Voting SNP in next month's Holyrood election does not mean a vote for independence, John Swinney has said.

The SNP leader reaffirmed his commitment to an independent Scotland but vowed to offer a referendum before moves towards its creation are taken.

Amid claims that the party is attempting to distance itself from the independence cause, Swinney promised that Scotland would only move on with the permission of the Scottish people.

He said that it was important that public services were put "at the top of the agenda".

"Scotland will only move on to independence - with the permission of the people," he said.

"The election of an SNP government on May 1, will not automatically lead to independence on May 2. The choice will be made by the people of Scotland," he said.

"But we will give the people the opportunity to move on. The opportunity to vote for independence in a democratic referendum within the four year term of the parliament. It is an opportunity I am confident the people will take.

Swinney said it was important to develop "a bond of trust" before efforts towards creating an independent Scotland begin.

"The referendum will be held within our four year term at a time I believe as first minister is appropriate for our country. Those who ask for a fixed date need only look at the current international situation to see how inappropriate that would be," he said.

"So I will not give a specific date. But I will say this. To win a referendum, we must first win the case for independence and we will not do that unless we first win the trust of the people in our abilities as a government.

"So we will make a start on sorting out the mess in the public services that we will inherit.

"The patients in our hospitals, the pupils and parents in our schools, and our communities fed-up with crime, can't wait any longer.

"So we will deliver progress on our public services - to build the bond of trust with the people."

He added that "a referendum will not be held in our first year".

"And it will not be in the final year. If Scotland votes yes, and I am confident that it will, we will need time to ensure a smooth transition of power from London to Scotland," said Swinney.

"Because that's what independence is - transferring economic, tax and other powers from Westminster to Scotland."

Labour rounded on his remarks, saying the SNP is "rattled that they have now been forced to talk about their plans for divorce".

"Divorce would be a hugely expensive business - meaning higher taxes and cuts to public services just to pay for it. That is why the SNP are so keen to avoid any scrutiny of the detailed implications of their policy," said Labour's Andy Kerr.