Arrival of baby Matthew thrills John Swinney and wife

JOHN Swinney and his wife the BBC journalist Elizabeth Quigley yesterday announced the safe arrival of their baby son Mathew Kenneth.

The latest addition to their family was born weighing 7lb 9oz and the couple expressed their thanks to staff at Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, where the baby was born on Friday at 11.46am.

Quigley, who has multiple sclerosis, and the baby are both well.

Finance Secretary Swinney said: "Both of us are absolutely thrilled at Matthew's safe arrival. The care we received at Ninewells Hospital has been exceptional and we would like to thank all the staff for their kindness and their professionalism. The were absolutely magnificent."

Mathew Kenneth is the couple's first child. But Swinney, 46, has two children, Judith and Stuart, from his marriage to his first wife Lorna.

The news will be greeted with joy across the Holyrood benches where the couple are held in high regard. Swinney's popularity crosses political boundaries and as a journalist who used to cover the Holyrood beat, Quigley is a well-liked figure among MSPs of all parties.