SNP MSP Maureen Watt has become the party's latest to step down ahead of the 2021 Holyrood elections.

The Aberdeen South and North Kincardine MSP is the 14th SNP politician to step down before next year's vote, following Sandra White.

READ MORE: Holyrood elections: Sandra White becomes 13th SNP politician to stand down

Watt said as she will be nearly 75 by the end of the next term, the “time is right for another woman” to take on the role.

She said: “I love my job. Since spring 2006 it has been a huge privilege and a joy to represent the people in north-east Scotland and subsequently those in the constituency of Aberdeen South and North Kincardine.

“However, after months of deliberation and 15 years as MSP I have decided not to seek re-election next year.”

Watt is the daughter of former SNP Hamish Watt and mother of former SNP MP Stuart Donaldson.

She became the first MSP to swear their oath of allegiance in Doric when first elected to the Scottish Parliament in 2006. She said in a previous role as Minister for Schools and Skills, she was able to “embed the use of Gaelic, Scots and Doric in Curriculum for Excellence, ensuring the culture and history carried in our native languages is passed on to future generations”.

She added: “As Minister for Public Health, among other achievements, I set up Food Standards Scotland with its headquarters in Aberdeen and launched the Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest strategy which has seen half a million Scots trained in CPR, thus saving many more lives.

“Lastly, as the first ever dedicated Minister for Mental Health, I introduced a 10-year mental health plan securing parity of esteem between physical and mental health.

“For me, the most rewarding part of holding elected office has always been helping constituents and assisting the communities I serve to make their surroundings better places to live and work.”

READ MORE: Farewell to fierce Holyrood feminists who fought for Scotland

Watt went on: “I joined the SNP in 1974, when persuading the people of Scotland of the merits of independence for our country was hard graft.

“The prospect of elected office, never mind an SNP government in a devolved Scotland, was a distant dream. Through responsible governance and bold leadership, we are now on the brink of independence.

“Although I will continue to campaign with all my vigour, it will be for others in an elected capacity to take us there.

“I am also hugely grateful to my husband, Bruce, and children, Stuart and Kirsty, for the unstinting support. I will continue in these last few months to work as hard as ever in the constituency and parliament.

“I will miss my job and colleagues.”