First Minister

Office of the First Minister of Scotland managed by @scotgov communications. Please note we're unable to answer questions here, get in touch at

[First Minister @ScotGovFM]

First Minister @JohnSwinney attended a service of remembrance at St Giles' Cathedral, Edinburgh, marking 25 years since the September 11 terrorist attacks and honouring victims, survivors and first responders.

[Scottish Government @scotgov]

We are bringing together two of the world's leading life sciences ecosystems.

First Minister @JohnSwinney jointly launched the Scotland-Massachusetts Bio-Bridge. This new partnership will help Scottish life sciences firms access investors, healthcare networks and more in the US.

[Scotch Whisky Association @ScotchWhiskySWA]

Our governing Council was delighted to meet @ScotGovFM @JohnSwinney today.

The First Minister has pledged he will “always stand up for Scotland’s whisky industry” and we remain grateful for his steadfast support – including calling for the UK Budget to address the disparity on duty on #ScotchWhisky.

Read more 🔗 https://t.co/wLWoN2CUZ8

[First Minister @ScotGovFM]

As Jewish communities across Scotland and around the world mark Rosh Hashanah, First Minister @JohnSwinney sends his very best wishes to all those celebrating for a happy and peaceful New Year.

[First Minister @ScotGovFM]

The First Minister today visited Hydrasun in Aberdeen to announce £17.5 million in Just Transition Fund investment for 22 projects across the North East and Moray.

The funding will support at least 500 jobs and create 350 skills places a year.

More: https://t.co/rINP1GtIf5

[First Minister @ScotGovFM]

At First Bus in #Glasgow today, First Minister @JohnSwinney met drivers and passengers to mark the extension of the £2 fare cap to the west of Scotland - supporting affordable travel for communities across the region.

More: https://t.co/JQhyocULtG

[First Minister @ScotGovFM]

First Minister @JohnSwinney welcomed a delegation from the US Council of State Governments to Edinburgh.

They discussed his recent visit to the United States and the opportunities that the removal of tariffs will bring for the Scotch whisky and Kentucky bourbon industries.

[First Minister @ScotGovFM]

First Minister @JohnSwinney signed the book of condolence for His Majesty King Harald V at the Norwegian Consulate General in Edinburgh.

His Majesty will be remembered for serving Norway with dedication, dignity and integrity throughout his long reign.

[First Minister @ScotGovFM]

FM @JohnSwinney and Education Secretary @MairiMcAllan visited Fintry Mains Childcare in Dundee to meet parents who use its services.

They announced it will be one of the first recipients of a £15 million fund to help families with childcare costs.

More: https://t.co/KgRjDIHBi6

[First Minister @ScotGovFM]

First Minister @JohnSwinney has extended his deepest sympathies to the people of Nepal and China following the devastating flooding.

[First Minister @ScotGovFM]

First Minister @JohnSwinney hosted @Team_Scotland athletes at Stirling Castle to congratulate them on their achievements at the #Glasgow2026 #CommonwealthGames.

@scotgov is investing £20 million to help more young people get active, building on the excitement of the Games.

[First Minister @ScotGovFM]

“No child should start the school day hungry.”

First Minister @JohnSwinney has announced that councils will receive £15 million from today to expand breakfast club provision.

He visited @EastLintonPS to see the benefits firsthand.

More: https://t.co/bmCs3p6Edb

[First Minister @ScotGovFM]

"Traditional music reflects our history”

First Minister @JohnSwinney attended a performance by Donald Shaw marking the end of the @edintfest (EIF). Last week @scotgov announced next steps on setting up a National Performing Company for trad music.

Image credit: Andrew Perry/EIF

[First Minister @ScotGovFM]

First Minister @JohnSwinney has extended his heartfelt condolences on behalf of the people of Scotland to the Prime Minister, the Royal Family, and the people of Norway following the death of King Harald V.

[First Minister @ScotGovFM]

First Minister @JohnSwinney met Commonwealth swimmer Archie Goodburn.

The First Minister expressed his gratitude to Archie for his work to raise awareness of brain cancer and his inspiring advocacy for more research.

[First Minister @ScotGovFM]

First Minister @JohnSwinney met Australian High Commissioner to the UK @JayWeatherill.

They discussed areas of shared interest and ways to strengthen the relationship between Scotland and Australia.

[First Minister @ScotGovFM]

First Minister @JohnSwinney welcomed @USAmbUK Warren A. Stephens to Bute House to discuss the growing economic links between Scotland and the United States.

He presented the Ambassador with the America 250 Tartan to mark the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

[First Minister @ScotGovFM]

First Minister @JohnSwinney has set out plans to create a new National Performing Company for Traditional Music.

Musicians, promoters, venues – tell us what support the sector needs and what this new organisation should prioritise.

More: https://t.co/w5Htbb5VZd

[First Minister @ScotGovFM]

First Minister @JohnSwinney launched a £500,000 World Cup Fund at Barclays Hampden, to help develop the next generation of football talent across Scotland, delivering on a commitment made for the @scotgov's first 100 days.

➡️ https://t.co/wjb343CtKv

[First Minister @ScotGovFM]

Scotland's traditional music sector supports musicians, festivals and tuition across every part of the country, from Shetland to the Borders.

First Minister @JohnSwinney welcomed performers to Bute House to recognise that contribution, with a live performance from Mànran.