Scottish finance secretary Derek Mackay has apologised in a statement after resigning over allegations he sent messages to a 16-year-old boy.
The 42-year-old politician resigned with immediate effect after the allegations came to light in the Scottish Sun today.
He tendered his resignation to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and has apologised 'unreservedly' to the individual involved.
In a statement he 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."
The Scottish Sun alleges that he contacted the boy over a six-month period on Instagram and Facebook.
The newspaper claimed the MSP for Renfrewshire North and West invited the boy to dinner and to attend a rugby event.
It also published a series of online messages involving Mr MacKay and the boy, with one exchange alleging Mackay told the teenager he was 'cute'.
Nicola Sturgeon said: “Derek has taken full responsibility for his actions and apologises unreservedly for them to the individual and to those he has let down. He has submitted his resignation as a government minister which I have accepted.
“Derek has made a significant contribution to government, however he recognises that his behaviour has failed to meet the standards required."
Mackay was due to present the Scottish government's budget at Holyrood later, with Public Finance Minister Kate Forbes now stepping in in his place.
