The Health Secretary says he wants to hold a national conversation on how to improve the NHS in Scotland. 

Sun 12 May, 6.30 pm

John Swinney has held First Minister's Questions for the first time since taking on the top job, and faced a tough time from all sides of the Scottish Parliament.



On Thursday, Labour and the Conservatives questioned his own record over 16 years in Government, and the Greens challenged the direction of the Scottish Government without them in it.

Political Editor

Colin Mackay

The FM says he will provide fresh leadership for Scotland.

John Swinney takes inaugural First Minister’s Questions

People living with what's thought to be the most common genetic connective tissue disorder in Scotland are waiting on average 20 years for a diagnosis.



Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes are a group of life-long conditions that affect tendons, ligaments, blood vessels and organs.



Campaigners are raising awareness at Holyrood in a bid to encourage a better pathway to care as it's estimated around 20,000 people are living with the condition.

Courtney Cameron

One patient told STV News the pain is often so bad, it leaves her feeling suicidal.

Patients waiting 20 years for Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes diagnosis

Bosses at Ocean Terminal have confirmed that the redevelopment of the centre is expected to be complete by the end of this year.



The project hit a major milestone this week, as main works to demolish a third of the centre got under way.

Amie Flett

It comes as part of a £250m investment in Leith’s waterfront.

Ocean Terminal redevelopment hits demolition milestone

Known as the father of wind power, the achievements of James Blyth have been celebrated in his hometown of Marykirk.



A plaque was unveiled at his former home to mark his achievements of developing the world's first turbine, which has helped to grow Scotland's globally pioneering wind industry.

Gráinne Ní Ghréacháin

James Blyth was celebrated at the house where he grew up in Aberdeenshire.



Plaque unveiled to celebrate wind turbine inventor

The Scottish Government has reassured the fishing industry that "support will continue" under John Swinney's leadership.



Fishermen say they're cautiously optimistic, and that the government must work to address the challenges the industry faces.

Reporter

Haley Bouma

Rural affairs secretary Mairi Gougeon was addressing the Skipper Expo in Aberdeen.

Support for fishing industry ‘will continue’ says Holyrood

At Bute House, newly sworn in First Minister John Swinney spent the afternoon putting together his top team as he tries to unite his party.



As promised, a big promotion for Kate Forbes - she's now deputy first minister and will also take on the economy brief.



The former deputy, Shona Robison, offered to step aside but remains as finance secretary.



It is the only change to the Cabinet formed under Humza Yousaf.

Political Correspondent

Ewan Petrie

Opposition parties say it will mean continued chaos at the heart of government.

Forbes gets deputy as new FM Swinney reveals Cabinet

First elected to Westminster in 1997 as the MP for Tayside North, he was one of the original intake when the Scottish Parliament was formed in 1999, representing Perthshire North, which he still holds today.



STV News has been to Swinney's hometown of Blairgowrie to find out about the person behind the politician.

Lynne Rankin

After 27 years in politics, he is now Scotland's 7th First Minister.

Friends and constituents react as John Swinney becomes First Minister

Power companies profits aren't excessive, they're fair and reasonable, says the chief executive of the energy regulator Ofgem.



He was asked about the £30bn worth of profits energy suppliers are making in a year.

Vanessa Taaffe

It comes as one man told STV News he's paying more than £400 a month for his gas and electricity.

Ofgem head says high profits ‘fair and reasonable’

It's a pioneering project, that drastically reduced teenage drinking and drug taking in Iceland.



Now the voices of Dundee school pupils are at the centre of the scheme here, as they help to shape improvements to children's lives.

Saul Sievwright

It's believed lasting change is possible within a generation.

Dundee learning from Iceland to tackle teen drink and drug use

The project to dual the A9 slipped down the list of Government priorities after 2014, according to former first minister Alex Salmond.



Giving evidence to the Public Petitions Committee this morning, Salmond said, when he had been in office, the dualling of the route by 20-25 was challenging, but achievable.

Nicola McAlley

The inquiry is examining, why the dualling programme, has been delayed by ten years, to 2035

A9 dualling slipped down priorities Salmond tells inquiry

John Swinney has been elected the new First Minister of Scotland, the third in little over a year, and the seventh in the history of the Scottish Parliament.



Swinney said it was an "extraordinary privilege" to fill the role after 25 years in the Parliament.



He said he offered himself as the First Minister to everyone in Scotland.



He added that, as a minority Government, he would need to work with other parties to make things happen and he acknowledged the Parliament is intensely polarised.

