FINANCE Secretary John Swinney has promised to work with other parties to agree spending priorities, as he prepares to deliver his Budget Bill at Holyrood.

He insisted the Scottish Government would work with all parties to deliver a budget for jobs and growth, but stressed any proposed opposition changes must be funded by identified savings elsewhere.

He said: "In September the Scottish Government presented a draft Budget for jobs and growth. Despite facing constrained resources and Westminster cuts, the Budget Bill we have now published will accelerate economic recovery by creating jobs and supporting people into employment."

He added: "The Budget we have published builds on this Government's track record by providing an immediate economic stimulus of £385 million over two years for construction, skills and employment."

Labour has highlighted funding for colleges, housing, and the reinstatement of rail investment between Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Ken Macintosh, Scottish Labour's finance spokesman, said talk of a Budget for jobs and growth had been nothing more than a convenient sound-bite. He said: "John Swinney needs to match his words with his actions. The SNP cannot blame Westminster if they fail to use the powers and funding they have at their disposal."