The SNP’s strategic communications director has decided to leave the party to work for a public relations firm.
Kevin Pringle, who was former First Minister Alex Salmond’s chief special advisor between 2007-12, is joining Charlotte Street Partners which has offices in Edinburgh and London.
It was founded in January 2014 by former BAA communications director, Malcolm Robertson, and Andrew Wilson, an ex-SNP MSP and past head of group communications at RBS.
Mr Pringle, who was once a Holyrood election candidate, said: “Following a remarkable and intense few years of political campaigning, I’m looking forward to a fresh challenge in the private sector.
“Charlotte Street Partners is an exciting young business with a high-quality team.
“They already have an impressive mix of major clients and I am keen to play my part in helping to take the business forward.
“My final few weeks with the SNP will be spent at Westminster, where the new-look House of Commons promises to provide a fascinating experience.”
Mr Pringle, who is originally from Perth and studied economic history and international relations at the University of Aberdeen, will join the company as a partner in August.
Office debates are bound to be lively because one of the partners is Chris Deerin, a newspaper columnist who is a fierce critic of the SNP.
The consultancy is chaired by merchant banker and businessman Sir Angus Grossart.
He said: “In Kevin, we have recruited one of the outstanding communications strategists of his generation.
“We are pleased that he has chosen to bring his talents to Charlotte Street Partners at such a significant moment in Scottish and UK public life.”
Writing on social media, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Best of luck to Kevin Pringle as he moves on to a new job.
“He has been a key part of the SNP’s success and we will miss him.”
The consultancy has also recruited Mary Teresa Rainey, who is the chairwoman of digital agency Think.
She will join as a non-executive director in July.