Neil Gray MSP is the Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development at Holyrood, and this meeting follows a conversation between the PPA and Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Culture Angus Robertson MSP last year. Gray undertook a degree in politics and journalism, and was a producer and reporter with BBC Radio Orkney from 2003 until 2008. The SNP politician represented the Airdrie and Shotts constituency in Westminster until 2021, before being elected to the Scottish parliament in that same year.

The PPA emphasised the key role that the specialist publishing sector plays in informing and entertaining the Scottish people with highly trusted content, created by journalists that are experts in their specialist fields. As the digitalisation of media allows citizens to seek out ever more focused sources of information online, the trusted content produced by PPA Scotland members has never been more important.

The PPA also voiced concerns that specialist publishing, sitting as it does at the confluence of the creative industries and press and media sectors, can sometimes be overlooked in the policy-making process. This makes the need for focused sector support all the more urgent, particularly as rising print and paper costs and pressing skills shortages continue to present serious challenges for publishers.

Going forwards, PPA Scotland is committed to engaging in the policy making process as the Scottish Government sets out its plans for independence, as well as building a stronger dialogue with more regular engagement with Holyrood. This will ensure that PPA Scotland member’s voices are heard, and our sector recognised as a key cultural and journalistic asset which underpins Scotland’s global reputation.