Former Deputy First Minister John Swinney has announced he is running to succeed Humza Yousaf as both SNP leader and First Minister.
Swinney, 60, who deputised for Nicola Sturgeon and separately led the SNP between 2000 and 2004, confirmed his candidacy at a launch event in Edinburgh.
He said: “I want to build on the work of the SNP Government to create a modern, diverse, dynamic Scotland that will ensure opportunity for all of her citizens.
“I want to unite the SNP and unite Scotland for independence.”
Swinney added: “Only the SNP stand where the majority of people want their government to be, in the moderate centre-left of Scottish politics.
“That is where I stand and if elected by my party and by parliament, my goals as First Minister will come straight from that centre-left tradition.
"The pursuit of economic growth and social justice.”
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