Kate Forbes: Deputy first minister to stand down as MSP

Forbes told BBC Scotland News: "Over the last few years I have balanced the role of representing a large area in the Highlands with a government job as deputy first minister and having a small family.

"As I look ahead to the next election I have concluded that I don't want to miss any more of these precious early years of family life."

The deputy first minister said it could take up to five hours to travel from her home in the Highland to the parliament in Edinburgh, and raised concerns about the levels of child care support offered to MSPs.

"I want to focus on supporting my family and I feel like it's not possible to do that with the distance involved and the total commitment required of this job," she said.

"I've loved serving Scotland, I've loved serving the SNP and my constituents over that decade and I look forward to continuing to campaign for the SNP at the upcoming election."

Forbes added that she remained "wholly supportive" of Swinney