ALBA PARTY: ALEX SALMOND SETS UP NEW PARTY FOR HOLYOOD ELECTION

Alex Salmond has launched a new political party to contest with the SNP and Greens on the regional list in the Parliament Elections next month.

The former First Minister said he is fielding candidates in every region.

He said: "the 'main' aim is the achievement of independence", and that the new party would stand four candidates in each region of Scotland. Although he was less forthcoming about any other aims he may have.

His first candidates are revealed to be Eve Comrie who is relinquishing her place on the SNP list to stand for Salmond in Mid Scotland and Fife.

Chris McEleny, councillor from the West of Scotland, said he was resigning from the SNP to run with Salmond's party in the West of Scotland.

Salmond said there were one million "wasted" SNP regional list votes at the last election that produced no new MSPs.

He said: "There could be 90 or more independence supporting MSPs in the new parliament.

He continued: "Today Alba is hoisting a flag in the wind, planting a saltire on the hill."