Scottish Labour has kicked off its European election campaign with a twin-track attack on the Conservatives and nationalists.

Launching the pre-election push on Friday leader Jack McConnell unveiled a new poster detailing the Executive's achievement in securing 30,000 modern apprenticeships in Scotland.

McConnell stressed that Scots should ensure their vote is recorded on June 10.

"It is important that Scots vote Labour on June 10. Only Labour policies will deliver prosperity and growth in Scotland," he said.

"The Tories and the nationalists will both damage Scotland's interests in Europe.

"Our country needs MEPs who will fight for Scotland on jobs, on crime and on fishing.
Labour in government is making a real difference in communities across Scotland - don't let the Tories wreck it."

In a bid to energise an otherwise lacklustre campaign he said the election meant a "great deal to Scotland".

"The electorate are being presented with some stark choices on that day. Scotland is working in Europe. All the evidence is that the Tories will wreck that given the chance," he said.

"The choice is between Scotland working, at the heart of Europe, with Labour or Scotland isolated and wrecked on the fringes with the Tories or the nationalists.

"It is on that basis that I ask Scots to come out and vote Labour on June 10."