Money talks
UPDATE AT 1647: Further movement on the budget.
John Swinney had hoped to be briefing Cabinet on a deal. That deadline has passed - without agreement.
But the LibDems are now giving a guarded yet positive response to Mr Swinney's earlier offer to them.
As we disclosed, that offer focused upon college bursaries.
Jeremy Purvis of the LibDems is now saying "it looks as if the government has accepted our case" for supporting young people.
Translated into votes, that could mean abstention (he's seeking further detail) or even support for the budget.
Provided Mr Swinney secures support from the Conservatives, he would have the votes needed.
More later as and when . . .
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Signs of movement on the Scottish budget.
Finance secretary John Swinney has been in talks with his opposition counterparts - and he has now followed that up with formal letters offering possible concessions.
Among other things, for Labour, it's movement towards their demands on apprenticeships; for the Liberal Democrats, it's support for college bursaries; and for the Tories, backing for initiatives to foster private sector growth.
Will they respond positively?
Right now, Mr Swinney has no supporters firmly on board - or even indications of acquiescence in the shape of an abstention.
He has to tie up all sides. For example, no gain in striking a bargain with the LibDems if, in so doing, he upsets the Tories.
So he needs to offer each party a little - but not enough to disturb his overall budget calculations or to make another party sufficiently jealous to withdraw their support.
Cabinet update
If I were guessing, I would say Labour end up voting no, the Tories yes and the LibDems abstaining, allowing the budget to carry. But that is by no means certain.
The finance secretary hopes for an answer from the other parties in order to allow him to update Cabinet at 1600 today.
Not sure that timetable will stick. Each of the other parties has to consider its position carefully.
Mr Swinney has also been negotiating with Margo MacDonald who has tabled precise demands.
With regard to the Greens, Mr Swinney's calculation is that they are firmly minded to vote no in any event.
More later as and when.
Aberdeen is hosting Brian Taylor's Big Debate this Friday on ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio Scotland, from 1215 to 1300. You can email brian@bbc.co.uk to book your place in the audience at Queen's Cross Church.
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