A BORDERS councillor has joined former First Minister Alex Salmond’s new pro-independence party.

Hawick and Hermitage councillor Davie Paterson, who was an independent representative, is the latest elected member in Scotland to join the Alba Party.

"I am just delighted to have joined the Alba Party and I look forward to working with my colleagues," said Mr Paterson.

"I think it's the way forward for the country."

Mr Paterson had been an independent councillor after becoming "disillusioned with the SNP a few years ago".

He added: "I hope that we can work with other parties with a view to making Scotland an independent nation once again.

"[We] certainly don’t want to fall out with the SNP but surely to goodness we can all work together for the common goal of independence to free ourselves of this unfair union."

The Alba Party, officially launched last month, has been set up in an effort to secure a 'supermajority' at the upcoming Scottish Parliament election on May 6. Its aim is to “accelerate independence for Scotland”.

The news of Mr Paterson joining Alba was announced by Borders resident Mark Hirst.

Mr Hirst's Twitter bio reads: "Journalist. Independence activist. Alba Party."

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