Calls have been made for a Fife Conservative candidate to stand down after inappropriate comments were posted on his social media account.
Dave Coleman, who is standing in the Inverkeithing and Dalgety Bay by-election next month, made the derogatory remarks on Facebook in April 2010.
The 54-year-old posted a status containing an offensive term aimed at people with special needs and disabilities.
Mr Coleman added a second comment just days later saying: “Chavs to the left of me, pikeys to the right… here I am shopping in Lidls with you.”
The posts, which have since been removed or made private, have been slammed by the candidate’s opponents.
Billy Pollock, Scottish Labour’s Dalgety Bay and Inverkeithing by-election candidate, said: “Anyone who mocks people with disabilities is not fit to represent the electorate.
“It saddens me that any political party would select a candidate making these type of comments.
“Mr Coleman’s Tory party are a party that are driving people to the depths of despair with their savage cuts and yet he has the audacity to mock those suffering from mental health issues.
“Ruth Davidson must suspend Mr Coleman and launch a thorough investigation into these offensive comments.”
SNP candidate, Neale Hanvey, added: “These offensive Facebook posts by the Scottish Tory candidate are totally unacceptable and not befitting of someone seeking public office.
“Dave Coleman should stand down from the contest at once – if not then Ruth Davidson must remove him.”
The Tory candidate has issued an apology about the posts.
Mr Coleman said: “These were daft comments made as a joke eight years ago and I understand that this isn’t the kind of language expected of a councillor.
“I sincerely apologise to anyone upset by them.”
The local by-election is being held on September 6 to replace the now-shadow secretary of state for Scotland Lesley Laird.
The Scottish Conservatives acknowledged Mr Coleman’s comments were “inappropriate” but rejected the calls for him to be removed as a candidate.
A party spokesman said: “Dave Coleman has apologised sincerely for any offence these comments have caused.
“They were made thoughtlessly eight years ago and he realises just how inappropriate they are.”
