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.
The Real Living Wage has delivered a pay boost to 72,000 Scottish workers.
I visited Capital City Partnership to mark a record 4,000 Real Living Wage employers in Scotland - proportionately that’s around 5 times more than the rest of the UK.
I visited Capital City Partnership to mark a record 4,000 Real Living Wage employers in Scotland - proportionately that’s around 5 times more than the rest of the UK.
November 10, 2025 at 1:51 PM
The Real Living Wage has delivered a pay boost to 72,000 Scottish workers.
I visited Capital City Partnership to mark a record 4,000 Real Living Wage employers in Scotland - proportionately that’s around 5 times more than the rest of the UK.
I visited Capital City Partnership to mark a record 4,000 Real Living Wage employers in Scotland - proportionately that’s around 5 times more than the rest of the UK.
A privilege to attend Remembrance Day in Edinburgh earlier and lead tributes as First Minister of Scotland.
I remember my late Uncle, Royal Marine Cpl Tom Hunter VC, who lost his life on 3 April 1945 fighting for the freedom we enjoy today. He trained in the hills around this memorial.
I remember my late Uncle, Royal Marine Cpl Tom Hunter VC, who lost his life on 3 April 1945 fighting for the freedom we enjoy today. He trained in the hills around this memorial.
November 10, 2025 at 1:35 AM
A privilege to attend Remembrance Day in Edinburgh earlier and lead tributes as First Minister of Scotland.
I remember my late Uncle, Royal Marine Cpl Tom Hunter VC, who lost his life on 3 April 1945 fighting for the freedom we enjoy today. He trained in the hills around this memorial.
I remember my late Uncle, Royal Marine Cpl Tom Hunter VC, who lost his life on 3 April 1945 fighting for the freedom we enjoy today. He trained in the hills around this memorial.
6 months until the election.
Let’s build a fairer, more prosperous, more affordable country.
An independent Scotland. 🏴
Let’s build a fairer, more prosperous, more affordable country.
An independent Scotland. 🏴
November 7, 2025 at 1:01 PM
6 months until the election.
Let’s build a fairer, more prosperous, more affordable country.
An independent Scotland. 🏴
Let’s build a fairer, more prosperous, more affordable country.
An independent Scotland. 🏴
Delighted with another SNP by-election win - over 40% of the vote for Anne Marie Caldwell in Buckhaven, Methil and Wemyss Villages in Fife.
An outstanding, energetic local campaign. Warmest congratulations to Anne Marie and her team.
An outstanding, energetic local campaign. Warmest congratulations to Anne Marie and her team.
November 7, 2025 at 7:59 AM
Delighted with another SNP by-election win - over 40% of the vote for Anne Marie Caldwell in Buckhaven, Methil and Wemyss Villages in Fife.
An outstanding, energetic local campaign. Warmest congratulations to Anne Marie and her team.
An outstanding, energetic local campaign. Warmest congratulations to Anne Marie and her team.
Far from cutting energy bills as they promised, the Labour government is hiking the bills of Scots to pay for nuclear plants in England.
In Scotland, we have vast renewable resources - and with the powers of independence, we can use them to lower bills.
In Scotland, we have vast renewable resources - and with the powers of independence, we can use them to lower bills.
November 6, 2025 at 6:20 PM
Far from cutting energy bills as they promised, the Labour government is hiking the bills of Scots to pay for nuclear plants in England.
In Scotland, we have vast renewable resources - and with the powers of independence, we can use them to lower bills.
In Scotland, we have vast renewable resources - and with the powers of independence, we can use them to lower bills.
Got my flu jag at Ocean Terminal in Leith - huge thanks to the brilliant NHS staff keeping us healthy this winter. 💙
If you’re eligible, make sure to get yours too and help protect others.
If you’re eligible, make sure to get yours too and help protect others.
November 6, 2025 at 5:42 PM
Got my flu jag at Ocean Terminal in Leith - huge thanks to the brilliant NHS staff keeping us healthy this winter. 💙
If you’re eligible, make sure to get yours too and help protect others.
