ALLOA town centre was abuzz with activity last week as Nicola Sturgeon paid a visit.

Nicola Sturgeon visited Alloa high street to help launch the campaign of former MP John Nicolson, who has been selected as the Scottish National Party’s candidate to contest the seat of Ochil and South Perthshire seat.

Another general election was called by Westminster last week as the parliament continues to argue over Brexit.

The SNP is looking to improve upon the return of 35 MPs from the last snap election in 2017.

Speaking alongside Mr Nicolson, Ms Sturgeon laid out the party’s plan and vision ahead of the December 12 ballot.

She said: “We are the challengers. The first step in everything I’ve set out [today] is to get rid of Tories and to replace them with SNP MPs who will stand up for Scotland.”

Nicolson will be hoping to earn the seat which has been held by Conservative Luke Graham, who took the seat from the SNP’s Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh in 2017.

The first minister and Mr Nicolson also paid a "great visit" to Alwen Cakes on the high street, a patisserie opened by Muhanad Alwen, a Syrian refugee.

Store bakers served up a bespoke SNP cake to mark the occasion.

Ms Sturgeon later tweeted: "Thanks to Alwen Bakery in Alloa for this amazing SNP cake. The cake shop has been opened by Syrian refugees who have built a new life here in Scotland and who are making a great contribution to our country."

Campaigning continues all over the country this week with all candidates due to debate head to head later this month.

Alloa Community Council will host a General Election hustings at the town hall on November 26.

Mr Nicholson has been invited to participate along with the Conservatives' Graham and Labour candidate NHS worker Lorna Roberston.