He replaces Humza Yousaf who formally stepped down this morning.

John Swinney elected as seventh First Minister of Scotland

As well as trying to reunite the SNP and reach across the political divide - John Swinney inherits a lengthy to-do list as First Minister.



From clearing the NHS backlog, to resetting relationships with businesses - he won't have his troubles to seek.



All of that while operating as a minority Government.



STV News looks at the challenges ahead for Scotland's seventh First Minister.

Political Reporter

Laura Alderman

Child poverty, the NHS and the cost of living crisis are but a few of the issue on the horizon.

What are the challenges ahead for the new First Minister?

John Swinney is already facing calls from the housing sector to prioritise the crisis there. 



Housing organisations have expressed concerns about the Scottish Government watering down their commitment to tackling the issue.



Five council areas have now declared housing emergencies and many are concerned problems will worsen following the ending of the Bute House Agreement.



Tenants are worried they'll face further rent increases if there isn't additional investment to build more homes.

Currently, there's not enough supply to meet the incredible demand

Calls for incoming FM not to water down Housing Bill

The author of a major review of gender identity services for young people has told a Holyrood committee more research is needed before puberty-blocking drugs can be prescribed to under-eighteens.



The use of the treatment is currently suspended in Scotland after the report by Doctor Hilary Cass into the system in England found the current evidence on medical interventions is "remarkably weak".

Senior Reporter

Gordon Chree

Scotland has seen a big rise in young people seeking advice about gender dysphoria.

More puberty blocker research needed hears Holyrood committee

Scotland’s first Multiple Sclerosis Doctoral Training Centre, helping people with moderate to severe forms of the condition to manage their symptoms with physical activity, has opened at Glasgow Caledonian University.



Scotland has the highest rates of MS in the world with more than 15,000 people living with the condition.

Olly Dickinson

The centre is to explore how exercise can help those with the condition.

Scotland’s first Multiple Sclerosis Doctoral Training Centre opens

Injured officers are preparing to launch legal action against Police Scotland following “unprecedented” violence on Bonfire Night last year in Niddrie.



They say the disorder has resulted in some having hearing loss and claim that the force failed to provide them with adequate ear protection, despite having the equipment.



Police Scotland said a full roll-out of new noise defenders is now under way.

Vanessa Kennedy

Last year Bonfire Night saw police officers targeted with fireworks and other projectiles.


Injured officers to launch legal action against Police Scotland

A travel transformation is taking place between two coastal communities in Tayside.



£18m has been spent upgrading the route between Broughty Ferry and Monifieth, encouraging more people to cycle and walk.

Susan Nicholson

It's hoped the travel transformation will improve the lives of locals and visitors.

£18m spent on new promenade route in Tayside

To mark World Asthma Day, an Aberdeen-based charity says more awareness is required to prevent further deaths in children and young people.



A mother told STV News her daughter would still be alive if an emergency inhaler had been available.



Elaine Cunningham lost 19-year-old Lauren Reid after an asthma attack.

Kirstin Tait

Figures show the UK has the highest number of asthma deaths in children and young people in Europe.

Charity calls for more awareness on World Asthma Day

A new exhibition about the Japanese Kimono and it's influence on art, fashion and film has opened to the public at the V&amp;A museum. 



The collection is the last stop on the international tour of Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk.



Almost three hundred objects have been collected to tell the story of one of Japan's most recognisable garments.



Felicity Clifford reports

Felicity Clifford

A new exhibtion looks at the history of the iconic kimono.

Kyoto to Catwalk exhibiton explores Japanese dress at the V&A museum

The world's largest Lego event of its kind is about to land in Edinburgh. This is the first time Brick Fest Live has taken place in the UK.More than a million toy bricks will be on display ready for fans to make their own creations. 







Laura Piper reports

Laura Piper

More than one millions pieces of Lego will be on show at the event.

There’s a lot of love for Lego at Edinburgh’s Brick Fest Live

'We need new ferries', that’s the call from Scotland’s island community who are facing an uncertain summer relying on an ageing ferry fleet.



Solving this problem will be high up the agenda for the next First Minister as the tourist season approaches with a consulatation asking the public for their views. 



Vanessa Taaffe reports

An island community is calling on the Scottish Government to prioritise new ferries

Concerns grow over Scotland’s aging ‘lifeline’ ferry network

The SNP will be heading into the general election with a new party leader and First Minister, after Humza Yousaf dramatically resigned on Monday. 



