MICHELLE Thomson has spoken out about her "emotional" Scottish Parliament victory four years after stepping down from Westminster.
Thomson today won 47.3% of the vote in Falkirk East for the SNP.
She said: "I was quite emotional because I hadn't allowed myself to think there was a possibility I could win."
It had been held by the party's Angus MacDonald since 2011, but he was amongst the long-serving parliamentarians to step down at this election.
Thomson, who founded consultancy Momentus Change with former Westminster colleague Roger Mullin, spent two years as MP for for Edinburgh West. She was elected as an SNP member but left parliament as an independent over allegations about her property business made in a UK newspaper. An investigation was dropped and she subsequently rejoined the party.
Today she's joined the ranks of its MSPs with a majority of almost 7600 votes after a campaign that saw her launch what's thought to be a Scottish first — an election drive in The Sims 4 video game.
READ MORE: Now Sims 4 players can join SNP Holyrood campaign with free content
She told The National: "I've worked very, very hard on my campaign and I'm really committed to what I'm trying to do.
"I knew what majority Angus MacDonald had enjoyed, but in my heart I just couldn't allow myself to think that I could win.
"I'm delighted and I don't intend to take my foot off the gas — I've already planned to do some research with small businesses so I can address their needs and really use my experience."
However, she says she'll allow herself a small celebration before the second day of election counting tomorrow: "I'm going to take my boots off, I'm going to have a curry and I'm going to allow myself a glass of champagne.
"I'll go up and see my dad, who is 88 and a long-time nationalist, and spend some time with my family.
"I've had a great team and I've told them this win is the warm-up."
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