The Scottish Finance Secretary has called on Chancellor George Osborne to adopt a new approach in this week's Budget to secure a "sustained economic recovery".

John Swinney urged Osborne not to impose any further cuts on Scotland and called for more capital investment and improved access to finance.

Speaking ahead of the UK Budget on Wednesday, Swinney highlighted the Scottish Government's rejection of Westminster's approach to the economy and public finances.

He said that an independent Scotland would take a different approach that would boost jobs, support investment, and tackle the long-term challenges facing Scotland's economy.

He said: "In his final Budget before the referendum, the UK Chancellor may be tempted to offer Scotland a series of promises, but no number of Budget bribes can compensate for the impact of the austerity agenda or the decades of Westminster mismanagement of our economy."