I'm pretty proud of having completed a marathon myself, so I can only imagine the pride that real athletes feel when they are picked for the Olympic or the Paralympic Games.

It's true across the U.K. that those who had least to do with causing the economic crisis are carrying the heaviest burden. That's unacceptable.

Scotland is my country, the nation that shaped me, that taught me my values. A nation whose achievements inspired and inspire me, a community whose failings drive me - drive my overwhelming desire to fight for social justice and equality.

The government don't want to talk about the consequences of the choices they make. They pretend there aren't any consequences.

We must listen and learn, show humility and seek again to talk for and to people's ambitions and concerns.

I got a very strong sense from my mother, in particular, that we are all equal in the sight of God.

We shall seek debate without division or rancour.