Scottish Labour leader Iain Gray opens by attacking SNP policies on independence. He says the economy in Iceland shows the flaws of SNP's independence claims.

First Minister Alex Salmond says the SNP had to repair the financial "misery" caused by Labour at Westminster. He highlights that Norway has "breezed" through the recession and says if Scotland had independence it could benefit from North Sea oil revenue.

Gray says SNP has lost the argument on independence. He again refers to a list of countries where economies have collapsed, like Ireland, Iceland and Montenegro. He said the fact the SNP previously highlighted these countries as places Scotland should be inspired by is embarrassing.

Salmond reminds Gray it is Christmas, and not April 1st. The FM adds he is confident Scottish people will vote for independence. He said the electorate only needs to look back at the SNP's record in government to realise how successful it has been.

Gray says that an SNP claim on its website that independence in Montenegro is a success is "insulting". He adds that the SNP has failed the people of Scotland – just ask the out-of-work teachers, he urged.

He said the fact the SNP promised an independence bill and then reconsidered it shows the mess the party is in. Gray added: "Everyone knows Alex Salmond has failed as First Minister, but he has also failed as a nationalist."

Scottish Conservative leader Annabel Goldie refers to the Scottish Network Report. She asks Salmond what it said and its potential impact.

Salmond said there was a six-point plan. He added that more grit and salt has been made available in recent weeks. Salmond insisted it is not possible for every Transport Minister to keep every airport, train station and road open in these conditions he refers to closures at Heathrow Airport as an example.

Goldie pays tribute to those "working to keep Scotland moving". She said in last 24 hours councils have said salt stocks could run out "in days". She asks how much salt Scotland has and when are fresh supplies arriving?

Salmond says there is 140,000 tonnes of salt, and another 150,000 tonnes ordered to arrive in January. The FM said thousands of people are working shift after shift and they should be praised.

Liberal Democrat leader Tavish Scott referred to a tragic road death on the A9. He asked what work is going on to assist the emergency services. He asks if the FM will tell people how they should get on the list of "vulnerable" people, who qualify for additional support during the wintry conditions.

Salmond said he realises people are anxious. He said thanks to additional supplies he is confident heating companies "can get through the backlog" to help the people that need it.

Labour MSP Duncan McNeil refers to the possible closure of Clyde coastguard. He says the proposals are "daft" and "dangerous".

The First Minister says the UK Government's consultation document that explored the issue was not adequate. He asks for the Scottish Parliament to unite against the "extreme proposals".

Malcolm Chisholm says proposals for a large biomass plant in Leith are dangerous. He asks if FM will back a moratorium on such projects until more research is done.

Salmond says he cannot comment on individual applications. He adds that biomass can be 80-90 per cent energy efficient.

Salmond also responds to a question by Patrick Harvie and insists biomass "has a role to play".

Murdo Fraser asks what efforts are being made to highlight flu vaccinations. Fraser says take up has been low.

Salmond says he's receiving the jag tomorrow afternoon. He says there has been a major campaign on vaccinations and the take up has been much higher than last year. He said he is grateful to Fraser for bringing the issue up. He encourages everyone in the "at risk" groups to get the vaccinations.