NICOLA Sturgeon and Alex Salmond have both denied Scotland has become a more divided nation after ten years of SNP government.
In interviews to mark today’s anniversary of Mr Salmond becoming First Minister, the pair said there were “differences of opinion” and “disagreement” over the constitution, but not acrimony.
Ms Sturgeon also said she remained “absolutely full of ambition" for what the SNP can yet do in government, but admitted there were still “big challenges” for Scottish education.
She said: "I've made no bones about the fact that while there is lots of strength in Scottish education, there are big challenges. While I can point to lots of areas where Scottish education is strong, doing well and improving, I'm not satisfied with that because I also see areas where clearly we need to do better. That's why I've put such emphasis on improving standards."
She highlighted record NHS funding and the way the SNP had “completely transformed the infrastructure of Scotland” as examples of the party’s successes in power.
“Every day feels difficult, but there is no greater privilege than having the chance to make a difference in your country, particularly by being the leader of your government," she said.
Despite the constitution continuing to dominate Scottish politics, she said: “I don't believe Scotland is divided. There are differences of opinion on the constitutional future of Scotland, just as there are differences of opinion on Brexit.
“My position is I want Scotland to have a choice over the future direction we take.”
Mr Salmond said the SNP coming to power in 2007 had been a “political revolution” after two terms of Labour-LibDem coalition, and the restoration of free university education has been his proudest achievement.
He said: "Free education is deeply imbued in Scottish society, to be able to deliver it is an achievement. For the administration that I led, as a single policy, that is my proudest one."
He dismissed suggestions the 2014 referendum he held left Scotland divided.
He said: “People can have disagreement without being divided. The measure is not if we disagree, it's how we disagree."
"I thought we were close, it thought we were extremely close to achieving independence.
"It would have been a great thing for Scotland if we had managed to get there."
Tory MSP Donald Cameron said: “As far as running the country goes, the last 10 years is more about what the SNP hasn’t achieved. Despite being in charge of major areas like health, education and transport, there’s been very little in the way of reform and new thinking.
“Education standards are in decline, the NHS is in crisis, and Police Scotland is suffering no end of problems. Scotland is on the verge of recession while the rest of the UK powers on.
“That’s a damning reflection of an SNP government obsessed by the constitution.”
Labour MSP James Kelly said the SNP had given meant “a decade of division for Scotland”.
He said: “Rather than break down the barriers that hold the poorest in our country from getting a fair chance in life, the SNP government has simply broken promise after promise.
“The biggest SNP broken promise of all is that an independence referendum would a once in a lifetime event. Instead Nicola Sturgeon is gearing up to divide Scotland once again.”
Green co-convener Patrick Harvie said: “They have a good track record on some issues, like renewable electricity, free education, and equal marriage, but these victories feel piecemeal rather than strategic.”
Scottish LibDem leader Willie Rennie said: “When the public look at the SNP’s performance over the past decade, it’s clear that they have failed to make the grade.”
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