John Swinney resigned as party leader in June 2004

He became the party's finance and public services spokesman, replacing Alasdair Morgan, the new chief whip.

The move, announced as part of a series of changes, is viewed as reward for his hard work on the back benches.

Stewart Hosie MP, who won Dundee East from Labour at the General Election, has been made economy spokesman with Tricia Marwick appointed to housing.

Mr Swinney, 41, the MSP for North Tayside, stood down from the party's leadership in June 2004 after poor election results.

SNP leadership and spokespeople Leader: Alex Salmond Deputy leader: Nicola Sturgeon Chief whip: Alasdair Morgan Health: Shona Robison Finance: John Swinney Justice: Kenny MacAskill Enterprise: Jim Mather Economy: Stewart Hosie Education: Fiona Hyslop Tourism: Fergus Ewing Environment: Richard Lochhead Social justice: Christine Grahame Housing: Tricia Marwick Culture/sport: Michael Matheson Defence: Angus Robertson Work/pensions: Mike Weir Europe: Ian Hudghton Local government: David Alexander Business convener: Bruce Crawford

Alex Salmond was returned for a second period as national convener and has led the party's Westminster group, with deputy Nicola Sturgeon leading the Holyrood team.

Mr Salmond said: "I am delighted to welcome John Swinney back into the SNP's shadow cabinet with responsibility for finance and public Services.

"With the economy and public services set to be a central battleground in the Scottish election in 2007, John will be working to further strengthen the SNP's case in these crucial areas."

Mr Morgan has taken over the chief whip and business manager position from Ms Marwick, who takes over the newly-created portfolio of housing.

Mr Salmond said; ""In the key social policies Shona Robison at health, Fiona Hyslop at education, Christine Grahame at social justice and now Tricia Marwick at housing will make a formidable team."