John Swinney sworn in as Scotland's first minister

John Swinney has been sworn in as Scotland's first minister.

The SNP leader was re-appointed to the role after his party comfortably won the Holyrood election earlier this month.

He was nominated in a vote at parliament before a swearing in ceremony at the Court of Session in Edinburgh.

Swinney's first task as first minister will be to appoint a new cabinet, which he will do later on Wednesday.

The first minister was confirmed in the role after the King issued a warrant approving his appointment.

He took the oath of office, declared his allegiance to King Charles and was confirmed as Keeper of the Scottish Seal.

The Lord President, Lord Pentland – the head of the judiciary in Scotland – congratulated Swinney on what he called a "great honour".

The judge then made a short speech about the importance of the rule of law.

Swinney's wife Elizabeth Quigley, his son Matthew and several of his closest advisers watched the ceremony.

Outside the court, the first minister said taking the oath had been "daunting".

"It's a very solemn proceeding and it emphasises the significance and the weight of responsibility that is carried by the person that holds the office of first minister," he told BBC Scotland News.

Swinney will appoint his cabinet at his official residence, Bute House.