Graeme Dey made parliament minister after Hepburn quits

John Swinney has appointed Graeme Dey as parliamentary business minister

Graeme Dey has been appointed Scotland's minister for parliamentary business following the resignation of Jamie Hepburn.

Hepburn quit last Friday after being accused of assault and verbal abuse by Conservative MSP Douglas Ross.

The SNP MSP admitted using a few "choice words" after a clash over discussions about a summit on problem seagulls spilled out of the Holyrood chamber.

Dey, the MSP for Angus South, takes on the role after serving as minister for higher and further education.

First Minister John Swinney said: "Graeme Dey brings wide experience of handling parliamentary business to this role and is a minister widely respected for his open and constructive approach to finding common ground."

Dey  was born in Aberdeen and worked as a journalist for DC Thomson before his election to Holyrood in 2011.

Ben Macpherson will succeed Dey as minister for higher and further education.