John Swinney: “The new Prime Minister has made a great play of essentially improving people’s perceptions of politics and politicians.”

I am very pleased to appoint Alyn Smith as Minister-designate for Innovation, Technology and Tertiary Education.

The bill is simple, straightforward and direct, and the UK Government now needs to respect the voice of the Scottish people and Parliament and transfer the necessary powers.

I think the whole of the summer has demonstrated that Glasgow is a city which has much to be proud of.

My new Programme for Government sets out an ambitious agenda for post-school learning and development – from protecting free university tuition, expanding apprenticeships and delivering a new national skills plan, to supporting university…