Following the Scottish Parliament Elections in May 2011, Fiona Hyslop was appointed cabinet secretary for culture and external affairs. Her ministerial portfolio covers external affairs, Europe, culture and the arts, broadcasting, architecture, heritage and records.
As part of the Scottish Government’s programme of international policy, Fiona
Hyslop developed strategic plans for engaging with the United States, China, India, Pakistan and Nordic/Baltic countries. She has represented the Scottish Government at the Joint Ministerial Council (Europe) for many years and has represented the UK at meetings of the European Council of Ministers.
Prior to this she was minister for culture and external affairs and during that role established the cultural development body, Creative Scotland