In party document A platform for success, party leader Alex Salmond set out spending priorities and growth targets if the SNP wins power after May’s elections.

Salmond said: “Scotland can be more successful. After eight years when our nation has not even had an economic growth target, it's time to aim higher with government policy designed to create the circumstances for Scotland to flourish.

“As First Minister, I will do everything in my power to build wealth, with the benefits felt by families and communities across Scotland. Our plans form the basis of an SNP government's social democratic contract with Scotland.

“We will deliver smaller and more effective government, with £4.3 billion of released resources providing record levels of investment in frontline public services, and the biggest tax cut in a generation with lower and fairer local tax."

The party said that its main goals were to make Scotland more competitive, improve Scotland’s growth rate, stimulate population growth and attract more working age people and ensure that growth is shared and sustainable.

However, speaking at Scotstoun shipyard on the Clyde, UK Chancellor Gordon Brown said: “We saw yesterday that more than two and a half million Scots are now in work, an historic high that makes me proud of what we have achieved together. Labour has worked in Westminster and the Scottish parliament to grow the Scottish economy, whilst investing in schools and hospitals. It is these jobs that will be most at risk from the tax and turmoil of an SNP government.”

Read full document

Related news items:

• 'Blueprint' for building Scotland's future
• 'Useless' Home Reports attacked by Conservatives
• 55 per cent haven't seen bank manager for ten years
• Aberdeen businesses revolt over Lib Dem Trump stance
• Abertay game reaches Xbox