South of Scotland MSP Brian Whittle has withdrawn from the race to become the next leader of the Scottish Conservative Party.

The former athlete from Troon confirmed he would now back veteran MSP Murdo Fraser, who is up against Holyrood colleagues Meghan Gallacher, Jamie Greene, Russell Findlay, and Liam Kerr.

Mr Whittle put his name forward on July 29.

Nominations for the leadership contest close on August 22 and the winner, elected by Conservative party members, is to be announced on September 27.

Mr Whittle said: "The question for me and every other member now, is simple.

"Which of the remaining candidates is best placed to unite the membership behind them, harness their talents, and turn the Scottish Conservatives into a party that meets the needs of its member and, crucially, Scotland's voters?

"For me, I believe that person is Murdo Fraser. He has recognised the scale of the change that is needed and represent(s) the genuine change of approach that we need to win.

"I look forward to supporting him as the campaign continues."

The former athlete, now aged 60, started his athletics career with Ayr Seaforth and later raced at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul.

He won the 4x400m relay at the European Championships at the Olympic Stadium in Helsinki in 1994.