse communities access the woodlands, she's a keen cyclist and nature advocate to promote better wellbeing.
Councillor Eric Drysdale
Leader of Perth & Kinross Council
Councillor Eric Drysdale is the Leader of Perth & Kinross Council. He is committed to creating thriving, sustainable communities and recognises the important contribution that cycling and active travel make to public health, environmental sustainability and inclusive economic growth.
Laura Anderson
Climate activist and environmental scientist
Laura Young is an award winning climate activist and environmental scientist.
Having worked on her PhD between the University of Abertay and the University of Dundee as a Hydro Nations Scholar in climate resilience work, Laura brings her expertise in waste, sustainability, and environmental justice issues to conversations in the media, events and conferences.
She was named in The King’s Foundation 35 under 35 network, and was awarded the Scottish Influencer of the Year for 2024/5 for her work advocating for climate and environmental justice.
