Scotland's two pro-independence parties have vowed to press on with talks which could see them cement a power-sharing deal at Holyrood.
The SNP is one seat short of an overall majority in the Scottish Parliament and is pursuing a formal arrangement with the Greens instead of continuing with a minority government.
The two parties are expected to stop short of a full coalition deal - like the kind used by Labour and the Lib Dems in the early 2000s - but instead agree to cooperate on certain key issues.
Holyrood enters recess from from tomorrow but talks will continue over the summer months before MSPs return in September.
In response to a question from Green MSP Gillian Mackay, Deputy First Minister John Swinney wrote: “As the First Minister advised Parliament on May 26, the Scottish Government and the Scottish Green Party have committed to exploring opportunities for co-operation and joint working for the common good and to change the dynamic of our politics for the better in line with the founding principles of our Parliament.
“Since the First Minister’s announcement last month, the Scottish Government and the Scottish Greens have been engaging in positive discussions about a potential co-operation agreement, and have identified the subjects to be explored as part of this.
“Talks are covering the major challenges of this Parliament.
“This includes Scotland’s recovery from Covid, our response to the climate emergency, the constitution, public services, infrastructure, and building a fairer and more equal Scotland.
“Talks will continue over the summer and a further report will be provided to Parliament after the recess.”
Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie said: “Discussions have been positive, and as the Deputy First Minister has indicated, will cover the major challenges facing Scotland including economic recovery from the pandemic, responding to the climate emergency, the constitution, public services, infrastructure and making Scotland more equal.
“As talks continue over the summer, we look forward to discussing a wide range of issues with the government and reaching agreement on a programme which delivers a fairer, greener Scotland.”
