FIRST Minister Nicola Sturgeon has that Westminster is "shaking in its boots" over the possible return of Alex Salmond to the main UK political arena.
FIRST Minister Nicola Sturgeon has that Westminster is "shaking in its boots" over the possible return of Alex Salmond to the main UK political arena.
The SNP leader made the claim at an event in Aberdeen just hours after Mr Salmond confirmed he is to stand for election to the House of Commons as an MP in next years general election.
Ms Sturgeon said to party members at a sold out event in the city's Music Hall that the news would be a cause for concern for the main political parties.
She said: "The Westminster establishment must be shaking in its boots.
"The message has gone out loudly and clearly in the north-east of Scotland today - Alex is on his way back to Westminster to shake them up and hold them to account."
Ms Sturgeon was greeted with a standing ovation yesterday in the Granite City on the last leg of her Scottish tour.
She has spoken to over 18,000 people in six different parts of the country - including at the 12,000 capacity SSE Hydro in Glasgow - since taking up the role of first minister two weeks ago.
She told a packed hall of party members yesterday that Scottish independence "will happen" and that she would refuse to rule out another referendum in the near future.
The event in Aberdeen took place just hours after Mr Salmond announced his intention to stand for election in the Gordon constituency next year.
Ms Sturgeon said a stronger and more vocal SNP influence in Westminster would pave the way for an independent Scotland.
She said: "Be in no doubt whatsoever, in the general election the SNP will be seen and Scotland's voice will be heard.
"If we all work together, if we mobilise this massive army of activists the SNP is going to be unstoppable - and Scotland will be the winner."
She also warned broadcasters not to exclude the SNP from televised political debates in the run up to the general election.
She said: "It would be an abject failure in your duty to impartiality.
"It is time to think again."
Ms Sturgeon also pledged to party members that she would be the most accessible First Minister ever - with regular town hall meetings and online questions and answers.
She said she would continue investing in infrastructure, highlighting funding for transport links and support for small businesses.
She said: "As our energy capital, Aberdeen is an absolutely vital part of Scotland's economy. I want to see Aberdeen and the north east thrive.
"Improving infrastructure is a key part of that. This year's budget contained further funding for the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route, and we are also committed to improving the Inverness to Aberdeen railway line. This will see journey times cut to around two hours between the two cities.
"Since 2008, small businesses in Aberdeen have received £25.4 million through the SNP Government's Small Business Bonus scheme. As at September this year, 2,045 small businesses in Aberdeen were receiving support.
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