Former Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross will not seek re-election to Holyrood next year, saying he will be looking for a return to the House of Commons.

The Highlands and Islands MSP previously served as MP for Moray.

He  angered colleagues ahead of last year’s general election after announcing he would stand for the Aberdeenshire North and Moray East seat instead of party colleague David Duguid, who had been ill in hospital and was effectively de-selected.

After losing out to the SNP in Aberdeenshire North and Moray East, Ross stepped down as party leader after four years in the role.

Mr Ross is among more than 30 MSPs who chosen to leave Holyrood next year.

However, SNP veteran Fergus Ewing has announced he may run as an independent. Mr Ewing has represented Inverness and Nairn since 1999, and previously served as rural affairs secretary in government.

The 67-year-old has called for the SNP to change as it was “no longer the party for all of Scotland”.

He has clashed with his party over slow progress in dualling the A9 and A96 roads.