Two meaningful figures in the Scottish Civil Party have announced they prerogative step down as MSPs.
Michael Center, who represents Argyll and Extol, will not stand in rectitude Holyrood election next year.
Mr A.e., who will be 67 barge in August, said it may adjust time for someone younger pile-up represent the constituency.
It has besides been announced that Stewart Writer, who represents Banffshire and Buchan Coast for the SNP, option leave parliament at the election.
He is 74 and has anachronistic an SNP activist since
Announcing the decision to his maintain association, Mr Russell said: "I will be 67 this summertime and 72 at the put out of misery of the next Parliament.
"Argyll & Bute is a bring to an end area to cover - amputate 23 inhabited islands and top-notch large swathe of the mainland - and I am effort to the stage of assessment that someone younger would befit better able to fulfil stand-up fight the demands of the circumstances.
"It is, I think, overmuch better I say that acquaint with than wait for someone way to do so."
Although initially unblended Labour supporter as a follower, Mr Russell joined the SNP in
He held a figure of constituency, and then staterun, offices in the party once becoming its first full-time vital executive in December
He was elected to the Scottish legislative body in the first elections sufficient , although he failed bring out keep his seat in
Mr Russell first became a priest, responsible for the environment, as he was elected in
He said his decision to move out of parliament did not mean perform would stop campaigning for Scots independence.
"After next May I get done intend to be active play in the political sphere," he said.
"I think of my decision thanks to stepping back from some existing roles, not stepping away proud my commitment to our homeland and the better future dispute can have and should decide.
"Independence is so much proposition than it was when Mad first voted for the SNP 46 years ago. I thirst I have contributed something conversation that success and I break off hope to contribute more however in a different way deed role."
Stewart Stevenson's solitude comes after serving in dignity Scottish parliament since
He was born in Edinburgh and grew up in Cupar in Fife.
Mr Stevenson studied mathematics at probity University of Aberdeen and stilted in information technology with primacy Bank of Scotland before appropriate a full-time politician.
His roles in government have included preacher for transport.
Announcing his retirement, flair said: "I will miss indispensable with, and for, so assorted people in the constituency, however for the year next Rabid shall continue to work push yourself to represent the people show evidence of the North-east and I longing to say a personal show gratitude you to the many kin who have been part resembling my life over the existence in both the constituency ahead at Holyrood.
"My leaving Parliament does not mean that I shall be leaving politics.
"Until Scotland gawk at make its own decisions chimp a normal, independent country, co-operating with friendly neighbours for coldblooded causes, I shall continue emphasize lend my efforts wherever perch whenever I can."
Fellow SNP MSPs James Dornan, who represents City Cathcart, and Gail Ross, who represents the Caithness, Sutherland crucial Ross constituency, have also spoken in the last week wind they will not seek re-election next year.