Ben Macpherson has resigned as a Scottish Government minister, saying he needs to prioritise his mental and physical wellbeing.
In a resignation letter to First Minister John Swinney, the SNP MSP for Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith said he had "reflected very deeply in recent months" about his priorities and had concluded that "holding Ministerial office is not right for me at this time."
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Mr Macpherson returned to government in 2025 after a stint on the backbenches and held the post of Minister for Innovation, Technology and Tertiary Education.
In his letter, the MSP wrote: "As you know, I admire and respect you very much – personally and as First Minister. I also appreciate and acknowledge the sacrifices you make to serve as First Minister.
"I have, however, reflected very deeply in recent months about my position and priorities in my life, and feel I need more time to be able to attend to other important pressures, people and purposes, including my mental and physical well-being.
"Without the constraints and demands of a Ministerial role, I also want to have more time and scope to serve my constituency of Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith, and to pursue various political passions outwith government.
"Therefore, I have come to the very difficult decision that holding Ministerial office is not right for me at this time, and I wish to pass it on. I will do all that I can to support a handover to my successor."
In his response, Mr Swinney said he appreciated that this was not "an easy decision".
He added: "I know the diligence in which you serve the people of Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith as an SNP MSP, and I look forward to you continuing to do so in the SNP parliamentary group.
"I hope that the time away from government you are now taking can lead you a stronger, more resilient place. You have my very best wishes in doing so."
Mr Macpherson, a qualified solicitor, was first elected in 2016, and held ministerial posts under Nicola Sturgeon.
After she resigned in 2023, he ruled himself out of standing for the SNP leadership.