Scotland is gearing up for the future as First Minister John Swinney vows to bring forward the Scottish Government’s legislative agenda.
In a speech from Bute House, Mr Swinney announced that the new Programme for Government will be unveiled on Tuesday 6 May.
He confirmed the plan will centre on four urgent priorities – ending child poverty, growing the economy, tackling climate change, and maintaining robust public services.
The move comes amid global uncertainty, with economic turbulence felt on both sides of the Atlantic.
Mr Swinney said Scotland must be prepared to navigate what he called the “latest storm” in a long line of economic challenges.
He pointed to the 2008 financial crash, a decade of austerity, Brexit, the pandemic, and soaring energy costs as major shocks that have tested the country’s resilience.
But he stressed that none of them had defeated Scotland.
He pledged that the Programme for Government will be “laser-focused on delivery” to meet the needs of people and businesses across the country.
The First Minister also revealed immediate plans to meet with leaders from business and trade unions.
This summit, scheduled for Wednesday, aims to map out practical steps Scotland can take to respond to the emerging economic headwinds.
Mr Swinney is also urging the UK Government to step up and do more to protect Scotland’s economic interests.
He stressed that collaboration is essential to ensure devolved nations are not left behind in UK-wide policymaking.
The government’s new approach is designed to build a more confident, secure, and united Scotland.
Mr Swinney said his ambition is a wealthier and fairer nation that can face the future with strength.
He emphasised that bringing people together is the only way to build long-term resilience.
The First Minister said that Scotland is determined not only to survive the storm but to come through it stronger.
With the Programme for Government set to be revealed in just weeks, the direction is clear – bold action, clear priorities, and a government ready to lead.
