Scottish FMQs Tracker

25 June 2026 (Thursday) — Final FMQs before summer recess

Note: Held on Thursday this week instead of usual Tuesday.

Russell Findlay (Con) raised the case of Peter Murrell (sentenced to 5y 3m for embezzling £400k+ from SNP). Claimed Swinney "enabled the crimes" and was "at the heart of the cover-up". Called for apology to whistleblowers Allison Graham and Cynthia Guthrie (former SNP Finance & Audit Committee members who said they were bullied by Sturgeon).
Swinney rejected claims as "baseless", said strong governance now in place, tried to draw a line under the issue.
Malcolm Offord (Reform UK) called for creation of a "Murrell collection" of embezzled items, and for the "People's Pen" (Sturgeon's resignation fountain pen) to go to People's Palace. Asked for inquiry into "Murrellgate" and Sturgeon's "no comment" police interview.
Swinney replied: "No, I'm going to get on delivering for the people of Scotland."
BBC Analysis: Two ex-SNP finance officials told The Sun they were bullied by Sturgeon when trying to raise alarms. Suggest no culture change in SNP. Issue not going away.

Anas Sarwar (Lab) raised Audit Scotland's "damning" report on post-school education. Asked for apprenticeship guarantee. Referenced Edinburgh stabbings.
Swinney accepted findings but said 93.5% of young people now have positive destination. £198m/year for apprenticeships, target 150,000 new apprenticeships this parliament. Offered to work with Labour.

Gillian Mackay (Green) raised concerns about environmental/energy impact. 6,000+ people wrote to FM calling for moratorium.
Swinney said considering planning guidance; exploring whether decisions can be made at local council level.

Following Lady Ross ruling (Friday), Swinney confirmed government would not appeal. Trans inmates being moved to jails according to biological sex.
Offord asked about Isla Bryson case. Swinney: "I do not intend to talk about individual cases."

Alex Cole-Hamilton (LD) said justice system in crisis, domestic abuse protection still not in place. Why is government dragging its feet?
Swinney said rise in sexual crimes partly due to increased reporting/prosecution. Government has passed legislation. Denied "dragging heels."

Government expected to announce plans for early release of longer-term prisoners this afternoon.