Perth and Kinross Council is set to be ruled by a minority SNP administration.

The nationalists emerged as the largest party after last week's elections with 18 seats and they are now to enter into a working relationship with the ten-strong Conservative group.

The move follows extensive negotiations over the past week with both the Lib Dems and Labour, with a view to forming an administration. But SNP leader Ian Miller said they couldn't come to an agreement with either.

He said: “In reaching this arrangement we have explored every possible avenue, with all parties and individuals within the council, to provide a stable and lasting administration which will benefit all of the people of Perth and Kinross. My style of leadership will continue to be open and consensual and I will work with all elected members to promote what is best for our communities regardless of political persuasion.

“I would like to thank opposition Group Leaders for the open, transparent and constructive way in which they have carried out these difficult discussions. In particular I am grateful to the Conservative Group for displaying such a mature and realistic attitude to our discussions. I look forward to leading the new council and to working with the new Conservative group leader, councillor Mac Roberts, and his colleagues.”

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