John Swinney: Last News

Scotland is on high alert for what may become one of its most severe storms in years, with exceptionally rare red alert weather warnings in effect across the country.

Donald Trump's second inauguration is a "dark day", the Scottish Greens have warned.

Motherwell and Wishaw MSP Clare Adamson has said that social security is a “crucial safety net” following First Minister John Swinney outlining his long-term vision to eradicate child poverty across Scotland.

John Swinney has apologised to patients after a damning report revealed the impact of overcrowding in Scots hospitals.The First Minister today promised his "unrelenting focus" was on making sure people "get the care they deserve" from the NHS.But Labour warned the reality for patients was a health service in "permanent crisis on John Swinney’s watch".It comes after a report this week from the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) detailed the experiences of health workers forced to deliver "corridor care" as a result of unsafe and undignified conditions in hospitals. It warned patients being temporarily cared for in corridors or offices risked becoming "normalised" as a result of overcrowding.Colin Poolman, RCN Scotland director, said too often "people are being looked after in areas that are completely inappropriate for patient care".Swinney was pressed on the findings of the report at First Minister's Questions by Anas Sarwar. The Scottish Labour leader claimed the RCN analysis laid bare the “human cost” of the “incompetence” of the Nationalists.Sarwar said: “The reality is we have a permanent crisis in the NHS on John Swinney’s watch.”

Stirling and Clackmannanshire is to receive more than £350million to support vital council services alongside funding for new school buildings under the 2025-26 Scottish budget.

Scottish Labour MP for East Kilbride and Strathaven Joani Reid has blasted John Swinney’s claim to have taken personal control over health policy in Scotland.

John Swinney has taken direct control of his Government’s response to Scotland’s crisis-hit NHS. The First Minister is chairing weekly health service meetings and he intervened over Christmas to help combat the deadly flu virus.

John Swinney has said serving as Nicola Sturgeon’s Education Secretary changed his politics by focusing on child poverty. The First Minister said witnessing the “corrosive” effect of deprivation on kids altered his outlook fundamentally.

John Swinney has said he is willing to use his channels of communication with Donald Trump to avoid damaging trade tariffs, saying the incoming US President has “affinity and warmth” for Scotland.

John Swinney has said he also intervened to stop Alex Salmond's bullying when he was SNP leader. The First Minister said he told Salmond his behaviour was "not on" when he was "quite brisk with people".

The domestic abuse perpetrated by former Scotland rugby union captain Stuart Hogg against his estranged wife is “incredibly disappointing”, John Swinney has said. The First Minister also described calls for his MBE to be stripped as “reasonable and understandable”.

John Swinney has said sorry to islanders impacted by delays in building two new ferries to serve the routes off Scotland’s west coast.

One of the toxic legacies of 14 years of Tory rule is a brutal cost of living crisis draining family finances.

Plans for a high-speed rail link between Glasgow and Edinburgh were put before Scottish ministers in 2009, according to newly-released papers. But the proposal for a 500 kilometre per hour monorail was summarily rejected.

Several severe flood warnings have been put in place across Scotland as wild weather ravages the country.

The family of murder victim Claire Inglis want domestic abusers to be held to the same sanctions as sex offenders and be forced to tell authorities if they begin a new relationship.

The SNP and Labour are engaged in a "blame game" in the run-up to the 2026 Holyrood election amid growing unhappiness at the state of public services, the country's leading pollster has said.

John Swinney has reassured Scots that “public safety and public security” are a priority for Christmas events following an attack on a German Christmas market.

First Minister John Swinney has revealed rules have been changed after Claire Inglis, 28, was killed by Christopher McGowan.

A Scots mum has told of how she "feels like a failure" after being left stuck in temporary accommodation after losing her home through no fault of her own.

John Swinney has been urged by the Scottish Liberal Democrats and campaigners to make the "terrifying" 100-mile journey faced by many women in the Highlands accessing NHS maternity care.