A controversial SNP MSP is set to quit the Scottish Parliament at the next Holyrood election in 2026.
John Mason, who represents Glasgow Shettleston, said he was "almost certain" that it was time to retire.
The former councillor has won numerous elections at both Holyrood and Westminster level but remains a divisive figure in his own party.
"I’m 65 now, I’ll be 68 at the next election. I think that may be time to retire. I’m almost certain," he told Holyrood magazine.
Mason also revealed how his previously strong working relationship with Nicola Sturgeon had cooled. "It’s been cool with Nicola with some others as well for a while,” he added.
"There’s been a number of issues. Nicola has been very strong on this progressive, liberal approach, whatever you want to call it. I’m very isolated on abortion.
"The SNP was a big tent. That’s what I want it to be. I continue to push for that but amongst parliamentarians and people on the National Executive Committee, it would appear to be that’s now a red line."
The Record revealed last year how Mason was disciplined by party bosses at Holyrood after defending anti-abortion protests outside hospitals.
The MSP received a written warning after being accused of causing women “great distress” for his remarks on abortion rights and buffer zones outside clinics.
A leaked letter by party whips stated: “Your lack of sensitivity especially in the current context has been noted. Your behaviour and conduct have been extremely disappointing, and we believe that you have brought the Parliamentary group into disrepute.”
Despite SNP MSPs supporting a women’s right to choose, Mason has repeatedly declared his opposition to abortion. He recently claimed to have heard from patients who had suffered “very bad experiences” at clinics after they “effectively found themselves on a conveyor belt”.
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