Edinburgh: Campaign focus

As the campaign enters its last full week, political parties in Scotland are stepping up their electioneering.

The SNP is unveiling its latest poster with a fresh attack on Labour's health record.

As he sets out his party's vision for the health service, nationalist leader Alex Salmond said on Saturday that he was "committed to tackling the crisis in the health service".

"We will take action to address the core problems that are holding the NHS back," he said.

"We want Scots treated faster with local services protected. Our plans include fast treatment and diagnostic centres to tackle the waiting times crisis."

The SNP says it will train 100 new doctors every year and encourage doctors who study in Scotland to stay in the country.

"We will also undertake a recruitment campaign to encourage more nurses come back and work for the NHS in Scotland," added Salmond.

Meanwhile Labour is looking for a boost following a week in which it has sharpened its attack on both the Conservatives and the SNP.

Labour says the SNP's agenda for Scotland is "uncosted, unworkable, and utterly irrelevant".

Stamp duty

Scottish Conservatives are set to continue their push to pick up several seats north of the border - in 2001 they won just one Scottish seat.

The party hopes this week's Tory announcement that stamp duty will be scrapped on properties under £250,000 will play well in a country which has experienced soaring property prices.

Senior Scottish Conservative Peter Duncan said the policy would improve support for his party.

"This means that over 80 per cent of house purchases will be free from stamp duty altogether. The average home in every single local authority in Scotland would be exempt," he said.

"This will offer homebuyers a saving of up to £2,500, and will be a huge boost for those looking to fulfil their home-owning dreams."

The Scottish Liberal Democrats hope to build upon progress achieved in a week in which they fleshed out plans to abolish the council tax and boost Scottish business.

Speaking on Friday, Jim Wallace dismissed claims that his party would be bad for business and the economy.

"Liberals have always embraced free trade and enterprise. It delivers for people. It delivers for society," said Wallace.

"However, no matter how talented you are, it is unlikely you would be successful in business without the basic infrastructure provided by the state.

"That is why Liberal Democrats are committed to make a better environment for business.

"We have three long term objectives. We want to invest in skills and education; invest in infrastructure, and cut red tape."