Shona Robison has spoken of a “tough” year that saw her split from her politician husband following headlines about his private life.
The Dundee East MSP, who is one of Nicola Sturgeon’s closest friends, has publicly spoken for the first time about the impact of her break-up with Stewart Hosie, the SNP MP.
The Health Secretary also said she had found happiness with a new partner and surprised herself with the way she coped through the “turbulent time”.
In an interview with Holyrood magazine, she said: “For anyone to go through a marriage breakdown, in any walk of life, is difficult but when it is on the front page of every newspaper and you have press outside your door, it is hard.
“You are also trying to protect family from that as well but, you know, it is character building.
“It can make you stronger and you do come through the other side of it.
“I have met a new person in my life, which was very unexpected, I have to say, but my life has moved on in a way I didn’t expect.”
Mr Hosie, who represents Dundee East at Westminster, stood down as depute leader of the SNP after allegations about his private life.
The couple announced the break-up of their 20-year marriage in May last year.