If you’re eligible, make sure to get yours too and help protect others.
Scotland’s land should benefit the people of Scotland.
The Scottish Parliament has just overwhelmingly passed our historic Land Reform Bill - putting more power in the hands of the people, not large landowners.
The Scottish Parliament has just overwhelmingly passed our historic Land Reform Bill - putting more power in the hands of the people, not large landowners.
November 5, 2025 at 7:42 PM
Scotland’s land should benefit the people of Scotland.
The Scottish Parliament has just overwhelmingly passed our historic Land Reform Bill - putting more power in the hands of the people, not large landowners.
The Scottish Parliament has just overwhelmingly passed our historic Land Reform Bill - putting more power in the hands of the people, not large landowners.
My Christian faith is one of the things that shaped who I am.
I want to build a Scotland where faith and belief are sources of strength, not division.
A Scotland where we come together, across all our communities, to build a better society.
I want to build a Scotland where faith and belief are sources of strength, not division.
A Scotland where we come together, across all our communities, to build a better society.
November 5, 2025 at 7:09 PM
My Christian faith is one of the things that shaped who I am.
I want to build a Scotland where faith and belief are sources of strength, not division.
A Scotland where we come together, across all our communities, to build a better society.
I want to build a Scotland where faith and belief are sources of strength, not division.
A Scotland where we come together, across all our communities, to build a better society.
The better we understand others, the better we understand ourselves.
Great to meet with Scotland’s young faith leaders at the interfaith conference in Glasgow today.
Great to meet with Scotland’s young faith leaders at the interfaith conference in Glasgow today.
November 5, 2025 at 2:45 PM
The better we understand others, the better we understand ourselves.
Great to meet with Scotland’s young faith leaders at the interfaith conference in Glasgow today.
Great to meet with Scotland’s young faith leaders at the interfaith conference in Glasgow today.
75 years ago, the ECHR was signed after the horrors of the war.
Today, Nigel Farage and many Westminster politicians want to tear up the laws that protect our basic human rights.
Our rights are not Westminster’s to take away. We will stand firmly against that.
Today, Nigel Farage and many Westminster politicians want to tear up the laws that protect our basic human rights.
Our rights are not Westminster’s to take away. We will stand firmly against that.
November 5, 2025 at 8:36 AM
75 years ago, the ECHR was signed after the horrors of the war.
Today, Nigel Farage and many Westminster politicians want to tear up the laws that protect our basic human rights.
Our rights are not Westminster’s to take away. We will stand firmly against that.
Today, Nigel Farage and many Westminster politicians want to tear up the laws that protect our basic human rights.
Our rights are not Westminster’s to take away. We will stand firmly against that.
It was great to welcome the 25th Stirling (Dunblane) Boys’ Brigade to Bute House last night.
They’ve recently raised over £100,000 and travelled to Malawi to rebuild classroom blocks that have been damaged by cyclones.
Impressive work. 👏
They’ve recently raised over £100,000 and travelled to Malawi to rebuild classroom blocks that have been damaged by cyclones.
Impressive work. 👏
November 4, 2025 at 11:43 AM
It was great to welcome the 25th Stirling (Dunblane) Boys’ Brigade to Bute House last night.
They’ve recently raised over £100,000 and travelled to Malawi to rebuild classroom blocks that have been damaged by cyclones.
Impressive work. 👏
They’ve recently raised over £100,000 and travelled to Malawi to rebuild classroom blocks that have been damaged by cyclones.
Impressive work. 👏
Today I announced £25.5 million of new investment to deliver more hospital treatments and reduce NHS waiting times even further.
Waiting lists are already falling - this will keep that progress going.
Waiting lists are already falling - this will keep that progress going.
November 3, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Today I announced £25.5 million of new investment to deliver more hospital treatments and reduce NHS waiting times even further.
Waiting lists are already falling - this will keep that progress going.
Waiting lists are already falling - this will keep that progress going.
There’s more to do, but our plan to improve our NHS is working.
✅ Waiting lists down
✅ More appointments and operations
✅ Record investment to boost GP capacity
✅ Plan to open 15 GP walk-in centres
Read my Daily Record column for more.
