Humza Yousaf today rewarded his closest political allies with positions in his Cabinet as he snubbed supporters of Kate Forbes.
The new First Minister appointed several new faces in his top team but kept space for some veteran Nationalists.
Shona Robison, who was yesterday named Deputy First Minister, will also take on the Finance Secretary role previously held by Forbes.
Michael Matheson, the former Net Zero secretary, was handed a beefed up Health brief with the added responsibility for NHS recovery.
The Cabinet will for the first time in the history of devolution be majority female.
Yousaf said: "The Cabinet team I have unveiled reflects the priorities that we will pursue as a government – including tackling child poverty, improving public services and building a fairer, greener economy.
"Ahead of my appointment as First Minister, I have committed myself to a radical, ambitious and progressive policy agenda for Scotland – and I know that this team is the right one to deliver it."
The new First Minister added: "I have made clear my belief Scotland’s government should look as much as possible like the people we represent.
"As well as being the first ever First Minister from a minority ethnic background, I am pleased that a record number of women have agreed to serve, as well as a significant blend of younger and more experienced members.
"That said, every single appointment has been made on merit."
Mairi Gougeon and Angus Robertson will remain in their respective posts of Rural Affairs and Constitution.
Shirley-Anne Somerville – previously education secretary – has been asked to take over from Robison in social justice, while former drugs minister Angela Constance will be elevated to Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs.
Mairi McAllan will become the youngest member of the Cabinet, taking on Net Zero and Just Transition.
Neil Gray, who led Yousaf's leadership campaign, has been rewarded with the position of Cabinet Secretary for the Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work and Energy.
Forbes, who narrowly lost out in the race to become SNP leader, turned down the rural affairs job on Monday.
Ivan McKee, who initially supported her campaign, yesterday rejected a junior ministerial role for business.
Keith Brown, who was previously Justice Secretary, has dropped out of the Cabinet.
An SNP source said he had "served with distinction" but that Yousaf had wanted his own people in post.
Jackie Baillie, Scottish Labour health spokeswoman, accused Yousaf of rewarding "loyalty over talent".
She said: "The First Minister promised to bring the country together, but he can’t even bring his own party together. This dismal cabinet cements the SNP’s new status as a deeply divided party led by B-rate politicians.
"Loyalty is being rewarded over talent – but both are in short supply in the SNP.
"At the heart of this continuity government are some of the most incompetent politicians of the last decade, set to deliver more of the same failure.
"While the SNP are mired in chaos, Scottish Labour is united in our vision to deliver the change Scotland desperately needs."
Alex Cole-Hamilton, Scottish Lib Dem leader, said: "I wish nothing but the best for any ministers who are prepared to actually focus on the people's priorities.
"But all of these figures have been part of the ministerial team that has fixated on division at the price of spiralling NHS waiting lists, disruption in our schools and missed climate emergency targets.
"The downgrading of housing and local government doesn’t bode well for sectors already in crisis on the SNP’s watch.
"Humza Yousaf could instead be adopting Scottish Liberal Democrat plans that would make every home a warm one and value the important work of councils through a power surge.
"It’s also not clear where transport fits into this mix. Will they just be taking it in turns to make excuses about the ferries?"
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