Glasgow Cathcart MSP, James Dornan has declared he wants to be the SNP Depute Leader and unite the independence movement.

He is the first to declare he will be a candidate following the resignation of Angus Robertson last week.

Mr Dornan, an MSP since 2011, said the vacant post brings new opportunities.

Other candidates are expected to announce intentions in the coming days with Ian Blackford the party's Westminster leader expected by many to run for the job.

If Mr Dornan is successful it would see two Glasgow MSPs in the top two party leadership posts with Nicola Sturgeon, representing Southside, a neighbouring consitituency.

On twitter, Mr Dornan said: "Angus Robertson was a fantastic Depute Leader however with a new Depute comes new opportunities, now is the right time for me to unite Yes supporters, party members and the SNP as we move towards independence!"