First Minister
Current role holder: Nicola Sturgeon
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.
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
17 Jan 2022 10:24
Offshore wind development
First Minister hails “truly historic” opportunity of ScotWind.
11 Jan 2022 16:48
Large outdoor events resume from 17 January
Measures covering indoor events and hospitality to be reviewed in one week.
29 Dec 2021 15:49
Businesses allocated £107 million support
Targeted funding to help mitigate the impact of Omicron.
Speeches and statements
11 Jan 2022 16:15
Coronavirus (COVID-19) update: First Minister's statement – 11 January 2022
Statement given by the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to the Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh on 11 January.
05 Jan 2022 14:56
Coronavirus (COVID-19) update: First Minister's statement – 5 January 2022
Statement given by the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to the Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh on 5 January 2022
29 Dec 2021 16:07
Coronavirus (COVID-19) update: First Minister's statement - 29 December 2021
Statement given by the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to the Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh on 29 December 2021.
View First Minister's Questions
Watch live or view past recordings of First Minister's Questions on the Scottish Parliament website.
Follow the First Minister on Twitter
Follow the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon on Twitter to receive regular updates.
Read the First Minister's biography
Find out more information about Nicola Sturgeon's journey into the role of First Minister.
Connect
Contact
Postal address:
The First Minister
The Scottish Government
St Andrew's House
Regent Road
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG