First Minister John Swinney hails ‘new chapter’ for SNP

 John Swinney, who led the SNP from 2000 to 2004, has been sworn in as Scotland’s seventh First Minister. 

On winning the leadership of his party, the MSP for Perthshire North said it was “the beginning of a new chapter in our party’s history — a chapter that will be about uniting, coming together and dedicating ourselves to the service of Scotland”. 

The dissolution of the Bute House Agreement, linking the SNP and the Scottish Green Party, at the end of April resulted in the ousting of Lorna Slater, the co-leader of the Scottish Greens and former Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity. 

BASC Scotland director Peter Clark told Shooting Times: “BASC has worked with Mr Swinney for decades and we congratulate him on his appointment as First Minister of Scotland. 

“Rural Scotland has significant concerns over new deer management proposals and the licensing schemes outlined in the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024. Communities and livelihoods are under immense pressure, and it is crucial going forward that the First Minister listens to concerns and steps up in order to deliver for Scotland’s renowned shooting sector.”