SCOTTISH First Minister John Swinney has claimed “delivery and hope” will be the hallmarks of the programme for government he will present to Holyrood tomorrow.

The SNP leader has brought forward his annual statement to MSPs from its usual autumn timeslot, giving him a year to deliver on its commitments before the next Holyrood elections.

He said:  “I have a very radical programme that I am taking forward and it is a very focused programme on issues that affect the lives of people in Scotland.

“The programme is anchored around achieving the government’s objectives of eradicating child poverty, stimulating economic growth, addressing and delivering on the journey to net zero and improving our public services.

“Obviously we have to make sure that is well supported by the financial commitments that we make.

“But at the heart of the policy agenda will be a relentless focus on delivering for the people of Scotland, on their priorities, and providing hope that we can create a better Scotland.

“Right at the heart of the programme will be the twin themes of delivery and hope.

“That will capture the agenda the government is taking forward.”