First Minister Alex Salmond has said any return to Westminster as an MP would be as a representative of the north-east.
Speculation has mounted that the SNP leader will try to win a seat at the UK Parliament after he refused to rule out the move.
Some commentators suggested he may contest a Glasgow constituency to shore-up a rise in SNP support.
But now the Aberdeenshire East MSP appears to have ruled that out and has said that he wants to continue as a north-east politician.
Speaking at a Halloween event near his Strichen home yesterday, Mr Salmond said: “I’ll always represent the north-east of Scotland.
“I made that clear when I stood down as first minister, I wasn’t giving up on politics. I’ve represented this village as an MP and an MSP.
“This is part of my Scottish Parliamentary constituency, it was part of my Westminster constituency. I’ll always represent the north-east of Scotland.”
During an appearance on BBC’s Question Time on Thursday, the first minister was asked by host David Dimbleby if he would consider a return to Westminster to fight for the NHS on behalf of English voters.
Mr Salmond responded: “The answer to your question David, absolutely decisively I can tell you I haven’t made up my mind. So you’ll have to wait and see.”
Between judging children’s costumes and pumpkin designs, Mr Salmond stressed to the Press and Journal he had “no addition” to what he said on the television programme.
However when asked about a dual mandate – serving as an MSP and MP at the same time – Mr Salmond said: “I think it’s something only to be done to discharge the remainder of a term.”
He added: “I haven’t made up my mind. I’m staying in politics, and if they so choose – because it is a marker for these people – I’d like to keep representing these people.”
Mr Salmond was first elected to Westminister in 1987 when he won the Banff and Buchan seat, which is currently held by the SNP’s Dr Eilidh Whiteford.