SCOTLAND'S army of small businesses today called on politicians to focus on growing the economy.

The plea came as the Federation of Small Businesses, the country's largest business organisation with 19,000 members, launched its wish list for May's Holyrood elections.

Key areas are measures to improve skills, transport, business overheads, red tape, and the environment.

It also demands action to protect Scotland's high street retailers from the threat of supermarkets.

Andy Willox, the federation's Scotland Policy Convener, said: "Growing the economy is the only way we will eradicate Scotland's problems of poverty and ill-health.

"We want to make sure politicians keep their eyes on the ball up to, and beyond, the elections.

"Politicians too often overlook the simple things that would really increase our rate of growth, such as increasing workforce skills and productivity, cutting journey times by improving the transport network, and reducing business overheads."

"If we get these basics right, we will undoubtedly start closing the gap with our nearest neighbours and competitors."