Scotland's net zero and energy secretary Màiri McAllan has given birth to her first child. In a social media post, Ms McAllan - who is currently on maternity leave - announced the arrival of a baby boy named Somhairle. She added she and her husband Iain were "completely in love" and thanked the NHS for their support.
The Clydesdale MSP has had responsibility for the net zero and energy briefs since February this year. The 31-year-old wrote on X, formerly Twitter: "Somhairle John McAllan-Renwick, my very own beautiful boy, was born 2 August at 9lbs 2. "My husband and I are completely in love and deeply grateful for the outstanding care and expertise of NHS Scotland teams that Somhairle and I have received.
"Mum mode activated." First Minister John Swinney sent his "warmest congratulations" to the family on social media, and said they should "enjoy this special time." Ms McAllan served as the minister for environment, biodiversity and land reform from 2021 until 2023, and then as the minister for transport, net zero and just transition from 2023 until February 2024.
She went off on maternity leave in July, with Gillian Martin stepping in as the acting cabinet secretary for net zero and energy while she is away. The Scottish government previously confirmed she will resume her ministerial role on her return..
