The SNP have a "Brexit obsession" and it is "dominating" the Scottish Parliament's time, a Conservative MSP has claimed

Douglas Ross was commenting on analysis released by his party which shows the Scottish Government has tabled debates and delivered ministerial statements on leaving the EU lasting 31 hours in Holyrood.

During the same period of time, Scottish Government-led statements and debates on education have lasted just over seven hours while there has only been one statement on health, which lasted 30 minutes.

Ross said the figures show the devolved administration has a "Brexit obsession".

Following a Holyrood debate on the subject on Tuesday, the MSP said: "Since the end of June, this is the 15th debate or statement that SNP has instigated on Scotland's place in the European Union.

"It seems the nationalists would rather keep talking about Brexit than address education, which has only enjoyed seven hours of parliamentary time.

"This is despite Scotland's pitiful PISA rankings, a failure by ministers to close the attainment gap, and the ongoing problems with getting girls into maths and science subjects."

He added: "The SNP has initiated 31 hours of EU debate and just seven for education, despite it being a so-called priority.

"It should start focusing on crucial domestic policies and reflect on its own Brexit obsession which is dominating its parliamentary time."

An SNP spokesman said: "This whining from the Tories is quite unbelievable. The people of Scotland voted overwhelmingly to remain in the EU but, thanks to right-wing Tory Brexiteers, we now face the prospect of being dragged out of Europe against our will - with all of the damage that would do to jobs, household incomes and our economy.

"Of course the Tories don't want to debate Brexit - it's their mess we're trying to clean up. "

He added: "If Douglas Ross is concerned that he lacks the time to scrutinise other domestic issues then perhaps he shouldn't spend workdays running the line at football matches in Portugal."

The Conservative MSP, who is a category three special assistant referee, was criticised in November for missing a justice committee meeting to officiate Sporting Lisbon v Real Madrid in the Champions League.