John Swinney
@johnswinney.bsky.social
🏴 First Minister, SNP Leader, MSP for Perthshire North. Delivering progress for Scotland.
Promoted by John Swinney, 17-19 Leslie St, Blairgowrie, PH10 6AH
Promoted by John Swinney, 17-19 Leslie St, Blairgowrie, PH10 6AH
Pinned
John Swinney
@johnswinney.bsky.social
· Aug 26
Every time living standards fall, Nigel Farage blames migration.
And every time, Keir Starmer nods along.
People are struggling with the cost of living and blaming migration won’t fix that.
Scotland deserves better - a fairer, wealthier, welcoming future with independence.
And every time, Keir Starmer nods along.
People are struggling with the cost of living and blaming migration won’t fix that.
Scotland deserves better - a fairer, wealthier, welcoming future with independence.
Three months until Scotland’s choice.
On May 7, vote SNP to choose hope, fairness and real action on the cost of living.
Let’s escape the broken Westminster system and choose our own future with the fresh start of independence. 🏴
On May 7, vote SNP to choose hope, fairness and real action on the cost of living.
Let’s escape the broken Westminster system and choose our own future with the fresh start of independence. 🏴
February 7, 2026 at 7:32 PM
Three months until Scotland’s choice.
On May 7, vote SNP to choose hope, fairness and real action on the cost of living.
Let’s escape the broken Westminster system and choose our own future with the fresh start of independence. 🏴
On May 7, vote SNP to choose hope, fairness and real action on the cost of living.
Let’s escape the broken Westminster system and choose our own future with the fresh start of independence. 🏴
I am heart sore this morning at the death of Jeane Freeman, a wonderful Cabinet colleague.
Jeane gave selfless service to Scotland especially as Health Secretary during Covid. In designing Scotland’s social security system, she put dignity and respect at its heart. (1/2)
Jeane gave selfless service to Scotland especially as Health Secretary during Covid. In designing Scotland’s social security system, she put dignity and respect at its heart. (1/2)
February 7, 2026 at 8:57 AM
I am heart sore this morning at the death of Jeane Freeman, a wonderful Cabinet colleague.
Jeane gave selfless service to Scotland especially as Health Secretary during Covid. In designing Scotland’s social security system, she put dignity and respect at its heart. (1/2)
Jeane gave selfless service to Scotland especially as Health Secretary during Covid. In designing Scotland’s social security system, she put dignity and respect at its heart. (1/2)
Deeply saddened by the terrorist attack at the Khadija al-Kubra Shia Mosque in Islamabad.
My heart goes out to those who are suffering as a result of this terrible atrocity.
My heart goes out to those who are suffering as a result of this terrible atrocity.
February 6, 2026 at 6:42 PM
Deeply saddened by the terrorist attack at the Khadija al-Kubra Shia Mosque in Islamabad.
My heart goes out to those who are suffering as a result of this terrible atrocity.
My heart goes out to those who are suffering as a result of this terrible atrocity.
I want more people to be able to put down roots in Scotland’s rural and island communities.
That’s why today I have launched a new Rural and Island Housing Grant, helping more first-time buyers and families afford a home.
That’s why today I have launched a new Rural and Island Housing Grant, helping more first-time buyers and families afford a home.
Securing homes in rural and island communities
Funding for housing, farming and agricultural businesses.
www.gov.scot
February 6, 2026 at 4:50 PM
I want more people to be able to put down roots in Scotland’s rural and island communities.
That’s why today I have launched a new Rural and Island Housing Grant, helping more first-time buyers and families afford a home.
That’s why today I have launched a new Rural and Island Housing Grant, helping more first-time buyers and families afford a home.
I have signed the cross-party letter urging Ofcom to reject the damaging proposals to scrap the STV North news service.
Locally produced, distinct, regional news is essential to a healthy democracy. The North of Scotland must not be an afterthought.
#SaveSTVNorth
Locally produced, distinct, regional news is essential to a healthy democracy. The North of Scotland must not be an afterthought.
#SaveSTVNorth
February 5, 2026 at 7:56 PM
I have signed the cross-party letter urging Ofcom to reject the damaging proposals to scrap the STV North news service.
Locally produced, distinct, regional news is essential to a healthy democracy. The North of Scotland must not be an afterthought.
#SaveSTVNorth
Locally produced, distinct, regional news is essential to a healthy democracy. The North of Scotland must not be an afterthought.
#SaveSTVNorth
Good to meet with WASPI women in Parliament today.
It’s shameful that Labour promised them the compensation they’re due, but abandoned them in government.
