Scotland's finance secretary and Renfrewshire MSP Derek Mackay has resigned amid claims he sent hundreds of messages to a 16-year-old boy.
The 42-year-old politician issued an unreserved apology following the publication of alleged messages between the two in a national newspaper today.
It's claimed the Renfrewshire North and West MSP offered to take the teenager to a rugby game and out to dinner after befriending him on Facebook and Instagram.
And in one of the social media messages, the lad admits to being just 16.
In a statement issued this morning, Mr Mackay, who was due to deliver the Scottish Government's budget, said: "I take full responsibility for my actions. I have behaved foolishly and I am truly sorry.
"I apologise unreservedly to the individual involved and his family. I spoke last night to the First Minister and tendered my resignation with immediate effect.
"Serving in government has been a huge privilege and I am sorry to have let colleagues and supporters down."
