Swinney apologises to Gypsy-Travellers for 'stark prejudice'
It comes as a report by St Andrews University highlighted a number of failings, including children being trafficked from their homes.
Efforts to assimilate Gypsy-Travellers into Scottish society were first documented in the 1800s.
But it escalated with the Tinker Experiments from 1940s to 1980s, when Gypsy-Travellers were told their children would be removed if they did not leave their nomadic lifestyle for settlements.
These settlements were inadequate, with no running water, sewage system or electricity. Many concerns still exist today.
The First Minister said: "The trauma that this has caused to individuals, families and groups, including those who regard themselves as 'victims of Tinker Experiments', is significant and lasting.
"So, as First Minister of Scotland, I want to say this directly to Gypsy/Traveller communities: The 'Tinker Experiments' should not have happened.
"These policies were wrong. And we recognise how much it is still hurting so many.
"And more than anything else I want to say this: On behalf of Scotland, we are sorry."
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Mr Swinney said it was clear that "stark prejudice and and a lack of cultural awareness led to a serious of unfair and unjust policies".
He added: "I invite Parliament to consider that only by confronting these difficult truths from our past, we are able to move forward - learning from the mistakes of the past as we work towards a more just and equitable Scotland – a Scotland that truly honours and celebrates the rich culture of Gypsy/Travellers."
Campaigners have described the apology as "welcome" and long overdue.
However, they have warned redress must now follow.
Roseanna McPhee and her siblings have lived in the Bobbin Mill settlement in Perth most of their lives after their parents were forcibly settled there in 1957.
She said the aim of keeping them in insufficient accommodation would persuade them to assimilate into the wider community over time, thereby "eradicating" the Gypsy-Traveller community.
Following the apology, Ms McPhee said there was never any effort to integrate Gypsy-Travellers into towns.
"We only got hot water and electricity in 2010.
"We were bullied at school and discriminated against all our lives, it's been very hard to get gainful employment and we're still harassed here at Bobbin Mill.
"A crime against humanity has been committed against Scottish Gypsy-Travellers, and is ongoing today."
She said: "This apology is a welcome first step in an ongoing conversation to help realise victims' rights to restitution.
"This apology is a welcome first step in an ongoing conversation to help realise victims' rights to restitution what was done to me and my siblings. The Scottish Government needs to start implementing the recommendations in the report as one means of achieving restitution, including making Bobbin Mill a protected site of historic and cultural significance."
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