THE Scottish Tories have accused the SNP of "brainwashing school pupils with nationalist propaganda" about the Loch Ness Monster.

Russell Findlay claimed Education Scotland had been telling pupils that the mythical creature can help them "form a view on the independence referendum".

Unionists have attacked the Scottish Government agency for educational resources which used analysis of films with the Loch Ness Monster in them as a way of understanding the Union.

The resources said the legendary monster could reflect the “ambivalent position that Scotland holds in the Union”.

READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon attacks 'ridiculous' Douglas Ross for supporting Boris Johnson

Education academic Neil McLennan attacked the resources for their "politicisation" of Nessie.

At portfolio questions in the Scottish Parliament on Thursday, Tory MSP Findlay accused the SNP of "exploiting" the myth.

He said: "Scottish Government agency Education Scotland tells school children the Loch Ness Monster can help them form a view on the independence referendum.

"One education campaigner described this as 'nationalist propaganda' and an attempt to 'brainwash pupils' into thinking of Scotland as a victim of a wicked conspiracy.

"Does the cabinet secretary agree that the SNP’s exploitation of our beloved Nessie is wrong, and commit to the removal of such embarrassing and ridiculous propaganda from the curriculum?”

Replying, Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said the resources were not made by either the Scottish Government or Education Scotland.

She said the Tories don't trust Scottish teachers to deliver the country's curriculum.

She said: "The actual resource in question was of course developed by two primary school teachers in conjunction with Professor David Martin-Jones at the University of Glasgow.

"Professor Martin-Jones is very well respected in his academic area and this material was based on his research.

"I would make very clear that this resource, which was not developed in house by Education Scotland and certainly not by the Scottish Government, is part of a resource that is there for teachers.

WATCH: Douglas Ross dodges key question on Boris Johnson 'lying' probe

"There is no fixed national curriculum in Scotland, we have no direct control or influence over the curriculum. I trust our teachers to deliver that curriculum, it seems the Scottish Conservatives don’t.”

Education Scotland previously said of the resources: "Through the study of films, the resource encourages students to debate, to analyse bias and understand the role film has played in shaping the global view of Scotland.

"It also seeks to support pupils in learning about the importance of respecting the heritage and identity of others."

Professor Martin-Jones has been approached for comment.