Humza Yousaf and Anas Sarwar to kick off election campaigns
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is expected to call a general election this year
People who oppose Scottish independence should not be dismissed, the country's First Minister is expected to say in a speech today.
Humza Yousaf will make an address at Glasgow University - the first of a series which will centre on the economy as he sets out his party's case ahead of the next general election.
As well as being likely to detail industrial policy in an independent Scotland, the First Minister will also tell attendees he believes leaving the UK to be "urgent" to address economic issues facing the country.
Meanwhile, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar will target pro-independence voters as he also kicks off his election campaign with a speech this morning.
Mr Sarwar will make his pitch to secure support for his party north of the border and pave the way for Sir Keir Starmer to take over in Downing Street.
Speaking in Rutherglen, the scene of the party's momentous by-election win last year, Mr Sarwar will say people across the country are "hungry for change" as he urges voters to give his party "the opportunity to show you that we can make the UK work for every corner of our country".
More on what the First Minister will say
However, in an attempt to offer an olive branch to those who do not want to see Scotland leave the UK, the First Minister is expected to use his address to say there will be those who will never support independence, but there is much to learn from an opposing perspective.
Humza Yousaf will say:
"We can all still engage, even if to disagree, respectfully.
"There will be others who are sympathetic to independence but who are not yet persuaded or who don't think this is the right time.
"It is my argument that independence is urgent.
"It is urgent precisely because the cost of living is top of people's concerns.
"Because it is through independence, and in particular the powerful combination of independence and EU membership, that we can raise living standards."
The First Minister will go on to detail Scotland capabilities in renewable technologies, the food and drink and financial sector as reasons to be optimistic about an independent Scotland.
How this compares to Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar's speech
At the outset of 2024, Mr Sarwar and the Labour Party have been riding high in the polls for months, with the Tories struggling and the SNP coming off a year that included a change in leader and high-profile arrests relating to an investigation into the party's finances.
The Scottish Labour leader will described 2024 as a "momentous year" that can bring about change after 13 years of a Conservative government.
It is understood Mr Sarwar will say:
"Let me say to those that may have supported independence in the past, and may even consider it in the future,"
"I don't support independence, and I don't support a referendum, but I accept that we need change right now.
"We may ultimately disagree on the final destination for Scotland, but on this part of the journey, let's unite to change our country and get rid of this Tory Government.
"Give us the opportunity to show you that we can make the UK work for every corner of our country, including here in Scotland.
"The chance to show you that change is possible, and that this isn't as good as it gets."
What about the Scottish Conservatives?
Speaking ahead of Anas Sarwar's speech, Scottish Tory chairman Craig Hoy said: "Anas Sarwar has come alarmingly late to the obvious truth that the SNP's time in government has been incredibly damaging.
"That is because, on policies ranging from gender recognition reform to their disastrous financial policies, Labour has slavishly voted with Humza Yousaf's government.
"Mr Sarwar predictably ignores the fact that in a host of seats across Scotland, the only way to get rid of the toxic SNP is to vote for the Scottish Conservative Party, which remains the only party committed to providing robust opposition in Holyrood while remaining focused on people's real priorities."
We will have more on the speeches in our hourly bulletins throughout the day.