Charter of Rights for People Affected by Substance Use
First Minister welcomes human rights advance.
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.
- 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
Independent Advisers on Scottish Ministerial Code
Three new advisers to take on strengthened role.
Scotland’s national poet appointed
Poet and author Dr Peter Mackay has been appointed as Scotland’s next Makar.
Speeches and statements
Royal Society of Edinburgh: First Minister's speech - 27 November 2024
First Minister John Swinney's speech given at the Royal Society of Edinburgh on Wednesday 27 November 2024.
AgriScot 2024: First Minister's speech
First Minister John Swinney's speech at the AgriScot conference in Edinburgh on 13 November 2024.
Social Enterprise Scotland Summit: First Minister's speech
First Minister John Swinney's speech at the Social Enterprise Scotland Summit at the Surgeons Quarter Quincentenary Conference Centre on Thursday 7 November.
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, John Swinney on Twitter to receive regular updates.
Read the First Minister's biography
Find out more information about John Swinney's journey into the role of First Minister.
Contact
- Address
-
First Minister
Scottish Government
St Andrew's House
Regent Road
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG
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