Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley MSP Elena Whitham has stepped down from her role as Scotland's minister for drugs and alcohol policy - revealing she was getting treatment for post-traumatic stress.

In a letter to First Minister Humza Yousaf yesterday, she said the conditon had "greatly" affected her wellbeing.

The First Minister told her he was "greatly saddened" by her resignation and thanked her for efforts to tackle alcohol and drug-related deaths.

Ms Whitham, who will continue as a backbench MSP, was appointed to the post in March, having previously served as community safety minister.

In her letter to Mr Yousaf, she wrote: "Over the last year I experienced a series of events leading to post-traumatic stress which has impacted my wellbeing greatly and for which I am receiving treatment.

"I have sought to undertake my role in your government diligently and with the passion and focus that it requires.

"Sadly, after much soul searching, it is apparent to me that I must regrettably resign from my ministerial role so that I am able to look after my wellbeing and ensure my constituents of Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley continue to be represented assiduously."

She said it had been her "greatest honour" to serve in the government.

Accepting her resignation, Mr Yousaf replied: "I am greatly saddened to hear that due to your personal ill-health you feel you cannot continue to give the role the focus that you would wish to.

"I wanted you to be aware of how greatly I have valued your efforts to tackle alcohol and drug-related deaths - not least the work to take forward proposals for reviewing drug laws."

The government said a replacement would be appointed in due course.