Scottish Conservatives pitch to be opposition

Ruth Davidson has conceded the Scottish Conservative manifesto is a programme for opposition, not for government.

Speaking at the party’s manifesto launch in Glasgow, the Scottish Tory leader said the “likelihood of me moving into Bute House next month is next to nil” as she unveiled a manifesto focusing on key devolved areas of education and health.

"This isn't a programme for government, it is a programme for that strong opposition," she said.

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Attacking Scottish labour’s record in opposition, Davidson said: “It's time for somebody else to have a go.”

Davidson said the party was “on the up” with a new set of policies and a number of new candidates.

Key pledges in the manifesto include pushing for repeal of the named person scheme, free university tuition and universal free prescriptions.

The party will also argue for £1bn to improve energy efficiency in homes and £300m to be invested in improving mental health treatments.

Davidson also reinforced the party’s unionist stance, saying she will “stand up against a second referendum on independence”, even if the referendum on the EU takes Scotland out of Europe.

"The case for independence is dead," she said. "The case for the Union must now be made."

The Scottish Liberal Democrats, Scottish Labour, the SNP and RISE are expected to launch their manifestos in the next few days.