EXIT TELLING FOR INDY HOPES

KATE Forbes standing down from Holyrood when she is still in her 30s spells trouble for John Swinney and the SNP.

- BY PAUL HUTCHEON

If the First Minister's deputy believed Scotland was on the cusp of independence, would she quit Holyrood?

Forbes is the latest senior Nationalist and Cabinet Secretary to desert Swinney at a time when he is trying to shore up support for his ailing party.