Changes to the Scottish Government Ministerial team were announced yesterday.

Alex Neil was appointed as Minister for Housing and Communities.

The Sport remit will now be led by Shona Robison who becomes Minister for Sport and Public Health.

Roseanna Cunningham was appointed as Minister for the Environment.

Keith Brown was appointed as Education Minister for Schools and SkillsMichael Russell will be taking responsibility for the Constitution as Minister for Culture, External Affairs and Constitution

Stewart Maxwell, Linda Fabiani and Maureen Watt leave the Government.

First Minister Alex Salmond said the Scottish Government approaches the mid-term of Parliament having secured the successful passage of the Budget, and with independence within touching distance of being successful in the proposed referendum in 2010.

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"Now is the right time to bring in fresh talent and experience. The country is facing enormous challenges on the economy, and I want to utilise all the many skills at our disposal to boost the process of recovery across the work of government.

"The purpose of this reshuffle is to give talented individuals such as Alex Neil, Roseanna Cunningham and Keith Brown the opportunity to make their contribution to government, and the delivery of vital public services for the Scottish people," he said.

The FM spoke of Michael Russell moving to a revamped post in the Office of First Minister, where his responsibilities will include developing the Government's work on the constitution - and steering forward the National Conversation.

Mr Salmond thanked Stewart Maxwell, Linda Fabiani, and Maureen Watt for their work and dedication over the past 20 months.

"There have been no failures in the ministerial team, but I have asked them to make way to give colleagues an opportunity to show what they can contribute."

The new appointments to the Ministerial team are still subject to formal approval by Parliament.

(GK/JM)