LABOUR’S first Budget since returning to power will “herald an era of growth for Scotland,” Ian Murray said today as he challenged the Scottish government to channel any new cash to front-line services.

The Scottish Secretary made the remarks ahead of Wednesday’s Budget, Labour’s first in 15 years, despite reports of a cabinet revolt amid concerns some departments could face cuts of up to 20 per cent. 

Mr Murray said: “This Budget will herald an era of growth for Scotland, after years of damaging austerity from the Tories, made even worse for Scottish public services by the incompetent SNP.