As-it-happened: First Minister's Questions on Thursday, 26 January

Hello and welcome to our live video and text coverage of First Minister Alex Salmond answering questions at Holyrood. He is due to get to his feet at 12 noon. Before that, ministers are answering general questions from backbenchers.

There's no doubt it's been a busy two weeks since MSPs returned after the Christmas holiday. The latest "big moment" happened yesterday when Alex Salmond announced his plans for a public consultation into the independence referendum. Look back at our detailed coverage yesterday and keep with us for FMQs - the independence question is bound to feature.

A remarkable time. Do forgive me for being a mite tardy with the blog. Things to do, people to see - including the First Minister, both at Holyrood and later at Edinburgh Castle. So where are we now? We have Alex Salmond's proposed question - "do you agree that Scotland should be an independent country?" Read more...

Claire Baker, Labour MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, asks about the closure of courts. Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill outlines that any changes would be subject to public consultation. "All matters are being looked at," he adds.

Green MSP Patrick Harvie gets a ticking off from the presiding officer for "turning up late" for general questions. He apologises.

First Minister Alex Salmond (FM) says he'll be writing to party leaders inviting them to "round table" discussions on the referendum - just what Labour has been calling for.

Labour's Johann Lamont says she is delighted he [Mr Salmond] is going to have round-table talks. What does the FM mean by an independent country, asks Ms Lamont.

FM says an independent country is one free to make its own decisions, stands on its own two feet financially and has good relations with other places - "the normal status of some 200 nations across this planet", as he puts it.

Ms Lamont has a dig at the Tories. She goes on to talk of the Bank of England and the FM's intention to keep Sterling. She asks, will John Swinney be going to the Bank of England and asking how much he can spend?

FM says one of the great things about independence is that "people get the government they vote for".

In sarcastic tone, the Labour leader says she "bows to the expertise of the ex-RBS economist". Ms Lamont worries for ordinary people who worry about their mortgages and the money in their pockets.

What has the interest rate been levied at over the centuries? Have a look at this...

FM says the chancellor hasn't set interest rates since 1997, when the Bank of England was given its independence. Mr Salmond also says there are plenty of countries which are part of a "monetary union". The FM also says, with resources like oil, whisky, etc, any chancellor would be "biting our hand off" for a piece.

The world has changed, says Ms Lamont - in good time or bad, FM has the same answer "separation". This isn't about people's pensions, or mortgages, she says. Ms Lamont adds this is about "blind faith" that an independent Scotland will be better because he [Mr Salmond] says so.

FM says the tide of history is turning towards independence, and Scotland would emerge as a the "sixth most prosperous country" in the developed world.

FM hopes to meet Scottish Secretary Michael Moore next week (when his chicken pox have cleared up).

Tory Ruth Davidson says that yesterday the FM brought a "little clarity, but we need more". She says the FM says he wants independence so that the Scots government can have the economic levers at its disposal. She states, he wants to keep the pound, does he accept that the Bank of England sets interest rates now, for the whole UK, but may not consider Scotland in the same way after independence.

FM says there are two Bank of England employees in the whole of Scotland and says there are many advantages for both Scotland and England in terms of entering into a "currency union".

Ms Davidson says the FM tells media organisation that the pound would be a transitional currency. What is the FM's bank note of choice, could it be the "Salmond shilling"? She says that on this vital issue he [the FM] is all over the place - "he twists and turns". He leaves dangerous uncertainty on the issues which matter, she adds.

FM says 67 out of 200 countries are involved in monetary unions - he argues independence gives Scotland complete control of fiscal and economic policy.

Fiona McLeod, asks a constituency question regarding AIB concerns.

Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie turns to the Scottish budget. He asks, since September how much extra money has the Scottish government received from the UK government?

FM says the UK government is actually cutting the Scottish budget - cuts have been cut from 36% to 32%, is the way Mr Salmond sees it.

Mr Rennie says: "For the second week running I have asked a basic question on finance control, but he doesn't have the answer." He [the FM] has an extra \u00a3400m this year and next. "I can't understand why he is being so stubborn [on cuts for Scottish colleges]?" asks Mr Rrennie.

FM says UK cuts leave a \u00a32.6bn Scottish budget shortfall. He says colleges are getting a good funding deal, despite the difficult circumstances.

SNP MSP Christine Grahame on the UK's benefit reforms and a possible increase in child poverty in Scotland.

FM says number of children in poverty in Scotland is 20%, the lowest level since devolution "but still far, far, too high".

Ms Grahame points that Scottish Office Minister David Mundell hasn't answered these questions. Does the FM agree that these issues should be decided by the Scottish government.

FM claims Mr Mundell was asked the questions seven times in a BBC interview and didn't answer.

Drew Smith asks will the government look at a consultation on tackling poverty and make sure that objectives are still achievable.

FM says he'll bring forward further consultation on child poverty, but says the issue "is at best severely constrained" because of UK reforms, and uses Labour MSP Drew Smith's point as a reason to back a more powerful Scottish Parliament.

Christina McKelvie continues on the welfare reform changes.

FM repeats that Holyrood should have powers to tackle child poverty.

Michael McMahon asks is there any local authority not fit for purpose?

Does the FM agree with Alex Neil's view that North Lanarkshire Council is not fit for purpose? Does he agree with the trade unions in North Lanarkshire that this is a "gratuitous attack" on them.

Government minister Alex Neil had reportedly branded North Lanarkshire Council (which the SNP wants to take over at the forthcoming council elections) not fit for purpose.

FM says Mr Neil was referring to the council's Labour leadership

John Finnie, SNP MSP, on Scotch whisky promotion.

FM says "second only to pinching the pandas", non use of whisky in UK embassies was yet another scare story dreamed up by the UK government.

A wee Andy Stewart line from the FM to end there. Coming after a day of Robert Burns quotations.

Well, that's is for another FMQs. Join us again next Thursday. In the meantime keep with us online for all things political - and if you want to rewind on anything from the Holyrood chamber go to our Democracy Live website.