FIRST Minister's Questions was repeatedly suspended on Thursday after a protesters yelled over MSPs. 

Just a few minutes into the weekly grilling of Humza Yousaf by opposition MSPs, Douglas Ross was interrupted as shouting could be heard from the public gallery. 

Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone immediately suspended proceedings while the person was removed from the chamber. 

First Minister's Questions resumed shortly after.

However, protesters continued interrupting proceedings throughout FMQs with Johnstone calling the disruptions "extremely regrettable". 

The National:

Proceedings were suspended briefly during each protest to allow Holyrood security staff to remove the protester. 

The protester group This is Rigged took credit for the protests.  

They said they were drawing attention to food insecurity and called on the Scottish Government to roll out a community food hub for every 500 households in Scotland.  

Ella Eastburn, a 20-year-old student who was one of those to disrupt proceedings, said: 

“We are doing everything we can to be heard and they are doing everything they can to pretend they can't hear us.

"So, we'll shout it to their faces. Food Banks cannot bear the weight of the failed food systems those in power are upholding. which is why we demand that the Scottish Government fully fund community food hubs for every 500 households.”

The group said they want to meet with ministers to discuss the implementation of food hubs. 

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In total, proceedings were disrupted nine different times throughout FMQs. 

Speaking at the end of FMQs, Johnstone said: "Unfortunately, the opportunity for more elected members to represent their constituents by putting questions to the First Minister has been disrupted once again. 

"I think we would all agree that the principle of this parliament being open and accessible is extremely important. Visitors are very welcome to  attend to see their elected representatives at work. 

The National: A protester is escorted out of FMQs by security staffA protester is escorted out of FMQs by security staff (Image: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire.)

"But not to disrupt this work. Again, I would say to colleagues that the Parliament will work with security colleagues and Police Scotland and will take any further action that is required in this regard." 

Last year, Johnstone confirmed that there would be new rules to clamp down on persistent protests in the public gallery, including six-month bans for those who interrupt proceedings. 

Pouches which block phone signals were also introduced as part of attempts to stop protests during FMQs.