SNP faces "tough challenge" in general election - Swinney
Scotland's First Minister John Swinney has said the SNP faces a "tough challenge" in the upcoming general election.
Mr Swinney also said the party wants to hold on to its status as the third largest at Westminster.
"We've undoubtedly had a rough period and I'm here to build the SNP up", Mr Swinney told the BBC's Chris Mason.
The SNP leader, who was only elected on 6 May, said he would fight to "open up" the process of independence if the party wins a majority of seats in Scotland.
In a wide-ranging interview, Mr Swinney also defended his party's record at Holyrood, where it has been in power since 2007.
But he conceded NHS waiting times in Scotland, which have hit a record high, were "not good enough".