Hundreds of mesh implant operations have been performed in Scotland despite ministers recommending their suspension.

Figures obtained by the BBC show that 404 women have received mesh and tape implants since the health secretary called for the suspension in June 2014.

The Scottish government said the position had been made clear.

Those boards still using mesh implants said they discussed all the potential risks with patients before surgery.

The procedure is used to ease incontinence and pelvic prolapse.

• What's the issue with mesh implants?

Image source, Thinkstock

Labour MSP Neil Findlay ask the Scottish government how many women have had transvaginal mesh implants since it requested NHS boards to suspend their use in June 2014

Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh says he was concerned the first minister told the media about the post-Brexit proposals before the parliament.

We will now move to topical questions where issues around transvaginal mesh implants and the downgrading of the Scottish government forecast of revenues from the residential element of Lands and Buildings Transaction Tax will be raised

Alex Johnstone was elected to the first Holyrood parliament in 1999.

The Conservative politician made his oath alongside other newly elected MSPs.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon made reference to his longevity in Scottish politics during the tributes session in the chamber

Mr Rennie says Alex Johnstone got respect from everyone in the chamber.

The Scottish Lib Dem leader says Alex Johnstone looked like a Tory bruiser, but he was much,  much more than that, he was intelligent, sharp, witty, loyal and principled.

Scottish Lib Dem Leader Willie Rennie says he will miss Alex Johnstone for his humour and generosity.

Mr Rennie says he first met him at a housing conference which was not a sympathetic audience for a conservative.

He says that was no concern for the "unbridled Alex Johnstone" 

Scottish Green Party co-convener Patrick Harvie says he worked with Alex Johnstone on the Climate Change Bill.

Mr Harvie says Mr Johnstone always showed a willingness to listen.

He praises the work Alex did on the Climate Change Bill.

Scottish Greens co-convener Patrick Harvie says Alex Johnstone always disagreed in good spirit and that is important on this stage.

Mr Harvie says he has been on different sides of many of a debate but he believes both left these with a greater understanding of the other's perspective.

Ms Dugdale says Alex was "a son of the soil" and was intensely proud of the North East.

The Scottish Labour leader says the North East has "lost a local loon and one of its finest champions."

Scottish Labour Leader Kezia Dugdale says Alex was "a larger than life character who was an elder statesman" in the Scottish Parliament.

Ms Dugdale says despite his vast experience he would never belittle those new to the job.

She says he was always confident and made his point, using humour to great affect.

Ms Dugdale says he always made his voice heard, not least during the Scottish independence referendum as part of the Better Together campaign. 

On Wednesday 7 December 2016 MSPs paid tribute to their late colleague Alex Johnstone, who had died aged 55, via twitter.

Many of them were published here on Holyrood Live.

Ms Sturgeon says Alex was a proud champion of the North East.

The first minister pays tribute to his work in at Holyrood and also against knife crime.

Image source, bbc

She says Mr Johnstone exemplified the integrity, dedication and the sense of public service required for the Scottish Parliament.

Ms Sturgeon says she hopes Alex's wife and family take some comfort in seeing the affection with which he is remembered.