The first shipment of US shale gas to be delivered to the UK remains anchored in the Firth of Forth, unable to dock because of strong winds.

It arrived amid a fierce debate about the future of fracking in Scotland and the rest of the UK.

Image source, Getty Images

The tanker, carrying 27,500m3 of ethane from US shale fields, is bound for the Grangemouth petrochemicals plant owned by Ineos.

Ineos said the gas would secure the future of the plant's workforce.

Scottish Conservative Leader Ruth Davidson asks if the first minister is in favour of shale gas being used in Scotland.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon says the Scottish government is taking a "cautious evidence based approach to shale gas and fracking". 

Image source, bbc

We will now bring you extensive coverage of first minister's questions.

SNP MSP Richard Lochhead asks what steps are being taken to ensure that the Scottish Ambulance Service supports co-responding of emergency services to road traffic accidents.

Scottish Conservative MSP Liam Kerr asks what steps the government has taken since January 2016 to improve air quality in Aberdeen.  

Community Safety Annabelle Ewing says there is no significant increase since the EU referendum in June.

Ms White raises the issue of a foodbank collection in Glasgow which was done for whites only.

The minister says that kind of behaviour is completely unacceptable and Police Scotland are monitoring the situation.

An independent review has called for a stronger approach to tackling hate crime in Scotland.

The advisory group set up by the Scottish government in 2015 issued a report examining some of the "many changes" which need to be made.

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The report, external said tackling hate crime should be "a priority concern for the whole of society".

The Scottish government said it contained "important messages that we should all reflect on".

SNP MSP Sandra White asks what recent discussions the government has had with Police Scotland regarding tackling hate crime.

SNP MSP Tom Arthur asks what action the government takes to ensure that housing developments do not have a negative impact on the character and infrastructure of villages.  

Mr Lindhurst asks if the minister has expressed concerns to banks about branch closures across Scotland.

Business Minister Paul Wheelhouse says he recognises these concerns, particularly for the elderly, some of whom may not have access to the internet.

Mr Wheelhouse says there is a continued need for face to face banking. 

Scotland is losing more than 140 bank branches over an 18-month period, according to BBC research.

A total of 112 high street banks have closed since July 2015 - with a further 33 due to close their doors within the coming months.

The research covered Bank of Scotland, Barclays, Clydesdale, Royal Bank of Scotland, Santander and TSB-branded banks across the country.

All the banks said the closures reflected changing customer habits.

Scottish Conservative MSP Gordon Lindhurst asks when the government last met representatives of high street banks that have retail operations in Scotland and what was discussed.  

Equalities Secretary Angela Constance says it is completely unacceptable for any local authority equal pay claims to be outstanding.

SNP MSP Rona Mackay asks whether the government will provide an update on how many local authorities have outstanding equal pay claims.  

Sport Minister Aileen Campbell says Scottish Olympians and Paralympians had great success with their medal haul.

Ms Campbell details sporting ventures from this legacy.

Mr Scott says the important legacy is supporting future athletes and calls for an Islands Travel Fund to help athletes compete across Scotland and specifically in Glasgow this weekend.

Ms Campbell says there is an ongoing discussion about an Islands Travel Fund with Sport Scotland and Cosla.

Conservative MSP Brian Whittle, a follow top class athlete, also praises Scotland's Olympians and Paralympians

The success of Scotland's Olympic and Paralympic stars in Rio has been celebrated in Edinburgh.

Athletes were cheered by children and mobbed for selfies as they arrived at Oriam, the new sports performance centre at Heriot-Watt University.

The homecoming event included a Q&A and an opportunity for young people to try Olympic sports such as rowing, judo and tennis, with tips from the athletes.

It was followed by a public celebration in Edinburgh's Festival Square.

Later the athletes attended the Team Scotland Scottish Sports Awards at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.

About 50 Scottish Olympic and Paralympic athletes took part in the celebration.

Scottish Lib Dem MSP Tavish Scott asks what action the government will take to ensure that there will be a legacy arising from the success of the Scottish competitors at the 2016 Olympics and Paralympics.  

Image source, Scottish Parliament

We will, as ever, bring you extensive coverage of first minister's questions at noon.

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The member's debate this lunchtime focuses on mental health education and it begins at 12.45pm

That brings the Social Security Committee to an end.

We'll be back at 11:40 with general questions.