Scottish ministers have been accused of delivering a “kick in the teeth” to rural communities by opting to debate independence over upcoming agriculture legislation.

The Scottish Conservatives said farmers will want to know the contents of the Agriculture Bill after the consultation closed in December.

Rural affairs secretary Mairi Gougeon previously said the Bill will be introduced to Parliament “this year”, but did not clarify when.

It is expected to include aims to achieve a 31% reduction in agriculture emissions by 2032 and could include financial support for rural development and modernising tenant farming.

But on Tuesday, the Scottish Government will use its parliamentary time to lead a Holyrood debate on plans for a written constitution in the event of Scottish independence.

Want to see more SNP fails? – Health Matters