By Steve Bargeton, political editor

MEMBERSHIP OF the Scottish National Party has soared since their Holyrood elections victory in May.

The nationalists are now the fastest growing party in Scotland, attracting an average of around 100 new members each week.

The party claims that membership has grown by 8% since the start of the year and at the end of last month the party had 13,585 members, compared to a total of 12,571 at the end of December.

SNP business convener Angus Robertson confirmed the figures last night to the party’s national executive committee.

“SNP membership continues to grow apace as we carry forward the momentum of our election success,” he said.

“Around 100 new members are joining the SNP every week, making us Scotland’s fastest growing political party.

“The elections on May 3 saw the SNP win the most seats in the Scottish Parliament, the most councillors across the nation, and enter government for the first time ever.

“We expect to see the party continue to grow as we start about the job of building a new and better future for Scotland.”