THE long serving SNP MSP Linda Fabiani has announced her decision not to seek re-election at next year’s Holyrood elections.

Fabiani is one of a small number of MSPs still sitting who first elected in 1999 when the Scottish Parliament was reconvened.

She currently holds the post of Deputy Presiding Officer and is also the convener of the committee investigating the government's botched handling of complaints against Alex Salmond.

The 64-year-old told her East Kilbride constituency association of her decision last night.

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In a statement this morning, she said: “I’ve been so privileged to serve in Scotland’s democratically elected parliament since it was reconvened in 1999. By the next election I will have served for more than 20 years but I’ll be 65 in 2021 and I feel I cannot make another five-year commitment.

"There are many people in the SNP with great energy and commitment. I am happy to step aside and let others take up the challenge and to deliver independence.”

Reflecting on her political career, she added: “It was a massive privilege to have helped bring about and then be appointed to serve in the first ever SNP Government in what was a whirlwind period of change.

“As Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture, my role was to promote Scotland both at home and overseas. That first period of SNP Government was critical in raising Scotland’s confidence and showing we could take a different path.

“We consolidated trust in the Scottish Parliament and Scottish Government to represent Scotland’s interests, which continues to this day as we work our way through this dreadful pandemic.

“I have influenced policies that have a direct impact and I hope my long-term work on equal rights for all, justice for survivors of institutional abuse, a better deal for carers, and a fairer system for victims of domestic abuse has helped people across the country.

“But few people deliver change on their own, it’s teamwork with lots of efforts coming together. Good moments have come from helping others. That list is endless and such a thrill every time.

“On a very personal level I was delighted to be honoured by the Italian Government and awarded Knight of the Order of the Star of Italian Solidarity. My grandfather would have been well chuffed to have a Cavaliere in the family!

“A career highlight has been meeting with the Dalai Lama whenever he visits Scotland. His Holiness is probably the most inspiring person I have ever had the pleasure to meet – and great fun too!”

She continued: “My big regret is that we didn’t achieve independence in the 2014 referendum. Many others share that regret.

“For decades, even before joining the SNP, I believed Scotland - like other small and successful nations - should make its own decisions. As with so many dedicated activists I’ll never stop campaigning for independence.

“Everyone who believes Scotland has the right to determine its own future has a role to play in making that happen. Being at the ‘forefront’ as an elected member was just one way of doing my bit and making my contribution.

“The betrayal of The Vow given to the Scottish people in 2014 means Indyref2 is needed; the Smith Commission accepted the principle of Scotland’s right to choose. The UK Government’s decision to strip Holyrood of the powers it needs to protect Scotland’s interests means public demand will become unstoppable. When it happens, I’ll be there.

“But I’m looking forward to having more time, I hope, for a bit of travel, to see family and friends overseas and at home who I would dearly love to spend quality time with.

“I’ll keep fighting against injustice and probably carry on with some of my international work. I hope I can contribute in some way to my own community, too.

“And, of course, I will be campaigning for independence – that never stops.”

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Fabiani, who was born in Glasgow, joined the SNP in 1990 while living on the Isle of Bute.

She first stood as a candidate in the 1999 Scottish Parliament election.

From 1999 to 2011 she served three terms as a Regional MSP covering Central Scotland, which includes East Kilbride. In 2011, she won the East Kilbride constituency seat from Labour and was returned again in 2016.

From 2007 to 2009 Fabiani served as Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture in the first ever SNP Government. Following the report of the Calman Commission, she chaired the Scotland Bill Committee which saw more powers transfer to Holyrood through the Scotland Act 2012.

Following the 2014 Scottish independence referendum she served as one of two SNP representatives on the Smith Commission. This brought more powers to Holyrood, under the Scotland Act 2016.

She was elected as deputy presiding officer after the Scottish Parliament elections in 2016.