An SNP election candidate has suggested that opponents of independence are "negative" and "more likely to suffer from degenerative brain diseases" as a result.
Jim McHarg - who is standing in the Ardrossan ward for North Ayrshire Council - was blasted after making the bizarre claim on social media last night.
He said: "For all those opposed to Scottish independence doctors have found that people with high levels of negativity are more likely to suffer from degenerative brain diseases, cardiovascular problems and digestive issues.
"Try to embrace positivity. Scotland is a resource rich nation."
The candidate added: "The value of Scottish natural capital was estimated to be a massive £273 billion. This is just the natural asset component less the costs of production and management."
Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Ballie said: "Offensive, ignorant and unacceptable - this comment demonstrates the negative and nasty underbelly of the SNP.
"This tweet has been published in the midst of a local election campaign.
"The SNP need to suspend this candidate immediately.”
Jamie Greene, a Conservative MSP for West Scotland, banded McHarg's comments "puerile and offensive".
He said: "Given that the SNP cite independence as the cure for everything, I suppose it’s no surprise that one of their candidates would be deluded enough to claim it is the cure for heart disease and brain conditions too.
"But, seriously, this is puerile and offensive comment from a candidate, who has shown how intolerant he is of those who don’t share his view on the constitution.
"As the SNP candidate for Ardrossan, you would think he would have enough on his plate defending the scandalous incompetence of his party in leaving the town with a woefully inadequate ferry link to Arran.”
Clare Steel, a Labour council election candidate in Clydebank, said McHarg's claims were "appalling and utterly crass".
She added: "Ask him to reflect on folk who have things like dementia, heart problems etc. This is just vile."
A spokesman for the SNP said: "The tweet is now deleted, and Mr McHarg is sorry for offence caused."
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