The first minister is responsible for the exercise of functions by the Cabinet of the Scottish Government; policy development and coordination; relationships with the rest of the United Kingdom, Europe and international relations.
Since the establishment of the office in 1999, seven men (including both tenures as acting first minister by Jim Wallace) and one woman has served in the position.
Donald Dewar was the inaugural person to hold the position following his election in 1999 and is regarded as the "Father of the Nation".
[1] Following Dewar's death in 2000 whilst still serving in office, he was succeeded by his Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning, Henry McLeish.
The current First Minister is John Swinney, who leads the Government of the 6th Scottish Parliament, as did his predecessors Humza Yousaf and Nicola Sturgeon.