MSPs have voted to stop business in the four weeks before the independence referendum despite strong criticism.
The SNP insisted that Holyrood should not sit from August 23 next year. Labour, Tories and LibDems said this demonstrated an abuse of power. The move was approved in a 65-51 vote, reflecting the SNP's majority in parliament.
Labour business manager Paul Martin had suggested slimming it down to just one week before the referendum on September 18 next year.
"This Parliament should be open for business as usual," he said.
Tory chief whip John Lamont later said: "This is yet another underhand tactic by the SNP in their desperation to win any advantage possible in the referendum campaign.
"Alex Salmond has shown a blatant disregard for democracy and contempt for the people of Scotland.
"To shut down Holyrood for a month on a whim is yet further evidence of the First Minister's diktat approach to government."
Scottish Liberal Democrat business manager Alison McInnes said: "I've long suspected that the SNP government views the Scottish Parliament as an inconvenience and a hindrance.
"Preventing any parliamentary scrutiny in the month ahead of the referendum shows the SNP MSPs are prepared to go to any length to secure a yes vote."
Joe FitzPatrick, the Parliamentary Business Minister, said: "Parliament cannot operate as normal in the 28 day period. What could be debated and scrutinised would be heavily restricted."
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