John Swinney is currently the only contender after Kate Forbes stood down on the promise of a signifcant role in his government. Unless another wildcard candidate emerges before Monday, he could be sworn in as early as next week. 



But what do party members think of the situation? Laura Alderman reports

What next for the SNP after a tumultuous week in Scottish politics? 


What’s next for the SNP  – and will John Swinney become First Minister?

John Swinney looks on course to become the next leader of the SNP and First Minister.



He promised he would not be taking the position on an interim basis as he launched his campaign this morning.



Hours later Kate Forbes issued a statement saying she will not run against him.

John Swinney was previously elected SNP leader almost 24 years ago

Swinney on course to be new FM as Forbes will not run

Nine years ago tomorrow Sheku Bayoh died after being restrained by police officers in Kirkcaldy.



Today, at the public inquiry into his death, the man who was Scotland's most senior law officer at the time said it was "obvious" from the start that issues around race could be a factor.



In his evidence, former Lord Advocate Frank Mulholland also said he'd told his successor it was important to maintain personal contact with Mr Bayoh's family.

Mr Bayoh died on May 3, 2015 after he was restrained by police officers

Race ‘obvious’ factor in death of Sheku Bayoh says former Lord Advocate

Veterans at a social enterprise company in Erskine are being rewarded for their efforts, with a King’s Award for Enterprise.



The 21 workers at Scotland's Bravest Manufacturing Company make road and rail signs.

Fraser Nicoll

Scotland's Bravest Manufacturing Company specialises in the production of signs

Veteran’s social enterprise company receives King’s Award

A major renovation of Edinburgh's King's Theatre is well under way - almost one thousand tonnes of rubble has been excavated from the site, in what is the biggest project at the venue in recent years.



There's also a plea for those who may have old stories of the building to come forward with their cherished memories.

Once complete, it will feature new accessible lifts and stairwells as well as a new bar

Good progress in King’s Theatre redevelopment

It's a celebration of the diverse voices that shape Aberdeen.



The Rise Up festival kicks off in the Granite City this week, with three days of art and music performed by black and people of colour.

Artists taking part want to shine a light on creatives in the North East

Aberdeen’s Rise Up festival begins in the city this evening

A campaign teaching young women about healthy relationships has launched across Scotland.



Brave Lassies Blether is part of a Tayside-wide initiative following an increase in calls to the children's charity NSPCC about intimacy, and consent from young people.



The groups have been working with The Young Women's Movement and the NSPCC to create an educational toolkit.

The charities hope they'll be able to tackle the issue and create a safer Scotland.

Campaign launches to teach young women about relationships

The former deputy first minister John Swinney says he is weighing up whether running for the leadership of the SNP would be the right thing for his family, his party and the country.



Swinney is being tipped as a potential successor to Humza Yousaf who announced his resignation yesterday.



The former finance secretary Kate Forbes also says she is considering her options.

A Labour no confidence motion in the Scottish Government is due to go ahead tomorrow

Forbes and Swinney frontrunners to be next First Minister

STV News understands new guidelines around the use of smartphones in Scotland's schools could be announced in the coming weeks - but it's likely to stop short of pupils being asked to hand them in every morning.



The UK government has already urged headteachers in England to move towards a ban on mobiles amid concerns over safety and disruption to lessons.

The rules on when they can be used differ between schools.

New guidelines for pupils using mobile phones could be announced

MSPs have voted to pass the first stage of a bill that would see the creation of buffer zones around clinics where abortions are carried out.



The legislation, brought forward by Green MSP Gillian Mackay would prevent anti-abortion protesters from gathering within 200 metres of hospitals and other facilities.



However, it faces strong opposition from those who say they are not protesting but holding vigil.

A total of 123 MSPs backed the bill at Stage one.

Abortion buffer zones bill passes first stage at Holyrood

One of Argyll and Bute's key attractions has reopened its doors to visitors following a period of redevelopment.



The Kilmartin Museum showcases the area's rich archaeological heritage, bringing to life more than 12,000 years of history through stories and artefacts.

Caitlin Hutchison

The museum showcases the area's rich archaeological heritage

Kilmartin Museum reopens after redevelopment

A project in Leith helping to prevent young people getting involved in crime has contributed to a 25% reduction in anti-social behaviour in the area.



Friday Night Lights was launched a year ago following a rise in criminal activity amongst youngsters there.



It is aimed at pre-teens to deter them being targeted by gangs, after the age of criminal responsibility in Scotland increased to 12 years old.

