First Minister Nicola Sturgeon appoints new advisers to her Standing Council on Europe

Nicola Sturgeon - Image credit: First Minister's Flickr

The First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has appointed two new advisers to join the Scottish Government’s Standing Council on Europe.

Sir John Grant, a former UK permanent representative to the EU, and The Rt Hon Sir George Reid, a former presiding officer of the Scottish Parliament, will provide expertise to the Scottish Government in the wake of the Brexit vote.

They will join the 17 current members, who include former chair of the Scottish Human Rights Commission Professor Alan Miller, former chief scientific adviser to the Scottish Government Dame Anne Glover, MEPs Alyn Smith and David Martin, and diplomat Dame Mariot Leslie.

The First Minister said: “The council already has a breadth of knowledgeable and experienced members who have years of experience of working within the EU.

“I am certain that the addition of Sir John and Sir George to the council will further enhance the advice to Scottish ministers throughout the negotiations in order to secure Scottish interests and objectives.”

Sir John Grant said: “It is an honour to be invited to join the Standing Council.

“I hope to be able to contribute to its important work of helping the Scottish Government ensure that the outcome of the Brexit negotiations reflects the wishes and interests of the people of Scotland.”

Sir George Reid said: “Brexit poses real challenges for Scotland. I want to help explore all options to safeguard Scottish national interests”

The Standing Council on Europe is a group of experts which advises the First Minister and the Scottish Government on issues relating to Scotland’s relationship with the EU.

It is made up of experts in legal, financial, business and diplomatic affairs and chaired by economist and University of Glasgow principal Professor Anton Muscatelli.