The National:

FOR some people, the state of Scotland's canals is an issue close to their heart. For others, it might seem a bit niche to be one of the most heated clashes of First Minister's Questions.

But Nicola Sturgeon was having none of the Tory nonsense on the issue.

Tory MSP Edward Mountain asked the First Minister about the financial situation of Scottish Canals.

The Scottish Government is the main source of funding for the organisation.

Sturgeon said that in this year's budget, funding was increased from £10m to £11.6m, with capital allocation also up by £500,000 to £3.5m.

In addition, the First Minister announced another £1.6m of capital grant in aid, to facilitate repairs.

Mountain wasn't satisfied though, and went on the attack – the First Minister hit back harder, pointing to the Tory budget recommendations.

Below is the transcript of their follow-up exchange. We've included the video clip under that.

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Edward Mountain: “I thank the First Minister for that answer, and for ensuring extra investment. But the problem is Scottish Canals still faces a shortfall of some £70m of outstanding repairs.

"Recently, Scottish Canals have been more interested in investing in shops, holiday lettings and commercial ventures than in repairing waterways. If you don’t agree with me, just look at their asset management budget which highlights this very fact. The last thing they quote as a priority is, when funds allow – and I quote – to facilitate navigation.

"Will the First Minister ensure that Scottish Canals keep our canals open across all of Scotland, including the Highlands?"

Nicola Sturgeon: Well, I think the member should look at the resurgence of canal traffic in Scotland – he should perhaps visit Falkirk or indeed parts of Glasgow, and then he will see that the premise of his question is completely misguided and, frankly, utterly wrong.

"Of course Scottish canals – like many parts of the public sector in Scotland – are under financial pressure. I have to say, if we’d followed the Tory recommendations in the Scottish budget, we wouldn’t have been able to announce the additional money for Scottish Banals – because we'd have been looking for £500m of cuts.

"The member also complains about the other activities of Scottish Canals. That is partly about bringing in additional commercial revenue and is all activity that I think should be welcomed.

"I think Scottish Canals have actually done a very good job – yes, they do face financial pressures, but this government will continue to work with them to ensure that they can address these pressures ... just as I’ve demonstrated with the announcement of additional money today – money that would not have been available had we followed the advice of the Scottish Conservatives."