Cole-Hamilton speaks ahead of SNP conference

Speaking ahead of the SNP's autumn conference, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said:

"I feel a bit sorry for John Swinney. He seems incapable of levelling with his party that it is their own scandals, divisions and poor management of public services that have got them into this mess.

"The only medicine for the stinging rebuke the public gave them at the election that anyone in the SNP is proposing is to spend more time focused on independence. When I am out knocking on doors, no one is interested in wasting more time on constitutional clashes. They want to see action on long NHS waits, rising violence in schools and our disappointing economic performance.

"While the SNP navel gaze, I will be joining Scottish Liberal Democrat campaigners trying to win more council seats and convert our stunning general election victories in the Highlands into Scottish Parliament seats. The election showed we are a growing force north and south of the border and we are determined to be part of what's next."