THE SNP have announced the appointment of a new chief executive.
Callum McCaig, former SNP MP for Aberdeen South, has taken on the role after incumbent Carol Beattie stepped down for health reasons.
McCaig, 40, who served as a special advisor for two SNP first ministers, was appointed by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) on Sunday.
The former Aberdeen Council leader said it was a “great privilege” to take on the role ahead of the 2026 Holyrood election. The party’s business convener Angela Constance said that McCaig brings a “wealth of experience” to the role.
He has also previously worked in the private sector specialising on campaigns and public affairs.
Following his appointment, McCaig said: “It is a great privilege to be appointed as chief executive and I pay tribute to the work of my predecessor, Carol Beattie.
“The party is fighting-fit and election-ready. I look forward to working with John Swinney to secure that victory in 2026, and onward to independence.”
His predecessor Beattie said: “It has been a privilege to serve as chief executive of the SNP and to have led the transformation of headquarters ahead of the 2026 Holyrood election.
“I’d like to thank my colleagues in SNP HQ who have supported this work and thank them for their tireless efforts every day in the campaign to create a brighter future for Scotland with independence.
“While I am stepping down with immediate effect due to personal health reasons, I will continue to play my part in the campaign to deliver an SNP victory in 2026 and Scotland’s journey to independence.”
Beattie – a former chief executive of Stirling Council – took on the role temporarily in October 2024, after former Daily Record editor Murray Foote quit, before being appointed permanently.
Writing on Twitter/X, First Minister John Swinney said: "I am very sorry that Carol Beattie has had to step down as @theSNP chief executive and send her my every good wish.
"I welcome Callum McCaig to the post and look forward to working with him for electoral success in 2026."
Constance added: “I am delighted to confirm Callum McCaig’s appointment as chief executive of the Scottish National Party.
“Callum brings a wealth of experience from the public and private sector, and will steer the organisation with determination and focus as we head into the 2026 election campaign.
“I’d like to pay tribute to Carol Beattie, who has been a lynchpin in delivering a streamlined headquarters operation, ensuring fiscal stability and with an acute focus on election-winning strategy.
“I know this has not been an easy decision for her to make but I admire her courage to put her own health first.
"I thank Carol wholeheartedly for her service to the SNP and to the wider cause of independence, both of which I know she will continue to campaign for.”
