A BORDERS MSP has outlined who she will be supporting in the SNP leadership race.

Christine Grahame MSP, who represents Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale for the SNP, has said she will back Kate Forbes MSP in her bid to become the next leader of the SNP and First Minister.

In a post shared to social media, Ms Grahame said: "While the three candidates have their respective merits, I am supporting Kate Forbes MSP to be next leader of the SNP and with Parliament’s approval First Minister.

"She has a first-class mind, and we have a need as a party and as a government to focus on Scotland’s economy to provide the wealth and stability as a basis for a just and equitable society.

"In stepping in at short notice to deliver a budget last year she proved herself more than capable and with the right priorities then and now."

Ms Forbes' leadership campaign has recently been marred by her comments regarding equal marriage and the SNP's Gender Recognition Reform bill which was held back from royal assent by a Section 35 (Scotland Act) order by the UK Government.

Reactions to Ms Grahame's decision to support Ms Forbes, who represents Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, were mixed.

Some Borders residents welcomed the news, one person commented: "I totally agree.

"This young woman thinks on her feet and is clearly a candidate that will inspire confidence."

However, a number of people expressed their concerns, particularly focussing on Ms Forbes views on the LGBTQ+ community.

One said: "I'm very disappointed to hear this.

"Our First Minister should support the rights of all our people, no matter their sexuality or gender expression.

"We need someone more inclusive and not someone who will damage the work SNP have done on LGBTQ+ rights."