SNP leader John Swinney has pledged to “hit the ground running” in the first 100 days if he’s returned to Bute House next week.

Speaking in Glasgow yesterda, the First Minister vowed to push for powers for another constitutional referendum on day one of the new parliament.

Mr Swinney said: “I can confirm today that on the first sitting day after the appointment of the new government, we will bring forward a vote of the Scottish Parliament to approve the development of a Section 30 order to give Scotland the power to hold an independence referendum.

“The parliament chosen by the people of Scotland will have the chance to represent the democratic will of the people of Scotland.”

He set out plans for the remainder of the 100 days, pledging to create a £10 million fund for businesses affected by the ferry crisis, seek devolution of energy powers, and publish draft legislation to cap supermarket prices on essential foods.

Mr Swinney added: “That’s an SNP government that’s hitting the ground running for Scotland.”

Unimpressed, Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie responded: “The SNP’s first 100 days in government happened nearly 20 years ago in 2007.

“If you want to know what 100 days of SNP government looks like, you only need to look at the last 100 days — an NHS in crisis, 10,000 kids in temporary accommodation, rising rates of crime and classrooms in chaos.

“No-one is buying John Swinney’s fresh start act — John Swinney and the SNP created this mess and they have no idea how to fix it.

“We will fix the mess, get the basics right and deliver a better future for Scotland.”