ConserVatives and Liberal Democrat MSPs have urged First Minister Alex Salmond and Aberdeen City Council to end their dispute over his conduct during a recent by-election.

The SNP leader and the Labour group on the council have been engaged in a war of words over the politician's visit to the city's Bramble Brae school during the recent Aberdeen Donside Holyrood poll. He was accused of entering the building and addressing youngsters without the headteacher's knowledge.

Mr Salmond had said the council's ruling Labour group was "in danger of bringing the city into total disrepute. Council leader Barney Crockett retaliated by saying the First Minister was "determined to bully anyone who doesn't agree with his view of the world".

Now, Tory MSP Nanette Milne has called for the row to end. She said: "I think it is time for the First Minister and Aberdeen Labour politicians to draw a line under what has not been a very dignified or constructive period for the city. Aberdeen and the north-east needs politicians at every level to work together in the interests of the city and region as a whole. The petty, childish fighting needs to stop."

LibDem MSP Alison McInnes said both sides needed to conduct themselves with "more dignity".

Last week, Councillor Crockett threatened to make a formal complaint against Sir Peter Housden, the Scottish Government's permanent secretary.

The civil servant had refused to entertain calls for a probe into Mr Salmond's conduct at the school during a poll which the SNP won with a reduced majority.