MSPs have been placed on terror alert after a string of suspicious packages containing white powder were sent to Scottish politicians.

Police Scotland and the head of security at the Scottish Parliament issued safety guidance to MSPs after the incidents earlier this week.

A package was sent to SNP MP John Nicolson's constituency office in Kirkintilloch on Tuesday, which sparked a response from emergency services.

On Wednesday a similar delivery was made to the Municipal Buildings of the SNP-run Angus Council in Forfar. It was reported that the package contained a note saying ‘Get SNP out. Tories in’.

An email warning MSPs sent out on Thursday also stated that a third package was sent to a political party headquarters in the past two days.

In a note to MSPs, head of parliament security Becky Thomson said all of the packages were "were associated with the forthcoming UK general election."

She also confirmed a note from Police Scotland on what to do if they receive a suspicious package has been sent to all elected representatives in the country.

She added: "The security office would like to remind all members and their staff of the main actions to take if suspicious mail is received at a local office: rest the package on a flat surface, make no further attempt to open the package, or touch or move it, call 999 immediately and evacuate the area.

"We aim to deliver a training session with Police Scotland colleagues on mail handling, suspicious packages and 'white powder' as soon as possible. We will provide you with further information on this shortly."

The police information attached to the email to elected officials includes what indicators to look out for in suspicious deliveries.