A former aide to Alex Salmond has revealed that she has decided against standing to become an MSP for the Highlands and islands.
Jennifer Dempsie, a special adviser to Mr Salmond when he was first minister, had been nominated for a place on the SNP list in the region, but has now withdrawn from the process.
The 33-year-old has been at the centre of a row over claims Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop broke the ministerial code by awarding £150,000 of public money to the T in the Park festival.
Ms Dempsie set up a meeting between Ms Hyslop and T in the Park promoters D.F. Concerts before the application for the funding.
Last night, she said had withdrawn in order to focus on her business career.
“I have decided that I will not be taking forward my nominations across the Highlands and islands to be a list SNP MSP for the region,” she said.
“I have been honoured to have received lots of lovely support and made many new friends along the way, of which I am very thankful.
“However, I have realised that there is still more I want to achieve in my career in business with some exciting new opportunities arising.
“I look forward to hitting the campaign trail with fellow SNP members to help re-elect Nicola Sturgeon as first minister and return an SNP government.”