Private Office Academy

First thing this morning I spoke to the new "Private Office Academy" which is a very important new initiative within the Scottish Government.

Some of those who have recently started working in Ministerial Private Offices along with some of those who are keen to do so have been brought together for an intensive week of training, the first time such an approach has been taken.

Private Offices are an essential part of Government . They make the system work and they provide the essential communication between Ministers, civil servants and stakeholders.

It was a great pleasure to be asked to come and meet those involved and to answer their questions in the inspiring surroundings of "The Dome" at Register House. I couldn't resist a picture of the participants in situ.

I wish each and everyone of them the best for the future. From what I saw Ministers will be fortunate to have them in their teams.