Humza Yousaf makes his first key Holyrood speech hours after the SNP's treasurer Colin Beattie is arrested by police investigating funding and finances of the party
Ahead of his statement, Yousaf speaks to the media and acknowledges that the timing of the arrest "is far from ideal"
And in a rowdy chamber he says: "While we absolutely face challenges I would rather be standing here with the opportunity to deliver for the people of Scotland rather than languishing in opposition."
Since taking over as SNP leader four weeks ago Yousaf has faced constant questions about how his party is being run
Opposition MSPs accuse him of lacking leadership and vision and residing over a political party that is in turmoil
On government policy, Yousaf tells the parliament that Scotland's Bottle Return Scheme planned for August this year will be delayed until 1 March next year
The proposal, which has been criticised by some businesses, would see 20p being added to single-use drinks with that sum being returned after the container is put in a special recycling machine
The announcement of a delay of the deposit return scheme is greeted by jeers and ironic cheers from the opposition benches.
The presiding officer has to intervene to get them to quieten down, after which Yousaf jokes that he's pleased colleagues are so "excited" about the policy prospectus he's laying out.
Yousaf says he takes "great pride in being the first first minster from an ethnic minority background" and says he will work for most "marginalised" people in society.
He goes on to promise assistance for people around the world fleeing war and persecution, like those from Ukraine.
"For as long as Scotland is their home, they will be welcome," the first minister says.
Humza Yousaf says the controversial Deposit Return Scheme will be delayed until 1 March 2024.
More from Yousaf's address as he says the Scottish government's first mission will be based on equality and will look at tackling poverty.
The FM says there will be an "immediate focus on protecting people" impacted by policies from the UK government.
He pledges investment in child benefit and social security systems.
Yousaf then sets out a range of policy areas - even including a reduction in drug deaths, although he doesn't go into detail.
"We need to be even bolder on taxation and redistribution of wealth," he says.
Image source, PA MediaScottish Greens co-leaders Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater
Yousaf promises to work "constructively" with Green Party collegues - and is met with some murmurs from MSPs.
He says they will report regularly on their performance against his aims and outcomes and that the Scottish government's work will be defined by three missions.
Those centre on the principles of "equality, opportunity and community", he says.
"The cost of not being independent has never been clearer," says Yousaf.
He tells the chamber the cost of living crisis is biting hard.
The FM adds there will be really tough decisions but he adds he will be unapologetic about making them.
Yousaf opens his speech by saying being first minister is "not without its challenges", which is met with laughter - but goes on to say it is the "honour of my life".
He says Scotland's priorities are his priorities as well and he wants to govern for whole of he country.
Listing "genuinely difficult challenges" Scotland faces, Yousaf cites the effect of the pandemic and what he says is the UK government's "mismanagement" of the economy.
Image source, Scottish ParliamentHumza Yousaf has begun to set out the SNP's priorities for the next three years in government, in his first major policy speech to Holyrood as first minister.
Stick with us and we'll bring you all the key lines.
Don't forget you can stream Yousaf's remarks live by clicking the triangular Play icon at the top of this page.
Image source, PA MediaHumza Yousaf arriving at the Scottish Parliament
To recap, First Minister Humza Yousaf will shortly set out his priorities for the next three years in a statement at Holyrood after 14:20.
It will be his first major policy announcement since becoming first minister last month.
He will also publish a policy document listing what the Scottish government plans to deliver for communities and businesses over the period.
Ahead of his statement, Yousaf said he would present a "fresh vision" of how to face challenging times.
And he committed to using the powers of devolution to the maximum, while also making the case for independence.
Circular Economy Minister Lorna Slater says the first minister will provide an update on the government's priorities including addressing the concerns around the controversial deposit return scheme.
Slater says she will make a statement on the scheme this coming Thursday.
Image source, Getty ImagesTory MSP to ask about troubled DRS scheme
Before the first minister's statement we have topical questions.
Today Tory MSP Maurice Golden will ask the Scottish government whether it will provide an update on the Deposit Return Scheme in light of the first minister recently stating that he was actively looking at options around the scheme and that he was "taking advice".
Humza Yousaf is expected to address concerns about the DRS scheme during his statement, so Golden might not learn much from Circularity Minister Lorna Slater.
