Swinney says no change in SNP independence referendum strategy

Graeme McCormick, the former SNP leadership challenger who stood aside for John Swinney, said that it was “right” not to involve the civil service in any way.

He added: “I envisage that this work will be taken forward with greater alacrity.”

A central part of Mr Hepburn’s role was overseeing the publication of the government’s Building a New Scotland papers – first launched by Nicola Sturgeon in June 2022 to make the case for independence.

The latest of the papers, on the justice system in an independent Scotland, was published on 25 April, the same day Mr Yousaf’s power-sharing deal with the Scottish government collapsed.

The cabinet secretary for the constitution, Angus Robertson will retain oversight of the issue.

The Scottish government said this would involve publishing further papers in the Building a New Scotland series.