Government’s chief entrepreneur cites ‘right-wing targeting’ as he steps down

The Scottish Government’s chief entrepreneur has announced his plans to step down, as he claimed to have become a “target for some in the right-wing of Scottish politics”.

Mark Logan, the former chief operating officer of travel company Skyscanner, was appointed to the role by Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes in 2022 when she was finance secretary after producing a review into Scotland’s tech start-up eco-system.

Mr Logan and the role has come in for criticism after it emerged he was being paid almost £200,000 for being contracted to work just two days a week.

Writing on his Linkedin page on Wednesday, Mr Logan said he would complete planned engagements before leaving the role in mid-November.

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.”

Ms Forbes expressed her “sincere thanks” for the “exceptional impact” Mr Logan had in the job, adding that ministers will “take time” to see if someone else should be appointed to the role.

“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,” she added.

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

“The end-to-end support we are building for Scotland’s entrepreneurs and start-up businesses continues to attract praise and emulation from some of the most successful start-up economies in the world.

“The Scottish Government remains committed to its delivery and I am sure that Mark will continue to play a leading role and champion the work taking place to build and develop the start-up scene.”