Tavish Scott cemented his position as the clear favourite to become the next leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats after he received the public backing of Sir Menzies Campbell and Lord Wallace of Tankerness.

Sir Menzies and Lord Wallace, both former Liberal leaders, led a parade of Mr Scott's supporters through Edinburgh yesterday, as Mr Scott stated that he had the backing of most of the party's MSPs.

The show of strength gives Mr Scott an advantage over his rivals, Ross Finnie and Mike Rumbles, to win a vote of the party membership. Sir Menzies described Mr Scott and Nick Clegg, the party's UK leader, as a “dream ticket”.

Asked why he was backing Mr Scott for the job, Sir Menzies, who was ousted as party leader amid criticism that he was too old, said: “He's got commitment, vigour, youth, experience.” He added: “Tavish is the only candidate in this election who has set out a clear vision for the party's future direction and who has the ability and communication skills needed to put our message across.”

Mr Scott, a former Transport Minister at Holyrood, said he had the support of seven of the Lib Dems' eleven MSPs, eight of the party's twelve Scottish MPs and four peers.

Lord Wallace has written to party members explaining why Mr Scott was the man to replace Nicol Stephen, who resigned as party leader to spend more time with his family.

In his letter, Lord Wallace said: “I have no hesitation in identifying Tavish Scott as being the best choice.” Lord Wallace said Mr Scott was a Liberal “by instinct”. He claimed that if Mr Scott won the contest, both his rivals would have roles to play.

Mr Scott welcomed the support but said he was not taking anything for granted.

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