Image source, Getty Images

The Scottish government is to publish the results of a series of studies into the potential impact of fracking.

The government is mulling over whether to allow the controversial oil and gas extraction technique in Scotland, with a moratorium currently in force.

Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse is making this statement laying out the results of the research.

The government has said it will hold a public consultation before making any decision on whether to allow fracking.

Nicola Sturgeon's government commissioned a series of independent research projects when it imposed a moratorium on fracking in January 2015.

The Scottish government will now deliver a statement on unconventional oil and gas.

Scottish Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser asks if there is any evidence the current law is not working and the minister says he is unaware of any evidence to that effect.

Mr Cole-Hamilton says Scotland is one of just four of the states in the Council of Europe not to get rid of the "justifiable assault" defence.

Mr MacDonald says the government wants to see children not being punished physically.

Mr Cole-Hamilton says it is time to catch up with our European neighbours and protect children.

He calls for a free vote on ending "justifiable assault" against children, Mr MacDonald says again the government does not support physical punishment but says there is no legislation yet before the Scottish Parliament.

Childcare Minister Mark MacDonald says the government does not support physical punishments on children.

Mr MacDonald says they also believe additional legislation is not required at this time.

Image source, Thinkstock

According to a Herald report, external, a Liberal Democrat MSP branded the Scottish government's announcement that it has no plans to ban parents from smacking their children a "national shame".

Liam McArthur questioned the Scottish Government on the "continued legality of the 'justifiable assault' defence", which parents can use in court to defend violence towards a child.

Mark McDonald, minister for childcare and early years, said the Scottish Government would not repeal the legal defence.

Lib Dem MSP Alex Cole-Hamiltion asks the government what impact "justifiable assault" has on children.

Scottish Lib Dem Leader Willie Rennie says "the left hand does not know what the right hand is doing". 

Mr Rennie asks the minister to give reassurances that this process won't be a "farce".

Mr Matheson says the member should speak to his local commander as he probably already is doing.

He says decisions will be made locally and it is not about taking police officers out of local areas. 

Green MSP John Finnie calls for a full community impact assessment on the loss of contact with the police.

Mr Finnie calls for review of the 101 police number.

Mr Matheson says the commanders are responsible for contact with local communities.

The justice secretary says this should be welcomed.

Bonfire Night was "marred" by a number of attacks on firefighters across Scotland, the fire service has said.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) crews had missiles and fireworks thrown at them as they attended incidents.

Image source, Thinkstock

One firefighter was hit by a stone in Bingham, Edinburgh, as his crew helped tackle a rubbish fire.

In Greenock, firefighters were forced to withdraw after they were attacked with missiles. The fire service said "thankfully" no-one had been injured.

Crews were sent to 970 incidents between 16:00 and midnight on Saturday on what the fire service said was its busiest night of the year.

Conservative MSP Douglas Ross asks about stations where facilities are being shared with ambulance and fire services.

Mr Ross says the Conservatives are concerned about the loss of local accountability with the 58 police station closures.

Mr Matheson begins by saying the attacks on the fires service crews at the weekend was unacceptable.

The justice secretary says the emergency services can work better if they are working in the same building.

The justice secretary says the process is at a very early stage and the 58 sites have been identified by local commanders.

Mr Matheson says the engagement with local communities is still to take place.

He says some commanders will be looking at relocation and they will decide on the consultation.

Image source, bbc

Labour MSP Claire Baker asks if the cabinet secretary realises that the fact that this information came out after an FOI makes local people doubt they will be included. 

Mr Matheson says a number of police stations have been identified that don't meet current requirements within the community. 

The justice secretary says these matters will be discussed locally with local views taken into account. 

Image source, bbc

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson says the Police Scotland's Estates Strategy seeks to remodel the police estate for the policing needs of the future. 

Mr Matheson says commanders will play a key role in estate decisions. 

Image source, Google

The future of dozens of police stations across Scotland is under threat, BBC Scotland has learned.

Police Scotland has drawn up a list of buildings in 58 locations which could be closed as part of a wide-ranging estate review.

Properties in Carnoustie, Leith, Hawick, Oban, Port Glasgow, Ayr and Larkhall are among those under review.

The force said it needed "modern, flexible buildings which are fit for the future".

Image source, bbc

SNP MSP Rona Mackay asks the Scottish government what its response is to the reported Police Scotland estate review and how it will ensure the outcome has no adverse impact on service delivery.

MSPs will now raise issues includingincluding thefuture of dozens of police stations across Scotland and the "justifiable assault" of children by parents. 

Reverend Bob Mallinson from Menzieshill Parish Church, Lochee, Dundee delivers today's time for reflection.