A shop owner who murdered schoolgirl Paige Doherty in a frenzied knife attack has had his sentence reduced.

John Leathem, 32, will now serve at least 23 years in prison. He had originally been sentenced to a minimum of 27 years in jail.

Image source, Police Scotland

Leathem stabbed the 15-year-old 61 times after she stopped at his delicatessen in Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire, in March.

Paige's family said there were no words to describe their feelings.

The teenager's body was found in woods in March last year.

Leathem admitted her murder and claimed to have "panicked" after Paige threatened to report him for sexual assault after she applied for a job.

Scottish Conservative Leader Ruth Davidson raises the issue of the murderer of Paige Doherty having four years taken off his sentence.

Ms Davidson highlights the response for Justice for Page group which said this was "heartbreaking".

The first minister says there is literally no words to express the pain the family has gone through.

Ms Sturgeon say she understands the Justice for Page campaign's reaction and says if she had been a relative she would have felt the same way.

She points out that the decision was that of an independent judge.

Image source, PA/Scottish Parliament

We will now bring you extensive coverage of first minister's questions, including all the social media reaction as it happens.

Education Secretary John Swinney says he met with survivors on the 9 December, he says he is hoping to meet Wellbeing Scotland next month. 

Ms Lamont says there are concerns that the panel excludes those with experience and asks how support can ensure these voices are heard.

Mr Swinney says he can understand why the membership of the panel is causing concerns.

He says the last original panel member left because of a conflict of interests with a new line of employment. 

The education secretary says he encourages survivors to come forward with evidence to the inquiry. 

Image source, Thinkstock

Child abuse survivors' groups have said they have no trust left in Scotland's Child Abuse Inquiry.

White Flowers Alba and In Care Abuse Survivors Group both called for urgent answers from the Scottish government on the future of the inquiry.

The probe has been plagued by problems and all three original panel members have now resigned.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said he understood the concerns but told the BBC the inquiry was gathering momentum.

Glen Houston resigned from the panel on Tuesday. He said his new appointments to the boards of two public sector organisations meant there was potentially a conflict of interest with his work on the abuse inquiry.

Labour MSP Johann Lamont asks when the government last met groups representing survivors of child sexual abuse and what issues were discussed.

Health Secretary Shona Robison says NHS boards are responsible for this.

Mr Cameron asks what assurances can be given to people in rural areas that services will continue to be made available.

Ms Robison says a lot of work is going on to ensure that is the case. 

The health secretary says within Highland there has been a lot of innovative solutions brought in locally. 

She say her own officials have been involved in this local matter. 

Tory MSP Donald Cameron asks what action the government is taking to ensure that there is access to local specialist care services across the Highlands and Islands.

Labour MSP Jackie Baillie asks how many jobs the scheme will create.

Mr Brown says that will depend on the nature of the applications coming forward.

He says the growth scheme is designed to create jobs and opportunity. 

Image source, bbc

Economy Secretary Keith Brown says the government is continuing to work with partners and the work is progressing.

Mr Lockhart asks where in the budget he can find the loan funding for the Scottish Growth Scheme.

Mr Brown says th funding is demand led and is an additional £500m in funding.

He says this is a positive measure by the government. 

Tory MSP Dean Lockhart asks what progress the government is making with the Scottish Growth Scheme.

Image source, bbc

Housing Minister Kevin Stewart say there has been no discussions with councils on this issue and it is a matter for councils.

Mr Mundell says the projected costs are spiralling upwards and the public believe the council has failed to communicate with local businesses and constituents. 

Mr Stewart says he appreciates that there is opposition to this scheme but this is the responsibility of Dumfries and Galloway Council.

He says he would "urge folks to respond to the consultation."

Tory MSP Oliver Mundell asks what discussions the government has had with Dumfries and Galloway Council regarding engagement with local communities on proposed regeneration plans for the Whitesands in Dumfries.

Image source, bbc

Labour MSP Anas Sarwar asks what support can be given to communities to ensure Islamphobia is being reported. 

M Constance says there is an increase in the number of charges in this area and this is due to a general rise in reporting.

"It is important hate crime is reported so a firm stance can be taken," she says. 

Image source, One Scotland

Equalities Secretary Angela Constance says £500,000 has been investment has been made to tackle crime against different religious beliefs.

Mr Macdonald says a relaunch of the One Scotland, Many Cultures campaign would help with this and asks if this can be considered.

Ms Constance says this will be considered and the One Scotland, external campaign continues to have an online presence. 

SNP MSP Angus MacDonald asks what action the government is taking to tackle Islamophobia.

Image source, bbc

Health Secretary Shona Robison says the government and NHS Lothian have been in regular contact concerning this.

Mr Smyth says patients often have to travel to the Western General in Edinburgh for cancer treatment and are provided with accomodation next to the unit.

The Labour MSP says this means the patients do not have to travel far and asks for guarantees that this will be a part of service plans.

Ms Robison says accommodation will be considered as the business case continues and she is aware of the need for appropriate accommodation. 

Labour MSP Colin Smyth asks what discussions the government has had with NHS Lothian regarding plans to rebuild the Edinburgh Cancer Centre.

Image source, PA/Scottish Parliament

After general questions, we will bring you extensive coverage of first minister's questions.

Labour MSP Lewis Macdonald will then lead a debate calling for joint governmental investment for the oil and gas industry.

Image source, PA

 The afternoon will of course be dominated by the budget, with the Greens and SNP expected to unite, as they did at Stage 1, to ensure its safe passage.

Join us for extensive coverage of this too!! Including all the social media reaction as it happens.