Labour has accused the SNP of deflecting the blame as John Swinney warned his government's ability to serve Scotland would be "under threat" from UK Government cuts.

Speaking ahead of the SNP conference, the First Minister said the public should rally against potential spending cuts from Westminster.

However, Scottish Labour's deputy leader Dame Jackie Baillie accused Mr Swinney of 'hiding' from his own government's record.

Governments in the UK and Scotland have warned of tough financial decisions, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves announcing more than a £20 billion black hole in public finances.

In Scotland, Finance Secretary Shona Robison warned of "tough decisions" following public sector pay increases and uncertainty from UK Government funding.

Ahead of Mr Swinney's first SNP conference as party leader in almost two decades, he said: “The Prime Minister’s speech on Tuesday has made clear that Scotland is facing years of austerity under Labour, which will have profound consequences for public services and living standards.

“Be in no doubt – our ability to serve the people of Scotland is under real threat by the sweeping spending cuts that the Labour Government are introducing – cuts that, only a few months ago, they were denying would take place.

“The SNP, and indeed Scotland as a whole, must come together to stand up against Labour’s cuts.

“My belief that Scotland will be better as an independent country has never been stronger – and I know that we will win our independence when we show the people of Scotland that the powers of independence are central to improving their living standards, their local services and their communities.

Dame Jackie Baillie. (Image: PA)Dame Jackie Baillie. (Image: PA) (Image: Newsquest)

“Under my leadership, the SNP will work harder than ever for the country that we are so privileged to lead.

“What people in Scotland need right now is hope and ambition for a better future – and that is what the SNP will offer.”

The conference will kick off in Edinburgh on Friday, with Mr Swinney presiding over a behind-closed-doors post-mortem examination of the party’s election performance last month.

But hitting back at the SNP, Dame Jackie said: “The SNP is desperately scrambling to deflect blame for its own failures but it cannot hide from its dismal record.

“NHS waiting lists are at a record high, exam results are tumbling and public services across the board are facing brutal cuts, but the SNP has no answers.

“The SNP is tired, divided and mired in scandal – it cannot deliver for the people of Scotland.

“They are a party out of ideas and Scots are paying the price.

“While the SNP is busy making excuses Labour is at work renewing our country – setting up GB Energy, reforming the remit of the Low Pay Commission to boost pay, and prioritising economic growth.

“Scotland is crying out for change and only Scottish Labour can deliver it.”

While the Chancellor met with Mr Swinney during his visit to Scotland earlier this week, the UK and Scottish Government’s have been locked in a row over where the blame lies on the country’s finances.

During her visit, Ms Reeves said the Scottish Government were “as guilty” as the previous Tory government.