Nicola Sturgeon has accused Douglas Ross of "rambling" as the Tory leader called for the vaccine passport to be scrapped just hours before it becomes law.
The First Minister launched a robust defence of plans to ask Scots to prove their vaccination status before they are allowed into night clubs, music venues and some large outdoor events.
The SNP leader insisted it was a pragmatic step in the fight to bring covid infection numbers back under control and encourage more people to become immunised.
But Ross branded the passport plan "a shambles" that was opposed by businesses across the country.
During fiery exchanges at First Minister's Questions, the Scottish Conservatives leader said: "The SNP Government is the only one in Europe to run a scheme like this, relying purely on the vaccination status of people and banning them from venues unless they can produce official paperwork.
"The only government in Europe forcing these higher costs on to businesses, and the only government in Europe forcing such restrictive rules on to the public.
"Nicola Sturgeon wants independence in Europe - well, she's got it. She's completely alone in pursuing this shambles of a scheme."
The First Minister hit back: "It's interesting that in the course of that ramble, Douglas Ross appears to have completely changed the basis for his opposition to covid certification.
"Up until now, I understood his opposition was because it was far too difficult for businesses to comply with this.
"Now it's because we're only requiring proof of vaccine and not proof of a negative test.
"We're keeping that under review - but the principle reason we're not right now is we're trying to drive up vaccination rates.
"We've set out the rationale, we've set out the reasons, and we've set out the detail.
"The court has looked at this over the last 24 hours.
"We have listened to businesses - which is why we have delayed enforcement to allow businesses a grace period to test their arrangement in practice."
Sturgeon added: "I'm left wondering - what exactly it is that Douglas Ross does support us doing to keep covid under control, to protect people's health, to protect our economy and to save lives?"
It comes as the Court of Session today refused a petition from nightclub bosses which sought to delay the introduction of the vaccine certification scheme.
Lord Burns said the petitioners had not demonstrated the scheme was disproportionate, irrational or unreasonable, or that infringed on rights.
The judge added it was an attempt to address legitimate issues in a balanced way, is subject to scrutiny by MSPs and will be frequently reviewed.
To sign up to the Daily Record Politics newsletter, click here.
