Kate Forbes announces birth of baby girl Naomi

Finance secretary Kate Forbes has given birth to a baby girl, it has been announced.

Naomi was safely delivered at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness on Thursday, weighing 7 pounds 13 ounces.

Forbes married Ali MacLennan last summer in the Highlands, following her re-election for a second term as MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch. 

She 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. 

Baby Naomi was born at Raigmore Hospital on Thursday | Photo credit: Ruaraidh White

“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.

“It’s been hard not to think about pregnant or new mothers in other parts of the world right now, particularly those escaping war zones like Ukraine or facing horrendous distress in Afghanistan. My prayer is that little girls around the world, like Naomi, grow up in a world of greater peace and security.”