Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has announced she will not stand for re-election as she focuses on her family life.
The MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch - who also serves as economy secretary - will continue in her role for the next nine months until the Holyrood elections next year but will then take a step back from politics.
Since returning to government, Ms Forbes has sought to repair strained ties with the business community, focusing on boosting inward investment and on sectors such as renewables, housing and technology.
In a letter to first minister John Swinney informing him of her decision, Ms Forbes it had been an "incredible privilege" to serve her constituency, highlighting that the job "quite rightly" demands "constant attention and total dedication".
Ms Forbes, whose daughter has just turned three, said: "I have concluded that I do not wish to seek re-election and miss any more of the precious early years of family life."
She went on: "I will continue to serve my constituents and the public with diligence over the next year."
The deputy first minister said it could take up to five hours to travel from her home in the Highland to the parliament in Edinburgh, and raised concerns about the levels of child care support offered to MSPs.
"I want to focus on supporting my family and I feel like it's not possible to do that with the distance involved and the total commitment required of this job," she said.
"I've loved serving Scotland, I've loved serving the SNP and my constituents over that decade and I look forward to continuing to campaign for the SNP at the upcoming election."
In response, Mr Swinney paid tribute to her "invaluable contribution to public life over the last 10 years".
He said: "The challenges of frontline politics are considerable, and I understand the decision she has made although I wish it was not the case.
"I am pleased that Kate will continue to serve in my government and to make a significant contribution to the work of the Scottish National Party.
"I wish her and her family well and for every happiness for the future."