"We call on the first minister to give nature the political voice it urgently needs"

Nature recovery has been sidelined yet again by the Scottish Government, a charity has said.

First Minister John Swinney had a chance to create a nature portfolio in his mini-reshuffle announced this week, but instead limited himself to making changes to the climate action and energy role.

Gillian Martin will now assume that role in the new Scottish cabinet, replacing Alasdair Allan, who returns to the back benches.

In response to today’s reshuffle announcement, Karen Blackport, co-convenor of the Scottish Rewilding Alliance and chief executive of Bright Green Nature, said: “It’s shocking that, in the face of biodiversity and climate emergencies, the Scottish Government still has no nature minister.

“Sidelining nature is costing society dearly – we can see it on delays to marine protections, backtracking on beavers and abandoning a third national park.  

“We call on the first minister to stop dodging the fact that Scotland is one of the world’s most nature-depleted countries and give nature the political voice it urgently needs. 

“We thank Dr Alasdair Allan for the energy and interest he brought to the role and our conversations with him, and wish him well as he returns to the back benches.”

Swinney also named Maree Todd as his new drug and alcohol minister, following the death of Christina McKelvie earlier this year. Todd will also maintain her sport portfolio.

Meanwhile, Màiri McAllan has been appointed housing secretary, with responsibility for all aspects of policy including heat in buildings.