Scotland's new Environment Minister officially took up her new post on Thursday and spoke of her determination to play a leading role in creating a cleaner, greener Scotland.

Roseanna Cunningham's appointment, part of the First Minister's reshuffle on Tuesday, was formally approved by the Scottish Parliament last week.

Speaking afterwards, Ms Cunningham said: "As we approach the mid-term of this Parliament it is an exciting and challenging time to be picking up the environment brief.

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"I am delighted to be joining the Scottish Government and I look forward to building on the good work that has been done so far by my predecessor, Michael Russell."

Ms Cunningham said she was confident that my experience as Convener of the Parliament's Rural Affairs and Environment Committee will stand me in good stead and help me lead the creation of a cleaner, greener Scotland.

"I am particularly looking forward to continuing the fight against wildlife crime, to protecting our precious habitats and landscapes and to modernising our approach to flood prevention.

The new Environment Minister said this will be another vital year for the environment and that she was honoured to be at the "forefront" of delivering Scottish Government policies that will make a difference to communities the length and breadth of the country.

(GK/JM)