Humza Yousaf made his debut as SNP leader at FMQs today in shambolic circumstances as proceedings were repeatedly interrupted by climate protesters.
The new First Minister could only watch as Holyrood staff struggled to prevent onlookers from repeatedly shouting from the public gallery.
Proceedings were interrupted five times in just 10 minutes - forcing Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone to demand the gallery was cleared.
This meant some pupils on official school trips were also ejected - only to be let back in a short time later.
First Minister's Questions has been repeatedly targeted by environmental activists in recent months with parliamentary authorities seemingly powerless to stop them.
It was announced earlier this week that visitors would no longer be allowed to take mobile phones or other electronic devices into the public gallery.
Thursday’s session was the first for Yousaf, but five interruptions before the end of Douglas Ross’ questioning of the new SNP leader stunted proceedings.
After the fifth interruption, the public gallery was cleared with only school pupils on a visit to Holyrood allowed to stay.
Addressing MSPs, the Presiding Officer said: “I don’t think I can adequately express my deep regret that such action is required in our national parliament. I’m extremely sorry for the overwhelming majority of those who have travelled to the parliament today to watch their elected representatives at work.”
SNP MSP Stuart McMillan, in a point of order, asked that another school from his constituency which had been removed from the gallery to be returned, prompting a further suspension of business.
Johnstone afterwards spoke of her “deep regret” at having to take such action.
Business had to be suspended before Mr Ross had the chance to ask his first question to the new First Minister.
Johnstone said: “Far too regularly, disruption is causing members to lose the opportunity to ask questions.”
She said work is under way “on a range of measures that may be implemented to protect parliamentary business from persistent disruption”.
"I am extremely sorry to the overwhelming majority of those who have travelled to the Parliament today to watch their elected representatives at work," she added.
Yousaf told the Presiding Officer he agreed with the action taken, adding he was “delighted” the school children had been permitted to remain.
“Can I commend the young people for behaving much better than some of the adults that were in the public gallery,” the First Minister said.
Ross blasted the protesters: "This shower have been doing this week after week, and the image of genuine constituents being forced out of our Parliament is one we will all regret and one none of us want to see repeated.”
He said he was grateful that school children had been permitted to remain, but added: “We must do something to stop this going forward.”
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