Ambitious for Scotland
FM: “I will lead a government that is always on Scotland’s side.”
First Minister
Current role holder: John Swinney MSP
Responsibilities
As head of the Scottish Government, the First Minister is responsible for the overall development, implementation and presentation of the administration's policies and for promoting and representing Scotland at home and overseas.
Subject to Parliament's agreement, the First Minister appoints other ministers - including a Deputy First Minister and cabinet secretaries - from among Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs).
The First Minister chairs the Scottish Cabinet, the main forum for ministers to consider and make key decisions on the strategic priorities and policies of the government to achieve its objectives.
- Follow the First Minister on X and LinkedIn.
- Read the First Minister's biography.
- Find out more about the history of the office of the First Minister.
- Get in touch with the First Minister: firstminister@gov.scot.
News
First Minister appoints Cabinet to deliver for Scotland
FM: “Government will be focused on people’s priorities.”
Parliament nominates John Swinney as First Minister
FM: “I will be a First Minister for all of Scotland.”
Speeches and statements
Prosper Forum: First Minister's speech - 4 June 2026
Speech by First Minister John Swinney at Prosper's 56th Annual Forum in Edinburgh on Thursday 4 June 2026.
Ambitious for Scotland: First Minister's speech - 26 May 2026
Speech by First Minister John Swinney in the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday 26 May 2026.
CBI Annual Lunch: First Minister's Speech - 22 May 2026
Speech by First Minister John Swinney at the CBI Annual Lunch in Edinburgh on Friday 22 May 2026
Watch live or view past recordings of First Minister's Questions on the Scottish Parliament website.
Find out more information about John Swinney's journey into the role of First Minister.
Contact
- Address
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First Minister
Scottish Government
St Andrew's House
Regent Road
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG