First Minister John Swinney tells Holyrood that independence offers a "fresh start" for Scotland.
It is the first session of FMQs since MSPs returned from their summer recess.
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay says that Swinney has put the spotlight on independence because of his "dismal failure" over the state of the economy, schools and health
Anas Sarwar, Scottish Labour leader, says Swinney is residing over a "knackered" government that needs to be voted out of power
Swinney rejects Findlay's suggestion he isn't focused on important domestic policies.
He gives the example of doing away with peak time rail fares which came into force at the start of the week.
He says Russell Findlay is in partnership with Nigel Farage and predicts that Scotland will send "both of them packing".
Swinney responds by making again a point he outlined in his earlier speech on independence.
He says by 2030 there will be a million individuals who were not able to vote in 2014 and have therefore not had a chance to decide on Scotland's constitutional future.
Findlay notes that it is the 30th anniversary of the film Braveheart, featuring Mel Gibson as William Wallace - and quips that Swinney has "done everything but paint his face blue" while Scots are blue in the face, trying to tell the SNP that enough is enough.
He says Swinney has cynically focused on independence and international affairs rather than domestic problems his party has failed to solve.
"Isn't it time he gets back to the day job?," asks the Tory leader.
Findlay hits back, picking up on Swinney's speech this morning where he says Scotland's right to decide should be respected.
He says the SNP has not "for a single minute" respected the decision that Scotland made in 2014 independence referendum where the vote was 55% to 45% in favour of remaining part of the UK.
"Two million people voted to reject division and they're still demanding the SNP give it a rest and focus on what matters," Findlay says.
Swinney responds, saying all the issues listed by Findlay "commands my attention" and he is determined to focus on the priorities of Scotland.
He says the people are concerned their standard of living has been static for 10 years because of austerity "bequeathed to us by the Conservative government".
"What independence offers for Scotland is a fresh start," he tells the chamber.
Image source, PA MediaBefore heading to the chamber for FMQs, John Swinney set out his government's plan for Scottish independence.
At a speech in Edinburgh, the first minister urged the UK government to agree to a referendum if a majority of SNP MSPs are elected at next year's Holyrood election.
Swinney encouraged Scots to "come together and demand a say over our future".
It came as the Scottish government published the latest in a series of papers on the constitution.
The UK government has said independence is not a priority for Scots.
Swinney also accused Westminster politicians, including Sir Keir Starmer, of using "utterly chilling" language about immigrants.
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay kicks off the first FMQs session following the summer recess by questioning the FM's focus on independence.
He says four out of five businesses fear they will go bust within 12 months, patients are stuck on NHS waiting lists and drug deaths are still the worst in Europe.
"Why on earth did John Swinney give a speech today, all about independence? " he asks.
Image source, PA MediaSince MSPs were last at FMQs the Scottish Greens have elected new leaders - Ross Greer and Gillian Mackay.
The pair replace Patrick Harvie, who did not seek re-election, and Lorna Slater, who was narrowly defeated in the leadership contest.
Harvie was Holyrood's longest-serving leader after 17 years in the role, while Slater had held the post alongside him since 2019.
Greer and Mackay also saw off a challenge from Green member Dominic Ashmole, who unsuccessfully stood for the party in the 2024 general election.
Image source, PA MediaWelcome to the first session of First Minister's Questions since MSPs returned from summer recess.
First Minister John Swinney will be grilled by opposition leaders Russell Findlay and Anas Sarwar as well as new co-leader of the Scottish Greens Ross Greer.
Subjects we know will be raised are the repercussions of the Supreme Court judgement that the definition of a woman is based on biological sex, water scarcity warnings and the number of serious accidents that have happened on trunk roads over the summer.
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