Where in Scotland are you based and how long have you been heads of place for the country?
We are both based at Queen Elizabeth House in Edinburgh and have served as joint heads of place for Scotland since May 2025.
Fiona Mettam
Craig Ogilvie
What does the role involve?
The head of place, supported by permanent secretary place champions, brings together cross-government leaders in every English region, plus Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, to create thriving civil service communities, develop our local talent and connect to local partners.
To do the role well, you need…
You must be a credible leader who communicates with clarity and a genuine passion for Scotland’s unique strengths and opportunities.
What is your proudest achievement so far in the role?
A highlight has been seeing how the UK government presence has grown here in Scotland and bringing together leaders from both the UK and Scottish governments through our cross-government events to build relationships and work more closely than ever. There is a real feeling of passion and enthusiasm from colleagues who are able to build their careers and deliver for the UK from Scotland.
Who do you work closely with in the role, within and outside government?
We work closely with the Scotland Office and other UK government departments, as well as colleagues across the Scottish Government. Outside of government, we work with universities and local authorities to build strong relationships with local partners.
How does it complement your ‘day job’?
Craig: As director of Making Tax Digital, HMRC’s flagship digital programme, I oversee a workstream that impacts customers, accountants, bookkeepers and agents across the entire UK. The head of place role helps to root this work in the real communities in Scotland to ensure our programme works for everyone.
Fiona: As head of the Scotland Office, a small department that represents Scottish interests within the UK government and coordinates the delivery of UK government policies across Scotland, serving as head of place strengthens this work, deepening the necessary partnerships to work more effectively across the whole of government.
What makes Scotland the place to be?
It has a vibrant civil service community where officials can benefit from active government networks and tailored development programmes, such as the Cabinet Office’s recent cross-government leadership programme developed with the University of Glasgow.
What is the thing nobody knows about the place you represent?
Many people don’t realise the extent of Scotland’s significant North Sea energy sector. From our longstanding North Sea oil and gas expertise to our massive renewables industry, Scotland is central to the UK’s shift toward a “just transition” to net zero. The new Aberdeen Energy Thematic Campus represents a significant opportunity to use this local expertise to expedite the clean energy transition.