TWO Glasgow MSPs are involved in big moves in a Scottish Government reshuffle.

In the biggest move of the shake-up, Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, is going from Health Secretary, which she has held since 2007, to take on a job that will include overseeing the Bill on the independence referendum.

The Southside MSP and Evening Times columnist remains as First Minister Alex Salmond's deputy, but her new title will be Secretary For Infrastructure And Investment, but with responsibility for the constitution, which will specifically be the 2014 poll.

She will have responsibility negotiating with Westminster over the terms on the referendum, including the wording of the question, the number of questions and who can vote.

Humza Yousaf is rewarded for a bright start since his election as a Glasgow List MSP last year by being named Minister For External Affairs And International Development under Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop.

Mr Yousaf, also an Evening Times columnist, has impressed with his contributions in the Parliament and articulate and assured appearances on TV.

Ms Sturgeon said she would be at the heart of the priorities announced by Mr Salmond in his legislative programme, focusing on creating growth and jobs and winning the independence referendum.

She said: "I want to be able to do much more than lobby the UK Government for more money. I want to be in a position take decisions ourselves."

Mr Yousaf said: "Scotland and Glasgow are going to be huge on the international stage with the Commonwealth Games in 2014. We have a big job to forge links with other countries and to help other countries.

"Scotland needs to be taking advantage of the opportunities in new and emerging markets in the Middle East and Far East and Glasgow can benefit from that."

Other Cabinet moves include Infrastructure And Capital Investment Secretary Alex Neil leaving his post to take over as Health Secretary.

The Airdrie and Shotts MSP said he had a big task following Ms Sturgeon. He said: "She has been an excellent Health Secretary and has been a tremendous success. It is a big job and I am looking forward to it."

Parliamentary Business Secretary Bruce Crawford, Chief Whip Brian Adam and Climate Change Minister Stewart Stevenson retire from Government. Mr Crawford has retired from the role due to family circumstances, following the death of his parents in the last two years.

Ms Sturgeon's new role will see her also take over the Government strategy role vacated by Mr Crawford.

The rest of the front bench stays the same with John Swinney remaining as Finance Secretary, Kenny MacAskill as Justice Secretary, Mike Russell as Education Secretary and Richard Lochhead as Environment Secretary.

stewart.paterson@eveningtimes.co.uk