Scottish Labour deputy leader Kezia Dugdale has revealed that her father is a fully paid-up SNP supporter.
The 33-year-old joked that it was not the first time Jeff Dugdale, a former deputy head at Elgin High School in Moray, has embarrassed her.
Ms Dugdale, who represents the party at first minister’s question time, said that despite their political differences she was certain that her father was “very proud” of her even though he did not agree with her very often.
Referring to her 67-year-old father, she said: “For the past 20 years he has been voting SNP and joined the Nats after the referendum.
“I do wonder sometimes whose side he is on at 12pm on a Thursday when first minister’s question time starts but as a former referee I am sure he stays impartial.
“At the end of the day we’re both motivated by the same thing – a firm belief in doing what is the best thing for Scotland.
“We are both proud patriots but not all patriots are nationalists.”
Ms Dugdale, an Aberdeen University law graduate first elected in 2011, is of the view that a vote for the SNP at the general election in May would ensure that Prime Minister David Cameron retains the keys to Number 10.
By contrast, the SNP argue that they are the only party that could ensure that Holyrood is imbued with meaningful new powers and secure the best deal for Scots.
Moray is represented by the SNP at both the Scottish and UK parliaments by Richard Lochhead and Angus Robertson respectively.