Richard Lochhead, the SNP business minister, has announced his plans to step down as an MSP for Moray at the next election.
The 55-year-old told his local party that the time had come for him "to seek fresh challenges outwith frontline politics".
Mr Lochhead, who will have served the Moray constituency as an MSP for 20 years come 2026, said it is “time to pass the torch”, stating he will work to ensure the area will receive a suitable SNP MSP to replace him.
In a statement, he said: “Come the 2026 election, I will have had the absolute privilege of representing Moray for twenty years and will have served as an MSP since our national parliament was reconvened in 1999.
“After much reflection I’ve decided it is time to pass on the torch, and to seek fresh challenges outwith frontline politics.
“When I joined the SNP as a schoolboy I could not have imagined that I would have the honour to represent such a wonderful constituency for so many years.
“I’ve witnessed the SNP move from the fringes to where we are now - still the most popular party in Scotland by some margin according to the latest opinion polls and after 17 years in government.
“From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank my constituents for their endorsement and encouragement over the past twenty years – it has been the privilege of my life to represent the people of Moray."
The announcement comes after the veteran politician underwent emergency heart surgery last year after he was diagnosed with sepsis.
He told The Press and Journal he was initially unable to talk and had to learn to walk again. Mr Lochhead said he was "lucky to be here" and thanked the NHS for saving his life.
First Minister John Swinney paid tribute to Mr Lochhead after he announced his plans to leave his post.
Taking to X, he wrote: "I am very sorry that Richard Lochhead has decided to step down at the next election. He has been an outstanding member of the Scottish parliament, government minister, colleague and friend. I wish him and Fiona well for all that lies ahead."