Initial terms of the Swinney-Forbes deal have been carried out. John Swinney has been sworn in as First Minister today and has just appointed Forbes to replace Shona Robison as deputy First Minister. Forbes says:

“I am deeply honoured to accept John’s invitation to be his deputy first minister. This is a moment of extraordinary privilege for me. I look forward to working with John and cabinet colleagues to deliver for the people of Scotland and build a better country.“

Blair and Brown paved the way…

UPDATE: Scolded Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie comes out to say: “I think a lot of people will be concerned about the appointment (of Kate Forbes) unless the Scottish Government and the First Minister sets out a clear commitment to a progressive vision for Scotland’s future.”

UPDATE II: Swinney scraps four ministerial positions, including Minister for Independence.

Read the full reshuffle below (nothing has changed):

• Shona Robison remains in Cabinet with responsibility for Finance and Local Government.
• Jenny Gilruth remains Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills.
• Angela Constance remains Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs
• Mairi McAllan remains in Cabinet with responsibility for Net Zero and Energy portfolio.
• Fiona Hyslop remains Cabinet Secretary for Transport.
• Neil Gray remains Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care.
• Shirley-Anne Somerville remains Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice.
• Angus Robertson remains Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture.
• Mairi Gougeon remains Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands.