The final day of campaigning to elect councillors across 32 local authorities in Scotland has started with parties making a final push for votes.
Leaders of the big five parties north of the Border will make a flurry of appearances in an attempt to drum up their support before polls open at 7am on Thursday.
Nicola Sturgeon today warned that Boris Johnson had "run out of excuses" as she urged voters to use the local elections to send a message to the UK Government.
The SNP leader said: “Boris Johnson’s utterly callous attitude to those who need help was once again exposed in TV interviews yesterday.
"The only thing that will make the Tories sit up and take notice is when they think their own jobs are on the line - and that's why this election is so important.
"While all this is going on, the Tories are neglecting the spiralling cost of living crisis – while the SNP are focussed at all levels of government to support households through tough times.
“Every SNP councillor elected this week will stand firm against the Tories, ready to lock them out of power.
"Our priority will be supporting families through the cost of living crisis – not just in words but in action – working tirelessly for local communities and local services."
Labour leader Anas Sarwar claimed Scots were being failed by "two out-of-touch governments" at Holyrood and Westminster.
He said: "Your energy bills are up, petrol prices are up and the weekly shop is more expensive than ever. Millions of people are struggling as family finances are devastated.
"Too many Scots are having to choose between heating and eating as the cost of living crisis bites.
"It doesn’t have to be this way. We can make different choices.
"Scottish Labour has a plan to tackle the cost of living crisis and bring our country together.
"Our detailed and costed plans could put over £1,000 back in your pocket - it includes a windfall tax on energy giants, a rebate on water charges and halving rail fares."
The Scottish Greens are encouraging voters to "think global and act local".
Co-leader Lorna Slater said: "“This election is about action in our communities, which is why we need more Green councillors all over Scotland, pushing local authorities to cut carbon emissions, boost public transport and build communities where everyone can afford to live, learn and work.
"Even one or two Green councillors could be in a position to hold the balance of power, and will be crucial in delivering the things we are securing in government.
"Every vote counts, but it is your number one vote that is the most important and that will make by far the biggest difference.
"Giving the Scottish Greens your first preference is the only way to guarantee a new direction for your council."
Scottish Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said the SNP cared more about independence than local issues.
He continued: "If you vote for the SNP you will get representatives that will make excuses for cuts to local services and care more about independence than they do tackling the cost of living crisis.
"If you vote for the Conservatives you will get someone who was happy to stand under the banner of a Prime Minister who was partying while women gave birth alone and people said goodbye to their loved ones by video call.
“But if you vote for Scottish Liberal Democrats you will get a local champion - someone who will sweat the small stuff like potholes and bin collections while fighting for you on the big stuff."
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