The SNP last night appeared to be strengthening its grip on Scotland's councils as it edged closer to striking coalition deals across the country.

The SNP last night appeared to be strengthening its grip on Scotland's councils as it edged closer to striking coalition deals across the country.

Nationalist councillors said they had "every intention" of leading the next administration in Dundee, while the party is also confident of agreeing a deal with the Liberal Democrats to lead Perth and Kinross.

It was also confirmed yesterday the SNP had seized control of West Lothian Council with the support of three newly elected hospital candidates and a Tory councillor.

Negotiations were continuing which could see the Nationalists form part of the ruling administrations in Aber-deen, Aberdeenshire, Highland and Fife.

The Nationalists are the largest party in Dundee, with 13 seats to Labour's 10, and are in talks with the Liberal Democrats, Conservatives and the council's one independent.

Ken Guild, SNP group leader, said: "The worst-case scenario would be a minor-ity administration, although we're hoping to avoid that. The talks so far have been amicable and constructive, although nothing has been finalised."

The SNP is also the largest party in Perth and Kinross and is in coalition with the LibDems.

Ian Miller, leader of the council's SNP group, said: "I'm confident we will be able to put a new administration in place by next week."

In Aberdeen, talks are ongoing between the Liberal Democrats, the largest party on the new council, the SNP and Labour. Kate Dean, LibDem group leader, said: "It could be a coalition between ourselves and the SNP, ourselves and Labour or Labour and the SNP."

The LibDems have 24 seats on Aberdeenshire Council, the SNP 22 and the Conservatives 14.

Alan Cameron, a former SNP councillor and part of the party's negotiating team, said: "We have met the LibDems and both parties are now reflecting on the situation. Events at Holyrood may well have implications for what happens, but things are still quite positive."

In Highland, the 35-strong group of Independents looks set to form a working majority with the 17 SNP councillors, while in Fife Labour is looking to form an administration with the LibDems or the SNP - although a three-way coalition has not been ruled out.

The new make-up of Renfrewshire Council is also expected to be announced, with the LibDems deliberating over a possible coalition with either Labour or SNP.

In South Lanarkshire, a former safe Labour council, talks are continuing.

The SNP would need to deal with the Conservatives if it is to overtake Labour's 30 seats.

Meanwhile, the SNP was celebrating in West Lothian last night after snatching the local council from Labour. Nationalist councillor Peter Johnston was appointed leader of the council while Tory councillor Tom Kerr became Provost.