Summary

  • The first minister delivers the programme for government 2018-19

  • She pledges to increase capital investment year on year so that by 2025/6 investment in infrastructure will be £7bn higher than current projections

  • Programme for Government promises an increase of a quarter of a billion pounds for mental health provision over the next five years

  • The Scottish government pledges to meet settled status fees for EU citizens working in public services

  • £60m in funding for additional school counsellors

Live Reporting

Louise Wilson and Craig Hutchison

  1. Background: Nicola Sturgeon to set out plans for new Holyrood term

    Nicola Sturgeon will open the new Holyrood term with a speech setting out her government's plansGetty Images

    Nicola Sturgeon will open the new Holyrood term with a speech setting out her government's plans

    First Minster Nicola Sturgeon is to set out her plans for the coming year as MSPs return to Holyrood after recess.

    Ms Sturgeon will open the new year at the Scottish Parliament with a speech detailing her programme for government, kicking off around 2.20pm.

    We'll bring you extensive coverage and analysis right here.

    the first minister will announce a dozen new pieces of legislation, with focus expected to be on mental health, the environment and sustainable growth in the economy.

    MSPs will spend the rest of the week debating the plans, with other parties also setting out their own priorities.

    Read more here.

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  3. Good morning and welcome back to Holyrood Live

    Scottish ParliamentScottish Parliament/Andrew Cowan

    MSPs will get down to business today after the Summer recess.

    We hope you've enjoyed the summer break.

    The MSPs have returned after the recess and all eyes will be on the chamber today as Nicola Sturgeon sets out her programme for government 2018-19.

    The first minister is scheduled to begin her statement at 2.20pm after topical questions and this will be followed by opposition party leaders giving their reaction from 3pm.

    We begin our coverage of the new session with the environment committee beginning its scrutiny of the draft budget with a range of witnesses including VisitScotland and Zero Waste Scotland.

    Nicola SturgeonGetty Images

    Nicola Sturgeon is expected to outline 12 new bills in her programme for government

    The chamber will begin with a minute’s silence for the late former presiding officer Sir Alex Fergusson.

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

    Sir Alex Fergussonbbc

    MSPs will observe a minute's slience for Sir Alex Fergusson, the former presiding officer at who passed away in July.

    After topical questions, we get down to the business of the Scottish government’s programme for government 2018-19.

    At 5pm we’ll have a member’s debate celebrating the recent European Championships in Glasgow and Berlin.