Lib Dems unveil ‘jobs’ manifesto

Scottish Lib Dem leader Tavish Scott will outline his party’s pledges

The Scottish Liberal Democrats will launch their manifesto for the Holyrood election with an offer to provide “practical solutions”.

Party leader Tavish Scott is expected to focus on plans which he believes will offer ways to end Scotland’s economic and social problems.

The Lib Dems insist they will provide the back-up to help businesses thrive.

The manifesto launch comes the day after outgoing Lib Dem, John Farquhar Munro, backed Alex Salmond.

The former MSP told the BBC the SNP leader was “the best man” for the job as first minister.

However, he insisted he was not endorsing the SNP and remained a “strong Lib Dem” and would be out campaigning for the party ahead of the 5 May Scottish election.

Earlier in the campaign, Lib Dem candidate Hugh O’Donnell quit the party saying he was unhappy with its direction and with the UK Tory/Lib Dem coalition.

Mr O’Donnell had been penned in to be the leading candidate in the party’s Central Scotland list.

At the south of Scotland manifesto launch, the Lib Dems will give backing to regional development banks designed to provide investment.

They will argue for a cut to top salaries in the public sector and urge the scrapping of the council tax for the poorest pensioners.

The party also wants to provide a bigger voice for front line public sector staff like teachers and nurses.

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