The SNP is proud to stand with WASPI women and we will keep pressing for the justice they deserve.
It’s shameful that Labour promised them the compensation they’re due, but abandoned them in government.
The SNP is proud to stand with WASPI women and we will keep pressing for the justice they deserve.
February 5, 2026 at 4:20 PM
Good to meet with WASPI women in Parliament today.
It’s shameful that Labour promised them the compensation they’re due, but abandoned them in government.
The SNP is proud to stand with WASPI women and we will keep pressing for the justice they deserve.
It’s shameful that Labour promised them the compensation they’re due, but abandoned them in government.
The SNP is proud to stand with WASPI women and we will keep pressing for the justice they deserve.
It’s now official.
Scotland will have an extra bank holiday on Monday 15 June to mark our return to the World Cup. 🏴
Scotland will have an extra bank holiday on Monday 15 June to mark our return to the World Cup. 🏴
February 4, 2026 at 8:43 PM
It’s now official.
Scotland will have an extra bank holiday on Monday 15 June to mark our return to the World Cup. 🏴
Scotland will have an extra bank holiday on Monday 15 June to mark our return to the World Cup. 🏴
My duty is to protect Scotland’s interests.
It is absolutely unacceptable if they were undermined by Peter Mandelson during the financial crisis or at any time since.
I have ordered the Scottish Government to conduct a full investigatory audit to establish the facts.
It is absolutely unacceptable if they were undermined by Peter Mandelson during the financial crisis or at any time since.
I have ordered the Scottish Government to conduct a full investigatory audit to establish the facts.
February 4, 2026 at 6:37 PM
My duty is to protect Scotland’s interests.
It is absolutely unacceptable if they were undermined by Peter Mandelson during the financial crisis or at any time since.
I have ordered the Scottish Government to conduct a full investigatory audit to establish the facts.
It is absolutely unacceptable if they were undermined by Peter Mandelson during the financial crisis or at any time since.
I have ordered the Scottish Government to conduct a full investigatory audit to establish the facts.
Great to spend time in the Borders today, visiting local businesses and highlighting the support we’re delivering for local families.
On May 7, vote:
🏴 Calum Kerr in Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale.
🏴 John Redpath in Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire.
On May 7, vote:
🏴 Calum Kerr in Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale.
🏴 John Redpath in Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire.
February 4, 2026 at 4:47 PM
Great to spend time in the Borders today, visiting local businesses and highlighting the support we’re delivering for local families.
On May 7, vote:
🏴 Calum Kerr in Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale.
🏴 John Redpath in Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire.
On May 7, vote:
🏴 Calum Kerr in Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale.
🏴 John Redpath in Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire.
Long NHS waits in Scotland are coming down - today’s statistics show they have fallen for 7 months in a row.
At the same time, we are performing more operations.
There is still more to do, but this is real progress for patients and a huge credit to our NHS staff. 👏
At the same time, we are performing more operations.
There is still more to do, but this is real progress for patients and a huge credit to our NHS staff. 👏
February 3, 2026 at 1:40 PM
Long NHS waits in Scotland are coming down - today’s statistics show they have fallen for 7 months in a row.
At the same time, we are performing more operations.
There is still more to do, but this is real progress for patients and a huge credit to our NHS staff. 👏
At the same time, we are performing more operations.
There is still more to do, but this is real progress for patients and a huge credit to our NHS staff. 👏
Delighted to open Luss Distillery today, on the banks of Loch Lomond.
It will support local jobs, local tourism and it’s a real vote of confidence in Scotland’s economy.
Wishing the whole team every success! 🥃
It will support local jobs, local tourism and it’s a real vote of confidence in Scotland’s economy.
Wishing the whole team every success! 🥃
February 2, 2026 at 4:14 PM
Delighted to open Luss Distillery today, on the banks of Loch Lomond.
It will support local jobs, local tourism and it’s a real vote of confidence in Scotland’s economy.
Wishing the whole team every success! 🥃
It will support local jobs, local tourism and it’s a real vote of confidence in Scotland’s economy.
Wishing the whole team every success! 🥃
Last year in Zambia, I saw KidsOR (Kids Operating Room) deliver life-saving surgery and oxygen facilities.
Today in Dundee, I met the team that assembles paediatric operating theatres for children in Gaza.
Proud that Scotland is playing our part, and we will continue doing all we can.
Today in Dundee, I met the team that assembles paediatric operating theatres for children in Gaza.
Proud that Scotland is playing our part, and we will continue doing all we can.
January 30, 2026 at 4:36 PM
Last year in Zambia, I saw KidsOR (Kids Operating Room) deliver life-saving surgery and oxygen facilities.
