Michael Matheson has said he’s looking forward to his new ministerial job after being appointed as Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity.

The Falkirk West MSP, who has been Justice Secretary since November 2014 and was Minister for Public Health for three-and-a-half years before that, said: “It’s a huge privilege to continue to serve in the Scottish Government.

“Transport, infrastructure and connectivity are key to our country’s economic growth. This is a new portfolio that has been created by the First Minister and I relish the opportunity of taking this forward.

“I’ll look back fondly on my time as Justice Secretary – and I’m particularly proud that recorded crime fell to its lowest level since 1974 during my tenure – but I’m now focused on getting on with this fresh challenge and immersing myself in this new role.”