In times of crisis: Q&A with Mairi Gougeon As a keen runner, public health minister Mairi Gougeon tells Holyrood how exercise has helped her cope during the pandemic Taking over the mantle of minister for public health during a public health crisis must have been daunting. How did you feel being asked to move into the brief and what prepares you for this kind of challenge? Daunting is certainly one word for it! It was a complete surprise to get the call and I was just trying not to let the thought of it overwhelm me. The brief is big and so critical at any given time, let alone during a public health crisis on this scale. You feel the immense pressure and responsibility; you just want to do a good job.