The SNP has set out its "people's manifesto" for the general election.

Nationalist leader Alex Salmond pledged to focus on measures to improve the lives of people in Scotland.

The party is also calling for a nuclear-free future for Scotland, and is campaigning to save the Scottish Army regiments.

"This is a people's manifesto for a free Scotland. It is made in Scotland for Scotland," said Salmond.

"It is a manifesto to make Scotland matter in this election, a manifesto focused on a better future for the people of Scotland."

It includes measures to create new opportunities for young Scots, provide more support for young families, boost incomes for pensioners and generate higher wealth with a focus on economic growth.

"We want to boost Scotland's national wealth, so we can invest in more opportunities for young Scots, deliver more help for Scottish families and boost the incomes of our pensioners," added Salmond.

"Scotland doesn't want a forced choice between Michael Howard, a Tory who introduced the poll tax, or Tony Blair, a Tory who took us into an illegal war.

"People want a Scottish option - a party that will make Scotland matter in May, a party with the vision to create a new Scotland."

Key issues

Speaking in Edinburgh ahead of the official launch, deputy leader Nicola Sturgeon said the election was about "getting our nation back on track".

"We have a vision for a health service that remains local and treats people more quickly and effectively," she said.

"We want the best start for children in Scotland with more free nursery education and smaller class sizes for P1 to P3.

"Together with Scotland, at this election, we can win a better deal for our pensioners, and secure Scottish control over Scotland’s oil so we can invest a share of our vast natural wealth in a fund for future generations.

"At this election, SNP success can save our regiments and stop Scotland from becoming the world’s nuclear dustbin.

"This election matters for Scotland, and the SNP is committed to make Scotland matter in May.

"SNP MPs are the hardest working at Westminster, taking every opportunity to stand up for their constituents and for Scotland.

"It is no wonder the SNP is the most trusted political party and Alex Salmond the most trusted political leader.

"When the SNP wins London listens. This manifesto is a platform for future Scottish success."

Response

Responding for Labour, Anne McGuire said the SNP's plans were "uncosted, unworkable, and utterly irrelevant".

"They claim that the manifesto is fully costed but it ignores the independence black hole," she said.

"Recent academic analysis shows that they need to find another £10bn just to maintain the level of spending we have today.

"Their pledge to employ more police is based on savings from scrapping ID cards but they appear not to know that scrapping ID cards would save almost no money.

"It is unworkable because they are making pledges which can only be delivered by the Scottish parliament.

"It is dishonest to claim that the government we elect in May will have control over health, education and the police."

McGuire also said the plan for a citizens' income was "unworkable".

"Either this would be set so high that it would be unaffordable or it would be set so low that it would be meaningless," she said.

"Either way it represents tax rises across the board and a transfer of wealth from low and middle earners to high earners."