Her book, Scotland’s Castles: Rescued, Rebuilt and Reoccupied, published July 2014, details the stories of more than 100 restored castles. From 2003 to 2005, Dr Brennan and her husband oversaw the restoration of Barholm Castle, Galloway from a ruinous state.
Dr Brennan is a passionate champion of the historic built environment and gives regular lectures on restoring Scottish castles and castles at risk.
She has a broad portfolio of trusteeships in the arts, heritage, education and tourism, and much experience in successfully managing people, managing change and working in teams. Dr Brennan is a member of the Board of Management at Dumfries and Galloway College.
Dr Brennan does not hold any other ministerial appointments. Her reappointment is from 19 January 2017 to 18 January 2023.