South Scotland MSP Brian Whittle has been given a new role within the Scottish Conservative group at Holyrood.
Mr Whittle, who hails from Troon, has been appointed Shadow Minister for Public Health, Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport by new party leader Russell Findlay.
Under previous Conservative leader Ruth Davidson, Mr Whittle – a former Olympic athlete – held a similar role which included the health portfolio.
Commenting on the announcement, Mr Whittle said: “I’m pleased to be taking up this new role and returning to the health portfolio where I began my work in Holyrood.
“Since I was first elected, I’ve believed that dealing with Scotland’s legacy of poor health is crucial to our future success as a nation.
“From reducing pressure on our NHS by reducing preventable illnesses, to boosting economic growth with a healthier, more productive workforce, improving public health benefits us all.
“After years of decline under the management of the SNP, I’m determined to use my time in this role to offer practical solutions to the huge challenges facing Scotland’s NHS and social care sector.
“The path the NHS is on isn’t sustainable. If we don’t embrace change and think differently about health and social care, the Scottish Government, regardless of which party they represent, won’t be managing the NHS, they’ll be managing its decline.
“We need a new way forward for healthcare in Scotland. One that embraces the potential of new technology and puts a greater emphasis on the prevention of illness, rather than just treating it.
“I look forward to setting out my approach to these issues in the months ahead.”
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