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John Swinney @johnswinney.bsky.social · 12h

In Scotland, we provide free personal care for older people without punishing pensioners. Andy Burnham removing the triple lock would simply repeat the mistakes of Keir Starmer. The blame for the UK’s financial mess lies with successive Westminster governments, not pensioners.

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John Swinney @johnswinney.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

More jobs and investment are coming to the North East. Subsea Micropiles is investing in a new manufacturing facility in Montrose, creating over 80 jobs - and SSE is planning to base its offshore wind operations at the Port, creating around 100 more. Great news for Scotland’s industrial future. 🏗️

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John Swinney @johnswinney.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Very sorry to hear this news. I have hugely enjoyed Peter May’s evocative books set in the Hebrides. His description of events in some of the most precious places in our landscape was so stunning. I extend my sympathy to his family. www.scotsman.com/arts-and-cul...

scotsman.com

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John Swinney @johnswinney.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Tackling the climate emergency is at the heart of my plans for Scotland. We can cut emissions while strengthening our economy - by harnessing Scotland’s massive renewable energy potential, creating good jobs and making sure communities benefit from the transition.

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John Swinney @johnswinney.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Best of luck to the Scotland national men’s football team against Slovenia and to Sébastien Pocognoli in his first game as the new manager. Come on Scotland! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

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John Swinney @johnswinney.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Visiting the Knife Angel in Edinburgh was such a powerful reminder of the devastating impact of knife violence. One life lost is one too many. We will keep working with Police Scotland and other partners to prevent violence, intervene early and give people the support they need.

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John Swinney @johnswinney.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Scotland is at its strongest when all parts of society work together with a shared purpose of building a fairer, more equal Scotland. Great to meet leaders from across Scotland's charity sector earlier today and discuss exactly that.

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John Swinney @johnswinney.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

While we might disagree on independence, surely we can all agree that Scotland is a nation, and its people have the right to decide their future. That is the simple principle I’m asking all MSPs in the Scottish Parliament to vote for today.

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John Swinney @johnswinney.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

This is a hugely significant moment. For the first time since 2014, Scottish Labour accept Scotland’s right to decide our own future, just as the Prime Minister has. We now need to turn that principle into an opportunity for people to make their voice heard. news.stv.tv/politics/mic...

news.stv.tv

Michael Marra: Scotland has the right to decide its own future

Michael Marra was elected on Saturday to replace Anas Sarwar, who quit Holyrood for the House of Lords.

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John Swinney @johnswinney.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

The old Westminster position of denying Scotland’s democracy is no longer sustainable. There is now a growing acceptance that Scotland has the right to decide its future - and we will ensure that the people of Scotland get that choice.

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John Swinney @johnswinney.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Scotland is a nation, and we have the right to decide our own future. On Tuesday, I’ll ask MSPs in the Scottish Parliament to back that simple principle. Whatever your view on independence, that should be something we can all agree on.

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John Swinney @johnswinney.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Congratulations to Michael Marra on his election as Scottish Labour Leader. I look forward to working with him.

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John Swinney @johnswinney.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

I welcome reports that Jagtar Singh Johal has been granted bail after almost nine years in detention. This is welcome news for Jagtar, his wife and his family, who campaigned tirelessly. I hope they can be reunited soon, and that the remaining legal process is fair and timely.

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John Swinney @johnswinney.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Many congratulations to Leigh Payne, the latest SNP Councillor for Avondale and Stonehouse, elected in a by-election tonight. Great news.

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John Swinney @johnswinney.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

I came into politics to ensure Scotland becomes an independent country, and I am determined to achieve that objective. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

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John Swinney @johnswinney.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Energy-rich Scotland has some of the highest energy prices in Europe - and they are set to rise again this winter. If the UK Government won’t cut energy bills as they promised, they should get out of the way for a Scottish Government that will.

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John Swinney @johnswinney.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Honoured to welcome President Connolly to Bute House and build on the deep, enduring friendship between Scotland and Ireland. We will keep working together based on our shared values of peace, equality and international solidarity. 🇮🇪🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

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John Swinney @johnswinney.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

A historic day in Cardiff today. Scotland, Wales and Ireland coming together to assert that the futures of our nations must be shaped by our people. If this is still a voluntary union, Westminster has no democratic right to deny our right to choose.

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John Swinney @johnswinney.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Today I attended a Service at St Giles Cathedral to remember those who lost their lives or were affected by 9/11. I will never forget watching the terrible images that day. We must always remember those who suffered on that day and since.

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John Swinney @johnswinney.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

To Jewish communities in Scotland and around the world celebrating Rosh Hashanah, I wish you a happy and peaceful New Year. Shana Tova!

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John Swinney @johnswinney.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

For the first time since 2014, a British Prime Minister has accepted that a referendum should take place when there is majority support for independence, as is the case in Northern Ireland. I have written to him to discuss how we turn that principle into a legal mechanism.

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John Swinney @johnswinney.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

It is utterly deplorable that a housing project in Glasgow was deliberately set on fire because of racist misinformation spread online. Those responsible will be fully pursued and will face justice. Let's unite against racism and lies that seek to break our communities apart.

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John Swinney @johnswinney.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

We’re using the powers we have to cut the cost of living: Cheaper commute, with no peak rail fares and the £2 bus fare cap expanding to Glasgow and the West. More help for families, with free breakfast clubs and expansion of childcare. Always focused on your priorities. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

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John Swinney @johnswinney.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

Over the course of this Parliament, we will reform Scotland’s public services to ensure they fit around people, are more preventative and work better for you.