✅ Waiting lists down
✅ More appointments and operations
✅ Record investment to boost GP capacity
✅ Plan to open 15 GP walk-in centres
Read my Daily Record column for more.
November 3, 2025 at 2:42 PM
There’s more to do, but our plan to improve our NHS is working.
✅ Waiting lists down
✅ More appointments and operations
✅ Record investment to boost GP capacity
✅ Plan to open 15 GP walk-in centres
Read my Daily Record column for more.
✅ Waiting lists down
✅ More appointments and operations
✅ Record investment to boost GP capacity
✅ Plan to open 15 GP walk-in centres
Read my Daily Record column for more.
👇 What does Labour have against rural Scotland?
November 2, 2025 at 9:13 PM
👇 What does Labour have against rural Scotland?
Good to see you, @guyverhofstadt.bsky.social.
Despite the disastrous Brexit that we never voted for, Scotland remains a proud European nation. We will be back, with our own seat at the table. 🏴🇪🇺
Despite the disastrous Brexit that we never voted for, Scotland remains a proud European nation. We will be back, with our own seat at the table. 🏴🇪🇺
November 2, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Good to see you, @guyverhofstadt.bsky.social.
Despite the disastrous Brexit that we never voted for, Scotland remains a proud European nation. We will be back, with our own seat at the table. 🏴🇪🇺
Despite the disastrous Brexit that we never voted for, Scotland remains a proud European nation. We will be back, with our own seat at the table. 🏴🇪🇺
Congratulations to Josh Fyvie - now the youngest councillor in Scotland.
Great result in Stirling East for the SNP. Well done to all who worked so hard on the campaign. 🏴
Great result in Stirling East for the SNP. Well done to all who worked so hard on the campaign. 🏴
October 31, 2025 at 8:04 AM
Congratulations to Josh Fyvie - now the youngest councillor in Scotland.
Great result in Stirling East for the SNP. Well done to all who worked so hard on the campaign. 🏴
Great result in Stirling East for the SNP. Well done to all who worked so hard on the campaign. 🏴
Recorded crime in Scotland is at one of the lowest levels since 1974.
Police numbers are higher than when the SNP came into office.
And all that Anas Sarwar offers is empty rhetoric, hypocrisy and no solutions.
Police numbers are higher than when the SNP came into office.
And all that Anas Sarwar offers is empty rhetoric, hypocrisy and no solutions.
October 30, 2025 at 6:37 PM
Recorded crime in Scotland is at one of the lowest levels since 1974.
Police numbers are higher than when the SNP came into office.
And all that Anas Sarwar offers is empty rhetoric, hypocrisy and no solutions.
Police numbers are higher than when the SNP came into office.
And all that Anas Sarwar offers is empty rhetoric, hypocrisy and no solutions.
We promised to bring down NHS waiting lists - and that's exactly what we're doing.
Today's stats show long waits fell for the fourth month in a row, and we're investing a record £531m over three years to make it easier to see your GP.
More to do, but our plan is working. ✅
Today's stats show long waits fell for the fourth month in a row, and we're investing a record £531m over three years to make it easier to see your GP.
More to do, but our plan is working. ✅
October 28, 2025 at 3:31 PM
We promised to bring down NHS waiting lists - and that's exactly what we're doing.
Today's stats show long waits fell for the fourth month in a row, and we're investing a record £531m over three years to make it easier to see your GP.
More to do, but our plan is working. ✅
Today's stats show long waits fell for the fourth month in a row, and we're investing a record £531m over three years to make it easier to see your GP.
More to do, but our plan is working. ✅
This is incredibly concerning news for employees of Petrofac, their families, and the wider community.
The UK Government must urgently revisit the Energy Profits Levy.
The Scottish Government stands ready to support all those affected by today’s news.
The UK Government must urgently revisit the Energy Profits Levy.
The Scottish Government stands ready to support all those affected by today’s news.
