The Social Security Committee takes evidence on the Social Security Bill from charities
Nicola Sturgeon is quizzed by opposition party leaders and MSPs during first minister's questions
Finance Secretary Derek Mackay delivers a ministerial statement on Air Departure Tax
The Scottish government delivers a ministerial statement on Scottish City Region Deals
MSPs debate the Wild Animals in Travelling Circuses Bill before voting on its general principles at decision time
Image source, AFP/Getty ImagesMSPs will now debate the Wild Animals in Travelling Circuses Bill before voting on its general principles at decision time.
Bruce Crawford says he referred to Tory MSP Dean Lockhart as Dean Shiels earlier because he is obviously obsessed with Dunfermline Athletic Football Club.
Mr Crawford says he would like to apologise to Dean Shiels..... and of course Dean Lockhart.
Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh says the member may have been flattered to be compared with Dean Shiels and notes his apology.
Image source, Jim MailerJoanna Boyd (L) joined Bobby McGill, Duncan Ogilvie and Ann-Maree Morrison to celebrate the announcement
Last November we reported that Stirling Council had welcomed the announcement of a City Deal for the area as a "once in a generation opportunity."
Chancellor Philip Hammond confirmed in his Autumn Statement that talks would begin on Stirling's City Deal, which also includes Clackmannanshire.
The deals give areas greater powers to help support economic growth, create jobs or invest in local projects.
The £250m Aberdeen City Region Deal was signed on Monday.
The Labour leader of Stirling Council, Johanna Boyd said Mr Hammond's announcement was "fantastic news."
Image source, ThinkstockStirling
Image source, bbcLib Dem MSP Liam McArthur
Lib Dem MSP Liam McArthur welcomes the ongoing discussions with islands authorities about an Islands Deal.
Mr McArthur asks for a specific official be appointed as the point of contact for the islands authorities.
Mr Brown says yes he can.
The economy secretary says he will make sure the councils and Liam McArthur are aware of the name of the official.
Green MSP Mark Ruskell asks Mr Brown if specific projects will be taken forward
Green MSP Mark Ruskell says clearly city deals can be a strong driver for low carbon projects.
Mr Ruskell asks how rail projects will be supported through the deals.
Mr Brown says if the council does not put forward the specific deals that the member mentions then they cannot be accepted.
He says the government will commit to look at all proposals brought forward.
Image source, ThinkstockAberdeen
In January we reported the signing of a £250m Aberdeen City Region Deal which could potentially unlock more than £800m of investment.
The 10-year deal commits the UK and Scottish governments to invest the money, with Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire councils also contributing.
At the signing in Aberdeen, it was estimated the value could be £826m once other investment is factored in.
It is believed hundreds of jobs could be created annually as a result.
Image source, Getty ImagesScotland's economic growth slowed to 0.1% between April and the end of June, the latest official figures show.
The GDP (gross domestic product) figures for the second quarter were down from the 0.6% growth at the start of 2017.
Scotland's first quarter figures were above the equivalent rate for the UK as a whole (0.2%).
However, the second quarter was below the UK rate, which was 0.3%.
Changes in GDP are the main indicator of economic growth in Scotland.
Mr Brown says when you have a situation where a government announces that it is going to put resources into one part of the UK then it is not fair.
The economy secretary says GDP increased 0.7% in Scotland compared with 0.5% in the rUK.
Image source, bbcLabour MSP Jackie Baillie
Labour MSP Jackie Baillie says Scottish Labour believes cities and their regions power economic growth.
Ms Baillie says she welcomes the City Deals.
She says economic growth in Scotland is only 0.1%.
Ms Baillie says: "We can and should do better."
She asks how much economic growth the deals will deliver.
Ms Baillie also asks if this is a good example of the UK pooling its resources.
Mr Brown says it is astonishing that the Tories have "crept back" to the position that the UK government has no role in the Scottish economy.
The economy secretary says luckily some in the UK government are more savvy and that is why they have brought forward the industrial strategy.
He says partners will have to work together and that "nothing is agreed until everything is agreed".
Image source, bbcTory MSP Dean Lockhart
Tory MSP Dean Lockhart welcomes the cooperation between governments on the city deals.
Mr Lockhart says Scotland's economic growth is poor at only 0.1%.
He asks how the City Deals will deliver economic growth.
Mr Brown says the government respects the knowledge of regional partners.
The economy secretary says to meet the aspirations of the industrial strategy he would call on the UK government to work with the Scottish government and for other partners.
Image source, GREG MACVEANIn July we reported that Edinburgh and south east Scotland are to receive a multi-million pound boost after the latest City Deal was agreed.
The UK and Scottish governments are each investing £300m in the project.
The money will be used to support innovation, infrastructure, housing, tourism and culture including a new concert hall in St Andrew Square.
Contributions from councils and universities are expected to take the total investment in the deal to about £1bn.
The money will support the creation of five new innovation hubs, including in robotics and space technologies.
Investments at Heriot-Watt, Queen Margaret and Edinburgh Universities are envisaged.
Mr Brown says the Scottish government is determined to deliver a deal that helps the economy in Ayrshire.
The minister says the Scottish government is looking at a Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal.
He also highlights the Islands Deal bid.
Mr Brown says the Enterprise and Skills Review shows the government's commitment to regional partnerships.
The economy secretary says private sector involvement is "absolutely crucial".
He says the private sector has to be an engaged sector.
Mr Brown says inclusive growth is about opportunities for everybody.
Image source, DUNDEE CITY COUNCILRepresentatives from all four council areas launched the Tay City Deals submission
In February we reported that a £1.84bn proposal to create up to 15,000 jobs in Tayside and North East Fife had been announced.
The Tay Cities Deal submission document, external includes more than 50 projects, including a scheme to boost employment through oil and gas decomissioning.
The bid seeks £826m over 10 years from the Scottish and UK governments and their agencies.
The remainder would come from councils, colleges and universities, and the public, private and voluntary sectors.
Image source, bbcMr Brown says in three years there have been four City Deals.
The economy secretary confirms he will support the Stirling and Clackmannanshire and the Tay Cities Deal bids.
Image source, Getty ImagesIn 2014 we reported that Glasgow formally signed a City Deal with the UK and Scottish governments to bring in £1.3bn of extra investment.
Westminster and Holyrood were to give £500m each in additional grant funding to the city and its surrounding areas.
Glasgow and neighbouring councils were to supplement this by borrowing £130m.
The cash was to be used to pay for major transport and employment programmes.
Economy Secretary Keith Brown says the definition of Inclusive growth is strengthening the economy so that it is fit for all and that is centre to the government's strategy.
Mr Brown says city deals are a key economic lever.
The economy secretary says these deals will be transformational and can benefit all.
He says the government has made investment to transfer Scotland's infrastructure.