The SNP brought the party’s first national gathering since winning last month’s Holyrood elections to Greenock today.

The party’s National Council met on Saturday morning at Crawfurdsburn Community Centre to hear from First Minister Alex Salmond before members headed out on the campaign trail.

Mr Salmond addressed 200 party delegates before joining the campaign trail to call the numbers at Mecca Bingo in Greenock with SNP candidate Anne McLaughlin. He said: “Just a few weeks ago people across this area and across Scotland voted for a five-year council tax freeze, free higher education, thousands of apprentices and a plan to re-industrialise Scotland.

“In 11 days time people in Inverclyde, in Greenock, Gourock, Port Glasgow and Wemyss Bay will have the opportunity to vote again, to vote for jobs on the Clyde, for action on fuel prices and for an SNP MP that will fight for them in Westminster, in Edinburgh and here at home.

“I’ve been out campaigning with Anne and I know from her experience in parliament she will fight hard for her constituents and she will work hard to bring jobs to Inverclyde. Anne will fight to protect essential services like the Clyde Coastguard and she will work with the Scottish Government to bring the best to this area.

“Last month’s election saw Scotland take a step forward. On 30 June voters in Inverclyde can vote to keep Inverclyde moving forward, to add to the country’s momentum and to put pressure on the Tories to transfer the job creating powers areas like Inverclyde need to the SNP Government as soon as possible.”

SNP Candidate Anne McLaughlin said: “I’m pleased that Inverclyde hosted the first national SNP gathering since May’s election win. My priorities will be the priorities of the people of Inverclyde and a vote for the SNP on 30th June will keep Inverclyde and Scotland moving forward."

-- Other candidates are Liberal Democrat Sophie Bridger, Labour Iain McKenzie, Mitch Sorbie of UKIP and Conservative David Wilson.

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