Former Scottish Government minister appointed as director at St Johnstone

Aileen Campbell, St Johnstone director
-Credit:SNS Group


Former Scottish Government minister Aileen Campbell has joined the St Johnstone board of directors.

A familiar face at McDiarmid Park, the lifelong Saints fan was an MSP at Holyrood for 14 years prior to stepping down in 2021.

Ministerial roles included remits covering sport, children and young people, communities and local government, all while serving as an SNP MSP for Clydeside.

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Ms Campbell now oversees the country’s grassroots girls’ and women’s game as CEO at governing body Scottish Women’s Football – a role which allows her to regularly return to the stands in Perth as a season ticket holder.

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Just as Ms Campbell’s dad took her to a brand new McDiarmid Park when she was a pupil at Collace Primary School, she now travels from Biggar with her husband and two boys every other week to cheer on Simo Valakari’s Scottish Premiership side.

Reflecting on her appointment, which was confirmed by St Johnstone earlier this week, Ms Campbell said: “It is a real honour and privilege to be asked to join the board of a football club that I have supported since I was a wee girl growing up in Perthshire.

“Back then, I would never have dreamt that this would be something open to me. It is really exciting and I want to contribute as much as I can to this special club.”

Looking to the future, she went on to add: “There is importance in solidifying – and building – our connection with the city and the region of Perthshire.

“We want to make sure that connection inspires new generations of fans to support, get behind and be proud to be part of St Johnstone Football Club.”

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Saints chief executive Fran Smith said everyone connected to the club was “delighted” by the appointment.

He said: “Aileen has a wealth of governmental and business experience behind her and is passionate about helping us drive the club forward.

“As well as being a lifelong supporter, Aileen is proud to be from the local area and understands the significant impact that we can have within our community.”