The Scottish government is to legislate to ensure all children whose school start is deferred receive funding for early learning and childcare for that year, the children's minister has confirmed.

Scottish Labour MSPs, who brought the debate, urged ministers to ensure the change was made within this parliamentary session.

However, Maree Todd was unable to commit to a timescale for such legislation.

The minister insisted discussions with local government would start soon, as agreement with them would be essential to delivering this.

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Sports Minister Joe Fitzpatrick says the government has taken a range of measures to challenge gender stereotypes.

The minister says as we celebrate Women and Girls in Sport Week, we have to acknowledge there continues to a gender gap in participation in sport.

He concedes: "We know much more needs to be done."

The minister praises the report was produced by the Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Advisory Board, external, which calls for a summit to increase media coverage of women in sport.

The Scottish government will consider the recommendations in the report carefully, he adds.

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Laura Muir says she is nearing full fitness after easing into the 1500m semi-finals at the World Championships in Doha.

The Scot had not raced for three months but comfortably finished third in her heat behind American Jenny Simpson and Canadian Gabriela Debues-Stafford.

"I was quite nervous for today, it's my first time back on the track but I'm confident in my body," Muir, 26, said.

"It was a decent pace and I just wanted to keep out of trouble."

Read more.

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Last year the Scottish FA launched a programme to keep girls playing football at grassroots level.

Along with Uefa, the governing body's We Play Strong centres are aimed at 12-16 year olds to halt the drop off in participation compared to younger ages.

It will potentially see after-school football offered across 120 schools.

"There's a level below club football that hasn't necessary been catered for," said Donald Gillies, the SFA's head of girls and women's football.

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Scottish Thistles captain Claire Maxwell says women are outperforming men in Scottish sport and recognition and funding should better reflect that.

Like the Scotland women football team, the Thistles netball side will take part in a World Cup this summer, the tournament taking place in Liverpool next month.

"Women in sport have been doing fantastic things, especially over the past five years. I would say women have been outperforming the males in many sports," Maxwell told BBC Scotland.

"You look at Scottish athletics, there's many females risen to the top of their game; the women's football, the first time in history qualifying for the World Cup; and you've got ourselves. Our sport's developed hugely in terms of participation levels. We've seen about 75% increase since 2014, which is massive for our sport."

• Clelland wants more integration of men's and women's football
• Scotland reveal Netball World Cup squad

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Through thunderstorms, scorching heat and icy rain, Fiona Kolbinger cycled 2,485 miles (3,999km) in a little more than 10 days over some of Europe's most demanding terrain.

In doing so, the German cyclist became the first woman to win the Transcontinental Race this week. That in itself was remarkable: it was the first time she had formally competed in an ultra-cycling event.

But what was all the more remarkable was the fact she finished the brutal journey from Bulgaria to France a full 10 hours ahead of her closest opponent.

"I am so, so surprised to win," she said. "When I was coming into the race I thought that maybe I could go for the women's podium, but I never thought I could win the whole race."

Read more.

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A summit to increase media coverage of women in sport and encourage girls to be more active has been recommended in a report.

An expert group says women and girls will be more likely to take up a sport or exercise if there is increased reporting of top athletes and events in the media.

The group, which is made up of leaders from sport, business and media, has recommended a Scottish Sport Media Summit is established to review and challenge the nature and extent of existing media coverage in Scotland.

The report, which comes at the start of Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week 2019, also highlights the need for greater gender balance in leadership and management roles across Scottish sport.

The report was produced by the Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Advisory Board, external.

SNP MSP Emma Harper praises the Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Advisory Board.

She says in 2019 Scotland hosted a range of international sporting events, including the UEFA Women's Under-19 Championship and the Solheim Cup.

Ms Harper calls for more coverage of women's sport in the media, highlighting that 95% of coverage is dedicated to men's sport.

She backs a call for a media summit to review coverage.

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SNP MSP Emma Harper will now lead a member's debate celebrating Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week, which takes place from 28 September to 4 October 2019.

This year's theme is "Leaders behind the Leaders".

To follow the week’s events on social media use #SheCanSheWill.

2019 marks the third year we have celebrated Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week.

This week provides an opportunity to throw a spotlight on women and girls participation in sport and physical activity.

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MSPs do not agree to Transport Secretary Michael Matheson's ScotRail franchise amendment, with 57 backing it and with 60 voting against

The Tory amendment falls with 28 MSPs backing it and 89 against.

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The Labour motion is not agreed to with 32 MSPs backing it and with 85 against.

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Maree Todd's amendment is not agreed, with 57 votes for and 60 votes against.

Iain Gray's motion is unanimously agreed.

Image source, Scottish Parliament

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It's clear that passengers right across the country are being let down, says Colin Smyth.

The Labour MSP insists the SNP want to extend the franchise until 2025 and have an ally in the Tories who want to give Abellio another chance to fail.

He says Labour's vision puts the public first, not the profits of private companies.

Transport Secretary Michael Matheson says the franchising model is not the optimal system and for a public sector body just to bid for it would cost £10m.

He urges Scottish Labour to "put the rhetoric aside" and back the devolution of powers to ensure Scotland can run its own public sector railway.

The minister suggests Labour will be "backing the Tories" instead of supporting the Scottish government's calls.

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Tory MSP Edward Mountain begins by saying we can all agree ScotRail is under-performing and not delivering for rail passengers.

However, unlike Labour, the Tories believe ScotRail must be given the chance to fulfill the terms laid out in the remedial notices, adds Mr Mountain.

He says Network Rail, ScotRail and the government must step up to the plate to improve performance.

In a statement released ahead of today's debate, Abellio insisted "significant progress" has been achieve since it took over the franchise.

It also warned changes would "be far more costly to the taxpayer".

Dominic Booth, Managing Director of Abellio UK, said: “Scotland’s railway needs stability and not the upheaval a change in the franchise would bring about."