Image source, bbc

Ms Davidson says "the crash in subject choice" is a symptom of a "wider malaise".

This government shows no sign of listening to the evidence, of listening to this parliament, or of listening to parents and teachers, she insists.

The first minister reiterates the increase in Higher passes and numbers of those going to university.

She suggests the Tories always demand more information on performance in schools but yesterday voted against this.

Ms Davidson is a "shameless opportunist" says Ms Sturgeon.

Image source, bbc

The Scottish Conservative leader asserts if things had carried on as it was in 2013, there would be 622,000 more qualifications.

The schools most likely to drop to as few as five subjects at S4 are in the most deprived areas, she adds.

"If we are going to sort the problem, we need to accept the evidence."

The first minister points to evidence from Glasgow City Council, indicating an increase in Higher passes.

"All of the statistics are pointing in the same direction," she insists.

Ms Sturgeon goes on to highlight Ucas stats indicating more people are securing a university place.

She hits out following yesterday's debate, insisting the Tories have "zero credibility" on education.

Image source, bbc

The pass rate for this year's Higher exams was "broadly stable", Education Secretary John Swinney has said.

He was speaking on the day more than 135,000 pupils in Scotland found out how they had done in their National 5s, Highers and Advanced Highers.

The number of entries for Highers and the proportion of students who received a pass mark both fell slightly.

Mr Swinney said it was "another very strong performance by young people in Scotland".

He told the BBC: "We've seen the number of Highers broadly stable and consistent in terms of the pass rate, despite the fall in pupil numbers who are involved in S5 and S6 within Scottish education."

• Seven As for boy given 1% recovery chance
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Ms Davidson says half of Scottish schools only offer six choices at S4.

This means Scotland has lost out on 622,000 qualifications according to Prof Jim Scott at the education committee yesterday, the Tory leader states.

What does the first minister make of this, she asks.

Ms Sturgeon says comparing the old and new systems is "a bit like comparing apples and oranges".

The first minister says Prof Scott's research focused on a specific type of qualifications, but now we are focusing on the qualification pupils have at the time of leaving school.

The proportion of pupils getting passes at Higher levels has risen by more than 10 percentage points, she insists.

Image source, Getty Images

Concerns over the choice of subjects available in some secondary schools came to the fore at First Ministers Questions.

Conservative leader Ruth Davidson highlighted how some youngsters get the chance to do just six qualifications in S4 while others do more.

The situation varies from school to school and from council to council.

But does the number of qualifications a youngster obtains in S4 really matter?

In the old days, it was simple.

• Teacher shortage blamed for limited subject range
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• Look back at the Education Committee yesterday here

Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson says earlier this year she challenged the first minister over the "shrinking" number of subject choices for pupils.

She asks what progress has been made on this.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon insists the Scottish government continues to ensure young people have a wide range of choice.

When we look at pupil attainment at the point children leave schools, we find attainment overall is up and the attainment gap is narrowing she states.

Image source, PA/Scottish Parliament

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

The North Coast 500 is one of Scotland's most scenic routes, but some communities on it worry the experience is at risk due to a lack of public toilet provision. BBC Scotland's Iain MacInnes traveled the route to investigate the growing row.

The NC500 route is hotting up again this year, bringing thousands of visitors to the winding roads of the north Highlands.

For tourists and locals alike - as for us all - there is sometimes the need to stop and spend a penny.

But under Highland Council plans to close a number of toilets in the region, already short on provision, that could become a bit more of an issue.

Read more.

Tory MSP Edward Mountain asks about support for the Highland Council to service the 96 public toilets in the region.

Ms Forbes says the government supports the Which? campaign 'Save our Cashpoints', but regrets the need for the campaign.

Rural areas losing branches face a double blow with the threat of the loss of an ATM, she says.

Image source, Getty Images

More than 250 free-to-use cash machines are disappearing a month as operators shut unprofitable ones, the network co-ordinator Link has said.

There are 53,000 free machines in the UK - but the number is shrinking at a record rate as people use less cash.

Now the Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) is cracking down on the closures and asking for more network protection.

"Free-to-use ATMs continue to play a vital role in helping people access their money," the regulator said.

Read more.

SNP MSP John Mason seeks an update on support for communities in light of reports that the number of free-to-use ATMs is reducing at a record rate.

Mr Stewart says the government remains committed to providing £6m to help redevelop the Stranraer Waterfront.

Mr Carson asks if the minister will confirm support for the inclusion of a world class watersports facility and calls for more funding.

The £6m is available, insists the minister.

Tory MSP Finlay Carson seeks an update on the commitment to fund the regeneration of the Stranraer Waterfront.

Housing Minister Kevin Stewart acknowledges that there is an affordability issue for some public service workers.

Mr Stewart insists the situation is better in Scotland than in England and Wales.

Ms McNeill says for many it would take decades to save enough for a down payment on a property.

The Labour MSP welcomes the Help to Buy Scheme but asks if it is time to focus the scheme on those with lower incomes.

Mr Stewart argues the Help to Buys Scheme is aimed at those on lower pay.

Labour MSP Pauline McNeill highlights the recent Unison report which states owning a home has become "virtually impossible" for many public sector workers and seeks a response.

Education Secretary John Swinney explains that education providers must anticipate the needs of disabled people.

Mr Swinney tells the chamber a review will be conducted which will include support for disabled people.

He says, in terms of exams, the chief examiner will have to scrutinise this issue.