Scotland's chief medical officer, Dr Catherine Calderwood, has resigned after being criticised for not adhering to social distancing advice by visiting her second home.
Earlier today the doctor issued a grovelling TV apology, saying she was "truly sorry" for not adhering to coronavirus guidelines by visiting her second home - twice.
Photos picturing her with her family near a coastal retreat in Earlsferry were published in The Scottish Sun on Saturday.
Initially she was backed by Nicola Sturgeon to remain in the role.
However after further conversations with the First Minister, Dr Calderwood said she had resigned "with a heavy heart", agreeing the "justifiable focus on my behaviour risks becoming a distraction from the hugely important job".
In a statement, she added: "The most important thing to me now and over the next few very difficult months is that people across Scotland know what they need to do to reduce the spread of this virus, and that means they must have complete trust in those who give them advice."
Dr Calderwood will now work "over the next few days to ensure a smooth transition" to her successor.
The First Minister paid tribute to Dr Calderwood, saying she was a "transformational" chief medical officer (CMO).
Mr Sturgeon said: "It is however clear that the mistake she made - even though she has apologised sincerely and honourably for it - risks distracting from and undermining confidence in the Government's public health message at this crucial time.
"That is not a risk either of us is willing to take.
"Catherine has been a transformational CMO, bringing changes to the way medicine is delivered in Scotland and in particular using her experience to bring an overdue focus to women's health.
"While she has made a very serious mistake in her actions, that should not detract from the fact that as CMO she has made a highly valuable contribution to the medical profession and to health in Scotland, and I have no doubt she will continue to do so in future.
"She leaves office with my thanks and admiration."
In Dr Calderwood's earlier apology, she acknowledged she had "no excuses" and had assured the public would 'not happen again'.
She admitted she "made a mistake and let people down" and "cannot justify it".
"I did not follow the advice I am giving to others, and I am truly sorry for that," she said.
"I've seen a lot of comments from members of the public on Twitter today, people calling me a hypocrite, people telling me about the hardships they have endured while following my guidance.
"I want people to know that I have seen all of that, and I have heard the comments. What I did was wrong."
"I'm very sorry."
