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Just over half of teachers say the pressures of the job have contributed to them suffering from conditions such as depression and anxiety.

That was the one of the findings of a survey carried out by the Mental Health Foundation Scotland, external.

A total of 51% of the teachers questioned said the job had either led to them developing a mental health problem, or had made an existing condition worse.

Meanwhile, when it came to helping pupils with mental health difficulties, 71% said they lacked the skills to do this - with only 13% of teachers having received mental health first aid training.

Ms Sturgeon says: "We recognise the pressures and challenges facing teachers."

The first minister insists that is why workload and bureaucracy has been reduced.

Ms Wells points out more than 7 out of 10 teachers saying they lack the skill to deal with mental health issues.

She asks for a timetable for the introduction of counsellors in schools.

The first minister begins her answer pointing out there has been an increase in the number of teachers this year of 447.

Ms Sturgeon says more counsellors will be put in schools and there will be more mental health training, with the timeline set out in due course.

Tory MSP Annie Wells asks what the Scottish government's response is to a recent survey, which suggests that 51% of teachers believe that their job has a detrimental impact on their mental health

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Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville confirmed the new Best Start Grant opened for applications from 10 December.

The first payments will be made before Christmas.

Low-income families will receive £600 at the birth of their first child and £300 for each subsequent child.

Two further payments of £250 will also be made - one when a child starts nursery and another at primary school age.

Ms Somerville said these later payments would be introduced from summer next year.

The first minister says the Best Start Grant is being delivered now, with over 4,000 claims submitted by close of play on Monday.

First payments will be made before Christmas, reaching bank accounts next week, she adds.

Ms Adamson welcomes the high uptake rate and criticises perceived "othering" of those who claim benefits by the UK government.

Ms Sturgeon says social security is an investment in people.

This government is determined to give all children the best start in life, she adds.

SNP MSP Clare Adamson asks the first minister what progress the Scottish government is making in delivering the Best Start Grant.

Labour MSP Neil Findlay asks if the Institute of State Craft should continue to be registered as a charity, given the revelations that it has been engaged in partisan political activity.

Ms Sturgeon says the report was concerning.

Tory MSP Maurice Corry says road traffic accidents have increased by 7% since the introduction of lower alcohol level limits.

Is this another failed SNP policy, he asks.

The first minister says when Holyrood decided to lower the drink-driving level it was unanimous.

Ms Sturgeon insists the message that should be unanimous should be "don't drink and drive".

She says she hopes Mr Corry will reflect very seriously on the question he has just asked.

Mr Harvie says national policies must be funded through national budgets.

He criticises the lack of mention of reforming local taxation in the budget, adding the Greens have been trying to have dialogue on this since the last budget.

When will the Scottish government “show any hint of urgency” on council tax?, he asks.

Ms Sturgeon says funding has been provided to local government to meet Scottish government priorities.

Discussions are ongoing on tax reform and we hope we can come to agreement on that and devolve tax power to local authorities, she adds.

Scottish Green Party co-convener Patrick Harvie says the Scottish governent say there has been a real terms increase of more than £200m to local services in the budget.

Mr Harvie says that ignores the fact the Scottish government is forcing councils to fund government programmes within that figure.

He says Cosla has seen through Derek Mackay's sleight of hand and says there has actually been a £200m cut to local services and SPICe (The parliament's independent analysis unit) says the truth is there has been more than a £300m cut to services around the country.

Ms Sturgeon insists there has been a real terms increase in both revenue and capital funding to councils, but accepts that includes government programmes on childcare and social care.

The first minister reiterates: "We can't create money out of nowhere."

She says she looks forward to discussions with Patrick Harvie over the budget in the weeks to come.

SNP MSP Gail Ross says Carbon Dynamic in Ross-shire has gone into administration and asks about support.

Ms Sturgeon confirms the PACE team has been in contact with the firm, with skills development and employability support provided.

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SNP MSP Christine Grahame raises the issue of Amanda Cox, who is thought to have collapsed and died after getting lost inside Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

Ms Cox, who was 34 and from Peebles in the Borders, was reported missing on Monday after failing to return to the maternity ward following a visit to see her son at the neonatal unit.

Ms Grahame says this morning she heard from Michael, her husband, who has been asked by the hospital to attend a review, despite him being grieving.

The first minister says her thoughts and sympathies are with all of Amanda Cox's family, particularly her husband.

She says the police are investigating and the health board wants to carry out an urgent review and adds Ms Grahame is right about the need to take cognisance of the fact the husband is grieving.

Tory MSP Liam Kerr says a plan to cut rail time in Aberdeen will only save two minutes, rather than 20 minutes as originally stated.

The first minister says she will ask the transport minister to write to the member and reiterates a commitment to improving rail services.

Image source, PCHP

Green MSP Andy Wightman raises about a cut to Pilton community health project in Edinburgh.

Ms Sturgeon responds this is a local decision, but highlights a decision on future funding is to be made by Edinburgh City Council tomorrow.

Lib Dem MSP Mike Rumbles says the government has made no mention of the vessels used on the Gourock to Dunoon ferry service.

Ms Sturgeon says she will asks the transport secretary to write to Mr Rumbles on this issue.

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SNP MSP Bob Doris raises the issue of 180 staff at a Glasgow rail maintenance company being told their jobs are under threat.

Owners of Gemini Rail Services in Springburn, the former Knorr-Bremse Rail Services depot, announced closure plans on Wednesday.

Ms Sturgeon pledges to task the transport secretary to bring people together to help and says the Scottish government will continue to talk to the company.

SNP MSP Willie Coffey raises the case of an EU citizen who has lived in Scotland for 30 years, but who has been told by the DWP she has no right to remain.

Ms Sturgeon says this is a "shameful circumstance".

We value EU nationals and we will not submit them to hardship or stress, she adds.

Mr Leonard calls on the first minister to tax higher earners and lift people out of poverty.

The Scottish Labour leader asks again why the first minister does not lift children out of poverty.

Higher rate taxpayers are already being asked to pay a bit more, explains Ms Sturgeon.

She explains to go further may lose the Scottish government revenue.

The first minister says the government does not have the money to mitigate the two-child cap.