First Minister of Scotland facts for kids

Quick facts for kids First Minister of Scotland
Flag of Scotland
Royal Coat of Arms used by the Monarch in Scotland
Incumbent John Swinney since 8 May 2024
Office of the First Minister Scottish Government Scottish Cabinet Scottish Parliament
Style	First Minister and Keeper of the Scottish Seal (formal) First Minister (informal) The Right Honourable (UK and Commonwealth) His/Her Excellency (international)
Member of	Scottish Parliament Scottish Cabinet Privy Council British-Irish Council PM and Heads of Devolved Governments Council Council of the Nations and Regions
Reports to	Scottish Parliament
Residence	Bute House
Seat	St Andrew's House
Nominator	Scottish Parliament
Appointer	The monarch
Term length	At His Majesty's pleasure (following nomination by the Scottish Parliament)
Inaugural holder	Donald Dewar
Formation	17 May 1999 (26 years ago) (1999-05-17)
Deputy	Deputy First Minister of Scotland
Salary	£165,678 per annum (2023) (including £67,662 MSP salary)

The First Minister of Scotland is the main leader of the Scottish Government. This person is like the head of the team that runs Scotland. The First Minister also looks after the Great Seal of Scotland, which is a very old and important symbol.

The First Minister leads meetings of the Scottish Cabinet. Their main job is to create and share the Scottish Government's plans. They also represent Scotland around the world. The Scottish Parliament chooses the First Minister. They are then officially appointed by the King or Queen.

The First Minister chooses other ministers for the Scottish Cabinet. They also pick junior ministers for the Scottish Government. The First Minister is responsible to the Scottish Parliament for their actions. This means they have to answer questions about what they and the government do. They also appoint Scotland's main legal officers and judges.

The Deputy First Minister of Scotland helps the First Minister. Other helpers include cabinet secretaries, junior ministers, and civil servants. The First Minister also has a chief of staff for advice. Currently, John Swinney is the First Minister. He is an MSP for Perthshire North. He is also the leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP). John Swinney became First Minister on 7 May 2024. He was officially sworn in the next day.

How the First Minister's Job Started

After a special vote in 1997, the Scottish Parliament and Scottish Government were created. This happened thanks to the Parliament of the United Kingdom and the UK government.

Before this, Scotland's own parliament had joined with England's in 1707. Creating a new parliament and government for Scotland was called devolution. This gave Scotland more home rule (self-governance) over things like health, education, and justice.

The idea of devolution grew in the 1970s. This led to the Scotland Act 1978. This law would have created a Scottish leader called 'First Secretary'. But a vote in 1979 failed, so the law was not put into action.

After the 1997 vote and the Scotland Act 1998, the job of First Minister was created. This person would lead the new Scottish Government. Since 1999, the UK's Secretary of State for Scotland has had a smaller role. Many responsibilities moved to the Scottish Parliament and Government.

How the First Minister is Chosen and How Long They Serve

Choosing the First Minister

The Scottish Parliament chooses the First Minister at the start of each term. They do this by voting. Then, the King or Queen officially appoints them.

The government needs the support of the Scottish Parliament to stay in power. This means the First Minister is usually the leader of the biggest party. Or, they are the leader of the main party in a coalition (a group of parties working together). There is no set time limit for how long a First Minister can serve. They hold office "at His Majesty's pleasure". This means they serve as long as the King or Queen wishes, and as long as they have the Parliament's support.

If the Scottish Parliament no longer supports the First Minister, they must resign. Or, they must ask for new elections. When the job of First Minister becomes empty, the King or Queen appoints the new one. This happens after the Scottish Parliament chooses a nominee.

It is often hard for one party to win a full majority of seats in the Scottish Parliament. This is because of the voting system used. However, the SNP did win a majority in the 2011 election. This allowed their leader, Alex Salmond, to become First Minister for a second time.

After a Scottish Parliament election, a First Minister must be chosen within 28 days. If Parliament fails to do this, it will be closed down. Then, a new election will be held. If a First Minister loses a general election, they do not leave office right away. They stay until the Scottish Parliament chooses a new person.

Taking the Oath

After accepting the job, the First Minister takes an oath. This is a special promise. The oath is given by the Lord President of the Court of Session. This happens at the Court in Edinburgh. The oath is:

I, [name], do swear that I will well and truly serve His Majesty King Charles in the office of first minister of the Scottish Government, So help me God.

