About Fiona Hyslop
Fiona Jane Hyslop (born 1 August 1964) is a Scottish politician. Hyslop served in various offices under first ministers Salmond, Sturgeon, Yousaf and Swinney; as education secretary, culture secretary, transport secretary, and economy secretary as well as in junior ministerial roles. A member of the Scottish National Party (SNP), she served as member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for the Linlithgow constituency from 2011 to 2026, having represented the Lothians region from 1999 to 2011. Hyslop was born in Ayrshire and spent her early years in England, before moving back to Scotland. She attended the University of Glasgow, where she earned a Masters of Art in Economic History and Sociology. She moved to Edinburgh and worked for the Standard Life Assurance Company. Hyslop joined the SNP in 1986 and spent her spare time campaigning in local elections. She unsuccessfully stood election to the British House of Commons for both the Edinburgh Leith and Edinburgh Central constituencies in the 1990s. In 1999, she was elected to the Scottish Parliament as an additional member for the Lothians region. After the SNP's election victory in 2007, Hyslop was appointed by First Minister Alex Salmond as Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, but was later sacked following threats of a motion of no confidence in 2009. She was demoted to junior Minister for Culture and External Affairs, which was later promoted to cabinet-level in 2011. She served as Culture Secretary from 2011 to 2020, where she then added economy on to her portfolio, as Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Fair Work and Culture. In 2021, following First Minister Nicola Sturgeon's cabinet reshuffle, she announced her intention to step down, having served 14 years in government. Hyslop returned to the government as Minister for Transport in June 2023 under First Minister Humza Yousaf. She was promoted to Cabinet Secretary for Transport in February 2024 and was reappointed to the position by Yousaf's successor, John Swinney. Hyslop has served in various offices under first ministers Salmond, Sturgeon, Yousaf and Swinney; as education secretary, culture secretary, and economy secretary as well as in junior ministerial roles.
Biography source: Wikipedia. The profile adds birthday-specific historical context from the Celebs Birthday Today editorial database.