Ex-ministers join Lib Dems race

Tavish Scott launched his campaign flanked by vikings in Lerwick harbour

Former Scottish ministers Tavish Scott and Ross Finnie have announced they will stand in the contest to choose the next Scottish Liberal Democrat leader.

Mr Scott, MSP for Shetland, said he wanted to lead the party at a "vital time" in Scottish politics.

Mr Finnie, the former environment minister, said he put his name forward after gaining a "very good measure of support" from colleagues.

Nicol Stephen quit as leader last week, citing family reasons for his decision.

West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine MSP Mike Rumbles, who stood in the last Scottish Lib Dem leadership contest, was the first to throw his hat in the ring, announcing his candidacy last week.

The result of the leadership ballot is to be revealed on 26 August.

I don't think we are actually projecting ourselves as Liberal Democrats Ross Finnie MSP

Mr Scott, Scotland's former transport minister, said Scotland's political landscape had radically changed since the SNP won power at Holyrood last May, after eight years of Labour/Lib Dem coalition rule.

"The Nationalists have formed their first government - and have shown themselves to be as opportunistic in office as they always were in opposition," said Mr Scott, considered the front-runner in the leadership race.

"Labour is sinking under the weight of its own internal strife - and on the watch of its own Scottish captain. And the Scottish people are being sold short as never before."

Mr Scott went on: "Our party must speak to Scotland's people about those things that most concern them and not just those that most interest politicians."

Mr Finnie believes he has widespread support within the party

Speaking on BBC Radio's Good Morning Scotland programme, Mr Finnie said he had been told by friends and colleagues that he had the experience, sound judgement, communication skills and sense of humour necessary to be party leader.

He spoke of his "absolutely passionate belief" in liberal democracy, but said he was concerned the party's distinct message had been blunted by its eight years in coalition government with Labour.

Mr Finnie said: "We have had a year in opposition and I think we have adjusted to that reasonably well, but I don't think we are actually projecting ourselves as Liberal Democrats.

"I think that far too many people that I see and speak to began to wonder 'what is the Liberal Democrat message?', 'why should we trust the Liberal Democrats?', 'what do they stand for?'

"I think the new leader has a big job in ensuring everything we do, everything we say, every message, every time we appear on radio or television, we are actually saying something which people will resonate as being Liberal Democrat, and that we can rebuild the confidence that people will actually allow us to go forward as a credible party that could be considered for government."

Mr Stephen stepped down as party leader last week after saying he wanted to spend more time with his wife and four young children. He will stay on as an MSP for Aberdeen South.