The SNP has recorded a huge surge in party membership, largely attributed to David Cameron's unwelcome meddling into the timing and legality of the Scottish independence referendum.

Party membership broke through the 20,000 barrier at the end of 2011 and has since increased dramatically by more than 1,000 in the first 3 weeks of January. 784 new members joined between 10th and 15th January alone.

Glasgow MSP Bob Doris has now confirmed that membership enquiries in Glasgow are continuing to go through the roof. Glasgow MSP Bob Doris said: "I've never seen anything like this in all my years as an SNP member.

"This is truly an exciting time to be a member of the Scottish National Party. As we head into the local authority election campaign, Glasgow is getting ready to reject the New Labour project, a failed and negative force in our political life. Wholesale change at Glasgow City Chambers is something which is long overdue.

"Interference from the Tory/ Lib Dem government at Westminster over Scotland's Independence referendum is one of the factors which has given a huge membership boost locally. In my own branch in Maryhill & Springburn dozens of people have joined in the last fortnight and I know this is happening across the city, and indeed across Scotland.

"After years of political apathy and low voter turnout at elections, Alex Salmond's announcement that the independence referendum will be held in the Autumn of 2014 has created an air of optimism. People want to be part of it.

"I will be campaigning for a 'YES for Scotland' vote because I know that Scotland is best placed to tackle the problems in Scottish society. We have vision for our country in which the city of Glasgow will be an economic powerhouse, providing opportunities and decent jobs for our young people, and adequately providing for our sick and vulnerable citizens.

"I warmly welcome our new party members and I look forward to joining them in the YES campaign as we set out the case for independence and the numerous benefits self-determination will bring to our national life."