SNP MSP Rona Mackay has announced she will not be standing in the 2026 Holyrood election.
Mackay, who was elected in 2016 and then re-elected in 2021, will retire as a Scottish parliamentarian next year.
Prior to becoming an MSP, Mackay was a journalist in national newspapers for 20 years, before becoming parliamentary assistant to former Clydebank and Milngavie MSP Gil Paterson.
Mackay told constituents it felt "right to retire" after serving for almost 10 years.
She further pledged to continue to campaign for independence and thanked her office staff.
Mackay said: “It has been an enormous privilege to serve the residents of Strathkelvin and Bearsden for almost 10 years. It is a wonderful constituency and I have enjoyed every minute, but I feel the time is right to retire. I will continue to support independence and I will campaign hard for my successor when they are selected.
“I want to thank the many wonderful charities, organisations and businesses for their co-operation and friendship over the years. We are indeed fortunate in Strathkelvin and Bearsden, indeed throughout East Dunbartonshire, to have such a caring and thriving voluntary and third sector community.
“I also want to thank my amazing constituency office team who have worked so hard to help constituents in all manner of ways. I truly couldn’t have done my job without them. It has also been a pleasure to work with the council group and officers on East Dunbartonshire Council over the years.
“My team and I will continue to work hard in the constituency until next year, so please contact my office with any issues you need help with.”
During her time as an MSP, Mackay has served on several committees, including, since 2016, the Criminal Justice Committee. She has also been convenor of the Men’s Violence Against Women and Children cross-party group.
Mackay said she is looking forward to spending more time with her family and walking the dog.
