Alex Salmond and Nicol Stephen have set out their stalls

The Scottish National Party launched its annual conference agenda, which focuses on economic business growth, education and future energy questions.

The Liberal Democrats also outlined their policy aims, including scrapping graduate endowment fees, more renewable energy use and lower business rates.

Polling for the Scottish Parliament election will take place on 3 May.

The SNP's conference will take place in Perth next week.

'Positive vision'

Speaking at the agenda launch, party leader Alex Salmond said: "The people of Scotland know it's time for a change, and only the SNP can deliver the fresh approach that people up and down our country are crying out for.

"Next May, voters across Scotland will have a simple choice to make about Scotland's future.

"They need to decide between the tired and washed-out Labour Party, who have run out of ideas and popular support, and the positive vision for our country proposed by the SNP."

The conference will debate green energy, rural and transport issues, growing the Scottish economy, Trident and Scotland's interests abroad.

There will also be a focus on education, including reducing class sizes and tackling indiscipline.

Polling for Holyrood will take place in May of next year

Meanwhile, Scottish Lib Dem leader Nicol Stephen pledged to scrap the graduate endowment fee for Scottish students as he launched a new policy document for the party.

Students currently have to pay a graduate endowment fee of more than £2,000 after they have finished their degree.

But Mr Stephen said this would be scrapped under a Lib Dem administration.

He said: "I will maintain the fund that supports those students in most need through maintenance grants and bursaries."

Green homes

He also pledged a fresh environmentally-friendly emphasis in housing with the creation of a new healthy green homes fund.

"It will start by ensuring that all housing association and council housing properties have microgeneration and energy efficiency measures wherever possible," he said.

"The next step will be to extend the fund to all those who currently qualify for the Warm Deal."