The Scottish Greens have launched their Holyrood election campaign with a pledge to ban fracking.
Co-convener Patrick Harvie told activists the controversial gas extraction technique should be banned permanently to protect people’s homes and the environment.
Speaking at a launch event at Glasgow’s Oran Mor venue, he said: “The power to ban fracking and unconventional gas extraction already exists in Scotland and it must be used once and for all”.
The Scottish Greens, who are hoping to win around 10 seats in May, will campaign under the slogan “Scotland Can”.
Mr Harvie said better housing, land reform and tackling fuel poverty were also priorities.
He outlined plans for a "carer's wage" and to create more than 200,000 jobs in "clean, green industries".
The Scottish Government has imposed a moratorium on fracking and unconventional gas extraction pending further research into its possible environment impact.
A decision on whether to allow fracking is expected next year.
The Greens' pledge is likely to appeal to many SNP grassroots members, who have called for an outright ban.
The party hopes thousands of Nationalist supporters will lend it their regional vote on May 5, as polls show the SNP on course to win almost all the 73 constituencies.
Mr Harvie promised "fresh, new, bold ideas" as he launched his party's biggest ever election campaign.
He said: "We believe that Scotland can be a better country for everyone who lives here and for a better Scotland, we need a bolder Holyrood.
"We believe that Scotland can unlock the power of our communities to invest in jobs, health and the economy.
"We believe that the Scottish Parliament can be so much bolder in meeting the ambitions of the people of Scotland."
He added: "We will work constructively with others who share our aims.
"Holyrood - and Scotland - needs a diverse politics and progressive champions to hold the Scottish Government to account."
Sarah Beattie-Smith, who will be standing in the election, said: "We are really excited about the momentum that is already building around our election campaign, and look forward to expanding on our key campaign themes in the coming weeks.
"With our top team of MSP candidates, local co-ordinators, hundreds of branch volunteers and canvassers already active in every region of Scotland, we're determined to get out the vote for a Greener Holyrood."
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