Sir Tom Hunter says outsiders are now looking at Scotland as “not investable” following a series of policy proposals that make the country “look stupid”.

The investor and young company supporter launched into a scathing attack on the Scottish Government’s proposed alcohol promotion ban, its attitude to oil and gas and its planned deposit return scheme.

He said there was general support for transitioning to green energy, cleaning up litter and improving health, but questioned the design and delivery of policies.

“A ban on promoting alcohol? It’s stupidity, and I’m afraid I don’t have an adjective strong enough to describe the bottle return scheme,” he said.

Sir Tom was commenting to Daily Business after Finance Secretary and SNP leadership candidate Kate Forbes criticised her own government for being “mediocre”, prompting claims that the party was imploding.

He said: “I am not endorsing any of the candidates. but I did find it refreshing to watch Kate Forbes putting some tough questions to Humza Yousaf [a rival candidate].”

Want to see more SNP fails? – Education Matters