Opposition leaders are facing their own "Nick Clegg moment", the Education Secretary has said, as he challenged them to back no tuition fees for university students.
Michael Russell said his opponents faced a "simple choice", with a vote against tuition fees representing a vote for fairness.
The SNP administration has promised to maintain free university education for all while the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition at Westminster has introduced fees of up to £9,000 a year.
Referring to the Lib Dem leader's pledge not to bring in fees, made prior to the 2010 general election, Mr Russell said: "Nick Clegg...is today smiling down from the wall of the National Union of Students offices in Forth Street, proudly holding his signed pledge card.
"I understand the NUS is moving. There are new walls to be decorated at their new premises. Room for Johann Lamont, Ruth Davidson, Willie Rennie...they can be there too."
He added: "Today they face a simple choice: for or against tuition fees. For or against fairness. Today they face their own Nick Clegg moment."
Mr Russell, speaking during a Holyrood debate, said the Government had pledged to increase the funding provided to universities, starting with an additional £75 million in 2012/13.
Labour leader Johann Lamont suggested in a speech in December that a graduate contribution could be introduced. In its 2011 Scottish elections manifesto, the party had pledged no up-front or back-end tuition fees for Scottish students. The party is now calling for an independent commission on further and higher education in Scotland.
Responding to Mr Russell, Labour's Hugh Henry suggested colleges were suffering as a result of the SNP's tuition fees policy. "Of course, we see the reality of the SNP's priorities when it comes to colleges," he said. "A couple of weeks ago we had the shameful spectacle of SNP members cheering to cut college budgets. Scotland's colleges have had to shoulder the burden to make the SNP look good when it comes to universities."
He added: "Scottish Labour believes it is time for an open and honest debate. We can't keep postponing the difficult decisions."
