Highlands and Islands Scottish Conservative MSP Donald Cameron has criticised SNP politicians Mike Russell and Brendan O'Hara after they attempted to evade responsibility for the budget problems facing Argyll and Bute Council.

Mr Cameron said:

"These comments display extraordinary hypocrisy, revealing how out-of-touch these SNP politicians are with the realities of the challenges facing Argyll and Bute Council.

"The financial pressures on this Council are a direct consequence of the repeated unfair financial settlements imposed on the Council by the SNP Government over the last 12 years.

"Quite simply, Nicola Sturgeon and her government have failed to pass on appropriate levels of funding. 

"Brendan O'Hara should get on the phone to Nicola Sturgeon and demand a fair deal for Argyll and Bute instead of blaming everyone else."