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John Swinney @johnswinney.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

My government believes in Scotland and in our people. We will work every day to build the best nation we can be.

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John Swinney @johnswinney.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

From this coming Monday, we are extending the £2 bus fare cap to: 📍 Glasgow 📍 Ayrshire 📍 Inverclyde 📍 Lanarkshire 📍 Renfrewshire 📍 Dunbartonshire It's already in place in the Highlands and Islands and we will roll it out nationwide. That's what you get with the SNP. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

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John Swinney @johnswinney.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Final preparations before I outline the Programme for Government, our five year plan to improve the lives of people in Scotland. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

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John Swinney @johnswinney.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

On behalf of the people of Scotland, I would like to convey my deepest solidarity with people in Nepal and China following the devastating flooding. My thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones, suffered injuries or have been otherwise impacted.

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John Swinney @johnswinney.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Such a privilege to be at Stirling Castle, celebrating the legacy of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games and the wonderful achievements of Team Scotland. They are a credit to our country and I am immensely proud of them. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

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John Swinney @johnswinney.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

🧵 In May, the Scottish Parliament overwhelmingly voted for a call to devolve powers to hold an independence referendum. Today I published the draft Independence Referendum Bill. It proposes a clear Yes-No question, sets out who can vote, and upon introduction, will include the date.

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John Swinney @johnswinney.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

My thoughts are with the people of Norway following the death of King Harald V. On behalf of the people of Scotland, my condolences to Queen Sonja, Crown Prince Haakon and the Royal Family at this sad time.

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John Swinney @johnswinney.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Scotland's future is up to the people of Scotland. The Labour Party can't stand in the way of democracy. More and more people are rejecting the failed Westminster system, and want the choice of a better future with independence.

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John Swinney @johnswinney.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Labour promised to lower your energy bills, but it was just confirmed they are rising again - for the seventh time under this UK Labour government. Enough is enough. It’s Scotland’s energy, and it’s time to put it into Scotland’s hands.

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John Swinney @johnswinney.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Deeply saddened by the news of Dolly Parton’s death. In Scotland, her Imagination Library inspired a love of reading and provided thousands of free books for children. Her warmth, generosity and her music were truly one of a kind. My thoughts are with her family and friends.

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John Swinney @johnswinney.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

I’ll never forget the atmosphere of that Scotland-Denmark game at Hampden. Today I have launched the World Cup Fund to create more opportunities for the next generation of Scottish football talent, some of whom I met today. One day they could be the stars on that pitch!

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John Swinney @johnswinney.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

I want to thank Ben Macpherson for the excellent contribution he has made to the Scottish Government and to Scotland. I am sorry to see him leave government but I respect his decision completely and hope he can now take the time and space he needs.

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John Swinney @johnswinney.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Despite being one of the most energy-rich countries in the world, we pay some of the highest energy bills in Europe. The energy price cap is set to rise again on Wednesday. This must be a wake up call for the Prime Minister. We need urgent action to lower people’s bills.

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John Swinney @johnswinney.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Happy Independence Day, Ukraine. You are fighting not only for your freedom, but for the democratic values we all hold dear. People in Scotland stand proudly in solidarity with the people of Ukraine. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇺🇦

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John Swinney @johnswinney.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

We must all come together to end violence against women and girls. We need services that are more proactive in supporting victims, a justice system that protects them, and a culture that challenges harmful attitudes. As First Minister, I will give this my personal leadership.

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John Swinney @johnswinney.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

I am immensely grateful to the crew of MV Caledonian Isles and CalMac staff for the professionalism they deployed in this incident. I am pleased this has been resolved and appreciate the patience and co-operation of members of the public. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.uk

Arran ferry evacuated over 'bomb threat' by passenger rescued from sea

Police Scotland said a 23-year-old man was arrested and it was established that the threats "were not credible".

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John Swinney @johnswinney.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

Enormous privilege to meet families of victims of the Lockerbie attack at the inaugural National Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism. An important day of remembrance and a powerful reminder that we must never allow terrorism to divide us.

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John Swinney @johnswinney.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

I promised to roll out health MOTs during the election - and today I launched them in Dundee. Starting in Tayside, Glasgow and Aberdeen, you’ll be able to get heart and lung checks in everyday places. It’s about prevention, catching problems early and ultimately, saving lives.

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John Swinney @johnswinney.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Today I convened a roundtable focused on tackling violence against women and girls. As First Minister, I will give this issue my strongest personal leadership. This is not a women’s issue to solve alone. We must change the culture, challenge abuse, and that starts with men.

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John Swinney @johnswinney.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

I am proud that in Scotland, people with disabilities already benefit from free bus travel at all times. We also made bus travel free for under-22s, and we are rolling out the £2 bus fare cap for everyone across the country. That’s the SNP delivering for Scotland. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

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John Swinney @johnswinney.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Hugely excited to open the new Kanzen for Life centre in Dundee, a community wellbeing hub providing fitness classes, educational initiatives and other projects that will help to improve lives every day.

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John Swinney @johnswinney.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

New UCAS figures show that more Scottish students from deprived areas are going to university. And under the SNP, university tuition will always remain free - because access to education should be based on the ability to learn, not the ability to pay.

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John Swinney @johnswinney.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

The UK government’s decision to block Ming Yang investment, with 1500 planned new jobs, has serious implications for Scotland. Andy Burnham should reconsider this decision.

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John Swinney @johnswinney.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Community hubs, like this one on Grimsay, are at the heart of island life. They bring people together, create jobs and opportunities, and strengthen local economies. Today I announced £3 million to support community-led projects across 12 islands.

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