Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay says John Swinney is "breathtakingly out of touch" with the people of Scotland after confirming another independence referendum will be his immediate priority after the election.
Swinney said he will use Parliament's first sitting day after a new government is formed to hold a vote to ask the UK Government to grant him permission to stage another referendum.
Findlay says Scots will be appalled that this is John Swinney's top priority at a time when there is a cost-of-living crisis, bills are soaring and public services are crumbling.
He added that the plan proves John Swinney is "hellbent" on ensuring the next five years remain focused on constitutional chaos rather than what really matters to voters.
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay said: "John Swinney's plot to make the first vote of the new parliament about an independence referendum confirms how breathtakingly out of touch he is with the people of Scotland.
"Instead of focusing on the cost-of-living crisis, jobs, education or the NHS, he's hellbent on plunging Holyrood into fresh constitutional chaos.
"Swinney's new threat to demand another unwanted referendum is a wake-up call to those who think he's not serious about breaking up our country. It's all he really cares about.
"Scots can stop this nightmare scenario by using their peach ballot paper to vote Scottish Conservatives on May 7."