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Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing updates MSPs on crofting and support the government is providing the sector.

Mr Ewing says he will also tell the chamber the latest on crofting legislative reform.

He commits to continue preparing a crofting bill that garners support from across the chamber.

The rural economy secretary explains he cannot commit to bringing forward legislation in this session, due to Brexit uncertainty, but he adds he will if he can.

Image source, Geograph

Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing is making a statement on the future of crofting.

Last week's Programme for Government, external committed to publishing the Crofting National Development Plan, which will set a long-term strategic direction for the sector.

Improving occupancy levels, supporting township development and creating opportunities for new entrants were all listed as priorities for the Crofting Commission.

Tory MSP Brian Whittle asks what steps are being taken to ensure the strategic uniqueness of Prestwick is maintained by new owners.

The Scottish government is not directly involved with contractual discussions, Mr Matheson replies.

We expect anyone who is bidding for the airport to maintain it as an airfield he adds.

Scottish Greens MSP Patrick Harvie warns Scotland risks being dragged in to a corruption allegation against President Trump and calls for the arrangement with the US military to be suspended, to allow the congressional investigation to take place.

Mr Matheson replies the inquiry is a matter for Congress.

Labour MSP Colin Smyth says asks whether any bids have been received for the airport and if there is a preferred bidder.

Will the relationship with the US military impact on its sale, he wonders.

The management team are assessing the bids they have received, replies the minister.

The issue around military operations is a long-standing arrangement and any interested parties will be aware of that, he adds.

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Transport Secretary Michael Matheson says Prestwick Airport is at arms length from the government and he points towards its annual accounts which do not break down figures for individual customers.

Mr Matheson explains the airport uses a list of 13 hotels and Turnberry is only used if other hotels are unavailable and adds customers settle their own accounts.

Mr Rumbles says we'll have to await the US inquiry for answers and he asks if this income stream is the largest income stream for the airport.

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Mr Matheson replies Prestwick is an airport being used by military for refueling and for rest breaks and stopovers.

Mr Rumbles asks when the government will receive back any of the £40m of loans of taxpayers' money and adds the airport has not made a profit in over a decade.

The minister points out without Scottish government support the airport would have closed with the loss of hundreds of jobs there and in the surrounding area.

He adds the government is seeking interested parties to take over the airport.

Lib Dem MSP Mike Rumbles asks how much Prestwick airport has received from the US military for its operations.

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A US Congressional committee is investigating President Donald Trump in connection with a potential conflict of interest over military spending at a Scottish airport near his golf resort.

The House Oversight and Reform Committee says expenditure at Prestwick airport has "increased substantially", external since Mr Trump came into office.

The debt-ridden airport has been fighting off closure.

It is said to be integral to the Trump business, which is also loss-making.

Read more.

Labour MSP James Kelly says there is a balance to be struck between protecting free speech and ensuring communities are not faced with disruption.

He wonders if consideration has been given to consolidating marches where an organisation has submitted several applications.

Mr Yousaf says this is being looked at, but there are many different organisations making applications - for example the Orange Order and the Apprentice Boys of Derry are distinct.

Labour MSP Anas Sarwar asks if Mr Yousaf will ask the council to reinstate the stakeholders group.

Mr Yousaf says that is for the council, but it should be open to all suggestions.

The justice secretary says people in Glasgow feeling they cannot leave their house is unacceptable.

Tory MSP Adam Tomkins welcomes the council's review of procedures and asks what support is being given.

Mr Yousaf says the government has offered to help in any way they can with the review, of which legislation is one option.

He also says the government is looking at mediation for reducing the number of marches.

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Mr Mason, the Glasgow Shettleston MSP, says there are 14 marches planned for the rest of this month.

He asks if the council has the power to reduce the number of marches.

Mr Yousaf replies where the council has the powers they will use them, and where they don't the government will look at introducing new legislation.

The justice secretary says it frustrates him that the government has to think about legislating and it is a pretty depressing state.

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf commends Police Scotland for their operations at the weekend and wishes the injured officer a speedy recovery.

The events of the last two weekends have demonstrated sectarian violence is not a thing of the past, he states.

The right to protest and free speech are being abused by people who seek to bring disorder, he adds.

The justice secretary confirms the government is working with the police and Glasgow City Council on tackling the matter, pointing to plans to reduce the number of marches.

SNP MSP John Mason asks about action to prevent disorder at marches in light of recent sectarian violence.

A police officer was injured as two Republican marches were held in Glasgow.

Officers in riot gear and mounted police were deployed to the parades, one week after clashes between marchers and protesters in the Govan area.

There were counter demonstrations at both marches but they were quickly contained by police. Eleven people were charged for a variety of offences.

A "pyrotechnic" was thrown on Clyde Street which injured an officer.

Read more.

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MSPs will ask ministers about tackling sectarian violence at marches in Glasgow and Prestwick airport and the US military.

Mr Ameed Versace from the Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society is delivering today's time for reflection.

Image source, PA media

Topical questions will take place after lunch, featuring a query about sectarian violence at marches in Glasgow and Prestwick airport and the US military.

This will be followed by a statement on sustainable crofting.

Then MSPs debate the impact of proposed immigration policy on the university and science sectors.

Finally, Tory MSP Edward Mountain leads a member's debate on bullying at NHS Highland.

Mr Simpson asks if it would not be better for the Electoral Commission to decide if the question in a second independence referendum was appropriate.

This is a current question still being asked, replies Mr Russell.

I can't see why you should brush this down as the question from 2014 is still current he argues.

Ms Harris insists the question from the 2014 independence referendum should not be relevant to this bill.

The committee draws to a close.

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Recommendations from the Electoral Commission is essential and must be made public, but it should not have the final say, Mr Russell states.

It is for parliamentarians and government to explain decisions, he adds.

Tory MSP Alison Harris asks why it is for ministers to lay a report about questions rather than the Electoral Commission.

I am not against testing questions, Mr Russell says.

But if a question is current and in current usage, why would you change it, he asks, adding it would be confusing to do so.

He highlights several polls on Scottish independence use the same questions.

Tory MSP Alison Harris asks why a draft of the regulations should not be given to the Electoral Commission for consideration.

Mr Russell explains draft legislation and regulations are done in consultation with the Electoral Commission all the time.

"The Electoral Commission does not want to become political," replies the Brexit secretary.

He points out it is members of the Scottish Parliament who should decide if its recommendations are followed, but 99 times out of 100 it would not get that far.