Scottish Government announces Ministerial roles for sensory
- Area of Work: Scottish Sensory Hub
- Type: News Item
- Published: 29th May 2026
New appointments for Màiri McAllan, Alison Thewliss, Maree Todd and Simita Kumar.
Following the Scottish election on 7th May 2026, the Scottish Government have now confirmed Ministerial roles for sensory related policy:
- Màiri McAllan MSP has been appointed as Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic. This role covers responsibility for languages, including British Sign Language.
- Simita Kumar MSP has been appointed as Minister for Equalities and International Development. This role covers responsibility for Disability.
- Alison Thewliss MSP has been appointed as Minister for Community Care. This role covers responsibility for community audiology, community optometry, and “sensory impairment/loss”.
- Maree Todd MSP has been appointed as Minister for Mental Wellbeing, Public Health, Sport, Alcohol and Drugs. This role covers responsibility for augmentative and alternative communication.
Alison Thewliss and Maree Todd will provide Ministerial support to Angela Constance MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Care.
The ALLIANCE welcomes Màiri McAllan, Simita Kumar, Alison Thewliss, Maree Todd and Angela Constance to their new roles and looks forward to working with them to uphold the human rights of everyone in Scotland living with Deafness, Deafblindness or Visual Impairment.
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