Education pledge from MSP Gilruth

Jenny Gilruth was warmly embraced by retiring Presiding Officer Tricia Marwick after winning the constituency with a resounding 15,555 votes - 8,276 more than Labour.

Speaking afterwards, Ms Gilruth - who is a modern studies teacher - said the campaign had been positive but, given the number of elections in Scotland over recent years, feared voters might be weary.

The result for the SNP in Mid-Fife and Glenrothes - which doubled the party’s majority - was “great for democracy. I think it’s a good thing,” she commented.

“If people are going to vote for SNP there’s a pride there.”

She pledged to commit herself to education issues, road safety on the A92 and the Levenmouth Rail Link campaign, “which was of vital importance”.

Jobs, particularly in Glenrothes, were also a “top priority”, she said.