First Minister
Current role holder: Nicola Sturgeon
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
01 Mar 2022 17:24
First Minister: Waive visas for Ukrainians
Scotland ready to welcome refugees.
22 Feb 2022 16:25
Deep concern over actions of Russia in Ukraine
Statement from the First Minister.
21 Feb 2022 10:45
COVID Economic Recovery Fund
New support package ahead of Strategic Framework Update.
Speeches and statements
24 Feb 2022 16:15
Solidarity with Ukraine debate: First Minister's statement - 24 February 2022
Statement by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon opening the debate, Solidarity with Ukraine in the Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh, on Thursday 24 February 2022.
24 Feb 2022 15:31
COSLA conference 2022 : First Minister's speech - 24 February 2022
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon's speech at the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) annual conference, 24 February 2022
22 Feb 2022 14:59
Coronavirus (COVID-19) update: First Minister's speech - 22 February 2022
Statement by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on COVID-19 to the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday 22 February 2022.
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, Nicola Sturgeon on Twitter to receive regular updates.
Read the First Minister's biography
Find out more information about Nicola Sturgeon's journey into the role of First Minister.
Connect
Contact
Postal address:
The First Minister
The Scottish Government
St Andrew's House
Regent Road
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG