MSP Fiona McLeod to retire

The SNP politician broke the news this week and thanked her constituents for their loyal support over the years.

She said: “For over 40 years I have worked for Scotland’s independence as a member of the SNP. In that time I have been privileged to be elected twice as a MSP.

“In my two terms in Parliament I have also been honoured to be appointed to senior positions in opposition.”

The MSP was Shadow Depute Minister and Senior Whip in Government and most recently she was Acting Minister for Children and Young People.

She added: “In all those roles I have worked tirelessly to represent my constituents and to serve our government.

“But it is now time for me to regain balance in my personal life.

“My husband has been retired for five years and I have spent almost half that time away from home.

“If I served another term he would celebrate his 70th birthday while I was in Parliament.

“My mum moved into a care home in 2012 and, although she never complains that I manage to visit or take her for an outing barely once a fortnight, I would like to see her more often.

“I retire from elected politics at a time when the Party is in great heart.

“We have a First Minister who has the trust of the electorate and a local party invigorated by over a thousand new members.

“Representing Strathkelvin and Bearsden in Parliament has been such a privilege; there is something very special about speaking up for the place I am so fond of and where I have lived all my life.”