Today in Dundee, I met the team that assembles paediatric operating theatres for children in Gaza.
Proud that Scotland is playing our part, and we will continue doing all we can.
Today in Dundee, I met the team that assembles paediatric operating theatres for children in Gaza.
Proud that Scotland is playing our part, and we will continue doing all we can.
Lovely to meet up with the Moulin Hotel Coffee Group, a gathering that started during Covid to tackle isolation in the Pitlochry community and is now five years strong. Great chats.
January 29, 2026 at 11:37 AM
Lovely to meet up with the Moulin Hotel Coffee Group, a gathering that started during Covid to tackle isolation in the Pitlochry community and is now five years strong. Great chats.
100 days until Scotland decides.
My focus is on what matters: tackling the cost of living crisis, improving our NHS and securing Scotland’s choice of a fresh start with independence.
I’m ready to lead our country into that better future we deserve. 🏴
My focus is on what matters: tackling the cost of living crisis, improving our NHS and securing Scotland’s choice of a fresh start with independence.
I’m ready to lead our country into that better future we deserve. 🏴
January 27, 2026 at 9:54 PM
100 days until Scotland decides.
My focus is on what matters: tackling the cost of living crisis, improving our NHS and securing Scotland’s choice of a fresh start with independence.
I’m ready to lead our country into that better future we deserve. 🏴
My focus is on what matters: tackling the cost of living crisis, improving our NHS and securing Scotland’s choice of a fresh start with independence.
I’m ready to lead our country into that better future we deserve. 🏴
On Holocaust Memorial Day, we remember the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust and all victims of Nazi persecution.
We have an enormous responsibility to pass the survivors’ stories to the next generation, and to confront antisemitism and hatred wherever we find it.
We have an enormous responsibility to pass the survivors’ stories to the next generation, and to confront antisemitism and hatred wherever we find it.
January 27, 2026 at 1:31 PM
On Holocaust Memorial Day, we remember the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust and all victims of Nazi persecution.
We have an enormous responsibility to pass the survivors’ stories to the next generation, and to confront antisemitism and hatred wherever we find it.
We have an enormous responsibility to pass the survivors’ stories to the next generation, and to confront antisemitism and hatred wherever we find it.
For a’ that, an’ a’ that,
It’s comin yet for a’ that,
That man to man, the world o’er,
Shall brothers be for a’ that.
From my family to yours, Happy Burns Night. 🏴
It’s comin yet for a’ that,
That man to man, the world o’er,
Shall brothers be for a’ that.
From my family to yours, Happy Burns Night. 🏴
January 25, 2026 at 6:26 PM
For a’ that, an’ a’ that,
It’s comin yet for a’ that,
That man to man, the world o’er,
Shall brothers be for a’ that.
From my family to yours, Happy Burns Night. 🏴
It’s comin yet for a’ that,
That man to man, the world o’er,
Shall brothers be for a’ that.
From my family to yours, Happy Burns Night. 🏴
Great to be out campaigning with the SNP team in Bearsden South supporting our excellent candidate Lynne Gibbons.
Polling day is Thursday. #VoteSNP
Polling day is Thursday. #VoteSNP
January 25, 2026 at 1:45 PM
Great to be out campaigning with the SNP team in Bearsden South supporting our excellent candidate Lynne Gibbons.
Polling day is Thursday. #VoteSNP
Polling day is Thursday. #VoteSNP
The comments made by President Trump about the contribution of NATO Allies in Afghanistan are deeply insulting to all who served and immeasurably hurtful to the loved ones of those who lost their lives.
That agony will be felt across Scotland and the UK.
That agony will be felt across Scotland and the UK.
January 23, 2026 at 6:57 PM
The comments made by President Trump about the contribution of NATO Allies in Afghanistan are deeply insulting to all who served and immeasurably hurtful to the loved ones of those who lost their lives.
That agony will be felt across Scotland and the UK.
That agony will be felt across Scotland and the UK.
Glad to hear Mayor Zohran Mamdani is considering a baby box scheme in New York.
The Scottish Government has sent over a Baby Box to share our experience and hopefully offer some inspiration.
Since we launched it in 2017, I’m proud it’s giving every child the best start in life. 🏴
The Scottish Government has sent over a Baby Box to share our experience and hopefully offer some inspiration.
Since we launched it in 2017, I’m proud it’s giving every child the best start in life. 🏴
January 23, 2026 at 2:39 PM
Glad to hear Mayor Zohran Mamdani is considering a baby box scheme in New York.
