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First Minister Nicola Sturgeon begins her statement saying her programme for government ensures "we remain focused on delivering for today and investing for tomorrow".

The first minister insists her progamme will tackle poverty, set out the new social security system and improve the economy.

This is all done in the shadow of Brexit, she adds, going on to accuse the UK government of shambolically handling it.

The first mention of independence then follows from the first minister.

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The programme for government is available online. , external

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Nicola Sturgeon will now deliver her programme for government for 2018-19, entitled 'Delivering for Today, Investing for Tomorrow’.

It's expected the first minister will outline 12 new bills for this parliamentary term.

The focus will be on mental health, the economy and the NHS.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman replies that NHS boards have governance and appraisal mechanisms for their consultants and highlights the revised complaints mechanism.

Mr Fraser points to the BBC Scotland investigation into top surgeon Sam Eljamel.

He says it appears NHS Tayside did not have the structure in place to deal with this case.

The health secretary points out she is restricted in what she can say, but highlights improvements in mortality in surgery.

Mr Fraser asks for a fullly indpendent investigation into the cases highlighted by the programme.

The minister explains she is reviewing the situation.

A top surgeon harmed patients for years and the health board did not have the systems in place to pick up on his mistakes, a BBC investigation has found.

BBC Scotland's Disclosure team saw evidence that dozens of people claimed to have been harmed by Sam Eljamel, the former head of neurosurgery at NHS Tayside.

In one case he removed the wrong part of a patient's body.

NHS Tayside said it had listened to patients, changed its practices and made improvements as a result.

However, the BBC investigation found Mr Eljamel was allowed to continue operating even after an external investigation found he was injuring patients.

Tory MSP Murdo Fraser asks how NHS boards ensure that patients’ concerns regarding surgical practices are properly addressed.

Transport Secretary Michael Matheson says he has been in discussion with South Ayrshire Council in the last week.

Transport Scotland has created a new taskforce to support the council in getting the rail line up and running safely as soon as possible, he adds.

Mr Matheson goes on to say the responsibility for the imposition of an exclusion zone is for the local authority.

Trains have been delayed and cancelled after an exclusion zone was extended around Ayr station last week.

Contractors found crumbling and exposed roof areas at the former Station Hotel next door.

Councillors said the problems "present a significant and immediate danger to people and places around the station".

No services are running between Ayr and Girvan and there is a reduced service between Ayr and Glasgow Central.

Read more.

SNP MSP Emma Harper queries discussions with ScotRail and South Ayrshire Council regarding the implemented exclusion zone around Ayr railway station, which is causing disruption for passengers travelling south of Ayr to Girvan and Stranraer.

Lib Dem MSP Liam McArthur seeks an assurance that detailed business plans will be created.

Mr Yousaf confirms options will be accompanied with as much info for scrutiny and transparency as possible.

Green MSP John Finnie argues the justice secretary failed to address ongiong concerns about officers and staff.

Mr Yousaf argues that if he had gone against Police Scotland's advice Mr Finnie would have been the first to criticise him.

He insists the path he has chosen to go down is very much following that advice.

Tory MSP Liam Kerr asks if the commission service model which the minister previously opposed is now firmly on the table.

Mr Yousaf says he does not want to prejudge the discussions today and tomorrow.

He accepts there was reservations about the commission model but again says he will not prejudge this.

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf says the Scottish government has committed to listening to stakeholders, particularly on the timing for realignment of IT structures.

Full integration of railway policing into Police Scotland remains the long-term goal, he explains.

But there is a need to provide interim arrangements, Mr Yousaf adds.

Mr Johnson argues full integration is not possible and calls for it to be ruled out.

Image source, British Transport Police

The Scottish government is putting its plans to merge British Transport Police and Police Scotland on hold.

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said a review would be carried out "to explore further options" on how to deliver the devolution of railway policing.

The Scottish government had already delayed the introduction of the merger, which was due to take place in April.

The decision follows fresh warnings from Police Scotland about the practicalities of a merger.

Read more here.

Labour MSP Daniel Johnson requests an update on the integration of British Transport Police and Police Scotland.

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A memorial service was held on 17 August for former Holyrood presiding officer Sir Alex Fergusson.

The retired MSP died in July at the age of 69 following a short illness.

About 800 people gathered at Kirkcudbright Parish Church to pay tribute to the former Conservative MSP.

They included Deputy First Minister John Swinney, Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson, current presiding officer Ken Macintosh, and former presiding officer Lord David Steel.

Scottish Secretary David Mundell delivered a eulogy at the service.

Read more here.

Image source, Scottish Parliament

Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh says he is sorry to be starting the first item of business on such a a sad note, as MSPs prepare to observe a minute's silence for the former presiding officer Sir Alex Fergusson, who passed away in July.

The former Conservative MSP for Galloway and West Dumfries stood down from Holyrood after 17 years of service in 2016, and was subsequently knighted.

He served as Holyrood's third presiding officer from 2007 to 2011.

Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said Sir Alex was "an enormous figure" in her party who had been an "exemplary" presiding officer.

Read more here.

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