Commenting as the First Minister attended another National Conversation event, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Tavish Scott MSP said:

“Today while I talked to international business leaders at the Forbes conference about what Calman’s recommendations mean for the Scottish economy, the First Minister was wasting time and taxpayers’ money on a big blether with Alex.

“The SNP should drop the pointless National Conversation and instead work with the group set up to deliver Calman’s recommendations for a stronger Scottish Parliament.

“The SNP must not be the party to block change.

“Liberal Democrats are determined to drive forward the campaign for a stronger home rule parliament for Scotland. That is why our Chief Whip will today demand a debate in the Scottish Parliament on Calman before the summer recess.”