Inverness and Nairn MSP Fergus Ewing has hinted he could stand against the party he has represented for decades at next year's Holyrood election.
An SNP veteran, Ewing last month revealed he will not represent the party at the next election - and could stand as an independent candidate.
The politician suggested he may put himself forward as an independent if the SNP does not make significant progress dualling the A9, The Press and Journal reports.
Appearing on the BBC's Debate Night, Mr Ewing said: “I have said that I’m sorely tempted to stand as an independent, and I’ll make that decision later.
“I want to see if I might get any support, because that’s always handy when you’re standing for election.”
He continued: “I’m sure the SNP would throw the kitchen sink and perhaps even the campervan at me to make sure I didn’t win.”