First Minister: Scotland must be resilient in face of global shocks
‘UK response must reflect changing reality.’
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
First Minister leads tributes to Christina McKelvie
Parliament endorses Motion of Condolence.
First Minister pays tribute to Christina McKelvie MSP
Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy has passed away.
Speeches and statements
Sixtieth anniversary of CBI Scotland: First Minister's speech - Friday 21 March
First Minister John Swinney's speech at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) Scotland annual lunch 2025 in Edinburgh on Friday 21 March.
Global Offshore Wind Investment Forum: First Minister's speech - 17 March 2025
First Minister John Swinney's keynote speech at the Global Offshore Wind Investment Forum in Edinburgh on Monday 17 March 2025.
A new initiative to bring Scotland together: First Minister's speech - 26 February 2025
First Minister John Swinney's opening remarks delivered during the post-Budget press conference at Bute House on Wednesday 26 February 2025.
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
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First Minister
Scottish Government
St Andrew's House
Regent Road
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG