Summary

  • FOR LIVE TEXT COVERAGE OF THE SCOTTISH BUDGET STATEMENT PLEASE SCROLL DOWN.

  • MSPs took evidence from Scottish Water on its annual report and accounts and then discuss the possibility of conducting an inquiry into the closure of the Forth Road Bridge

  • All eyes were were on Finance Secretary John Swinney as he unveiled his draft budget for 2016-17

  • MSPs backed the general principles of the Land Reform Bill after its first debate

Live Reporting

Colin Bell and Craig Hutchison

  1. The Infrastructure and Capital Investment committee take evidence on the Scottish Water Annual Report and Accounts

    First up today the Infrastructure and Capital Investment committee take evidence on the Scottish Water Annual Report and Accounts 2014/15. 

    The Committee will hear from: Lady Susan Rice, Chair, Douglas Millican, Chief Executive, Peter Farrer, Chief Operating Officer, and Johanna Dow, Chief Executive - Business Stream, Scottish Water. 

    Infrastructure and Capital Investment committee take evidence on the Scottish Water Annual Report and Accounts 2014/15

    The committee is is expected to consider options for an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the closure of the Forth Road Bridge in private after this evidence session. 

  2. Welcome to Holyrood Live coverage of budget day at the Scottish Parliament

    Welcome to BBC Scotland's Holyrood Live coverage of budget day and all the other proceedings at the Scottish Parliament, on 16 December 2015. 

    We will of course be bringing you extensive coverage of the ministerial statement from John Swinney from 2.40pm, including opposition party reaction and social media reaction. 

    Its budget day at the Scottish Parliamentbbc

    Its budget day at the Scottish Parliament

    First the Infrastructure Committee takes evidence on the Scottish Water annual report , from Lady Susan Rice, Douglas Millian, Peter Farrer and Johanna Dow from Scottish Water. 

    The member’s debate today is at lunchtime, as Lib Dem MSP Alison McInnes  higlights the Garioch Home-Start’s 20th anniversary celebrations.

    Portfolio questions focuses on  fair work, skills and training and then social justice, communities and pensioner’s rights.

    Finance Secretary John Swinney will deliver his draft budget this afternoonbbc

    Finance Secretary John Swinney will deliver his draft budget this afternoon

    In the afternoon, as we've mentioned, all eyes will be on Mr Swinney as he reveals the draft budget 2016-17

    MSP will then debate the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill for the first time. Decision time will be at 6pm this evening.