John Swinney: "Legal right"

Scotland's political parties have been debating the legality of holding a referendum on independence.

The Scottish National Party accused Labour of "turning its back" on the issue of Scottish sovereignty.

Labour said it was unclear how any question would be phrased and could not comment until this was clarified.

The debate followed weekend newspaper speculation that a Labour government at Westminster could block a referendum.

If it's to divorce Scotland from the UK and it was as blunt as that then it would be a matter for Westminster Labour's Mike Watson

Elsewhere in the election campaign, the Scottish Greens called for greater protection for Scotland's public open spaces and play areas.

Labour and the Liberal Democrats focused on tourism while the Scottish National Party outlined a nursing pay rise pledge.

And the Conservatives announced plans to abolish graduate endowments as part of their higher education policy.

SNP leader John Swinney called on Labour to clarify the referendum situation.

Legal question

He said: "There is no way I will allow a Labour Government in London stop the people of Scotland deciding on their own constitutional future.

"The Scottish Parliament has a legal right to decide upon that point."

Any interference would threaten the democratic process, he added.

Labour's Mike Watson would not be drawn into the debate but did say a referendum could be held depending on its wording.

He said: "If it's to divorce Scotland from the UK and it was as blunt as that then it would be a matter for Westminster."

Scottish Tory Brian Monteith said he "did not care" whether it was legal to hold a referendum.

Lib Dem Ross Finnie visited Edinburgh's Old Town

He said if parliament wanted to hold one it would find a way to do so, but he thought it more important to discuss public services.

Lib Dem Ross Finnie said parliament was a "long, long way" from a referendum.

No opinion poll suggested the majority of Scots favoured independence, he added.

Earlier, Green Party leader Robin Harper joined protesters at Thornwood Park in Glasgow's west end, where a community-led campaign failed to prevent a residential development which will result in 30% of the park being lost.

Labour leader Jack McConnell visited tourist attractions in the south west Highlands and outlined Labour's five-point plan for the tourism industry.

It comprised:

• Major events strategy reflected in recent funding for the World Mountain Biking Championships in Fort William

• More and better international marketing

• A drive for domestic holiday growth from throughout the UK

• A new national quality registration scheme

• More direct air routes to and from Scotland's airports.

Labour's Tourism Minister Mike Watson said it was vital to have tourism provision which was "second to none".

Lib Dem Ross Finnie encouraged Scots living abroad to return home during his visit to Edinburgh's historic Old Town.

He said the 250th anniversary of the birth of poet Rabbie Burns in 2009 would mark a "homecoming year".

By increasing links with people from all over the world, Scotland could compete in the global tourism market, he added.

SNP leader John Swinney focused on health with a pledge to increase nurses' pay by 11%.