The Scottish Government has sent over a Baby Box to share our experience and hopefully offer some inspiration.
Since we launched it in 2017, I’m proud it’s giving every child the best start in life. 🏴
The Scottish Government has sent over a Baby Box to share our experience and hopefully offer some inspiration.
Since we launched it in 2017, I’m proud it’s giving every child the best start in life. 🏴
What a magnificent SNP win in the Glenrothes West and Kinglassie by-election!
Well done to Cllr Zoe Hisbent on a stunning win. Nigel Farage turned up to campaign and lost. Labour polled 15%. Excellent result for the SNP.
Well done to Cllr Zoe Hisbent on a stunning win. Nigel Farage turned up to campaign and lost. Labour polled 15%. Excellent result for the SNP.
January 23, 2026 at 8:05 AM
What a magnificent SNP win in the Glenrothes West and Kinglassie by-election!
Well done to Cllr Zoe Hisbent on a stunning win. Nigel Farage turned up to campaign and lost. Labour polled 15%. Excellent result for the SNP.
Well done to Cllr Zoe Hisbent on a stunning win. Nigel Farage turned up to campaign and lost. Labour polled 15%. Excellent result for the SNP.
Deeply moving to attend the Holocaust Memorial Day reception at Parliament.
Hearing from survivors of the Holocaust and the Cambodian genocide was a powerful reminder that remembrance must never be passive.
We must all speak out and ensure such atrocities never happen again.
Hearing from survivors of the Holocaust and the Cambodian genocide was a powerful reminder that remembrance must never be passive.
We must all speak out and ensure such atrocities never happen again.
January 22, 2026 at 9:10 PM
Deeply moving to attend the Holocaust Memorial Day reception at Parliament.
Hearing from survivors of the Holocaust and the Cambodian genocide was a powerful reminder that remembrance must never be passive.
We must all speak out and ensure such atrocities never happen again.
Hearing from survivors of the Holocaust and the Cambodian genocide was a powerful reminder that remembrance must never be passive.
We must all speak out and ensure such atrocities never happen again.
Today we have announced More Homes Scotland.
It will help build more homes, more quickly, ensuring more young people across Scotland can get a home they can afford.
It will help build more homes, more quickly, ensuring more young people across Scotland can get a home they can afford.
January 22, 2026 at 3:28 PM
Today we have announced More Homes Scotland.
It will help build more homes, more quickly, ensuring more young people across Scotland can get a home they can afford.
It will help build more homes, more quickly, ensuring more young people across Scotland can get a home they can afford.
Ahead of the World Cup, Craig Ferguson is doing an extraordinary 3,000 mile walk across the US to raise awareness and funds for mental health.
A real honour and pleasure to catch up with Craig before he sets off.
The whole of Scotland will be behind you! 🏴
A real honour and pleasure to catch up with Craig before he sets off.
The whole of Scotland will be behind you! 🏴
January 22, 2026 at 11:05 AM
Ahead of the World Cup, Craig Ferguson is doing an extraordinary 3,000 mile walk across the US to raise awareness and funds for mental health.
A real honour and pleasure to catch up with Craig before he sets off.
The whole of Scotland will be behind you! 🏴
A real honour and pleasure to catch up with Craig before he sets off.
The whole of Scotland will be behind you! 🏴
Latest figures out today show Scotland’s unemployment rate fell to 3.7%, and is below the UK rate of 5.1%.
If Scotland can do this with limited economic powers, imagine what more we could do if we had the full powers of independence.
If Scotland can do this with limited economic powers, imagine what more we could do if we had the full powers of independence.
January 20, 2026 at 4:07 PM
Latest figures out today show Scotland’s unemployment rate fell to 3.7%, and is below the UK rate of 5.1%.
If Scotland can do this with limited economic powers, imagine what more we could do if we had the full powers of independence.
If Scotland can do this with limited economic powers, imagine what more we could do if we had the full powers of independence.
If you’re aged 18–30 and have a good business idea, Scotland will back you.
Today I have launched The First Minister’s Start-Up Challenge and applications will open soon.
£500 to test your business, and up to £5,000 to launch it.
Today I have launched The First Minister’s Start-Up Challenge and applications will open soon.
£500 to test your business, and up to £5,000 to launch it.
January 19, 2026 at 7:11 PM
If you’re aged 18–30 and have a good business idea, Scotland will back you.
Today I have launched The First Minister’s Start-Up Challenge and applications will open soon.
£500 to test your business, and up to £5,000 to launch it.
Today I have launched The First Minister’s Start-Up Challenge and applications will open soon.
£500 to test your business, and up to £5,000 to launch it.