The SNP has urged Scottish voters to make their voice heard in today's elections.

Speaking to ePolitix.com, MEP Ian Hudghton said the election campaign is about Scotland's voice, it's position within the international community. Or rather, it is about what Scotland's voice could be."

"At the moment we are a devolved region in the UK. We have no international relations of our own including no voice at the Council of Ministers table in Brussels," he said.

"We want Scotland to participate in the wider international community too. We want to work with the United Nations rather than bypassing it.

"We are certainly encouraging Scottish voters to punish New Labour because we believe an illegal war was entered into on the basis of a lie."

He added that the party is also highlighting local taxation issues.

"The council tax is an unfair tax that takes no account of income. It penalises many Scots families as a result," Hudghton said.

"We favour a local income tax based on ability to pay. People on no incomes wouldn't have to pay anything.

"That's the fairest way, and that's what we advocate."