Richard Lochhead was appointed Minister for Small Business, Innovation, Tourism & Trade in March 2023, where he is responsible for, among other things, tourism and hospitality, enterprise, innovation and increasing productivity.

He has represented the Moray Constituency in the Scottish Parliament since 2006. Prior to that, Mr Lochhead represented North East Scotland from 1999 to 2006.

He attended Williamwood High School in Clarkston and Central College of Commerce in Glasgow, before graduating in Political Studies from the University of Stirling. Immediately prior to his election, he worked as an economic development officer for Dundee City Council.

Mr Lochhead previously served as Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Food and the Environment between 2007 and 2016.