Summary

  • John Swinney faces questions from opposition party leaders and backbench MSPs at FMQS

  • This week Scottish Lib Dems leader Alex Cole-Hamilton joins the Conservatives' Russell Findlay and Labour's Anas Sarwar in posing the questions

  • The leaders all begin by saying they stand with Ukraine on the third anniversary of the Russian invasion

  • Findlay challenges Swinney on the number of public bodies in Scotland and says the size of the SNP state is "out of control"

  • The FM says the number of public bodies has fallen since the SNP came to power

  • Sarwar points to the attainment gap and says generations of young Scots are being let down by education standards

  • Cole-Hamilton raises the number of people over the age of 85 waiting 12 hours in A&E - while Swinney says overall numbers are dropping

  • Swinney insists the government is creating better outcomes for young people

Live Reporting

Edited by Paul McLaren

  1. Findlay says FOI commissioner is 'astonished' at number of public bodies

    Russell Findlay also marks the third anniversary of Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine and says we should take pride in the UK's unwavering support of Ukraine.

    The first question of this week's FMQs is next and the Scottish Tory leader focuses on Scotland's Information Commissioner and the number of public bodies in the country.

    He says the FOI commissioner is "astonished" at how many public bodies there are.

  2. First minister says Scotland stands with Ukraine

    As expected, John Swinney begins FMQs by referencing the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, saying "peace has to be nurtured and hard-fought for".

    The FM backs independence for Ukraine and says "today as ever Scotland stands with Ukraine".

  3. Swinney and party leaders set to mark third anniversary of war in Ukraine

    Ukranian children (from left) Varvara Tkachenko, Olexander Pidhirnyi and Ylesaveta Pidhirnyi at the service to mark the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The children are wearing Ukranian national dress and are standing before hundreds of poppies.PA Media

    Ukranian children (from left) Varvara Tkachenko, Olexander Pidhirnyi and Ylesaveta Pidhirnyi at the service to mark the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine

    As our political correspondent Phil Sim mentioned earlier, the first minister and opposition party leaders are expected to make brief comments to mark the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine at today's FMQs.

    John Swinney and a number of Scottish and Ukrainian dignitaries were joined by members of the Ukrainian community at the Edinburgh Castle event on Monday.

    MSPs, councillors, and representatives of the UK armed forces also attended. The first minister read from scripture and a choir sang the Ukrainian national anthem.

    Other events were held in Edinburgh and Aberdeen, including protests against Russia.

    First Minister John Swinney is among the dignitaries who attended the service at the Scottish National War Memorial at Edinburgh Castle. They are standing somberely before hundreds of poppies.PA Media

    First Minister John Swinney (second right) was among the dignitaries who attended the service at the Scottish National War Memorial at Edinburgh Castle

  4. Analysis

    What can we expect from today's FMQs?

    Philip Sim
    BBC Scotland political correspondent

    John Swinney has spent the week trying to persuade opposition leaders to work more closely alongside him.

    Off the back of a budget passed with the backing of four of Holyrood’s six parties, Mr Swinney hopes to build a united front against what he terms the far right.

    There will be some unity at the start of first minister’s questions; each party is expected to be given a little time to mark the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, an issue on which they stand as one.

    But after that, the gloves will likely come off as usual.

    For all that they do undoubtedly share common values and goals, every party in the chamber will be competing for votes in just over a year’s time.

    They are already drawing up their election platforms, and indeed those whose views cluster together on the centre-left are in the fiercest competition as they seek to carve out a distinctive offering.

  5. What's been happening in Scottish politics this week?

    At Holyrood, MSPs approved the Scottish government Budget for 2025-26, as expected.

    First Minister John Swinney called for politicians to unite against the far right in Scotland.

    Councils across Scotland will continue to set their inflation-busting council tax rates today, with some choosing rises in double digits.

    The attainment gap between Scotland's richest and poorest school pupils increased last year, according to new figures.

    Audit Scotland found that ministers and councils have failed to plan effectively for the soaring numbers of pupils needing extra support in the classroom.

  6. Welcome

    Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes walks in Holyrood's corridor with First Minister John Swinney. Forbes wears a two tone skirt and dark jacket, while Swinney is wearing a dark suit with a purple tie. Both are smiling.Getty Images

    Good morning and welcome to today's live coverage of First Minister's Questions at Holyrood.

    John Swinney will face his weekly grilling from opposition party leaders and backbench MSPs from about 12:00.

    As ever, we'll bring you previews, live coverage and analysis throughout.

    You can also follow events here with us by clicking Watch Live at the top of this page from just before midday.