A minute's silence is held in tribute to Scottish government minister Christina McKelvie who has died, aged 57
Presiding officer Alison Johnstone fights back tears as she pays tribute before First Minister John Swinney says his party is "aching at the news"
Swinney is grilled by Tory leader Russell Findlay on an Audit Scotland report that highlights GP problems
Labour leader Anas Sarwar asks about a "devastating" HIS report into emergency departments in Glasgow - Swinney says the findings are not acceptable
Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie uses his question to pay tribute to Christina McKelvie, asking how all MSPs can show the kindness and compassion she did
Findlay turns to the Audit Scotland report which was published today and highlights serious problems with GP care .
"Will the first minister guarantee that he will deliver on the report's recommendations?," he asks.
Russell Findlay begins by paying tribute to Christina McKelvie.
The Scottish Tory leader says she was a respected colleague and a dedicated public servant.
"My thoughts and those of my party are with her family, her friends and colleagues," he says.
Angus Cochrane
BBC Scotland News
The Holyrood chamber is typically fairly lively before First Minister’s Questions, with MSPs preparing themselves to take aim at their opponents. Colleagues usually make chit chat, sharing a laugh with their neighbours.
But a notable hush descended over the chamber today, the silence punctuated by sniffles from teary-eyed members.
Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone was visibly distraught, and did well to make it through her statement.
During a moment of silence, there was many a tear among the SNP backbenches in particular, on this, a sad day in the Scottish Parliament.
An extremely emotional start to this session as the chamber falls silent for a moment of silence in memory of Christina McKelvie.
Members sat at their desks with their heads bowed, with some clearly upset by news of her passing this morning.
After the silence, the presiding officer suspended the session until 12pm.
We'll bring you reports and analysis throughout and you can watch FMQs by clicking on the Watch live icon at the top of the page.
"Today is an unbearably sad day," begins John Swinney.
The first minister says MSPs are having to come to terms with "the loss of our generous, kind, loyal and fun-loving colleague Christina McKelvie.
"My party is aching at the news today," he says.
Fighting back tears, presiding officer Alison Johnstone tells the chamber: "I'm so deeply saddened by the death of our dear parliamentary colleague Christina McKelvie MSP."
Johnstone pays condoences to her partner, fellow SNP MSP Keith Brown.
She says the entire parliament grieves with McKelvie's family.
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer first minister Nicola Sturgeon said she was "proud" to call Christina McKelvie a friend
Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has described Christina McKelvie as "kind, compassionate and full of life," adding she was "proud to call her a friend."
Posting on X, she wrote: "A politician who wore her heart on her sleeve and made the world a better place.
"She brought joy to everyone who knew her - and especially to her soulmate, Keith, and her beloved boys, Lewis and Jack.
"Christina McKelvie MSP - I was so proud to call you my friend."
Kirsten Campbell
BBC Scotland political correspondent
It's rare for Holyrood to lose one of its own. And there is an air of shock and sadness around the building today.
The warmth of the tributes being paid to Christina McKelvie highlight the affection MSPs of all parties felt for her.
She was a politician who was hugely passionate about independence, but equally renowned for her compassion, particularly for people in need.
She sponsored the Wear It Pink campaign in the Scottish Parliament, in support of Breast Cancer Now, and would be seen persuading colleagues to wear pink wigs and feather boas for the cameras.
Flags are flying at half-mast outside and a book of condolence is being opened.
Arrangements for a by-election in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse will be left for another day.
Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone will pay tribute to Christina McKelvie at 11.40am.
MSPs who have gathered in the chamber will obeserve a minute's silence in memory of the late SNP MSP.
Johnstone described McKelvie as a "passionate campaigner and an engaging parliamentarian".
She says: "I remember Christina’s warm welcome when I arrived as a newly-elected MSP in 2011."
The flags at the Scottish Parliament are flying at half mast in tribute.
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar wrote: “This is terribly sad news.
“My thoughts and the thoughts of the entire Scottish Labour party are with Keith, her wider family, friends and all her colleagues across the parliament.”
Russell Findlay, leader of the Scottish Conservatives, added: “Absolutely tragic.
“Our thoughts with Christina’s family, friends and colleagues.”
Alex Cole-Hamilton, leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, who served alongside McKelvie as deputy convener of the Scottish parliament’s equalities committee, described the news as “desperately sad”.
Scottish Greens co-leader, Lorna Slater, added: “Saddened by this morning’s news of Christina’s passing.
“It doesn’t seem that long ago that we were laughing, chatting and working together.
“We’ll all miss her bright smile and presence more than I can say. My deepest sympathy to Keith and Christina’s family.”
Image source, SNPTributes have been paid to the SNP drugs and alcohol minister Christina McKelvie, who died on Thursday following treatment for secondary breast cancer
Tributes have been pouring in this morning following the sad passing of SNP minister Christina McKelvie at the age of 57.
First Minister John Swinney said he was "devastated" by the news, describing McKelvie as "one of the kindest and most generous people I have ever met in my life".
"The Scottish National Party has lost one of its finest, and I have lost an outstanding minister in my government. I know her loss will be felt right across the parliament and among the countless constituents she supported over the years."
Former First Minister Humza Yousaf said he was “heartbroken” at news of the drugs and alcohol minister’s death following treatment for secondary breast cancer on Thursday morning.
McKelvie was also the partner of the SNP depute leader Keith Brown and a mother to sons Jack and Lewis.
Posting on X, Yousaf wrote: “Her beautiful, warm personality made her loved amongst her constituents and all of us that had the honour of her friendship.
“I’m so sad that I won’t hear her wonderful, hearty laugh again. My thoughts with Keith, Jack, Lewis and family.”
Angus Cochrane
BBC Scotland News
Image source, PA MediaChristina McKelvie stepped back from ministerial duties last summer
Scottish government minister Christina McKelvie has died aged 57, the SNP has announced.
McKelvie, the drugs and alcohol policy minister, stepped back from her duties last summer after announcing she was undergoing treatment for secondary breast cancer.
She died at Glasgow Royal Infirmary on Thursday morning.
McKelvie's partner and SNP depute leader Keith Brown said she was a beloved mother to two sons, partner and gran and "lit up every room she was in with her positivity and bright smile".
Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of First Minister's Questions.
We'll start our coverage a little earlier than normal, following the news of the death of Scottish government minister Christina McKelvie emerging this morning.
Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone is expected to pay tribute to the SNP MSP at 11.40am and she has requested all MSPs to gather in the chamber at that time.
We'll bring you reports and analysis throughout and you can watch by clicking on the Watch Live icon at the top of the page.