How Long They Stay in Office

First Minister John Swinney taking the oath of office at the Court of Session

The First Minister's time in office is not directly linked to the term of members of the Scottish Parliament. The Scotland Act says that elections for the Scottish Parliament happen every four years. These elections are on the first Thursday in May, starting from 1999.

Parliament can be dissolved, and an early election held. But this only happens if two-thirds (or more) of MSPs vote for it. If most MSPs vote that they have "no confidence" in the First Minister, a new one must be chosen within 28 days. If no new First Minister is chosen, an early election must be called.

Once appointed, the First Minister stays in office until they resign, are removed, or die. Resignation can happen if Parliament votes "no confidence" in them. If this happens, the First Minister and their government must resign. The Presiding Officer would then appoint a temporary First Minister. This person would serve until Parliament chooses a new nominee.

The First Minister is supported by their Chief of Staff to the First Minister. This person advises the First Minister on their plans and how they work with other governments.

Powers of the First Minister

Scottish Law and Civil Service

Scotland's law officers – the Lord Advocate and Solicitor General for Scotland are appointed by the First Minister

The First Minister suggests who should be the Lord Advocate and Solicitor General for Scotland to the King or Queen. These are Scotland's top legal officers. The First Minister also helps decide on appointing and removing Scottish judges.

The First Minister chooses the Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government. This person is the most senior civil servant in Scotland. They help carry out the Scottish Government's plans. The First Minister is also in charge of the civil service staff in Scotland.

The First Minister is consulted when members of the UK Supreme Court are chosen.

Security and Emergencies

The Scottish Government Resilience Room in operation, chaired by the First Minister

The First Minister's office handles reports about spying and intelligence. During national emergencies like floods or terror attacks, the First Minister leads the Scottish Government Resilience Room (SGoRR). This group helps plan how to respond to major events in Scotland.

The First Minister is in charge of Scotland's emergency response levels. They also oversee Scottish Government Liaison Offices. These offices help the First Minister and other ministers during emergencies.

If a crisis affects the whole UK, the Scottish Government works with the UK Government. The First Minister helps coordinate this. They might attend the UK Government's emergency room, COBRA. This happens for big events like a major terrorist attack.

Keeper of the Great Seal

The First Minister also holds the office of Keeper of the Great Seal

The First Minister is the Keeper of the Great Seal of Scotland. This is a very important part of the job. The First Minister also decides how the Scottish Seals are kept. They can sign royal warrants for the King or Queen.

As Keeper of the Great Seal, First Minister Humza Yousaf oversaw the Stone of Scone leaving Scotland. It went to Westminster Abbey for the Coronation of Charles III and Camilla in May 2023.

Privy Council Member

The First Minister becomes a member of the Privy Council upon receiving the Royal Warrant from the monarch

The First Minister becomes a member of the Privy Council of the United Kingdom. This is a group of advisors to the King or Queen. The First Minister advises the King or Queen on Scottish honours and appointments. They also advise on appointing Lords Lieutenants in Scotland.

The Scotland Act 1998 says the First Minister advises the King or Queen directly. This includes getting approval for Scottish Ministers. It also includes suggesting people for Scottish Law Officers and judges.

What the First Minister Does

The First Minister leads the Scottish Government. They are in charge of creating and carrying out the government's plans. They also promote and represent Scotland at home and abroad. The Scotland Act 1998 explains their role and powers.

Choosing Cabinet Members

After being appointed, the First Minister chooses ministers for the Scottish Cabinet. They also pick junior ministers for the Scottish Government. These ministers are then officially chosen by the Scottish Parliament. The First Minister can remove ministers from their jobs at any time. They also appoint the top legal officers, the lord advocate and solicitor general, with Parliament's support.

Answering to Parliament

The First Minister is responsible to the Scottish Parliament. MSPs can ask the First Minister and their Cabinet questions. This happens during First Minister's Questions (FMQs) every Thursday. During this 30-minute session, MSPs can ask the First Minister about any topic. Leaders of the main opposition parties get to ask questions each week.

The First Minister can also give speeches to the Scottish Parliament. After a speech, MSPs can ask questions about it. For example, at the start of each parliamentary term, the First Minister usually gives a speech. This speech outlines the government's plans for the future.

