There was a surge to nationalists - both Scottish and Welsh - in the latest council by-elections.

The SNP's John Armour won a landslide triumph at South Kintyre at Argyll and Bute on a swing of nearly 35% against Tories. He polled way over half the votes, winning on the first count.

Less than three months ago the council area had voted strongly for the "No" option in the referendum.

The by-election result is an SNP hold as its small vote share in the 2012 main polls was enough to win it one seat under the single transferable vote proportional representation system used for local government elections north of the border.

An Elgin by-election for Moray Council,  called after the resignation of the sitting Labour councillor, saw the SNP vote reach more than 55% and the Labour vote halving since 2012.

Newly elected Elgin City North councillor Kirsty Reid said: "I am so grateful to local residents for placing their trust in me and to the Elgin SNP team for all their support.

"I cast my first ever vote in the independence referendum - and was one of the thousands of people who were inspired to get involved in politics for the first time and to join the SNP afterwards."

In Wales, Plaid Cymru's Jean Lewis won a previously independent seat at Trelech, Carmarthenshire County with a 33.6% increase in her party's vote share.

Ukip's Robert Foulkes came from nowhere to take Lincolnshire's Stamford North division from independent.

Liberal Democrat Peter Agoro snatched a Southcourt seat from Labour at Aylesbury Vale District, Buckinghamshire.

There was a rare Friday by-election last week at St Mary's, Adur District, West Sussex.

RESULTS: Argyll and Bute Council - South Kintyre: SNP 942, Lib Dem 214, C 203, Lab 156. (May 2012 First count - C 1133, SNP 415, Lib Dem 351, SNP 203,Ind 167, Ind 138, Ind 63. Elected: C 1, SNP 1, Lib Dem 1). SNP hold. Swing 34.8% C to SNP.