Moray MSP Richard Lochhead has resigned from Nicola Sturgeon's Cabinet ahead of her ministerial reshuffle.

Mr Lochhead told the First Minister he wanted to spend more time with his wife, who is battling breast cancer, and their two boys.

Richard Lochhead has held the rural affairs, food and environment brief since 2007.

The First Minister hailed his role in the Scottish Government's efforts to tackle climate change and promote the food and drink industry.

Nicola Sturgeon will announce her new Cabinet after formally being sworn in as First Minister at the Court of Session on Wednesday morning.

In a letter to the First Minister, he said: "Thank you to both your predecessor Alex Salmond and to yourself for the opportunity to work alongside you during such an amazing period in our party's history. I have enormous admiration for your leadership and vision.

"After much thought in recent months, I have taken the decision that after nine incredible but hectic years as a cabinet secretary the time has come to change the priorities in my life especially in light of recent family circumstances.

"I now wish to focus more on supporting Fiona and also my young sons, Angus and Fraser, who are growing up fast and whom I want to see more of in the next few years.

"I am very proud to represent Moray in the Scottish Parliament and look forward to continuing to serve my constituents to the best of my ability."

He continued: "I will continue to serve Scotland and the cause of independence for our country in any way I can.

"In the meantime, I wish colleagues and yourself well in the exciting times ahead."

Ms Sturgeon responded with a letter thanking Mr Lochhead for his service.

She said: "You have served under both Alex Salmond and myself with distinction and you leave a rich and enduring legacy of achievement in your policy portfolio.

"Chief among this is overseeing the world-leading efforts to tackle climate change which we have brought forward, as well as the unprecedented success new being enjoyed by Scotland's food and drink industry, which is booming in no small part due to the efforts which you have made on the sector's behalf.

"I know that you also take personal satisfaction in our steps to clean up our marine environment and the related legislation we have passed in that area.

"You have also always beena robust and articulate advocate and defender of our farmers and fishermen in Europe, despite the challenges posed by the fact that Scotland's ministers are all to frequently locked out of key discussions."