NICOLA Sturgeon is to say Scotland will be given the right to take its future into its own hands once the pandemic is over.

Speaking at the launch of the SNP’s election campaign, the First Minister will draw attention to a series of progressive SNP policies already announced – including the biggest NHS pay increase in the history of devolution and the doubling of the Scottish Child Payment. The SNP will make more key campaign announcements in the coming weeks to “kick-start the recovery with the NHS, jobs and an economy that works for everyone”.

Due to restrictions, a national virtual tour and a series of digital town hall meeting will be held. She will say: “In normal times, I’d be criss-crossing the country on the election trail. For the time being – just like all of you – I’m staying home. And so, over the coming weeks, I will be touring Scotland virtually to meet people online.

“We’ll be holding a series of digital town hall meetings, from Stranraer to Shetland.

“In this election the SNP’s offer is this – experienced leadership and serious government to lead Scotland through the pandemic. And when the crisis is over – the right to decide whether to become an independent country and take our future into our own hands.