During the sessions young people play different sports and build communication skills 

Leith social project helping reduce anti-social behaviour 25%

Highland Council has unveiled plans to invest £2bn in schools and roads over the next twenty years.



The local authority says it aims to fund the improvements by raising council tax - meaning higher bills.



But the its also pledging to generate extra income.

Iain Ramage

Council chiefs spelt out their vision at a news conference in Inverness.

Highland Council unveil £2 billion investment plans

An exhibition celebrating award-winning North East artists has opened in Aberdeen Art gallery.



'The Gordon Contemporaries' showcases new work by 18 artists who have all previously won a prestigious award at the Royal Scottish Academy.

Anne Smith

Gordon Contemporaries is on at Aberdeen Art gallery until November

Exhibition celebrating North East artists opens in Aberdeen

The fire service says urgent action is needed as it revealed some of its stations are no longer fit for purpose.



The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have launched a review which looks at the location of fire stations and the wider issues around the future of the service.



But the Fire Brigade Union warn the review should not be a smokescreen for cuts.

Steven Brown

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service says almost half its 356 stations are either in poor or bad condition.

Action needed as station not fit for service, say fire brigade

Earlier this month, the Scottish Government said it was scrapping it's annual and 2030 target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.



Instead, it outlined a range of features for farming and land owners to improve Scotland's environment and reduce its carbon output.



But some of the plans have been met with frustration. by farmers who feel like the industry is coming under attack.

The government says agriculture plays an important role in reducing the greenhouse gases.

Farmers frustrated over new Scottish Government plans

Humza Yousaf has resigned as Scotland's First Minister.



After more than a year in the role, his demise came as he faced a vote of no confidence after terminating the power sharing agreement his party had with the Greens.



As the search begins for a successor there are calls for a Scottish election. In the meantime Yousaf will remain in the hot seat - in charge of a minority government.

The withdrawal of support from the Greens left Yousaf with few options.

Humza Yousaf resigns as Scotland’s First Minister

Humza Yousaf's time in the top job has been difficult from the start. 



The leadership contest was brutal, with fellow candidate Kate Forbes delivering the damning line that when Yousaf was justice secretary the police were stretched to breaking point and as health secretary, Scotland had the longest NHS waiting lists.



She questioned whether things would be any better with him as First Minister.



The reality was it didn't get any better.



His poll ratings are poor and there were 12 council by-elections during his tenure, which the SNP didn't win one.



And there was the terrible result in the Rutherglen by-election, which saw Labour achieve their biggest ever swing against the SNP.

Yousaf inherited a bad hand and things appeared to go from bad to worse while he was FM. 

Humza Yousaf: Look back at First Minister’s time in office

Humza Yousaf's decision to resign as First Minister took some members of the public by surprise.



The FM stood down after holding a press conference at Bute House on Monday. 



So was he right to stay or go? Can the SNP ship be steadied or should the people of Scotland decide the next First Minister?

STV News has been getting reaction to Monday's dramatic developments.

Voters react to the resignation of Humza Yousaf

While the First Minister is fighting a vote of no-confidence in his leadership, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has gone a step further and says he will lodge a motion of no-confidence in the Scottish Government.



Speaking on a visit to a windfarm in East Lothian, he said it's not enough to simply remove the First Minister - he wants a Holyrood election.



It comes as Lorna Slater insisted she will not step down as co-leader of the Scottish Greens after being sacked from government.

The Scottish Labour leader said it is simply not enough to remove Yousaf as First Minister. 

Sarwar submits no-confidence motion in Scottish Government

One of Scotland's most historic cities has launched a year-long celebration to mark its 900th birthday.



Stirling is holding a series of events including concerts and exhibitions.



Local schools and artists have worked together to ensure the major moments of Stirling’s rich history are remembered.

All of the city's memorable moments will be celebrated over the next 12 months.

Stirling launches year-long 900th birthday celebrations

More than a million tonnes of sand and an initial £10m will be needed to save Montrose from coastal erosion which is accelerating.



But there's a warning work to permanently restore the sand dunes may not begin until spring next year, with a price tag which could run into the tens of millions.

This mammoth project comes with a significant price tag.

Millions of tonnes of sand needed to stop Montrose coastal erosion

Colleagues and friends of murdered Aberdeen scientist Brenda Page have remembered an "inspirational colleague" while unveiling a memorial to her.



Her former husband, 82-year-old Christopher Harrison, was found guilty of her murder last year.

Brenda was found dead in her home in Aberdeen's Allan Street in 1978.

