Scottish Government plans to slash air tax have been branded "reckless" and a "giveaway for the wealthiest" by opposition parties.

MSPs are expected to vote through the Air Departure Tax (Scotland) Bill at Holyrood later today.

If passed, ADT will come into force from April 2018, replacing air passenger duty in Scotland.

The SNP administration wants to cut it in half by the end of this parliamentary term, with the charge to be scrapped when resources allow.

Ministers say the move will improve connectivity and create economic benefits.

The Scottish Liberal Democrats said the plans are "reckless" and accused the government of caving in to aviation lobbyists at the expense of making progress towards tackling climate change.

The party's environment spokeswoman Mariam Mahmood said: "Throughout this process, Scottish Liberal Democrats have been clear a multi-million pound aviation tax break is the wrong priority.

"It will deprive our schools and hospitals of funding and the Scottish Government has been utterly unable to explain how dramatically increasing airline emissions would help Scotland meet its climate commitments."

Scottish Labour said the 50% cut would strip £189m from public finances.

Transport spokesman Neil Bibby said: "Nicola Sturgeon must explain who will pay for this multi-million pound giveaway for the wealthiest.

"The SNP must drop its plans to cut this tax and instead focus on growing our economy and investing in our public services."

The Scottish Government said the move would improve air links between Scotland and the rest of the world.

Finance secretary Derek Mackay said: "The Scottish Government's plans for Air Departure Tax will benefit all air passengers, as well as helping the Scottish economy - in particular boosting trade, investment, influence and networks.

"Improving direct air links between Scotland and other countries in this way is especially important given the economic threat posed by Brexit.

"UK Air Passenger Duty is the most expensive tax of its kind in Europe and one of the highest in the world, so reducing the tax will help ensure a more level playing field for Scottish airports.

"We are determined that we will continue to meet our world-leading climate change targets by working even harder in other areas to ensure overall emissions continue to fall."