Mr MacLeod is from the Isle of Lewis and attended school in Stornoway. He studied English language and Literature at the University of Aberdeen and obtained a PhD researching the minority languages of Scotland, Gaelic and Scots.

A qualified accountant and a member of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA), his career has centred on public finance.

He has worked in international development projects funded by DFID, the World Bank and EU, contributing technical assistance and financial training to government and other public bodies in more than 25 developing countries.

Mr MacLeod has been a singing member of the Lothian Gaelic Choir since 1998, and has held the office of Gaelic Tutor for the choir since 2018.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney, announcing Mr MacLeod’s appointment, said: “As a qualified accountant, Stewart’s varied experience in public finance is a valuable addition to the Board.”