An Ayrshire-born politician has spoken of his delight at landing a new role within the Scottish Conservative and Unionist party group at Holyrood.
South Scotland Regional List MSP, Brian Whittle, from Ayr, has been made deputy shadow cabinet secretary for business, economic growth and tourism.
The former Olympic athlete, now 59, was previously his party’s spokesperson for environment, biodiversity and land reform.
Speaking after his appointment was announced, Brian Whittle MSP said: “I’m delighted to have been offered this new role within the Scottish Conservatives’ team at Holyrood.
“Scotland’s economy and business community have been repeatedly let down by the SNP and now by their Green coalition partners.
“A strong economy is vital if we’re going to properly fund public services and invest in improving our infrastructure like roads and broadband, and a strong economy depends on Scottish businesses succeeding.
“The SNP have never really understood that, and the Scottish Greens just refuse to accept that basic fact.
“I’m determined to use my new role to speak up for the small and medium sized businesses across Scotland who make up the vast majority of our economic power, and push the Scottish Government to start supporting business, not penalising it.”
Mr Whittle spent many years working in businesses across a range of sectors including events management and healthcare technology before becoming an MSP and has also previously served as a Shadow Minister for Public Health Wellbeing and Sport.
Since 2021, he has been part of the Scottish Conservatives Net Zero, Energy & Transport team and a member of Holyrood’s Covid-19 Recovery Committee.
In his new position, Mr Whittle will work closely with Murdo Fraser MSP, who has been made the shadow cabinet secretary for business, economic growth and tourism, and served with Mr Whittle on the Covid-19 Recovery Committee.
Mr Whittle added: “As a South Scotland Regional MSP, I’m also excited to see what more can be done to boost our tourism sector and help it continue to recover from the damage inflicted by the pandemic.”
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