17 October 2025: This blog was originally posted by Revenue Scotland following a collaborative roundtable event held with the Centre for Public Policy to celebrate its tenth anniversary. 

This blog was originally authored and posted by Revenue Scotland.

In April 2025, Revenue Scotland officially marked its tenth anniversary - a decade of collecting and managing Scotland’s wholly devolved taxes. To commemorate this milestone, a year-long programme of events is underway, bringing together thought leaders and practitioners to reflect on various aspects of tax delivery and organisational development.

We held a collaborative roundtable with the Centre for Public Policy that convened a select group of knowledgeable and influential voices to discuss the devolution journey in Scotland. Held under Chatham House Rules to foster open and honest dialogue, the discussion offered a deep dive into the evolution of Revenue Scotland, the development of devolved tax powers, and what the future may hold.

A Decade of Delivery and Development

Hosted by Kezia Dugdale, Associate Director of the Centre for Public Policy, the discussion began with informal networking, setting the tone for a day of collaborative discussion and strategic insight. The first session explored the origins and development of Revenue Scotland, highlighting its role in shaping Scotland’s institutional architecture and building tax competence from the ground up.

Panellists included:

  • Aidan O’Carroll, Chair of Revenue Scotland
  • Elaine Lorimer, Chief Executive of Revenue Scotland
  • Rt Hon Ken Macintosh, Former Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament and Revenue Scotland Board Member, and Centre for Public Policy Advisory Board Member
  • Professor Graeme Roy, Chair of the Scottish Fiscal Commission.

Together, they offered reflections on the challenges and achievements of the past decade, from the initial setup of a new tax authority to its current position as a mature and capable institution.

Strategic Dialogue on Reform and Future Research

The second session turned toward the future, engaging participants in a forward-looking conversation on the evolving landscape of fiscal devolution.

Audience participation was a key feature throughout, with facilitated discussions encouraging attendees to share their experiences and perspectives.

Looking Ahead
As Revenue Scotland continues its year-long celebration, this round table event stands out as a pivotal moment - bringing together strategic minds to reflect, challenge, and inspire. It not only celebrated past achievements but also laid the groundwork for future innovation in public service delivery.

For those working in devolution, public finance, and institutional reform, the event was a timely reminder of how far Scotland has come, and how much potential lies ahead.

 

For more infromation about collaborating with the Centre for Public Policy on your next event, please do reach out: public-policy@glasgow.ac.uk

 

First published: 17 October 2025

<< News and commentary


A photo of the Revenue Scotland banner next to the Centre for Public Policy banner