Summary

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  • The Health Committee heard evidence from parents affected by the baby ashes scandal, as it considered the Burial and Cremation Bill

  • The government's response to the flooding in Scotland and the progress being made on the Forth Road Bridge were in today's topical questions

  • Nicola Sturgeon led a debate entitled 'Supporting Public Services, Tackling Inequality and Growing Scotland’s Economy'

  • The importance of the Celtic rainforest was highlighted in the member's debate

Live Reporting

Craig Hutchison and Colin Bell

  1. This afternoon we have topical questions and the first chamber debate of 2016

    This afternoon we start with topical questions, with flooding across Scotland likely to feature here or in a ministerial statement. 

    First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will then lead the first chamber debate of 2016 entitled 'Supporting Public Services, Tackling Inequality and Growing Scotland’s Economy'. 

    Nicola Sturgeon

    SNP MSP Mike Russell will then lead a debate on the Celtic Rainforest.   

  2. MSPs will hear evidence from parents affected by the baby ashes scandal

    First up we have the Health and Sport Committee where parents who were affected by the baby ashes scandal will give evidence on the Burial and Cremation (Scotland) Bill. 

    Mortonhall crematorium

    The witnesses include Willie Reid from Bathgate who lost his daughter Donna at two days old and is chairman of the Mortonhall Action Committee and Cheryl Buchanan whose daughter died at 23 weeks gestation of pregnancy in 2004. 

    It will be a very compelling session. 

    This will be followed by the health secretary giving evidence on the budget.

  3. Happy New Year and welcome to Holyrood Live

    Welcome back to Holyrood Live and our coverage of the first day of the Scottish Parliament in 2016.

    Holyrood

    We hope you had a good holiday and wish you all a very happy New Year.