Then Labour MSP Mark Griffin will ask how much additional revenue the government anticipates local authorities will be able to raise in light of its reported proposals to enable them to double council tax on second homes.
In the next half hour the first minister will set out his priorities for the next three years.
The statement and policy paper is expected to fall under three key themes of equality, opportunity and community.
Humza Yousaf said his targets would include reducing poverty, strengthening public services, building a "green wellbeing economy" and supporting businesses.
He added: "We will do so using the powers of devolution to their maximum, whilst making the case that as an independent nation, we can do so much more to make Scotland a wealthier, fairer, and greener country.
"I have promised to lead Scotland in the interests of all our people."
Yousaf also admits the morning's events have taken the shine off his flagship speech.
"It is not helpful," he says. "I wanted to articulate what my vision is as a new leader and a fresh start for the government - and I will still do that - but it doesn't take away from the fact that the timing of this is far from ideal."
He also says he will have to have a discussion with Beattie over "pertinent issues" around his role on the public audit committee and his role as the party's national treasurer.
Humza Yousaf is cornered ahead of his statement this afternoon and tells reporters "of course" he is surprised that a colleague has been arrested.
He says he can't comment on a live police investigation but that "it is clearly a very serious matter indeed".
He does not say if treasurer Colin Beattie has been suspended from the SNP party but stresses "people are innocent until proven guilty".
BBC Scotland Political Editor Glenn Campbell asks him if he can guarantee the SNP is not being run in a criminal way right now.
Quote MessageI don't believe it is at all. I have instructed a review into transparency and good governance and of course with the issue over financial oversight, and I will want some external input into that. There is change that is needed within the way the party is operated. I have made that absolutely clear.
Humza Yousaf, First Minister
Lunchtime Live
BBC Radio Scotland
Shona Craven, community editor and columnist at the National newspaper, tells BBC Scotland's Lunchtime Live it must be an extraordinary situation for Humza Yousaf to find himself in.
She says: "The opposition will be looking to make capital out of this rather than listening to what Humza Yousaf actually has to say."
She hopes there will still be an opportunity for Yousaf to set out his priorities for the next three years, as it will have relevance to a lot of people in Scotland.
Lunchtime Live
BBC Radio Scotland
The timing of Colin Beattie's arrest is "dreadful for Humza Yousaf" says the Daily Record's political editor Paul Hutcheon.
He tells BBC Scotland's Lunchtime Live Yousaf must have thought this afternoon's statement would be an opportunity to "open a new chapter on the SNP's time in government" and set his own agenda.
"But very quickly that was kiboshed by the news that the treasurer and sitting MSP Colin Beattie had been arrested."
He says: "There's no doubt what's going to be dominating the front pages tomorrow.
"It's not going to be Humza Yousaf's statement - it's going to be the arrest."
Image source, PA MediaHumza Yousaf will set out priority policies for next three years
First Minister Humza Yousaf will set out his priorities for the next three years in a statement at Holyrood after 14:00.
It will be Yousaf's first major policy announcement since becoming first minister last month.
He will also publish a policy document listing what the Scottish government plans to deliver for communities and businesses over the period.
Ahead of his statement, Yousaf said he would present a "fresh vision" of how to face challenging times.
And he committed to using the powers of devolution to the maximum, while also making the case for independence.
Image source, Getty ImagesBeattie was reappointed as the SNP's treasurer in 2021 after previously having held the role for 16 years
SNP treasurer Colin Beattie has been arrested by police investigating the party's finances.
Beattie, 71, has been taken into custody and is being questioned by Police Scotland detectives.
A spokesman for the force said the arrest was made in connection with the ongoing investigation into the funding and finances of the SNP.
He said a report will be sent to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.
Beattie is the MSP for the Midlothian North and Musselburgh constituency.
Image source, PA MediaSNP leader and First Minister Humza Yousaf
Welcome to our live coverage of First Minister Humza Yousaf's statement in Holyrood - the first key one since taking on the role four weeks ago.
It will take place just hours after SNP treasurer Colin Beattie was arrested by police who are investigating the party's finances.
If you want to watch the statement live click on the play icon at the top of the page.
We'll bring you reports and analysis throughout this afternoon.