Humza Yousaf’s first FMQs was suspended five times as proceedings were repeatedly interrupted by climate protesters.
The Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament ordered the public gallery at Holyrood to be cleared with only school pupils on a visit allowed to stay.
Protests have interrupted the weekly grilling repeatedly in recent months, causing consternation among elected members and prompting parliamentary officials to begin seizing mobile phones of the public in attendance.
Thursday’s session was the first for Yousaf, but Douglas Ross’ quizzing of the new SNP leader was interrupted five times before he finished asking his questions.
First Minister's Questions was suspended five times due to protesters
PA
Addressing MSPs, the Presiding Officer said: “I don’t think I can adequately express my deep regret that such action is required in our national parliament.
"I’m extremely sorry for the overwhelming majority of those who have travelled to the parliament today to watch their elected representatives at work.”
The weekly session which sees the Scottish First Minister probed by MSPs including Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross and Labour's Anas Sarwar, was interrupted before Ross even had chance to ask his first question.
SNP MSP Stuart McMillan, in a point of order, asked that another school from his constituency which had been removed from the gallery to be returned, prompting a further suspension of business.
Protests have interrupted the weekly grilling repeatedly in recent months
PA
During FMQs in February, Leader of the Scottish Labour Party, Anas Sarwar was sharing his heartfelt condolences with the people of Turkey and Syria following the tragic earthquakes when an activist shouted from the public gallery.
It follows two other similar incidents during FMQs when oil protesters took action the previous week and in January.
Sarwar branded the disruption "disgusting" as told the Scottish Parliament: "I would question disruption at any time but to disrupt when we're talking about the lives lost in Turkey and Syria, I think is frankly disgusting."
Previous protests have been carried out by a combination of groups including Just Stop Oil Scotland, This is Rigged, Extinction Rebellion Scotland and Fuel Poverty Action, speaking out against those involved in North Sea oil and plans to demolish high-rise flats in Glasgow.
