A SCOTTISH Government minister has appealed to the new "apostles for independence" to elect her as deputy leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP).

Angela Constance has sent a message to the tens of thousands of new SNP members who joined in the wake of the referendum that she will ensure "the hope of living in an independent Scotland is never extinguished".

She acknowledged the need to engage with the Smith Commission on further devolution but said the SNP must remain "the party of independence" to meet the aspirations of its members.

She dismissed press speculation that the SNP could seek a unilateral declaration of independence in future without another referendum but said it will be "for the people to decide if, when, how and under what circumstances we consider our constitutional future".

The Almond Valley MSP launched her bid to replace Nicola Sturgeon as deputy leader in her constituency, insisting she is motivated by a desire "to change the world for our children".

"Those with least have seen the opportunity that independence has afforded them. They voted Yes out of hope, and if elected, I will do everything to ensure that hope of living in an independent Scotland and everything it can deliver is never extinguished."

l Membership of the SNP has trebled since Scots rejected independence almost two weeks ago.

Almost 50,000 people have joined the party following the No vote taking the total membership to more than 75,000.

The party overtook the Liberal Democrats to be the third largest UK party.