Richard Lochhead MSP

Richard was born in Paisley in 1969 and was educated at Williamwood High School, Clarkston, Glasgow before graduating with a BA Honours in Political Studies from Stirling University. His first employment was with the South of Scotland Electricity Board and immediately prior to his election to Holyrood worked as an economic development officer for Dundee City Council.

Richard was first elected as a North East MSP in 1999 before winning the Moray by-election in 2006. He served as Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Food and the Environment in the Scottish Government between 2007 and 2016; following this he has held various Ministerial roles before being appointed Minister for Business in May 2024.

Richard lives near Elgin with his wife and two teenage sons.