North Sea oil and gas firm Petrofac files for administration
The energy services provider, which had been undergoing a financial restructuring, employs about 2,000 people in Scotland.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 27, 2025 at 12:36 PM
This is incredibly concerning news for employees of Petrofac, their families, and the wider community.
The UK Government must urgently revisit the Energy Profits Levy.
The Scottish Government stands ready to support all those affected by today’s news.
The UK Government must urgently revisit the Energy Profits Levy.
The Scottish Government stands ready to support all those affected by today’s news.
While Labour copies Farage’s policies, our NHS and care homes are finding it harder to recruit the staff they need.
We have a solution.👇
We have a solution.👇
October 26, 2025 at 1:08 PM
While Labour copies Farage’s policies, our NHS and care homes are finding it harder to recruit the staff they need.
We have a solution.👇
We have a solution.👇
Warmest congratulations to Catherine Connolly on her election as the 10th President of Ireland.
I look forward to working with her to nurture the deep relationship between Ireland and Scotland. 🏴 🇮🇪
I look forward to working with her to nurture the deep relationship between Ireland and Scotland. 🏴 🇮🇪
October 26, 2025 at 9:32 AM
Warmest congratulations to Catherine Connolly on her election as the 10th President of Ireland.
I look forward to working with her to nurture the deep relationship between Ireland and Scotland. 🏴 🇮🇪
I look forward to working with her to nurture the deep relationship between Ireland and Scotland. 🏴 🇮🇪
Superb start to our 2026 election campaign in Perthshire North, at the launch event with @mairimcallan.bsky.social, @petewishart.bsky.social, @jimfairliesnp.bsky.social, Dave Doogan MP and many brilliant SNP members and activists.
Thanks to all who came along. Let’s win for Scotland. 🏴
Thanks to all who came along. Let’s win for Scotland. 🏴
October 25, 2025 at 9:55 PM
Superb start to our 2026 election campaign in Perthshire North, at the launch event with @mairimcallan.bsky.social, @petewishart.bsky.social, @jimfairliesnp.bsky.social, Dave Doogan MP and many brilliant SNP members and activists.
Thanks to all who came along. Let’s win for Scotland. 🏴
Thanks to all who came along. Let’s win for Scotland. 🏴
Fantastic day at the Shinty/Hurling International between Scotland and Ireland in Inverness.
Great to see energetic sporting encounters with such deep roots providing an opportunity to bind our countries together. 🏴 🇮🇪
Great to see energetic sporting encounters with such deep roots providing an opportunity to bind our countries together. 🏴 🇮🇪
October 25, 2025 at 3:16 PM
Fantastic day at the Shinty/Hurling International between Scotland and Ireland in Inverness.
Great to see energetic sporting encounters with such deep roots providing an opportunity to bind our countries together. 🏴 🇮🇪
Great to see energetic sporting encounters with such deep roots providing an opportunity to bind our countries together. 🏴 🇮🇪
Even with limited powers, we’ve made real progress in Scotland - the only part of the UK where child poverty is falling.
But Westminster’s failed Thatcherite policies are leaving too many Scots struggling.
Let’s build a fairer society with independence.
But Westminster’s failed Thatcherite policies are leaving too many Scots struggling.
Let’s build a fairer society with independence.
October 25, 2025 at 11:40 AM
Even with limited powers, we’ve made real progress in Scotland - the only part of the UK where child poverty is falling.
But Westminster’s failed Thatcherite policies are leaving too many Scots struggling.
Let’s build a fairer society with independence.
But Westminster’s failed Thatcherite policies are leaving too many Scots struggling.
Let’s build a fairer society with independence.
Independence is normal.
And if independent countries like Ireland, Denmark and Finland can be wealthier and fairer than the UK, so can Scotland.
And if independent countries like Ireland, Denmark and Finland can be wealthier and fairer than the UK, so can Scotland.
October 24, 2025 at 4:50 PM
Independence is normal.
And if independent countries like Ireland, Denmark and Finland can be wealthier and fairer than the UK, so can Scotland.
And if independent countries like Ireland, Denmark and Finland can be wealthier and fairer than the UK, so can Scotland.