Finance secretary Kate Forbes announces birth of baby Naomi with husband Ali

Kate Forbes has announced the birth of a baby girl with her husband, Ali MacLennan.

Baby Naomi was delivered safely at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness on Thursday, August 4 weighing 7lbs pounds and 13oz.

Forbes and baby Naomi are both back home and doing well.

The finance secretary married in a ceremony in the Highlands last year.

She will take a period of maternity leave and will return next year.

Forbes 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.”

She continued: “Pregnancy, labour and the early days with a new-born 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.”