THE co-leader of the Scottish Greens has had to pull out of the party's Holyrood election campaign launch after a Covid alert from the Protect Scotland app.

The independence-supporting party will fire the starting gun on its Scottish Parliament drive tomorrow morning.

The event takes place seven weeks before voters go to the polls to elect a new Scottish Government.

The contest comes amidst continued debate about the strength of independence support in the country after more than a decade of SNP administration.

Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie MSP will kick-start his party's drive tomorrow.

He was set to be joined by Lorna Slater, who is seeking election on the Lothians list.

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However, she has had to pull out of the launch after receiving a notice from the Protect Scotland coronavirus app telling her to self-isolate.

The app uses bluetooth technology to help stop the spread of Covid-19 by telling users when they have been in close proximity to someone who has tested positive for the virus.

Slater, who works in renewables, has moved to reassure supporters about her health, telling them: "I'm well. I'm isolating, as instructed, to make sure I don't put anyone at risk."

Polling suggests the Greens could be on track for 11 MSPs in May. 

Commenting on recent opinion poll results, Slater said: "Polling has consistently showed the Scottish Greens winning more seats than ever before and this reflects the many things we have delivered through constructive opposition, like fairer taxes, free school meals, bus travel for under 22s and a public sector pay rise.

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"The Scottish Greens could be crucial in securing a majority of MSPs in favour of Scotland having a say over our own future.

"When Scottish Labour deselects a candidate for even contemplating a referendum on independence, it shows only the Greens can provide that positive, progressive vision for a new Scotland."