The Scottish Liberal Democrats are not interested in "fighting the last war", party leader Willie Rennie has said.

While their electoral demise is said to have come about thanks to their alliance with the Tories in the last UK Government and within the pro-union Better Together campaign, Mr Rennie is convinced the political landscape in Scotland is changing.

"Nothing ever stays the same," he said.

"It has already changed. We are a further year on from the referendum, so the independence issue is waning.

"People who voted Yes wanted to confirm their vote, and voted SNP (in the 2015 general election), people who voted No but were maybe attracted to some of the arguments felt that they should maybe as a form of compensation almost vote for the SNP on that basis.

"That is not a factor in the way it was."

And on the Lib Dem coalition at Westminster, he said: "It is very clear now, the harsh reality of the Tories by themselves... I think people see that."

With new tax powers coming to Holyrood, the party sees this election as an opportunity to offer a "bold commitment" on income tax, and with that begin to reverse its fortunes at the ballot box.

The flagship policy of its 2016 campaign involves raising the Scottish rate of income tax by 1p, and spending the extra revenues on education.

Mr Rennie dismissed the view that a tax rise is a hard sell to voters, arguing the policy stands in stark contrast with the SNP's "ultra-cautious" approach.

"Even if it doesn't meet the approval of everybody, we don't care," he said.

He added: "The SNP do whatever is necessary to get over the line.

"I am not interested in that. I happen to think going around doors that people are liking it. They want to make a small sacrifice to make a big difference.

"Even if nobody supported it I would still advocate it."

The pledge is accompanied by a strong emphasis on civil liberties, as the party seeks to convince voters of the need for "strong liberal voices" in the Scottish Parliament.

Other issues featuring strongly in the Lib Dem campaign include mental health provision, drug policy, social care funding and investment in the environment.

With the regional list expected to become a key battleground for seats given the SNP's dominance in opinion polls, the Lib Dems are deploying what Mr Rennie describes as "a hybrid strategy" to attract voters.

A broader, national campaign focusing on key issues such as education and civil liberties will be used to gain votes on the list, coupled with local campaigning in key seats.

The party is confident of the re-election of constituency MSPs Tavish Scott and Liam McArthur in Shetland and Orkney respectively.

Other candidates to watch include Alex Cole-Hamilton, standing for Edinburgh Western and top of the Lothians list, Christine Jardine, candidate for Aberdeenshire East, and former MSP Mike Rumbles, standing for Aberdeenshire West and top of the North East list.

Mr Rennie is convinced Mr Scott and Mr McArthur can survive, dismissing suggestions their bids could be damaged by the recent row over Orkney and Shetland MP Alistair Carmichael's conduct prior to the general election.

"They have always been there, on top of every single issue, and they have dominated," Mr Rennie said.

"Nobody has had a look in, because they have been such excellent members of the Scottish Parliament.

"They will win again."

The question of whether Mr McArthur and Mr Scott can return to Holyrood, and of how many Lib Dems may join them, could of course depend on whether the party really is fighting a new war.