'Drained' by right wing attacks, Scotland's Chief Entrepreneurial Advisor Mark Logan has stepped aside

Mr Logan - formerly the chief operating officer of travel company and Scottish unicorn Skyscanner - has served as a government tsar since 2020, initially producing a tech start-up review.

In 2022, the then finance secretary Kate Forbes appointed Mr Logan chief entrepreneurial adviser. The appointment, and both Mr Logan and the government, faced criticism for the cost of the work - Mr Logan was being paid almost £200,000 for a two-day a week contract.

In his role, Mr Logan was involved in the TechScaler incubation programme, efforts to improve gender balance in business and promoting computer literacy in schools.

On Wednesday, Mr Logan posted a personal update on his LinkedIn page confirming that he was standing down, and that he would complete any planned engagements until his departure in the middle of next month.

Mark Logan pictured at Glasgow University | Iain McLean

He said: “I’ve had the precious opportunity to work with very many wonderful people, in Government, in Parliament, in our agencies, in our schools and universities, our ecosystem builders, and, of course, in our start-ups and social enterprises,” he said.

“It’s been a privilege to witness the commitment that so many in our community have towards enriching our big, little country, and to creating high-quality opportunities and employment for its citizens.”

He added: “But I’ve decided that four and a half years (including producing the tech review) is long enough for me in this role, and that it is time for a change.

“And although I am not in a political role, I am increasingly becoming a target for some in the right-wing of Scottish politics and their supporting publications, which, just as intended, has become draining.

“So, I’m stepping down from my role as chief entrepreneurial adviser. There are no ‘musical differences’ or tensions with stakeholders behind that decision.

“I also believe that it is better to stop doing something while you are still enjoying it, and when it still hurts to leave it behind, as that way you take with you only good memories.

“So, that is what I am going to do. I’m grateful to both First Minister John Swinney and Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes for their support and help throughout my appointment period, and for their understanding concerning my decision now.”

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes paid tribute to Mr Logan’s work and said she was “sorry” to see him go.

She said: “Over the last four years, Mark has made a truly exceptional contribution to the work of the Scottish Government, applying his world class industry experience to shape economic policy and help build one of the most ambitious and imaginative entrepreneurial policy agendas in Europe.

“He has also been instrumental in creating a more entrepreneurial mindsight within Government, most recently supporting innovation in the NHS.”

The Deputy First Minister added that ministers would consider how the role of entrepreneurial adviser can be “optimised in future”.