Kate Forbes announces birth of baby daughter
Naomi MacLennan was delivered at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness on Thursday August 4, weighing seven pounds 13 ounces.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Scotland’s Finance Secretary Kate Forbes has had a baby girl, she and her husband have announced.
Naomi MacLennan was delivered at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness on Thursday August 4, weighing seven pounds 13 ounces (5.3 kilos).
Ms Forbes and her husband, Ali MacLennan, said they were “delighted to welcome” their daughter into the world.
The couple said that both mother and baby are now back home and doing well.
The Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch MSP said: “We are delighted to welcome little Naomi into the world. It is a wonderful blessing to have a happy, healthy baby in our arms.
“Our family would like to record our most sincere thanks to the midwifery and nursing team at Raigmore for all their help.
“They were with us every step of the way, regularly going beyond the call of duty in their care and compassion for both me and Naomi.
“Pregnancy, labour and the early days with a newborn aren’t easy, as every new parent knows.
“Every mother’s experience is unique. Access to such excellent NHS healthcare in the community and at the hospital has made all the difference to us.”
Ms Forbes said it has been “hard” not to reflect on the hardships being faced by expectant and new mothers around the world, “particularly those escaping war zones like Ukraine or facing horrendous distress in Afghanistan”.
She added: “My prayer is that little girls around the world, like Naomi, grow up in a world of greater peace and security.”
Fellow parliamentarians took to social media to congratulate the couple on their new arrival.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: “Lovely news. Welcome to the world, Naomi – and many congratulations, Kate and Ali.”
Scottish Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser wrote: “Congratulations to you both. Great news!”
And Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said: “This is wonderful news, Kate. Huge congratulations!”
Ms Forbes and Mr MacLennan married last summer in the Highlands, following her re-election for a second term as MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch.
She will now take a period of maternity leave, and will return to work at some point in 2023.
John Swinney is covering the role of finance secretary for the duration of her absence, in addition to his duties as Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Covid Recovery.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.