Scotland’s First Minister has said he will take “every opportunity” to protect the powers of the Scottish Parliament.
It comes after reports Tory leader Kemi Badenoch would review devolution if her party wins the keys to Downing Street in 2029.
The reports raised the ire of some in Scotland, with the Scottish Tories distancing themselves from the plan.
Speaking to the Press Association, John Swinney did not rule out a potential legal challenge to any attempt to reduce the powers of the Scottish Parliament.
“Obviously, I would use every opportunity I could have to challenge a prevailing threat to the Scottish Parliament,” he said.
“But the best way to insulate the Scottish Parliament from any threat from a Conservative government is to vote SNP and secure independence.”
The First Minister added: “What I do is I lead the efforts to protect and enhance Scottish self-government.
“It’s what I’ve always done throughout my political life – I have acted to deliver Scottish self-government where necessary to protect it and at all times to enhance it.”
He added: “If I can secure more powers for the Scottish Parliament … I will pursue that because I think it’s so important that we take every opportunity to strengthen Scottish self-government.
“Because I believe fundamentally that the people of this country are best-placed to decide the future of our country. They will take the best decisions about Scotland.
“So I will essentially act to protect and enhance the Scottish Parliament in that situation.”
A spokesman for the Scottish Tories said: “John Swinney has only ever abused devolution in his blind pursuit of breaking up the United Kingdom.
“Scots are increasingly disillusioned with Holyrood because Swinney is obsessed with independence, instead of using the powers he does have effectively.
“The Scottish Conservatives will continue to put forward common-sense plans to fix what isn’t working, hold this incompetent SNP Government to account and protect the United Kingdom.”