SNP veteran Kenny MacAskill plans a return to frontline politics as a parliamentary candidate at the next General Election.
The former Justice Secretary has put himself forward for selection to fight the East Lothian seat, which his party lost to Labour in 2017.
In a statement to be given to a party hustings this evening, MacAskill will say: "I’m seeking your support to be a candidate in an election which I believe is the final heave to achieving independence. The British state’s breaking apart and those elected to Westminster have a critical role in that final push.
"I’ve the skills, experience and energy to add to the team already there. Whilst also delivering for constituents in East Lothian, where people are shamefully being forced into penury or driven out of their adopted land."
MacAskill was first elected to the Scottish Parliament in 1999 as a list MSP representing the Lothians, before winning the constituency seat of Edinburgh East and Musselburgh in 2007 and then Edinburgh Eastern in 2011.
He stepped down from his role as Justice Secretary in 2014, and as an MSP in 2016 and has since been building a career as a political pundit, commentator and writer.
His statement will add: "I stepped down from being Justice Secretary and an MSP after the 2014 referendum where I had given it my all. After decades of campaigning and many years in elected office and government, it was time for a new team there and for me to try new fields.
"I’ve used my time out of the front line to write Jimmy Reid’s biography, as well as other books on Scotland’s radical history. An area where shamefully we’ve been denied knowledge of our people’s story. But I believe this is a pivotal moment when every effort must be strained once again and the next book can wait."
He will continue: "The opportunity’s there for us to achieve the dream that’s never died. I know the area well and was privileged to represent Musselburgh for many years. I have experience not just in Parliament but in Government. More importantly, I’m used to working under pressure and in the face of severe hostility.
"This chapter of Scotland’s story won’t be easy. Independence has to be won and the challenges remain great. But I’ve the strength and resilience to endure it, as well as the energy to deliver it. All whilst serving the people that it would be a privilege to represent. This time we will win."
Joanna Cherry, the SNP's justice and home affairs spokeswoman at Westminster, said: "Kenny’s experience in campaigning and in government would be an invaluable asset to our Westminster group."
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