With the end of 2016 fast approaching, we asked the UK's top officials to look back at the year, outline their goals for 2017 – and shed some light on their festive favourites. Leslie Evans, permanent secretary of the Scottish Government, takes part in our annual perm secs round-up...
What was your highlight of 2016?
In July I conquered my vertigo to venture up the new Queensferry Crossing for a birds-eye view of progress. The structure will be 207m above high tide, equivalent to approximately 48 London buses stacked on top of each other and 50m higher than the existing Forth Road Bridge. It was well worth getting over my fear of heights, not only for the extraordinary views, but also to see how construction is progressing and hear about plans for exciting opening events next year. I’m extremely proud of the new bridge which, at 1.7 miles will be the longest three-tower, cable-stayed bridge in the world.
What has been the most significant change for the Scottish Government this year?
The referendum vote to leave the EU undoubtedly set us on a distinct path of change, particularly with the added constitutional dimension in Scotland.
What will be the biggest challenge of 2017 – and how are you preparing to meet it?
The EU debate will dominate. But the Scottish Government is also preparing to deploy new powers on tax, social security and employability and the Programme for Government for 2016-17 contains a host of bills and fresh policy interventions, so the year ahead will be an exciting and challenging time for civil servants here. In addition we shall continue our SG2020 change – so we can become the organisation we need and want to be.
What was the best Christmas present that you’ve ever given or received? And the worst?
The best was a pink and very lovely party dress when I was four: as I recall I refused to take it off that night. More recently, my husband gave me two beautiful vintage Hermes scarves last year: fantastic.
The worst? None that I can remember, although the jumper with a Scottie dog appliqued on it that I received a couple of years ago made me pause…
More: Perm secs round-up 2016 – Britain's top civil servants review the year and look ahead to 2017