Former Scottish Government Minister and MSP Sarah Boyack has become the new Patron of Planning Aid Scotland, a charity helping people across Scotland understand the planning system and have a say in decisions affecting their communities.
Sarah was formally welcomed as Patron at the charity’s Annual General Meeting in Edinburgh on 28 October 2026.
Sarah Boyack said: “I am delighted to become a Patron of Planning Aid Scotland and look forward to supporting the excellent work delivered in our communities.”
With a background spanning town planning, public service and the third sector, Sarah brings considerable experience to the role. She previously worked as a professional town planner before entering politics, serving as an MSP and holding ministerial responsibilities. Sarah was first elected to the Scottish Parliament in 1999, at its inception, and went on to serve as Minister with responsibility for planning, transport and environment during its formative years.
She also worked as Head of Public Affairs at the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations and served as Convener of the Scottish Branch of the Royal Town Planning Institute.
Sarah has supported Planning Aid Scotland for a number of years, including helping the charity celebrate its 30th anniversary and sponsoring an event at the Scottish Parliament in 2024.
Welcoming Sarah’s appointment, Cherie Morgan, Chief Executive of Planning Aid Scotland, said: “Sarah brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and keen vision of the purpose of planning in Scotland.
“We are looking forward to working with her to extend our reach and to ensure that communities are empowered to shape decisions about their place.”
Her appointment comes as Planning Aid Scotland continues its work to make planning more accessible and support communities in influencing how their neighbourhoods, towns and local areas develop.
The charity provides free, impartial and confidential advice to people navigating the planning system, from understanding planning applications to exploring opportunities to influence local development.
It also works directly with communities across Scotland, supporting them to develop Local Place Plans, engage with planning decisions and identify priorities for the future of their areas.
Planning Aid Scotland has been helping people across Scotland for more than 30 years, supported by volunteers, most of whom are Chartered Planners, who contribute their knowledge and experience to make the planning system more understandable and accessible.
To find out more about Planning Aid Scotland or access its free planning Advice Service, visit www.pas.org.uk.