Gail MacLeod is Head of Major Events in the Scottish Government, where she leads dedicated project teams focused on ensuring that Scotland’s major and mega events deliver meaningful social and economic benefits. Her work spans collaboration across government and with a wide range of external partners and includes overseeing strategic policy and investment decisions for Scotland’s pipeline of major and mega‑event opportunities.

With more than 20 years in the events sector, Gail began her career in operational event delivery at the iconic Edinburgh Castle and Royal Yacht Britannia. She later joined the Scottish Government, spending several years leading ministerial visits and events across Scotland and overseas.

For the past 12 years, Gail has been part of the Major Events division supporting some of Scotland’s most significant event moments, including the 2019 Solheim Cup, the 2023 Cycling World Championships, the annual programme of major golf events and in 2022 led the Major Royal Events team during the delivery of Operation Unicorn.

She is currently excited to be leading the Scottish Government project team bringing the Tour de France Grand Départ in Scotland in July 2027 and then seeing The Open return to St Andrews that same month.