Memorial unveiled for murdered scientist Brenda Page

A report into plans to pedestrianise part of Academy Street in Inverness has found the proposals are poor value for money.



It says there could be a wider economic boost of up to £4m, but may result in heavier traffic elsewhere.

Highland Council says the report is based on the worst-case scenario.

Inverness pedestrianisation plans ‘poor value for money’

Humza Yousaf ended the SNP's power sharing deal with the Scottish Greens on Thursday morning, ending the Bute House Agreement with immediate effect.



An emergency Cabinet meeting followed, before confirmation the SNP was returning to leading a minority government.



The Greens have reacted furiously, accusing Yousaf of political cowardice.



Meanwhile the Conservatives lodged a motion of no confidence in the First Minister - a vote that Humza Yousaf could struggle to survive.

The move has triggered a vote of no confidence in Humza Yousaf

FM ends Bute House Agreement, kicking Greens out of government

There's been a lot of reaction to Thursday's political developments but MSPs of all parties will be looking at how this plays out with voters.



It was the desire to create a pro-independence majority in the Scottish Parliament that brought the Greens and SNP together, but in the past few weeks backtracking on crucial policies like climate targets has led to the relationship breaking down.

Climate campaigners worry key green commitments will now be watered down.


Voters react to end of SNP-Green power sharing deal

There are calls for Scottish Government funded childcare places to be extended to youngsters under three.



The Joseph Rowntree Foundation say crippling costs and a lack of affordable options are significant barriers to working parents and families trying to lift themselves out of poverty.

Sharon Frew

Currently around 30 hours a week are funded for three and four-year-olds

Call for funded childcare places to be extended to under three’s

He sailed a paper boat down the Clyde, and built a train from straw - this weekend, a gallery to immortalise the works of prolific Scottish artist George Wyllie will open in Greenock.



A selection of his sketches and lesser known works will be on display this spring at the Wyllieum.

Vidushi Tiwari

The Wyllieum is an ode to the 'social sculptor' - who used humour to criticise social injustice.

New gallery opens celebrating Scottish artist George Wyllie

A Fife charity that supports people who are blind and have sight loss say their services are under threat, due to a lack of volunteers.



Seescape helps more than 3,000 people who struggle with loneliness and isolation due to their condition.

Seescape support more than 3,000 people with who are blind or partially sighted



Sight loss charity call for more volunteers to avert closure

An incinerator which processes waste that can’t be recycled has officially opened in Aberdeen.



Council bosses say the NESS Project puts the north east ahead of the curve, before a ban on bio-degradable waste in landfills comes into force.

Waste from Aberdeenshire and Moray will also be transported to the facility

New non-recyclable waste incinerator opens in Aberdeen

The National Officer for the Royal College of Midwives has told the Scottish Covid Inquiry that the profession still hasn't recovered since the pandemic.



As part of her evidence Emma Currer also said 75% of midwives are considering leaving the NHS because of the impact the pandemic has had on them.



The inquiry heard midwives were at "breaking point" and that there was a sense of "extreme burnout" amongst midwives due to mounting pressures.

More unions representing health and social care workers will give evidence later this week

75% of midwives considering leaving due to pandemic, hears inquiry

A mother whose 12-year-old daughter died after an asthma attack believes more awareness is urgently needed for others to understand the severity of the condition.



A leading charity is calling for annual checks for patients, with more education on preventative help.

Tracy Bulpitt has been sharing her family's experience amid a warning that asthma care is in crisis

Mum calls for greater awareness after daughter’s asthma death

One half of a bridge which connecting Renfrew to Yoker and Clydebank has arrived at its final destination on the Clyde.



The 600ft swing bridge will open for passing ships but its installation could come at the cost of one of the area's oldest businesses - the Yoker-Renfrew ferry.

Brandon Cook

The bridge was built in Holland and slowly crossed the North Sea headed for Scotland last week

First Renfrew-Yoker bridge section arrives on the Clyde

North Berwick beach has become one of the first Scottish seaside towns to secure two motorised wheelchairs after being inspired by the friendship of two women from Edinburgh.



Beach Wheelchairs provides free beach-friendly chairs to those with limited mobility across East Lothian, but those behind the charity want to widen its inclusivity.

The project was inspired by the friendship of two Edinburgh women.

North Berwick beach becomes first to have beach wheelchairs

A daredevil great-granny is back in the Highlands after completing her latest charity challenge - a wingwalk on top of a plane in full flight.



Norma Russell, 74, has raised thousands of pounds for the Highland Hospice over the years and says the "nerve-wracking" events keep her young.

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