John Swinney unveils a largely unchanged cabinet after becoming Scotland's first minister
Kate Forbes is appointed deputy first minister, replacing Shona Robison
Forbes - who takes on the economy portfolio and responsibility for Gaelic - says it is "a moment of extraordinary privilege for me"
Robison remains in the cabinet as secretary for finance and local government
Mairi McAllan, the secretary for net zero and energy, loses the economy part of her brief
Swinney says his cabinet team "blends experience and energy"
Image source, PA MediaThe new first minister's wife, BBC journalist Elizabeth Quigley, and their 13-year-old son Matthew (bottom right) watched from the public gallery as he signed the parchment during the ceremony.
SNP chief executive Murray Foote (back left) was also among the 14-strong group SNP group who watched events at the Court of Session.
Image source, PA Media
Image source, PA MediaThis is the moment John Swinney was officially sworn in as Scotland's seventh first minister.
Professor Sir John Curtice
Polling expert
Image source, ReutersJohn Swinney has been sworn in today as Scotland’s first minister, the seventh person to fill that role.
However, he has not only taken on responsibility for leading the country’s devolved government, he has also taken on the job of his party’s leader - with a Westminster election probably no more than six months away.
Governing Scotland is not easy at a time when public services are under pressure and the economy is flatlining.
But turning around the SNP’s fortunes could prove an even more demanding task.
When Humza Yousaf decided to throw the Greens out of the government, polls of voting intention for Westminster were on average putting the SNP on just 33%.
That meant the party was only neck-and-neck with Labour in terms of votes – an outcome that, because of the greater geographical concentration of its vote, would most likely result in Labour winning most seats.
That 33% figure represents no less than a 10-point drop in the party’s rating compared with where it stood when Nicola Sturgeon announced her intention to resign in February last year.
Read more from Professor Sir John Cutice here.
Image source, Getty ImagesJohn Swinney has become Scotland's seventh first minister having secured the SNP leadership and the nomination of Holyrood.
It is his second turn leading the party and marks a remarkable turnaround 20 years after he stood down from a difficult period in the top seat.
For many in the SNP - particularly those who have been in the movement for a long time - John Swinney embodies what they think of as core SNP values.
They see him as trustworthy, hard-working and loyal. He is a favourite at the party conference and his admirers recognise in him a burning desire for Scottish independence.
Image source, PA MediaAfter the ceremony, Swinney posed for pictures in the Court of Session with the Great Seal.
It is used to cast a wax seal which is affixed to official documents to confirm that they have been authorised by King Charles.
One side features the reigning monarch, while the other depicts the Royal Arms as used in Scotland.
The Act of Union in 1707 abolished the Great Seal of Scotland but its replacement is also referred to as the Great Seal or the Scottish Seal.
The first minister is the Keeper of the Great Seal and it is considered one of the most prestigious honours of the office.
David Wallace Lockhart
Political correspondent
The lord president wishes Mr Swinney well for what will be "challenging times” at home and abroad.
And with that, it’s over.
John Swinney is now officially First Minister of Scotland.
David Henderson
BBC Scotland political correspondent
There are three parts to this ceremony at the Court of Session.
The lord president administers the oath of office - also known as the "official declaration".
There's also a declaration to the first minister as Keeper of the Scottish Seal - sometimes called the Great Seal of Scotland.
This allows the monarch to authorise official documents - without having to sign each document individually.
Then John Swinney declares allegiance to the King.
So it’s ceremonial, but it gives Swinney authority to do his job and lead the Scottish Government.
James Cook
Scotland Editor, BBC News
John Swinney has been sworn in as First Minister of Scotland.
At two minutes past 10, the excited chatter in the busy courtroom died away in an instant as Mr Swinney walked in to the room.
He exchanged a smile with his wife Elizabeth Quigley and, after a long pause, was followed by five judges in ruby robes.
In the lead, was the Lord President, Lord Carloway, who administered the oaths of office.
As is tradition, Mr Swinney did not speak but bowed his head three times before putting pen to parchment to confirm his appointment.
David Wallace Lockhart
Political correspondent
With his right hand raised, John Swinney has now taken the official oaths.
He has signed parchments and has now taken his seat.
David Wallace Lockhart
Political correspondent
A hush falls across Court 1 as John Swinney enters.
Mr Swinney is standing silently as he waits for the formalities to begin.
For a man who was stepping back from frontline politics around a year ago, this must be a momentous occasion to find himself about to be sworn in as first minister.
David Wallace Lockhart
Political correspondent
I’m in Court 1 at the Court of Session in Edinburgh, waiting for John Swinney to enter.
The incoming first minister’s wife and son are in the front row. There are some Scottish government and SNP figures here too.
The wooden benches aren’t exactly comfortable, but alongside the legal tomes sitting behind the judge’s bench they help to give the occasion the sense of solemnity it merits.
We’re expecting John Swinney to be sworn in in the next 10 minutes or so.
John Swinney gains the nomination of the Scottish Parliament yesterday
Within the next half hour, John Swinney will be sworn in as the seventh first minister of Scotland.
He is then expected to form his government, with cabinet posts confirmed in parliament on Thursday.
A "significant" role has been promised to former finance secretary Kate Forbes who chose not to run for the SNP leadership and backed Swinney instead.
Overall he was backed by 64 MSPs while seven Green MSPs abstained, guaranteeing him the required majority.
Swinney's appointment as first minister will be rubber-stamped by the King before he is officially sworn in at the Court of Session.
He has already arrived for the ceremony.
David Wallace Lockhart
Political correspondent
John Swinney has said it’s an “enormous privilege” to arrive at the Court of Session in preparation for being sworn in as first minister.
Asked if he ever thought he’d be in this position, Swinney said it was a “big surprise”.
The incoming first minister said that many people had been in touch with words of wisdom.
Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of John Swinney begin sworn in as Scotland's new first minster and then his cabinet reshuffle.
It follows his election to the post in the Scottish Parliament yesterday.
He'll then start appointing his new cabinet - with much interest in the portfolio that he'll give to the former SNP leadership contender, Kate Forbes.
Stick with us for every twist and turn during another seismic day in Scottish politics.