This morning’s victory in Moray saw :

A record majority in the seat for the SNP An increased number of votes for the party An increased share of the vote from the 2003 Scottish Election The SNP’s majority was the greatest for the party in the seat in a modern election

Today Mr Lochhead said :

“This result is a huge endorsement for the SNP and our positive vision of a better Scotland. This victory is the first staging post on the way to Scotland’s Independent future.

“I promise the people of Moray that I will continue to campaign on their behalf for this area, and ensure that they will have a strong voice representing local interests in the Scottish Parliament.

“I will not cease in my endeavors to give the people here a better life in a better country.”

Party leader Alex Salmond and veteran nationalist Winnie Ewing, mother-in-law of the late MSP, joined Mr Lochhead’s victory celebrations, with Mr Salmond hailing "a seismic result in Scottish politics".

“This is a seismic result in Scottish politics. This victory shows that only the SNP can beat Labour and deliver the change that the people of Scotland demand.

“Despite the well-funded efforts of the London based parties the SNP achieved a result that no-one predicted. It is unprecedented in modern political history to achieve such an outstanding success as the incumbent party in a parliamentary by-election.

“As we build to the 2007 elections, the message is clear for the people of Scotland. It is now a straight choice between the SNP and Labour to lead the next Scottish government. This result shows that the SNP are firmly on course for victory next year.”