The Scottish secretary has called for a "reboot" of the relationship between the UK and Scottish governments after May's Holyrood elections.

David Mundell urged for an end to the "petty politicking and sniping" which he said defined much of the public face of inter-governmental working.

Developing a more productive and transparent relationship between the two governments was a key theme that emerged in the post-referendum commission on further devolution.

Mr Mundell said "respectful and collegiate" working would become ever more important with the devolution of further powers through the Scotland Bill, and post-May would offer a "golden opportunity" for a fresh start.

Speaking at a briefing to journalists in Edinburgh, he said: "My message is that we need to reboot the relationship between the UK Government and Westminster, and the Scottish Government and Holyrood.

"In the run-up to the Scottish elections I don't expect any big changes in this dynamic, that really would be naive. This is a very highly political period.

"But after May I do think there is a real window of opportunity as, EU referendum aside, we have a full four years until the next Westminster election.

"I want both governments to make a sincere effort to ensure that post-May we have a grown-up and respectful, collegiate inter-governmental relationship in Scotland which I believe the vast majority of people in Scotland, including those who voted Yes in the referendum, want to see.

"I'm committed to playing my part in that. I believe we have a golden opportunity after May in what I hope might be a less politically-fraught period to press ahead, press the reset button and start afresh."

SNP MSP Christina McKelvie said: "I look forward to David Mundell matching his warm words with real action.

"Instead of waiting until after the election, Mr Mundell could start now by working with the Scottish Government to exempt Scotland from the impact of the Trade Union Bill, which is opposed across the parliament; to reinstate the funding for employability that has been slashed just as it is due to be devolved; and reversing the UK Government's position on the reintroduction of the post-study work visa which has cross-party backing in Scotland.

"We will always aim for constructive relations with the UK Government where they are in the interests of the people of Scotland, but while David Mundell continues to promise jam tomorrow from a Tory Government, the SNP Government will continue to deliver real action today to support our essential public services and to grow our economy."