 There are three candidates after the SNP's top job |
The three candidates vying to become leader of the Scottish National Party are making their final pitches in the last few weeks of the campaign. Alex Salmond, Roseanna Cunningham and Mike Russell have told BBC News Online Scotland why they should be leader.
Ms Cunningham said she would deliver a more focused and less confused message.
Mr Salmond said he would get the SNP back into "fighting form" and Mr Russell said he could offer the fresh start the party needs.
The outcome of the election to replace John Swinney as leader will be declared on 3 September.
 | LEADERSHIP CONTENDERS |
Ms Cunningham said it was unthinkable that "Scotland's party" could chose a leader from outside the Scottish Parliament. She added: "We need to deliver a more focused and less confused message about the benefits of independence, a clearer vision of how we can use the Scottish Parliament to improve Scotland."
That statement was a reference to Mr Salmond and Mr Russell, neither of whom are currently Holyrood members.
Mr Salmond, MP for Banff and Buchan, was an MSP until 2001 when he stepped down to concentrate on his Westminster career.
He said: "We need to earn the trust and respect of the electorate and get the SNP back into fighting form.
| ELECTION TIMETABLE Nominations closed 16 July Ballots mailed to all members by 13 August Ballots to be returned by 31 August Result announced 3 September |
"Our prescription for success is clear. It involves the heart, the head and soul of Scotland." Mr Russell was an MSP until last May when he failed to make it back into the parliament.
He has called for a new vision for the party.
He said: "We need a clear strategy to move from where we are to where we must be if we are to win a national election victory - our first in our 70-year existence."
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