Former Labour leader Iain Gray has made a return to the party’s front bench in a reshuffle.
Mr Gray becomes finance spokesman two years after announcing his resignation in the aftermath of the party’s defeat to the SNP in the last Holyrood election.
The major shake-up, ordered by leader Johann Lamont, also brings younger MSPs through the ranks to senior positions. Lothians MSP Kezia Dugdale takes on the education brief, which will pit her against Education Secretary Michael Russell.
That change signals a move to the backbench for experienced Labour MSP Hugh Henry. Ken Macintosh, who ran against Ms Lamont to lead the party, loses his frontbench role to Mr Gray.
Jackie Baillie, a long-serving health spokeswoman, shifts to a new social justice, equalities and welfare position, and will co-ordinate the party’s manifesto.
The health brief will be taken by Neil Findlay, another of the fresh intake from the 2011 election. Former senior police officer Graeme Pearson will use his experience as justice spokesman.
Ms Lamont said: “We have made a great deal of progress in the last 18 months but we have to keep moving forward.
“I believe this refreshed shadow cabinet team is the right blend of youth and experience which can take forward the job of modernising the Scottish Labour Party, holding the Scottish Government to account and building a new relationship with the people of Scotland and policies which meet their needs.
“I would like to thank those members of the frontbench team who are moving on for their dedication, and am certain they will make a contribution to getting Scottish Labour back into government.”
The remaining changes put former chief whip James Kelly in charge of infrastructure and capital investment. His previous position will be filled by Lewis Macdonald.
Jenny Marra will work closely with Mr Gray as his deputy and spokeswoman for youth employment. Drew Smith becomes constitution spokesman and Richard Baker takes on a “wider policy review role”.
There will be no change in local government, culture, rural affairs and the environment, and the party’s business manager.