Commenting ahead of launching the party's manifesto, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Tavish Scott said:
"We live in tougher times. So I want to set out real ideas for Scotland.
"Ideas that recognise that Scotland needs long term solutions, not short term political fixes.
"A Scotland that looks outward and upwards and is not insular, throwing insults over Hadrian's Wall.
"I know the pressures families and businesses across Scotland face. Rising prices in the shops, and uncertainty in the workplace. Those local services we all depend on, the school, health centre and police officer, under pressure.
"So we are setting out ways to tackle these challenges. Solutions that will create the conditions for jobs, restore excellence in our schools and keep your vital services local.
"Politicians don't create jobs. But they can cut red tape, invest in apprenticeships for young people, colleges and universities, and find new ways to get money to small businesses starved of finance. That's what I want to do.
"Politicians don't teach in school classrooms. But they can give teachers space and freedom to innovate, inspire and encourage Scotland's next generation. Politicians can clear away reams of paperwork and give head teachers the room to lead. And they can make sure that the best and brightest teachers are in our classrooms, not leaving the profession or working overseas. I want to do all that and much more.
"Politicians can meddle in public services. They can centralise the local services you rely on. They can set up a National Police Force, a single fire service, a quango in charge of the care your granny gets. They can stop any accountability your local councillor has to you. They can and the others will try. But not me. I want your services to be local and right for you. Only the Scottish Liberal Democrats will stop the centralising power grab that the other parties want.
"In this tough period my focus for you will be on jobs, education and local services. I want to build a stronger, better Scotland. I offer solutions for Scotland."