The Latest Breaking News from Scottish Government

Swinney says becoming Scottish First Minister ‘not part of a well-crafted plan’

John Swinney was voted in as First Minister by MSPs at Holyrood on May 7 last year.

The Independent UK · May 6, 2025

Swinney will ‘absolutely’ serve five years as First Minister if SNP wins in 2026

The SNP leader made clear he would serve a full five-year term if his party wins next May’s Scottish Parliament election.

The Independent UK · May 6, 2025

Council says it has suffered a ‘suspected criminal ransomware cyberattack’

West Lothian Council said a ‘live criminal investigation’ was ongoing, and it is working with the police and Scottish Government.

The Independent UK · May 6, 2025

SNP’s ‘flimsy’ programme for government offers ‘more of the same’, says Findlay

John Swinney’s plans were also criticised by Scottish Labour leader who asked the First Minister: ‘Is that it?’

Evening Standard · May 6, 2025

Swinney says he offers a ‘programme for a better Scotland’

The Scottish First Minister promised more GP appointments and to end peak-time rail fares for travellers ‘for good’.

Evening Standard · May 6, 2025

Sturgeon warns trans lives could become ‘unliveable’ after Supreme Court ruling

The former first minister of Scotland also rejected calls for her to apologise to critics of gender self-ID.

Evening Standard · May 6, 2025

Crackdown on snus-style nicotine pouches in ‘smokefree generation’ law

The pouches are designed to be placed between the user’s lips and gum, where they release nicotine

The Independent UK · May 6, 2025

Swinney: Eradicating child poverty ‘ever more difficult’ because of Labour

The First Minister said he could not ‘fathom’ how Labour lived with itself after making billions in cuts to the benefits budget.

The Independent UK · May 5, 2025

We owe ‘debt of gratitude’ to those who served in Second World War, says Swinney

The Scottish First Minister was speaking ahead of the 80th anniversary of VE Day on Thursday.

Evening Standard · May 3, 2025

Supreme Court gender ruling has had swift impact on transgender lives

THE fallout from the Supreme Court’s ruling on the definition of a “woman” has been swift with its impact on the lives of transgender people.

The National (Scotland) · May 3, 2025