Alex Salmond has predicted that his party could be on course for a second majority in Holyrood aided by a “clean sweep” in Glasgow.

Pointing out the PR system predicated against achieving a majority, the former First Minister told the BBC: "It is a hugely difficult ask to try and do this but at this point in the evening we can say we are at least in the running to have that extraordinary achievement by Nicola Sturgeon."

The Herald revealed yesterday how insiders in the SNP had previously voiced concerns about the party’s ability to win an overall majority in the election, especially if turn out is low.

Fears remained that the party could increase its share of the vote compared with the 2011 election but still win fewer seats under Holyrood's complex semi-proportional system if, as expected, the independence-supporting Greens also do well.

The Herald:

READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon tries to steer election debate away from constitution amid fears over majority win

Polls leading up to the vote put closest rivals Labour and the Conservatives neck and neck, although Labour insiders remained confident of finishing in second place.

Despite being sure of the SNP’s chances, Mr Salmond fell short of predicting a full house in the constituency vote.

Asked if the Nationalists could pick up all the seats, the MP for Gordon insisted such talk was "total nonsense".