Role of Scotland Office Ministers
Oiling the wheels of devolution
The Secretary of State for Scotland is Scotland's voice in the Cabinet. He is the custodian of the 
Scotland Act 1998 and secondary legislation under the Act (Scotland Act Orders). Scotland Act Orders are used both to implement (and occasionally) to amend Scotland's devolution settlement. The primary role of the Scottish Secretary is to promote the devolution settlement and to act as guardian of it. He promotes partnership between the Government and the Scottish Government and between the two Parliaments.
In addition, the Secretary of State retains responsibility for certain limited executive functions, notably in relation to the financial transactions between the UK Government and the Scottish Government in elections in Scotland and undertakes certain residual functions for Scotland in reserved areas.
The Secretary of State is supported on ministerial matters by the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Scotland. Both Ministers are advised on their work in relation to Scottish devolution by the Scotland Office, a distinct entity within the Ministry of Justice.
Representing Scotland's interests in the UK Parliament
Scotland Office Ministers (Secretary of State and Parliamentary Under Secretary of State) have a vital role to play in engaging with Scottish stakeholders on a wide range of matters which are reserved to the UK Parliament. Both Ministers meet regularly with Scottish business leaders to discuss issues such as the economy, energy and climate change, as well as with key representatives from Scottish civic society to discuss matters such as welfare reform, child poverty, asylum and immigration and broadcasting. Scotland Office Ministers also regularly host 'summit' meetings between key stakeholders, MPs, Peers and UK Government Ministers. These meetings highlight the important role of Scotland Office Ministers in ensuring that key players in Scotland have their voices heard in the UK Parliament and that the UK Government takes account of their interests in formulating policy and legislation which affects them.
Scotland Office Ministers also represent Scottish interests on a total of 22 Cabinet committees and sub committees including the National Economic Council, Domestic Affairs, Life Chances, Constitution and Legislation.Find out more about Cabinet Committees.
The Scotland Office supports the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Parliamentary Under Secretary in fulfilling these responsibilities. Find out more about the Scotland Office.