Kate Forbes is to become a regular columnist for The Times and The Sunday Times in Scotland.
It will be her first public role since standing down from the Scottish Parliament after May’s Holyrood election.
She made the decision not to run again in August last year, saying at the time she didn’t want to “miss any more of the previous early years of family life.”
She’s spent a decade representing Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch and became Scotland’s first female finance secretary in 2020. She was narrowly defeated in the 2023 SNP leadership contest by Humza Yousaf and returned to government as John Swinney’s deputy in 2024.
“I am delighted to be joining The Times and The Sunday Times. Both titles have a long record of taking Scotland seriously, and of holding those in power to account without fear or favour, which is exactly what the country needs at this moment,” she said.
“After ten years in parliament and six in government, I have plenty to say about the choices facing Scotland – on growing our economy, on defence and security, on the future of energy, and on how we make sure the decisions taken in Edinburgh work for communities hundreds of miles away from it. I am looking forward to writing about all of that, and to hearing what readers make of it.”
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Her first column will be published on Sunday 13 September.
“I am delighted to be adding Kate Forbes to our outstanding stable of columnists. As the deputy first minister until earlier this year, Kate has proven herself a powerful, forthright communicator who is happy to express her views and stand by her principles,” explained Dale Miller, Scotland editor of The Times and The Sunday Times.
“Her extensive cabinet experience in areas including finance and the economy has given her first-hand knowledge of the pressures facing our business community, from tax to defence and the cost of living. Kate also possesses a clear understanding of the inner workings and direction of this Scottish government, under John Swinney, and can speak with authority and clarity on political issues and policy.
“Finally, as a fluent Gaelic speaker who calls the Highlands home, Kate will offer a much-needed and authoritative perspective on issues that affect Scotland – and its people – outside of just the central belt.
“Kate’s columns will be an exciting addition to our coverage and I cannot wait to read what she has to say in the weeks and months ahead.”
