Derek Mackay axed from Boys' Brigade after texting teen

Former finance secretary Derek Mackay has been dropped from a role with the Boys’ Brigade after it emerged he sent hundreds of messages to a teenager.

Mackay, 42, was forced to resign from his Scottish Government position last Thursday over his communication with a 16-year-old on social media – in which he called the boy “cute” and continued to talk to him after being told his age.

It has now been confirmed Mackay is no longer honorary vice-president of Paisley and District Battalion.

Lawrence Napier, battalion secretary, said: “We have a number of honorary vice-presidents, MSPs and MPs, who support what we do in youth work, but Derek Mackay is no longer honorary vice-president of Paisley and District Battalion.”

The Boys’ Brigade is a Christian youth organisation which states on its website that it is “committed to seeing lives enriched by supporting children and young people to reach their full potential”.

Mackay apologised for his actions in a statement last week, just hours before he was due to present the budget at the Scottish Parliament.

The Renfrewshire North and West MSP said: “I take full responsibility for my actions. I have behaved foolishly and I am truly sorry.

“I apologise unreservedly to the individual involved and his family.”

He added: “Serving in government has been a huge privilege and I am sorry to have let colleagues and supporters down.”