Nicola Sturgeon has been urged to set out her next steps on a second independence referendum before the General Election.

Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson accused the First Minister of seeking to "play down" the issue of independence ahead of the June 8 ballot.

Scottish independence: Nicola Sturgeon dismisses claims she is avoiding referendum topic

Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale said it was a sign the SNP leader was aware a second referendum was "absolutely tanking" with the public.

The Herald:

The First Minister's spokesman has said it is unlikely Ms Sturgeon would outline her next steps towards another referendum by the spring of 2019 before the General Election.

She had planned to update Holyrood on her plans after Easter, after her request for powers to hold a vote was rejected by the UK Government.

Scottish independence: Nicola Sturgeon dismisses claims she is avoiding referendum topic

Ms Davidson said Ms Sturgeon had "gone back on her word".

"The reason is obvious: as always with the SNP, they desperately try to play down independence in an election campaign because they know it's unpopular," she said.

"Her claim earlier this week that her campaign isn't about independence is a joke. But her refusal to set out her position clearly before we vote is deadly serious.

"Nicola Sturgeon has a duty to set out her position as promised so we can all take a view.

"The position of the Scottish Conservatives is crystal clear. A second referendum isn't needed and it isn't wanted."

The Herald:

Commenting on the delay, Ms Dugdale told the Press Association: "I think that's a very clear sign that the First Minister knows that the idea of a second independence referendum is absolutely tanking on the doorsteps across the country.

"I've spent a lot of time over the last few weeks now on doorsteps, and I expect to spend a lot more time over the next six weeks, but literally wherever I go in the country I meet people who voted both yes and no who just want to leave this argument behind them, and they are desperate to have a general election campaign that is focused on the issues that matter to them, how we pay for our schools, our hospitals, our public services.

"I think she's probably hearing the same things I'm hearing and that's why she's parking her plans."

Scottish independence: Nicola Sturgeon dismisses claims she is avoiding referendum topic

Campaigning in Stirling, Ms Sturgeon dismissed claims she was avoiding the topic of independence.

"My opponents are ridiculous. They go from accusing me of talking about independence too much to accusing me of not talking about it enough," she said.

"The issue at this election campaign is quite clear - how do we make sure we have strong voices arguing Scotland's corner at Westminster and also backing our Scottish Parliament.

"On independence, the mandate that we sought and won last year in the Scottish election is there, the Scottish Parliament has now voted to back that mandate, so the question in this election is do we allow the Tories to determine who chooses Scotland's future or do we send a clear message that it should be our Parliament and the people of Scotland who determine Scotland's future?"