The "key sticking point" remains clause 11, the Brexit minister states.

Tomorrow the UK government intends to publish further amendments to this part of the bill but the Scottish government believes these will still mean the Scottish parliament will be restricted, he explains.

"We cannot support any proposal that would enable the powers of the Scottish parliament to be constrained."

Mr Russell says the amendments will include a sunset clause, but this still means parliament powers will be imposed for seven years.

Image source, bbc

Mr Russell says the one red line in negotiations was that all the preparations for Brexit must build on the principles of devolution.

The Brexit minister says the Scottish Parliament has spoken as one on this issue, criticising clause 11 in the EU Withdrawal Bill.

He says changes to the devolution settlement require the agreement of the Scottish Parliament.

Image source, PA

The UK government launched a legal challenge to the Scottish and Welsh governments' Brexit bills last week.

The two devolved parliaments passed legislation last month that is intended to act as an alternative to Westminster's EU Withdrawal Bill.

Officials from the Supreme Court have confirmed that papers regarding the legality of the legislation from the UK government have been lodged.

No date for any hearing has yet been set.

Read more here.

Brexit Minister Michael Russell says a lot of effort is going into reaching an agreement over the EU Withdrawal Bill, with another meeting between himself and UK Cabinet Minister David Lidington next week.

He states that since Scotland voted to remain in the EU, the Scottish parliament would have been justified in "having nothing to do with" the EU Withdrawal Bill.

Mr Russell reminds members that no consultation occurred before publication of the bill and reiterates the Scottish government's opinion that it is a power grab.

Image source, Scottish parliament

The dispute between the UK and Scottish governments over Brexit is reaching its "endgame" with a resolution needed in days rather than weeks, Nicola Sturgeon has said.

The first minister said she "genuinely hopes" an agreement can be reached over what happens to powers in devolved areas after the UK leaves the EU.

She said ministers from the two sides are likely to meet next week.

But she stressed that "we are not there yet" on a deal.

Ms Sturgeon was speaking after the UK government's Scottish secretary, David Mundell, told BBC Scotland that he too expected negotiations to "go to the wire" as the Brexit bill reaches its final stages in the House of Lords.

But he insisted that he remained confident a deal would be reached.

Read more.

Brexit Minister Michael Russell stands to deliver an update on Brexit and EU Withdrawal Bill negotiations.

Mr Sarwar says this issues are a result of years of mismanagement, with NHS Lothian alone needing £31m more to keep existing levels of service.

We need meaningful action now, not the same old tired excuses, the Labour MSP states.

"Cabinet secretary, it's time to step up or step down."

Ms Robison says demand is increasing and record funding it being provided to Scotland's NHS.

She reiterates efforts to increase train places and recruitment, stating this is a good package of workforce planning.

Scotland's leading doctor has warned patients are "suffering" because of funding cuts and staff shortages.

Dr Peter Bennie, chairman of BMA Scotland claimed staff and funding are not keeping up with demand.

He said the gap is putting unprecedented strain on doctors and that all parts of the profession are "under pressure like never before".

Ahead of the Scottish BMA conference in Glasgow last week, he said vacancy levels and targets are compounding the situation.

Read more.

Image source, bbc

Health Secretary Shona Robison says NHS staffing and investment has increased to a record level under the SNP.

Ms Robison says the recent figures about entirement were for NHS staff generally not just for GPs.

Mr Sarwar says figures show that over the last eight years figures for NHS staff retiring have doubled.

"That's shameful."

The Labour MSP asks: "Can we have a credible workforce plan from a credible health secretary?"

Ms Robison outlines the government's recruitment efforts in general practice and its comprehensive workforce plan.

Image source, Getty Images

The number of NHS staff taking early retirement has more than doubled in the last eight years, the Herald reports.

In 2017, 730 health workers either retired or accessed their pensions early.

This compared to just 358 in 2010-11.

NHS Tayside has been hit most, with the number of those retiring tripling over the period.

Read the Herald's coverage here. , external

Labour MSP Anas Sarwar seeks a response to reports that the number of doctors seeking early retirement has doubled in the last eight years.

Labour MSP David Stewart says the age of vessels is a key concern and urges the minister to discuss the issue with CalMac.

The transport minister agrees this is a concern but points to increasing investment in vessels.

We are also looking at spending to refit, refurbish and re-engineer to extend the life of vessels, he states.

Image source, bbc

Tory MSP Donald Cameron asks why the government has let this situation get completely out of hand, leading to islands competing for ferries.

Mr Yousaf disagrees with this premise and says Mr Cameron is taking a simplistic and immature approach to this.

SNP MSP Kate Forbes states the Mallaig to Armadale crossing has been hit particularly hard by the disruption.

Mr Yousaf accepts the point and says he has met with various stakeholders on the matter.

Loch Bhrusda will commence services on the route from today, he confirms.

Image source, bbc

Transport and Islands Minister Humza Yousaf says CalMac is trying its best to mitigate the impact on the network until the end of May.

Mr Yousaf says safety must be his and CalMac's top priority, but he says he understands the frustration people are feeling.

The minister outlines the measures CalMac are taking to ameliorate this frustration.

Image source, bbc

Mr Finnie says there have been 3,852 cancellations in the last five years due to mechanical failure.

The Green MSP asks if the Vessels Replacement and Deployment Plan is fit for purpose, to which the minister replies yes.

Image source, CalMac

Complications during repairs to a Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) ferry means the boat will be out of action for longer than expected.

Parts of the MV Clansman's propulsion system have had to be sent to Denmark for specialist repair.

CalMac said it was taking steps to minimise disruption to its west coast services.

The ferry operator has put in place an amended timetable until the return of all major vessels expected by 31 May.

Read more here.

Green MSP John Finnie asks about the anticipated disruption to CalMac services until the end of May.

MSPs quiz ministers on issues of a topical nature.