The SNP has released a new TV advert that has been described as like something out of the George Orwell novel 1984.
Nicola Sturgeon's party released the ad last night and it led to a mixed reaction online, with SNP supporters backing the message but opponents claimed it was like the person presenting was in some dystopian world.
Titled 'Scotland’s future is Scotland’s choice', it stars actress Neila Stephens who attacks Boris Johnson 's government on a number of issues including austerity and Brexit.
At one point there is a scene where there are televisions stacked on top of one another with Sturgeon's face on each one while there is a large picture of the First Minister on a much larger wall.
The caption says: "There is only one way."
Political opponents and commentators were quick to react to the advertisement.
Comedian Matt Forde said: "2014: Hope over Fear
"2021: VOTE SNP OR YOU WILL NEVER FEEL LOVE EVER AGAIN"
Andrew Bowie, Conservative MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine wrote on Twitter: "Is it me, or is this SNP broadcast just a tad sinister?"
Tory candidate for Stirling, Dean Lockhart said: "1984 was supposed to be a warning from history.
"It’s now the present day with ads like this. The worst of politics from a party with nothing positive to say about their 14 years in government. Vote them out."
Labour candidate Paul Sweeney called it, "A Nightmare on Elmbank Street".
While Jamie Halcro Johnston, Conservative candidate for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch simply posted a quote from Orwell's classic.
He said: "It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen."
Editor of the Labour Hame website Duncan Hothersall said: "Just watched the Sturgeon-as-Big-Brother SNP election ad.
"I guess they have polling which suggests people will be swayed by that sort of stuff. Yikes. But as ever I'm struck by the central grievance that "Scotland must be allowed to choose". We *were* allowed to choose. We chose!"
Twitter user @RossNewton_ said: "I remember voting Yes in 2014 in part because of the positivity of the campaign.
"This however is... weird. Interesting the strategy seems to be more fear based these days."
However, it wasn't all negative comments about the ad.
SNP Councillor and candidate for Stirling Evelyn Tweed said: "Scotland's future must be in Scotland's hands not Boris Johnson's. On May 6 make it #BothVotesSNP "
Tom Arthur, SNP candidate for Renfrewshire East, tweeted: "Put Scotland’s recovery in Scotland’s hands. Make it #BothVotesSNP."
Sinead Collins wrote: "Fantastic PBP, putting caring for people at the heart of our campaign. #bothvotessnp "
Jack Elphinstone took to Twitter to say: "This is so professional & very powerful.
" Knocking it out of the park & streets ahead of anything else. It’s upsetting all of the right people going by the replies. Bravo."
