First Minister celebrates remarkable acts of courage and bravery
Seventeen people receive Brave@Heart Awards.
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 to visit India
Scottish delegation will join FM to help boost trade.
FM writes to PM on Scotland’s right to decide
Meeting invite to turn principle into legal mechanism
Speeches and statements
Roles and functions of Scotland’s Law Officers: First Minister's statement - 29 September 2026
Statement by First Minister John Swinney in the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday 29 September 2026.
Preventing violence against women for an Equally Safe Scotland: First Minister's speech - 15 September 2026
Speech by First Minister John Swinney in the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday 15 September 2026.
Programme for Government 2026 to 2031: First Minister's speech - 1 September 2026
Speech to Parliament by First Minister John Swinney on 1 September 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