Finance Secretary gives birth to baby girl
Kate Forbes MSP and her husband Ali MacLennan say they're delighted to announce the birth of their daughter Naomi
The Scottish Finance Secretary has announced the birth of her baby girl.
Kate Forbes gave birth to Naomi on Thursday at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness, weighing seven pounds and 13 ounces.
She married Ali Maclennan last summer in the Highlands soon after being re-elected.
The MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch is the first serving Scottish Cabinet Minister to go on maternity leave.
"It is a wonderful blessing to have a happy, healthy baby in our arms."
The Finance Secretary paid tribute to the nursing staff at the Highland hospital following baby Naomi's arrival.
She said: "We are delighted to welcome little Naomi into the world.
"It is a wonderful blessing to have a happy, healthy baby in our arms.
"Our family would like to record our most sincere thanks to the midwifery and nursing team at Raigmore for all their help. They were with us every step of the way, regularly going beyond the call of duty in their care and compassion for both me and Naomi.
"Pregnancy, labour and the early days with a newborn aren't easy, as every new parent knows. Every mother’s experience is unique.
"Access to such excellent NHS healthcare in the community and at the hospital has made all the difference to us.
“It’s been hard not to think about pregnant or new mothers in other parts of the world right now, particularly those escaping war zones like Ukraine or facing horrendous distress in Afghanistan.
"My prayer is that little girls around the world, like Naomi, grow up in a world of greater peace and security."