17 h. ago First Minister John Swinney calls Ayrshire drug statistics 'concerning'

First Minister John Swinney made the comments on a visit to Harbour Ayrshire yesterday, Wednesday, June 18.

Politics

34 h. ago First Minister visits Ayr to launch new job scheme for people recovering from addiction

First Minister John Swinney launched new guidance to support people with their recovery from addiction while on a visit to Ayr.

Politics

3 d. ago Winter fuel payments Scotland: John Swinney gives major update on payments for pensioners

First Minister John Swinney has provided an update on winter fuel payments in Scotland.

Economics

3 d. ago Scotland needs to rediscover 'optimism and hope' after decades of Westminster misrule

In his Daily Record column, First Minister John Swinney criticises the record of Keir Starmer's Government ahead of two speeches by the SNP leader this week.

Politics

7 d. ago John Swinney: SNP leadership challenge would not be a good idea

John Swinney, the First Minister, insisted he was not worried about internal critics.

Politics

7 d. ago We will do everything we can to save Alexander Dennis jobs, vows Swinney

It came as the bus manufacturer proposes to consolidate its UK operations in North Yorkshire and close its Falkirk factory.

Politics

7 d. ago Air India plane crash will bring 'unimaginable pain', First Minister John Swinney says

The flight bound for London Gatwick crashed shortly after taking off near the airport in Ahmedabad, western India, with 240 passengers on board.

Politics

8 d. ago John Swinney carries out mini reshuffle of his top ministerial team

The First Minister made the new appointments less than a week after the SNP suffered a by-election defeat

Politics

9 d. ago SNP Government refuses to rule out making changes to winter fuel payment scheme

A spokesman for First Minister John Swinney said the implications of Labour’s winter fuel U-turn are as ‘clear as mud’.

Politics

1 week ago Voters in Hamilton chose hope over despair and more Scots will do the same next year

In his regular column for the Record, the Scottish Labour leader says the 2026 Holyrood election will give voters a direct choice between him and John Swinney to become the next First Minister.

Politics

1 week ago Starmer hails Labour victory after surprise win in Hamilton byelection for Scottish parliament – UK politics live

PM congratulates Davy Russell but Reform also performed strongly, gaining third place with 26% of the voteScottish Labour win pivotal Holyrood byelectionHere is an extract from the full statement John Swinney, the SNP leader and Scottish first minister, issued after the byelection result was announced. He said it showed the need for the SNP to offer “a vision of hope and optimism”.Labour won by an absolute landslide in this area less than a year ago - we came much closer tonight but the people of Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse have made clear that we still have work to do. Over the next few days we will take time to consider the result fully. When I became leader of the SNP last year I made clear my intention to bring the party together and focus more than ever on standing up for the people of Scotland. During this campaign we heard a lot of anger about the cost of living - and it is clearer than ever that Westminster control is making Scotland poorer, whether that is the damage ...

Politics

2 w. ago Will the Reform surge storm Scotland? Nigel Farage's party 'vying with SNP' to win crunch Holyrood by

Scottish First Minister John Swinney said that the vote in the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse seat was a 'two horse race' between his SNP and Nigel Farage's party.

Events

2 w. ago Swinney ‘must be held to account’ over Scottish Water pay dispute, unions say

Staff at the company are on strike.

Economics

2 w. ago Second indyref not a ‘priority’ during my time as Prime Minister – Starmer

The Labour leader said First Minister and SNP leader John Swinney had not raised the issue with him during their recent talks.

Politics

2 w. ago ‘It’s just great’: Japan ambassador tries Irn Bru on visit to whisky distillery

Hiroshi Suzuki described Scotland as an ‘important’ trading partner as he toured a distillery with First Minister John Swinney.

Politics

3 w. ago Parents of murder victim Claire Inglis warn new bail law risks women's lives

Claire’s parents want First Minister John Swinney to explain why victims are being placed “in the line of fire" via new laws that make it easier for violent domestic abusers to be bailed from court.

Events

3 w. ago Parents of murder victim warn 'more women will die' under new domestic violence bail law

Claire’s parents want First Minister John Swinney to explain why victims are being placed “in the line of fire" via new laws that make it easier for violent domestic abusers to be bailed from court.

Events

4 w. ago SNP Government has 'no plan' to end Scotland's housing emergency as spending on affordable homes drops

A leading housing charity blasted John Swinney's Government and said it was time for ministers to be "frank" with the public.

Politics