THE SNP have deleted a tweet calling Scottish Tory Douglas Ross a racist.

The social media post condemned the leadership hopeful’s “long history of racist views”, referring to Ross’s previous comments about the Gypsy/Traveller community.

It has since been removed, though the SNP website still references his "abhorrent views".

The National:

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In 2017, during a YouTube interview with Meet the MPs, Ross was asked: "If you were prime minister for the day, without any repercussions, what would you do?"

He responded: "I would like to see tougher enforcement against Gypsy Travellers.”

After facing criticism from Amnesty International, the Tory apologised, insisting had not had time to provide context in a "quick-fire interview".

An SNP spokeswoman, who did not specify why the tweet had been removed, said: "Douglas Ross received widespread criticism for his inflammatory and divisive comments about gypsy/travellers, including from Amnesty International."

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Ross is set to be crowned Scottish Tory leader tomorrow following Jackson Carlaw's resignation.

A spokesman for the Moray MP commented: “It’s disappointing that the SNP are choosing to stoop to this kind of thing.

"Douglas is going to remain focused on his positive message of ending the last decade of division and setting out an ambitious plan to move Scotland forward.”