The Scottish Transport minister has resigned just months after being appointed to the role.

Kevin Stewart has written to the First Minister to inform him he is leaving his government post.

Mr Stewart had been a minister under Nicola Sturgeon at local government and housing and then for social care.

Stewart, an Aberdeen MSP, said he is stepping down for “health-related reasons”.

He told Humza Yousaf: “Since last October I have had bouts of poor mental health, with a low ebb in early December of last year.  Over the last week or so I have once again been feeling unwell and I feel that I can no longer put in the hours required to serve both my constituents and hold ministerial office, whilst also trying to maintain good mental health. I do hope that you understand.”

The First Minister has accepted the resignation and thanks the MSP for his work in government.

He replied to the MSP: “Many people underestimate the pressure on ministers and I understand why you have felt the need to leave government to concentrate on your mental health and much loved constituency.

“You leave with a record you can be proud of. As well as taking on transport in the last two months where you invested in buses and focused on improving the position on ferries, your previous roles have benefitted from your expertise and experience.”