Parties will be bidding to change the electoral map

The Greens, the Scottish Socialists and Solidarity held party conferences in Glasgow, while the first minister addressed a Labour Party rally.

The Free Scotland Party is also due to launch its campaign, accusing the Scottish National Party of failing the independence movement.

The elections to Holyrood, as well as to local councils, take place on 3 May.

The SSP held a special conference in Glasgow to agree its Holyrood election manifesto and map out its campaign, which was addressed by party convenor Colin Fox.

Key priorities

He urged his party to capitalise on the fact that the political "centre of gravity" of people in Scotland is far to the left of New Labour and the SNP.

Solidarity, founded by Tommy Sheridan after breaking from the SSP, has also beeen finalising its manifesto.

Ideas include a shake-up in local councils and entrenching Scottish Water in public ownership.

The Scottish Green Party campaign launch included sessions on key election priorities.

They accused the big parties of using "green camouflage", whereas they promise real action on issues like climate change and transport.