Mr Carlaw says the life of his constituent has been transformed since undergoing her mesh removal procedure.

Many affected women feel they have been unable to speak to the first minister about their issues.

A tearful Jackson Carlaw calls for Ms Sturgeon to meet these women.

Yes, I will, replies the first minister.

This has my attention and the close personal attention of the health secretary, she adds.

I understand the deep emotion many feel about this and we must tackle any concerns systematically, Ms Sturgeon states.

Mr Carlaw says the clear suspicion of many is that there is a professional campaign to block the visit of Dr Dionysios Veronikis.

He cites a leading mesh expert in his constituency who confirmed to him that leading surgeons felt threatened by the visit.

The Scottish Conservative interim leader says he warned of another US expert coming to Scotland who would facilitate mesh implants returning, which would be an "outrage".

I am not aware of evidence to back up that suspicion, replies Ms Sturgeon.

The first minister reiterates the requirements to allow Dr Dionysios Veronikis to come to Scotland, including sending surgeons to the US.

She insists she does not underestimate the suffering and pain many women have suffered as a result of this.

Mr Carlaw says this issue has seen a heroic and successful effort from campaigners to secure a moratorium on procedures, and he welcomes this week’s statistics.

He highlights Dr Veronikis calling off his plan to visit Scotland and speaks about his own constituent who self-funded a trip to the US to have mesh removed.

The first minister says she has enormous sympathy for his constituent and indeed any woman who has suffered.

Regarding Dr Veronikis, she insists the Scottish government wants him to come but to treat patients certain general medical council requirements must be fulfilled.

This includes having an employment contract. She said she hoped this would happen in August but said that had to be postponed.

It would not be acceptable for anyone in the medical community here to block a visit from Dr Veronikis and that is not my understanding of what has happened, she adds.

The Scottish government has said it hopes an expert mesh surgeon will reinstate his offer to visit Scotland to help patients with the implants.

Dr Dionysios Veronikis said he had withdrawn his offer of help as he did not have time for games and "interminable discussions".

Campaigners asked for him to come from the US after he successfully removed mesh from a number of Scottish women.

Hundreds of women say mesh implants have ruined their lives.

Read more.

Image source, bbc

Scottish Conservative interim leader Jackson Carlaw asks if the first minister agrees that mesh has become the greatest medical scandal of modern times.

In general terms yes, replies the first minister.

Ms Sturgeon points out there have been no mesh procedures since the health secretary drew a halt to them.

She stresses the importance that women affected get the care they are entitled to.

Image source, bbc

Older People and Equalities Minister Christina McKelvie says she joined the first minister at the launch of Black History Month at the parliament.

Some sources say the first man arrested for wearing a kilt was a black man, Ms Maguire tells the chamber, demonstrating black history is Scottish history too.

Ms McKelvie cites £2.3m to fund organisations who promote equalities all year round, not just in Black History Month.

"All year round we take our cultural enrichment from Black History Month to every single month of the year."

SNP MSP Ruth Maguire asks the Scottish government how it is marking Black History Month.

The parliament marked Black History Month with a performance from Sing Sistah Sing.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Labour MSP Anas Sarwar joined guests to listen to British-American mezzo-soprano Andrea Baker, celebrating the sound and extraordinary breadth of the African American female voice.

Tory MSP Murdo Fraser rises to express concern that the time to debate the Non-Domestic Rate Bill will be reduced as a result of a change to business.

The business bureau needs to deal with the time being allocated to make law he says, adding that it is not being well served for this purpose at the moment.

Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh says these issues are discussed each week by the bureau.

Maurice Golden - representing the bureau - agrees it is unfortunate but the bureau will review setting parameters to ensure legislation can be prioritised.

Image source, bbc/PA/Getty Images

Read all the questions here., external

Image source, PA Media/BBC

Welcome to BBC Scotland's coverage of the Scottish Parliament on Thursday 10 October 2019.

First minister's questions kicks off at noon, just after general questions.

Education questions resumes chamber business at 1.30pm, to be followed by consideration of the final amendments to the Transport (Scotland) Bill.

The final Transport Bill debate will begin at 3.05pm.

Then the Non-Domestic Rates (Scotland) Bill will be debated for the first time from 3.50pm.

Decision time will be at 5.15pm.