Keith Brown named new Scottish transport minister



Keith Brown has been named as the new Scottish transport minister following the resignation of Stewart Stevenson.

Mr Stevenson quit his post on Saturday over the way he handled the chaos caused by last week's severe weather.

The heavy snowfall, which started during the rush hour on Monday morning, caused gridlock on Scotland's roads, with thousands stuck overnight.

Backbencher Angela Constance will take over Mr Brown's current post as minister for skills.

Mr Brown, the SNP MSP for Ochil, said: "I have enjoyed making a positive contribution to Scotland's education system as minister for skills and lifelong learning, including the introduction of the curriculum for excellence, and I am looking forward to taking on the job of minister for transport and infrastructure, with all the challenges that involves."

First Minister Alex Salmond said: "Keith Brown has been an excellent minister for skills and lifelong learning, and has all of the qualities needed to help meet the unprecedented challenges thrown up by the recent severe winter weather, as well as preparing for future challenges."

Mr Stevenson, the MSP for Banff and Buchan, had apologised to parliament on Wednesday over his handling of the crisis.

He took the decision to leave the Scottish government, saying he deeply regretted not doing more to better inform members of the public who became caught up in a "difficult and frightening set of circumstances".

Mr Stevenson had initially claimed there had been a "first class" response to the problems.

Ms Constance's promotion from the backbenches requires parliamentary approval.