Former SNP leader John Swinney has been named as Scotland's new deputy first minister, as part of a ministerial reshuffle announced by Nicola Sturgeon.
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced the make-up of her new senior ministerial team, with an equal split of male and female members.
Mr Swinney, who is Scotland's finance secretary, was the first appointment made to Ms Sturgeon's cabinet after becoming first minister.
Finance Secretary John Swinney was named deputy first minister, while Ms Sturgeon's close ally Shona Robison, was promoted to health secretary.
Ms Sturgeon's close ally Shona Robison has been tipped for promotion.
Michael Matheson was named as the new justice secretary, replacing Kenny MacAskill.
Mike Russell, who served as education secretary, confirmed he had left government.
Mike Russell was replaced as education secretary by Angela Constance.
It is thought long-serving justice secretary Kenny MacAskill will also find himself out of the cabinet.
The reshuffle also resulted in:
Labour called for a full-scale "cabinet clear-out", as Ms Sturgeon was expected to announce her full government team on Friday.
Ms Sturgeon said: "The aims of my government are clear: to create a nation that is both socially democratic and socially just, a nation that is confident in itself and governed effectively and a nation which will address poverty, support business, promote growth and tackle inequality.
The full line-up is expected to be confirmed at about noon.
"The new cabinet team I have announced today will pursue these priorities with verve, vigour and determination."
Ahead of the announcement, several MSPs were seen arriving at Bute House, the first minister's official residence, in Edinburgh.
The first minister added: "Every member of the cabinet is part of this government's top team on merit, on the basis of the excellent work they have already done as ministers.
They included Health Secretary Alex Neil, Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead and Legal Affairs Minister Roseanna Cunningham.
"The cabinet line-up is also a clear demonstration that this government will work hard in all areas to promote women, to create gender equality and it sends out a strong message that the business of redressing the gender balance in public life starts right here in government."
Also present was Youth Employment Secretary Angela Constance and Transport Minister Keith Brown - who both stood for the SNP deputy leadership - as well as Public Health Minister Michael Matheson.
Ms Sturgeon announced Mr Swinney's new job on Twitter.
Ms Sturgeon announced Mr Swinney's new job on Twitter.
Mr Swinney, who led his party between 2000 and 2004, responded: "It is the greatest privilege for me to be appointed deputy first minister of Scotland. I will do all I can to serve my country."Ms Robison, who is married to SNP deputy leader Stewart Hosie, could become health secretary, with the current holder of the post, Alex Neil, moving to the economics and infrastructure role vacated by Ms Sturgeon when she became first minister.
Mr Swinney, who led his party between 2000 and 2004, responded: "It is the greatest privilege for me to be appointed deputy first minister of Scotland. I will do all I can to serve my country."
SNP MSP Humza Yousaf has also been tipped for a senior role.
Scottish Labour has called on the first minister to have a "cabinet clear out".
A party spokesman, said: "Alex Salmond resigned because he lost the referendum but the 'Three stooges,' Alex Neil, Mike Russell and Kenny MacAskill, should all face the sack for their collective incompetence."
Scottish Conservative chief whip John Lamont, added: "It would appear that time's up for Kenny MacAskill as justice secretary.
"His period in office has been littered with bad decisions from his handling of the Megrahi case, the creation of the single police force, court closures and his botched attempts at reforming the laws on corroboration."
