NICOLA Sturgeon told Tory MSPs to “hang their heads in shame” after they were heard laughing in Holyrood during a discussion about Brexit-related medicine shortages.

During First Minister’s Questions, Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard asked Sturgeon for an update on the Scottish Government’s plans to stockpile six weeks’ worth of medicine, on top of normal stock levels, by the end of March to help mitigate the impact of a potential no-deal Brexit.

During his question, however, both Labour and SNP MSPs grew visibly frustrated by audible murmurings and laughter from the Tory benches.

The interruption appeared to begin as Leonard welcomed the First Minister’s “co-operative tone” after she called for a cross-party approach at Westminster to avoid a hard Brexit. Laughter seemed to continue, however, as the Scottish Labour leader discussed potential medicine shortages.

READ MORE: Scottish Conservatives urged to split from UK party

Sturgeon explained that, given the date of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU has changed, the Scottish Government’s plans were under “constant and ongoing review” to ensure that pharmaceutical companies’ stockpiles remain sufficient.

The First Minister then addressed laughter from Conservative MSPs during Leonard’s question.

“I couldn’t help but notice that while Richard Leonard was asking me that very important and serious question, the Conservative benches were laughing,” Sturgeon said.

“This is not a laughing matter and every Conservative in this chamber and every Conservative across the country should be hanging their heads in shame at the fact that they have brought this country to the brink of crisis.”

Here is the First Minister's full response to Leonard's question: 

READ MORE: Jeremy Corbyn and Theresa May plot ‘Better Together Brexit’

SNP MSP Clare Haughey also condemned the “shocking and shameful” behaviour of the Scottish Tories in Holyrood.