The SNP's disappointment at losing the independence referendum has been tempered by an upturn in the party's electoral fortunes and growing democratic participation in Scotland, leader Nicola Sturgeon said at the party's first national council since the referendum.

 

Ms Sturgeon addressed party policymakers in Perth, urging them to work to repeat the general election result which saw the election of 56 out of a possible 59 SNP MPs and an increased turnout in Scotland.

She said: "We meet at a time when the SNP has never been more successful in our 81-year history, running a majority government in the Scottish Parliament, winning 56 of Scotland's 59 seats at Westminster, and our current poll rating for next year's Holyrood election is 60%.

"And while we will always be disappointed at failing to win the referendum, we can be proud of a positive, uplifting campaign which achieved 45% and 1.6 million votes for independence.

"But even more importantly, the referendum rejuvenated the democratic process in Scotland.

"It turned many people who had never voted in their lives into active citizens who now help hold the country's politicians to account - and, as we saw last month, vote them out when they are found wanting.

"More engagement, more scrutiny, more people demanding more answers and more action - these are all indispensable parts of a healthy democracy, and as First Minister of Scotland I welcome it all.

"It is unlikely that any election will ever hit the heights of the 85% turnout in the referendum, but we must aim high and never let things settle back to where they were before last September.

"As we saw in the General Election, turnout was some 5% higher in Scotland than it was UK-wide, and that gives me confidence that we can keep moving in the right direction.

"My personal ambition is that turnout in next year's Scottish Parliament election will be as high as it was in last month's General Election, at over 70% - and as a bare minimum I want it to be the highest Holyrood turnout so far, which has never even reached 60%.

"And I issue a call to my political opponents that, whatever else we may disagree on, we should come together to back these realistic objectives.

Derek Mackay was also re-appointed as SNP business convener at the national council today, making him the longest serving holder of the position since it was created.

He said: "I have enjoyed playing my part in the spectacular growth of the SNP.

"I am proud of that as our membership soars to over 110,000 we have made our party even more representative, with members from all walks of life and from every community across Scotland.

Ms Sturgeon said: "Having Derek as business convener for the SNP is a huge asset for the party.

"He brings great skill and experience to the role, as well as a human touch which makes him both respected and well-liked by members old and new."

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