Former SNP MP Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh to stand for Alba

Former SNP MP Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh is the lead candidate for the new Alba Party in Central Scotland.

She is a long-time ally of leader Alex Salmond and former Women's & Equalities Convenor of the SNP.

She represented Ochil and South Perthshire between 2015 and 2017.

The party has confirmed it will stand four candidates in each of the eight regions in Scotland.

Salmond said: “This is a thrilling list with a depth of talent, diversity and experience which I am proud to lead into the election.

“Alba is set to make a big impact as we seek to build the supermajority for independence in the next Scottish Parliament.”

Six candidates are current or former parliamentarians for the SNP: Ahmed-Sheikh joins Kenny MacAskill, Neale Hanvey, Corri Wilson, Jim Eadie and Salmond himself.

A further seven are serving councillors.

Of its 32 candidates, 18 are women and 14 are men.