That concludes general questions. The next item of business is First Minister's questions.

And at question number one, I call Douglas Ross.

Thank you very much, Presiding Officer. Last night, the Scottish Conservatives led a debate and vote here in Parliament on SMP Green Plans to introduce highly protected marine areas.

These reckless proposals would ban fishing in large parts of Scotland seas.

They would risk thousands of jobs.

They would be devastating to coastal communities.

The First Minister has said his Government will not impose highly protected

marine areas on any community that is vehemently opposed to them. So quite simply, can

he define what he means in this case by community and what level of opposition will be

considered vehemently opposed?

First Minister. Before I respond to Douglas Ross, I just want to recognise that today is, of course,

International Firefighters Day.

I want to take the opportunity to thank firefighters right across Scotland for their

self-s contribution to keeping us safe.

I want to pay tribute to firefighters, of course,

that have lost their lives serving our communities, including Barry Martin. I know that his

bravery will serve as a constant and continual reminder of the courage our firefighters

demonstrate in a line of duty each and every single day. In terms of the very important question that Douglas Ross raises, let me just remind him,

of course, that it is also a Scottish Conservative manifesto pledge to introduce highly protected marine areas.

In fact, Douglas Ross didn't just stand on one manifesto, he stood in two manifestos that wanted to introduce highly

protected marine areas in some shape or, indeed, some form. I heard Rachel, I had the

misfortune of hearing Rachel Hamilton's GMS interview a couple of days ago, where we had four

...