Mr McLetchie launched his tirade at a Tory Party rally

The Scottish Tory leader rounded on the Lib Dems claiming they were trying to be an effective opposition in Holyrood while also being part of the governing coalition with the Labour Party, led by Henry McLeish.

Mr McLetchie said it was up to the Scottish electorate to show their unhappiness with the Lib Dems at the forthcoming general election.

He said: "If Labour is on trial in this election in Scotland, then the Liberal Democrats are the co-accused.

"They are Henry's little helpers, a party that tries to be a party of government and opposition in Scotland at the same time - a remarkable act of fence-sitting even for the Liberal Democrats.

Higher taxes

"The truth is they are the most two-faced, two-timing, self-serving, sanctimonious bunch of charlatans masquerading as a political party that I have ever met."

Mr McLetchie also attacked the SNP, claiming a vote for it would lead to higher taxes and Scotland's entry into a federal European superstate.

The leader also said the general election was a chance for voters to give their verdict on the performance of the Labour Government at Westminster as well as the Scottish Executive at Holyrood.

He described Scottish health secretary Susan Deacon as "the nation's nanny" and described former education minister Sam Galbraith as the "Doctor Dolittle" of the executive for his handling of the exams crisis last year.

Single currency

He also described the new Scottish Parliament building in Edinburgh as "our very own Scottish dome" and said its soaring costs were "nothing short of a national scandal".

Mr McLetchie went on to criticise Labour's record on law and order and accused the government of waging a war against people who live in the countryside.

He said: "Their whole divisive approach is summed up by the fact that more concern is shown for the welfare of foxes than the welfare of people struggling to make a living."

The rally also gave a standing ovation to Frank Dahlgaard, who led the No Campaign in the Danish referendum on the single currency.

Mr Dahlgaard thanked the Conservative Party in Britain for its support during the campaign and said they should do all they can to keep the pound.