Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay has accused John Swinney of being out of touch with voters after the First Minister addressed an independence rally in Edinburgh at the start of the election campaign.
The criticism comes as the SNP leader signalled his intention to pursue another referendum if his party secures a majority in the election on 7 May.
Findlay made the remarks while working at a restaurant in Perthshire, where he said he had been speaking directly with members of the public about their concerns.
He argued that the focus of the election should be on issues affecting daily life, including the cost of living and pressure on public services.
Russell Findlay said:
“While John Swinney was up a hill rabble-rousing with nationalist diehards, I spent the day talking with ordinary Scots in the real world.
“By leading a nationalist rally on the first weekend of the election campaign, he confirmed how out of touch he is with the people of Scotland.
“Waiting tables at a restaurant in Swinney’s back yard, I heard about people’s real concerns including cost-of-living pressures and the plight of Scottish hospitality businesses.
“Swinney’s flag-waving antics confirmed that independence will always be his only priority.
“He says that he’ll win a majority on May 7 and use that to demand another divisive and unwanted referendum.
“Across Scotland, voters can stop an SNP majority by backing the Scottish Conservatives on their peach ballot paper.
“Unlike weak Labour and the fake unionists of Reform, we’re the only party with the strength to stand up to the SNP and stand up for the Union.”
Findlay also warned that other opposition parties could not be relied upon to oppose a future referendum, pointing to Reform’s position and comments from its Scottish leadership.
The Scottish Conservatives say their manifesto will include measures aimed at limiting the Scottish Government’s ability to pursue independence.
These include proposals to ban the use of public funds for campaigning on independence, enforce neutrality among civil servants on constitutional matters and abolish the Cabinet Secretary role focused on the constitution.
The exchange underlines how the question of independence continues to shape the political landscape as the election campaign begins.
