He won the support of the 16 Tories for his budget, which scraps the rail link, while only Labour voted against it.

Lib Dem MSPs abstained, but made it clear they want talks to re-instate the link if they are to support it at the crucial third stage next month. Labour failed to propose an alternative

in an amendment, but offered ways in which the project could be funded, should Mr Swinney wish to explore them.

Renfrewshire MSP, Wendy Alexander suggested slippage in other major projects, including the Southern General and Gartcosh crime campus could free up cash for the rail link.

Labour MSPs told Mr Swinney they would not support his budget and cited the rail link as the main reason.

Finance spokesman David Whitton brandished a copy of yesterday’s Evening Times, and reminded MSPs of our call for all Glasgow’s 17 MSPs to fight for the city not battle each other.

Mr Whitton said: “There is still time for Mr Swinney to see sense and make the changes.”

The support of the LibDems was not secured and if they change their abstention to a no vote could supper the bill at the final stage.

Mr Swinney, said in line with looming budget cuts GARL was not affordable and repeated his statement that scrapping it was regrettable but necessary.

The bill passed the first stage by 64 votes to 46. The 47 SNP members, 16 Tories and independent Margo MacDonald voted for.

Labour’s 46 MSPs voted against and the 16 LibDems and two Greens abstained.

The vote meant that only six of Glasgow 17 MSPs, five SNP and one Tory voted in favour of the budget.

The third and final stage vote takes place in two weeks.