Scotland's First Minister John Swinney begins picking his cabinet for the new 2026 Holyrood session
Jenny Gilruth, who had served as education secretary in the last government, is now Scotland's Deputy First Minister
Earlier Swinney was sworn in as Scotland's first minister during a short ceremony at the Court of Session in Edinburgh
The SNP leader was re-elected as FM by MSPs on Tuesday
He pledged to be a first minister for all and said he would work with other parties to achieve common goals
And now Màiri McAllan has arrived.
Asked whether she was disappointed not to have been appointed deputy first minister, the former cabinet secretary for housing said she was happy to serve her country.
Kirsten Campbell
BBC Scotland political correspondent
The first minister is planning to cut the size of his government.
With public sector reform going to be such a feature of this parliament, John Swinney has decided to lead from the front and trim the number of ministers.
That will mean a restructuring of portfolios too.
At the time of the election there were 12 members of the cabinet, including the FM, and 11 junior ministers.
But nine of them either stood down or lost their seats, which gives the first minister flexibility to make changes without having to sack anybody.
Angela Constance has been involved in a number of high-profile policy debates, including Scotland’s response to drug deaths and ongoing reforms to the justice system.
She has been an MSP since 2007 and, at the latest election, held onto her Almond Valley seat, marking her fifth consecutive win.
Before entering politics, she worked as a social worker and served as a councillor in West Lothian.
Over her time at Holyrood, she has held a range of senior posts, including education secretary and communities secretary.
She returned to cabinet in 2023 as justice secretary, with responsibility for policing, prisons and the wider justice system.
Image source, PA MediaKirsten Campbell
BBC Scotland political correspondent
The deputy first minister, Jenny Gilruth, has described her new job as the greatest honour of her life.
First Minister John Swinney praised her drive and determination and said she had already shown she can deliver for the people of Scotland, not least in averting teachers’ strikes.
Her cabinet portfolio will be confirmed later.
The former justice minister is the next to arrive.
Image source, PA MediaIvan McKee has been an MSP since 2016 and, following boundary changes, held onto a Glasgow seat at this month’s election, winning in the new Glasgow Easterhouse and Springburn constituency.
Before entering politics, he spent much of his career in manufacturing and business, including running his own international consultancy.
He joined the SNP in the run-up to the 2014 independence referendum after earlier involvement with Labour.
Since then he has held a number of ministerial roles, particularly in business, trade and economic portfolios.
Image source, PA Media
James Cook
Scotland editor
Jenny Gilruth is deputy first minister, a senior Scottish government source tells BBC News.
Kirsten Campbell
BBC Scotland political correspondent
Ivan McKee is the next to make his way through Charlotte Square to the big black door at No. 6.
He was public finance minister in the last government but has clearly now secured a cabinet secretary position.
His role leading on public sector reform may have been a key factor in that decision, given that John Swinney has signalled there will need to be cuts to save money.
Image source, PA MediaIvan McKee's early appearance suggests he's been promoted to cabinet secretary
Jenny Gilruth served as cabinet secretary for education and skills from 2023 and is among the names that have been linked to the deputy first minister’s job.
She has represented Mid-Fife and Glenrothes in the Scottish Parliament since 2016 and before entering politics worked as a secondary school teacher.
She has also held ministerial roles covering transport and sport.
Image source, PA MediaKirsten Campbell
BBC Scotland political correspondent
That could be significant. She could be the new deputy first minister. Remember, she introduced John Swinney at the SNP manifesto launch.
Image source, PA MediaJenny Gilruth was education secretary in the previous Yousaf and Swinney governments
Glenn Campbell
BBC Scotland Political Editor
This is John Swinney's chance to put his own stamp on Holyrood and demonstrate he is able to renew the SNP.
He has already said it will be a smaller administration with fewer ministers, a signal he is committed to public sector reform over the next five years.
He will have to give some thought to who replaces Kate Forbes as deputy first minister, which I'm sure will be another female member of the team.
It might not be Màiri McAllan, who is seen as a rising star and potential future first minister.
There are others - Angela Constance, Shirley-Anne Somerville and Jenny Gilruth - who were in his last cabinet and may be in contention for the job.
Kirsten Campbell
BBC Scotland political correspondent
John Swinney wasn't just sworn in as first minister this morning, but also as Keeper of the Great Seal of Scotland.
This is a ceremonial position which entitles him to make decisions and authenticate official documents on behalf of the King.
The Great Seal is used to cast a wax seal, which is affixed to the Letters Patent which give royal assent to legislation passed by the Scottish Parliament.
It was displayed on velvet cushions during the ceremony at the Court of Session.
One little known fact is that it comes with an embroidered pouch or "burse", which John Swinney can carry about with him if he chooses.
James Cook
Scotland Editor
The day began with SNP leader John Swinney being sworn in as first minister of Scotland at the Court of Session in Edinburgh.
He was confirmed in the role after the King issued a warrant approving his appointment.
He took the oath of office, declared his allegiance to King Charles, and was confirmed as Keeper of the Scottish Seal, all without uttering a word but by nodding his head three times.
The court was silent except for the ticking of a clock, the clicking of a camera shutter, and the scratch of the pen as the first minister signed a parchment to confirm his appointment.
The Lord President, Lord Pentland, congratulated Swinney on what he called a "great honour".
Swinney’s wife Elizabeth, his son Matthew and several of his closest advisers watched the ceremony.
Outside the building, where the original Scottish Parliament sat from 1639 until the 1707 union with England, Swinney said taking the oath had been “daunting”.
"It's a very solemn proceeding and it emphasises the significance and the weight of responsibility that is carried by the person that holds the office of first minister,” he said.
Image source, PA MediaFirst Minister John Swinney is now also Keeper of the Great Seal of Scotland
Good morning and welcome to our live coverage as First Minister John Swinney begins putting together his new cabinet.
The SNP leader was re-elected as first minister by MSPs at Holyrood yesterday and officially sworn in to the FM role at the Court of Session in Edinburgh this morning.
At his official residence of Bute House in Charlotte Square, Swinney will meet and appoint his new top team over the course of the afternoon.
Our journalists are poised outside and we'll bring you full coverage and analysis right here as the new government takes shape.
