Neil Gray, born and raised in Orkney, attended Kirkwall Grammar School and graduated with a first-class BA Honours in politics and journalism from the University of Stirling in 2008. He became Minister for Culture, Europe, and International Development in January 2022, and in March 2022, also took on the role of Minister for Refugees from Ukraine. In March 2023, he was appointed Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work, and Energy, followed by his appointment as Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care in February 2024.