SPECULATION is mounting that Nicola Sturgeon will carry out a reshuffle this week amid reports that a number of senior ministers are leaving the government.

Last night, three SNP insiders told the Sunday Herald that Sturgeon is poised to unveil drastic changes to her cabinet on Tuesday.

Sources close to the First Minister's office suggested that Sturgeon has no plans to change her ministerial team, but stopped short of a denial.

The Scottish Government refused to issue a formal statement, when asked about the reports.

However, there was growing speculation at Holyrood that a number of long serving ministers will be sacked, quit or moved sideways this Tuesday.

Sturgeon is said to want to inject new blood into her frontbench team, with promotions for rising stars from the intake of SNP MSPs elected for the first time in 2016.

The First Minister is expected to promote more women MSPs in a bid to improve gender balance in her government.

There were reports that Sturgeon will create new ministerial posts in a shake-up that a source said would "extend her empire".

However, a number of senior cabinet secretaries are understood to be vulnerable.

Fiona Hyslop, the Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, was mentioned by an SNP source as a figure who "could be at risk" after over 11 years in government.

Health Secretary Shona Robison is also facing the prospect of a "sideways move" another senior party insider predicted.

Sturgeon has faced repeated calls to sack Robison over her performance in a key brief.

NHS Tayside, which serves Robison's local patch in Dundee, is in crisis, and she is also dealing with criticism over GP recruitment and waiting times for ambulances.

Social Security Minister Jeane Freeman, who is well regarded by SNP backbenchers and is thought to have fared well as a junior minister, has been touted as a possible replacement for Robison in health.

A source said Freeman was "within reach of a significant promotion".

However, another senior SNP source said that Justice Secretary Michael Matheson may be moved to health after "doing a shift" in his current role.

There was also speculation that Transport Minister Humza Yousaf could be elevated to the cabinet.

A source said that Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing, is ready to "go to the backbenches" after over 11 years in the government.

Another long serving minister, who may voluntarily leave the government, is Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham.

However, Sturgeon is understood to be ready to use her first reshuffle in over two years to promote "high flyers" from Holyrood's backbenches.

SNP MSPs Kate Forbes, Mairi Gougeon, Clare Haughey, Jenny Gilruth and Ivan McKee - all of whom were first elected to parliament 2016 - are reportedly in line for promotion to the ministerial ranks.

Sturgeon would need to secure parliamentary approval for any ministerial changes before Holyrood's summer recess, which begins after Thursday's business.

Senior SNP sources told the Sunday Herald that Sturgeon will use Tuesday, the day her cabinet meets, to make the changes public.

The SNP still has nearly three years before the next Holyrood election.

However, Sturgeon may seek to use the reshuffle as a chance to refresh the SNP government, which has been in power since May 2007.