The race to succeed John Swinney has opened in earnest with deputy SNP leader Rosanna Cunningham announcing she is in the running.

A former lawyer, Cunningham is widely seen as a gradualist, who backs the party's decision to work with devolution until there is full support for independence.

Speaking just hours after Swinney announced his decision to quit, the Perth MSP said: "I am this afternoon indicating that I will be seeking nominations for the
post of national convener.

"As the depute leader I am clear in my mind that I am the best person to  succeed John and I do not believe that the party would be best served by an extended period of speculation over who might or might not stand."

"I believe I am best placed to provide a distinctly different political style while nevertheless retaining all that has been effective throughout John's leadership."

Others who could enter the race include Kenny MacAskill, who has made the transformation from left-wing rabble-rouser to respectable nationalist and rising star Nicola Sturgeon.

Sturgeon, a feisty 33-year-old, had been thought set to mount a leadership bid unless Swinney quit.

An outside candidate is Fergus Ewing, who is married to veteran nationalist Margaret Ewing.

Whilst Alex Salmond has insisted he does not want the job, some believe he may come under pressure to return to the fold.

With Swinney having failed to connect with the voters, some nationalists believe Salmond is the only big hitter who can revive the party's fortunes in time for the next round of Holyrood elections.

Whilst Salmond is no longer an MSP, he has already announced intention to return to Holyrood at the next election.