THE Conservatives' Alexander Stewart says he is "thrilled beyond belief" after a landmark election for the Perth councillor.

Not only was he behind a near-doubling of the Tory vote in the Clackmannanshire and Dunblane constituency, but he is now an elected MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife.

The Conservatives received enough votes to elect four MSPs to Holyrood from the region, with Mr Stewart just getting the nod.

And the Perth councillor was already delighted with election result in Clacks as he saw the Tory vote increase from 3501 to 6915.

Speaking after the declaration at Alloa Town Hall, Mr Stewart said: "I knew it was going to be close, but I didn't think it would've been that close.

"For a Conservative in Clackmannanshire and Dunblane, that is a phenomenal result. To achieve a double of the vote; for people to take that confidence in me and the party, is tremendous.

"I could see by the ballots while they were counting that I was challenging on every table and that we had been in for a real chance of coming second."

He added: "I'm thrilled beyond belief, for my team and the party. I'm thrilled that people in Clackmannanshire and Dunblane took to me, because I am new to the area.

"I certainly gave it my best shot, I led from the front, and I went and campaigned in places that people said: 'Don't go to'.

"But there were no-go areas for me in this constituency and I wanted to make sure I could cover as much ground and speak to as many people as possible.

"I was always very impressed by the number of people who actually wanted to engage with me.

"And that's been proved tonight; they've had confidence in me and they've double the vote for the Conservatives here. I have proven myself to be a real challenger in this area."

Shortly after 6am, the total list votes for Mid Scotland and Fife were announced, giving four seats to the Tories, two to Labour and one to the Scottish Greens.

As fourth on the list, Mr Stewart was confirmed as an MSP for the region.