International Relations

Foreign Policy

While foreign policy is mainly handled by the UK government, the Scottish Government and First Minister can promote Scotland's economy. They encourage foreign businesses and governments to invest in Scotland. The First Minister often travels internationally to promote Scotland. Other ministers also help with international relations. The First Minister is ultimately responsible for how Scotland works with other governments.

International Visits

Donald Dewar, the first First Minister, made five international visits. These included trips to Belgium and Japan. Henry McLeish made six international visits. He led Scotland's response to the September 11 attacks in the United States. He said the Parliament condemned the "senseless and abhorrent acts of terrorism".

Jack McConnell made 28 international visits. He visited places like the United States, South Africa, and China. He helped create the Scotland Malawi Partnership in 2004. This group helps connect people and groups in Scotland and Malawi.

First Minister Jack McConnell with President of Russia, Vladimir Putin

Alex Salmond made twenty overseas visits. These included trips to the United States, China, and India. After the Brexit vote, Nicola Sturgeon went to Brussels. She met with European leaders to talk about Scotland's future in the European Union. Humza Yousaf also visited Brussels in June 2023. He wanted to build a good relationship between Scotland and the European Union.

Current First Minister John Swinney welcomed the President of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema, to Bute House in June 2024. They discussed strengthening ties between Zambia and Scotland. Swinney also visited Germany to promote Scottish culture and tourism.

Nicola Sturgeon addressing the United Nations

International Groups

The First Minister is part of several important groups. These include the Prime Minister and Heads of Devolved Governments Council and the British-Irish Council. They also attend meetings of the United Nations. For example, Nicola Sturgeon spoke at the United Nations General Assembly in 2017. She talked about gender equality and women's role in solving conflicts. She also spoke at the 2017 United Nations Climate Change Conference.

Deputy and 'Acting' First Minister

The First Minister is supported by the Deputy First Minister

There is also a Deputy First Minister. This job is not set out in law, but it is important. The Deputy First Minister is also an MSP and a member of the Scottish Government. From 1999 to 2007, the leader of the Liberal Democrats was often the Deputy First Minister. They also held another ministerial job.

On two occasions, the Deputy First Minister became 'acting' First Minister. This happened when the First Minister was absent or unable to do the job. For example, Jim Wallace became acting First Minister after Donald Dewar died in 2000. He also served as acting First Minister after Henry McLeish resigned in 2001.

The Deputy First Minister does not automatically take over if the First Minister leaves office suddenly. But they might fill in for the First Minister, for example, by answering questions in Parliament.

Special Privileges

The First Minister, as ex officio Keeper of the Great Seal of Scotland, can fly the Royal Banner of Scotland.

The First Minister is the ex officio Keeper of the Great Seal of Scotland. This means they hold this title because of their main job. This position helps decide their rank in Scotland. The First Minister ranks very high in Scotland. They are above almost everyone except the royal family, the UK Prime Minister, and a few other important people. As Keeper of the Great Seal, the First Minister can fly the Royal Banner of Scotland.

As of April 2015, the First Minister earned a total salary of £144,687. This included their basic MSP salary and an extra amount for being First Minister. The First Minister is the highest-paid member of the Scottish Government. Nicola Sturgeon chose to claim less than her full salary.

The First Minister usually lives at Bute House. This house is in Charlotte Square in Edinburgh. It belongs to the National Trust for Scotland. Before devolution, it was where the Secretary of State for Scotland lived. Weekly meetings of the Scottish Cabinet happen here. The First Minister also holds press conferences and meets important visitors at Bute House. The First Minister's main office is at St Andrews House in Edinburgh.

All First Ministers have been appointed to the Privy Council of the United Kingdom. This means they can use the title 'Right Honourable'.

• Privileges of office of First Minister
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  Official Residence, Bute House at 6 Charlotte Square in Edinburgh

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  The First Minister has an office at St Andrew's House

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  One of the vehicles used by the Office of the First Minister, the Tesla Model 3

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  The First Minister, and other ministers, also use the Kia Optima

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  The First Minister has an office within the Scottish Parliament building

How First Ministers Have Been Nominated

Timeline of Scottish First Ministers

See also

• List of current heads of government in the United Kingdom and dependencies