Like other parts of the UK, Scotland has seen a rapid rise in the number of young people questioning their identity or experiencing gender dysphoria.

For many, this will only require support from family, friends and school but some become so distressed they seek medical help.

The only specialist service for under-18s is the Sandyford clinic in Glasgow.

People can self-refer or can be referred through their GP.

Figures released to BBC Scotland news under a Freedom of Information request showed that at the end of 2023, 1,100 patients were on the waiting list.

The longest wait is 1,692 days, about four-and-a-half-years.

In her report, Dr Cass says the increase in the numbers of young people who have a trans or gender diverse identity, is the result of a "complex interplay between biological, psychological and social factors".

She warns that the "toxicity of the debate" around gender has had a negative impact on the quality of care they receive.

She says many doctors are afraid of working with them, because of the controversy around medical treatments, and that this means they are not getting the individualised care the NHS should provide, including mental health assessments and screening for autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions.

Public Health Minister Jenni Minto begins her statement on gender identity healthcare for young people.

Scotland's NHS has paused prescribing puberty blockers to children referred by its specialist gender clinic.

The Sandyford clinic in Glasgow also said new patients aged 16 or 17 would no longer receive other hormone treatments until they were 18.

It follows a landmark review of gender services for under-18s in England.

Dr Hilary Cass's review said children had been let down by a lack of research and there was "remarkably weak" evidence on medical interventions.

We're expecting the statement on gender identity healthcare to begin shortly.

First up in the chamber we have topical questions on the proposed Berwick Bank offshore windfarm, wet wipes containing plastic and the LGBT Youth Scotland pilot programme to introduce youth clubs in schools.

You can watch them and all of the statement by clicking on play at the top of the page.

Scottish Conservative deputy leader Meghan Gallacher said the decision was "long overdue" and accused the government of leaking the news to the press "before having the decency to update parliament".

She said: "I'm beyond fed up with this lackadaisical approach to gender care. They are failing children and young people."

During First Minister's Questions, Labour MSP Carol Mochan asked Humza Yousaf if he would ensure a statement was made to clarify the government's "confused position" on the matter.

Referencing comments made by Dr Cass, the first minister said compassion to young people seeking treatment from a gender clinic had to be "at the forefront of everything we do".

He said: "It was absolutely right to allow clinicians to have conversations with the young people that they treat compassionately before the government came forward with any further statement."

Image source, PA Media

The Alba Party's Holyrood leader Ash Regan is submitting a motion of no confidence in the Scottish Green co-leader and government minister Patrick Harvie which could force a vote he would almost certainly win.

Regan, who was previously in the SNP, resigned as a government minister in order to vote against gender reform legislation.

Image source, PA

Her motion comes over Harvie's failure to say if he accepts the findings of the Cass Review into gender care.

Asked five times if he accepts the report, Harvie refused to say, instead claiming it has been "politicised and weaponised" against trans people.

Children have been let down by a lack of research and "remarkably weak" evidence on medical interventions in gender care, a landmark review says.

The Cass Review, external, published by paediatrician Dr Hilary Cass, calls for gender services for young people to match the standards of other NHS care.

She says the "toxicity" of the debate around gender meant professionals were "afraid" to openly discuss their views.

The review, which looked at gender identity services for under-18s, was commissioned by NHS England in 2020 after a sharp rise in the number of patients referred to the NHS who were questioning their gender.

• Read more here
• What does trans mean and what does the law say?
• Leaked emails reveal child gender service concerns
• Trans treatment waiting list a ‘death sentence’

Image source, Getty Images

So as we've been reporting, Scotland's NHS has paused prescribing puberty blockers to children referred by its specialist gender clinic.

The Sandyford clinic in Glasgow also said new patients aged 16 or 17 would no longer receive other hormone treatments until they were 18.

It follows a landmark review of gender services for under-18s in England.

Dr Hilary Cass's review said children had been let down by a lack of research and there was "remarkably weak" evidence on medical interventions.

NHS England confirmed it would stop prescribing puberty blockers in March.

The drugs work by suppressing the release of hormones that cause puberty and are often prescribed to children questioning their gender as a way of stopping physical changes such as breast development or facial hair.

• NHS England to stop prescribing puberty blockers
• Children let down by 'weak' gender care - review

Good afternoon and welcome to our live coverage of the Scottish Parliament as Public Health and Women's Health Minister Jenni Minto delivers an urgent ministerial statement on puberty blockers.

Scotland's NHS has paused prescribing puberty blockers to children referred by its specialist gender clinic.

We're expecting the statement after topical questions at around 14:20.

You can watch here with us by pressing the play icon at the top of the page.