Alex Salmond argues that the SNP remains the party that represents Scottish ambitions.

The London parties - Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrats - have their eyes fixed firmly on England and are fighting the election on issues which are either of no relevance to Scotland or deeply damaging to our nation’s prospects.

Labour have been the worst offenders. They have been reduced to using English statistics on health and the economy to mask massive failure in Scotland.

In Scotland we have had three downturns on the chancellor’s watch – a clear case of Mr Brown forgetting the folk back home. The anti-Scottish Tories haven’t been any better – and the Tory leader is trusted by only four per cent of Scots.

Meanwhile the Liberal Democrats stretched Scottish credibility to breaking point. They claim to be the real opposition to Labour down south, but are happy to prop up Labour failure as part of the government in Scotland.

Every launch, every policy announcement has confirmed the irrelevance of the London parties. But one thing is guaranteed to grab their attention – votes for the SNP.

Scottish National Party success will make Scotland matter in these elections, because when the SNP wins, Scotland wins. As Scotland’s party we are most trusted to put Scotland first. Unlike the rest, the SNP is ambitious for Scotland. We will give control of Scotland’s oil revenues to Scotland’s parliament and create a Scottish oil fund to turn a natural blessing into the basis for long-term success.

SNP success can also win a fair deal for Scotland’s pensioners, with a citizens’ pension that pays £110 for single pensioners and £168 for couples. There will be no means test and the link with earnings will be restored.

And just as SNP success saved the Govan shipyards in 1999, we can save Scotland’s Regiments in 2005 – regiments that are known and respected for their professionalism and expertise the world over.

Scotland is my number one priority. As a nation we have the resources, the people and the expertise to be a 21st century success story. Our message to the people of Scotland as decision day approaches is clear. If Scotland matters to you, make it matter in May. Be a part of Scotland’s success.

This article first appeared in The House Magazine.