Best of the rest at conference

A hung parliament would be the best outcome for Scotland in the general election, Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told the SNP conference.

The SNP deputy leader told delegates in Aviemore the party had never gone into a UK election in better shape than it was now.

She said: "Across the UK this election looks close, it's on a knife edge, it could well be a hung parliament.

"There is no better scenario for Scotland, there is no better scenario in which we can make our voice heard."

Independence is about more than "flags and borders", the conference heard.

Ben MacPherson from Young Scots for Independence, told delegates in Aviemore that self determination would give Scotland the chance to play an equal part in the world.

He said it would also give the country the chance to build better relationships with others, including England.

"Now is the time to send a clear message to everyone out there that there is a purpose behind why we want independence," he said.

The SNP used the conference to call for lower fuel prices across Scotland.

The party said it would be championing a freeze in fuel duty and the introduction of a road fuel regulator as a key pledge in the UK election campaign.

SNP MP and transport spokesman Angus MacNeil, said: "Sky high fuel taxes imposed by Gordon Brown, and latterly Alistair Darling, are indiscriminate and effectively a poll tax on wheels.

"Rocketing prices are disastrous for the rural economy where a car is not a luxury - it's a necessity.