Shona Robison is to be new First Minister Humza Yousaf’s deputy.
Yousaf confirmed the appointment after MSPs voted for him as Nicola Sturgeon’s successor.
Robison, one of Sturgeon’s closest friends, is current Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice.
He said: "Shona Robison has agreed to be my deputy first minister, which I'm delighted about. She and I are just about to go up and finalise some of our cabinet appointments."
He also said he "absolutely" wants Kate Forbes, who he beat in the SNP leadership contest, to be in his administration:
"I've already spoken to Kate Forbes yesterday. I absolutely want Kate Forbes to be part of the government.
He added: "I've not spoken to Kate Forbes about a formal offer yet. We're going to finalise our cabinet and our government, but I have said right throughout this campaign Kate is exceptionally talented, and of course I would want her to be part of my government."
Robison steered through the controversial gender recognition reform legislation through parliament.
However, the bill has been blocked by the UK Government.
She has been an MSP since 1999.
Robison said: "I am honoured to accept Humza’s request to be his Deputy First Minister. I look forward to working with him and our Cabinet on the issues that matter most to the people of Scotland.
“I have served alongside Humza for a long time and I know that his leadership will build on the solid foundations we have been left by the former First Minister and Deputy First Minister.
"His election as First Minister is a historic moment and marks the beginning of a new chapter for the country.”
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