NICOLA Sturgeon will urge voters to back the SNP in Thursday’s election to lead a national recovery which will “make future generations proud”.

Following campaigning in Edinburgh yesterday (pictured), the First Minister will bring a message of hope and optimism about Scotland’s future today on the final Saturday of the campaign.

The SNP leader will say the choice facing the people of Scotland is between experienced leadership to lead Scotland through the current Covid crisis and opposition parties which have retreated into relentless negativity.

Launching two Both Votes SNP campaign buses in Edinburgh, Sturgeon is expected to say: “This Thursday I am asking people to give both votes to the SNP, to elect a government which will provide experienced leadership and serious government to keep Scotland safe at this crucial time.

“Last year our world changed. This year can be a year of hope and optimism – as we work not only to keep Scotland safe, but to build a better country.

“Thursday’s crucial election is about who has the experience to lead Scotland out of the pandemic and into recovery. Only the SNP is putting forward a serious programme for government to remobilise our NHS, rebuild our economy and help our communities recover.

Polling suggests the SNP are on course to take the most seats at the upcoming election, though whether they do so with an outright majority is less clear.

Sturgeon will stress that only the SNP want Scotland’s recovery to be in Scotland’s hands. She will add: “After all we’ve been through, people deserve better than to be subjected to years more of Tory cuts handed down from Westminster which will hurt our NHS and choke off recovery.

“I know that we have the natural resources and human talent to build a sustainable recovery ... which can make future generations proud. My focus will continue to be fully on tackling the pandemic – but when the crisis has passed, people in Scotland have the right to decide their own future.”