The Scottish Green Party has seen its membership quadruple since the independence referendum on September 18.

MSP Alison Johnstone told activists at the end of its conference in Edinburgh yesterday there were 1,700 signed up before the poll, but since then it has risen to more than 7,000.

The Greens formed part of the coalition in favour of a Yes vote during the campaign. The Lothian MSP said: "What the last couple of years has shown is that, if we scratch just below the surface, if we give people powerful ideas, and if they can exercise their own democratic power, we find a Scotland full of passion and energy for the job of making a better society. The Scottish Greens, had the clearest vision throughout the referendum campaign of what this better society should look like, and that's because we had that vision all along."

She said activists had said the party is getting across its message of environmental justice, to attack poverty and its vision of a economy to help many people in the country.

Miss Johnstone added: "For years I've heard party members say what we really need is more members, new talent, fresh energy, a more diverse membership.

"I'm delighted to say that is an excuse we can never use again."