Kate Forbes, the former deputy first minister of Scotland, is to become a regular columnist for The Times and The Sunday Times in Scotland.
The appointment marks Ms Forbes's first public role since standing down from the Scottish Parliament at the May election, after a decade representing Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch.
Her first column will be published in The Sunday Times on Sunday 13 September, says the publisher. She will write regularly for both titles thereafter, in print and digital.
Ms Forbes will write on a broad range of subjects, the publisher continued, with a particular focus on the economy, defence and energy. Writing from the Highlands, she will bring readers a perspective on Scottish life and politics from beyond the central belt.
She joins a columnist line-up that includes Alex Massie, Kenny Farquharson, Iain Macwhirter and Magnus Linklater.
Dale Miller, Scotland editor of The Times and The Sunday Times, said: “I am delighted to be adding Kate Forbes to our outstanding stable of columnists. As the deputy first minister until earlier this year, Kate has proven herself a powerful, forthright communicator who is happy to express her views and stand by her principles.
“Her extensive cabinet experience in areas including finance and the economy has given her first-hand knowledge of the pressures facing our business community, from tax to defence and the cost of living. Kate also possesses a clear understanding of the inner workings and direction of this Scottish government, under John Swinney, and can speak with authority and clarity on political issues and policy.
“Finally, as a fluent Gaelic speaker who calls the Highlands home, Kate will offer a much-needed and authoritative perspective on issues that affect Scotland - and its people - outside of just the central belt.
“Kate's columns will be an exciting addition to our coverage and I cannot wait to read what she has to say in the weeks and months ahead.”
Kate Forbes said: “I am delighted to be joining The Times and The Sunday Times. Both titles have a long record of taking Scotland seriously, and of holding those in power to account without fear or favour, which is exactly what the country needs at this moment.
“After ten years in parliament and six in government, I have plenty to say about the choices facing Scotland – on growing our economy, on defence and security, on the future of energy, and on how we make sure the decisions taken in Edinburgh work for communities hundreds of miles away from it. I am looking forward to writing about all of that, and to hearing what readers make of it.”
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