SNP Westminster leader Angus Robertson says Scotland is "on the brink" of achieving independence.

The Moray MP's comments were made in a statement setting out his campaign to become the deputy leader of the SNP at the party's conference in October.

Robertson says the key themes of his platform will be leadership, grassroots and independence.

The MP said: "This election is about the leadership team of the SNP. I believe I am in the best possible place to provide that leadership and work side-by-side with Nicola Sturgeon to deliver our collective goals as a party.

"I also bring the ability to build on the strong relationship that already exists between our two biggest parliamentary group - and with our members. Having been a successful campaign director for the SNP, I have the experience to bring together our activists, candidates and supporters to deliver for the people of Scotland.

"We have built a party that is the most effective political party in the country. That strength is built upon from the working relationship between our members, branches and campaign teams. We now need to ensure that our structures allow new members to feel empowered to join in our campaigns and deliver even more record-breaking results.

He continued: "We also know that we are on the brink of independence; the campaign that comes now should be all about persuading people why our vision is the right one for Scotland. The SNP depute leader has a big role in order to make this happen - developing our policy, strategy and tactics to win.

"I've spent the last year holding the UK Government to account every single week at Prime Minister's Questions. Alongside a team of extremely hard working MPs, we've turned the SNP from the third party of the UK to the most effective opposition party. It is this kind of work ethic that will see us succeed in our mission and I know that I can work with Nicola to make it happen.

Robertson also wants to have "five thousand pledged supporters" by the end of the nomination period on August 6.

Fellow SNP MP Tommy Shepherd and MEP Alyn Smith are also standing for role.

The party's current deputy leader Stewart Hosie announced he will leave his post following "intense scrutiny" of his personal life after his affair with a political journalist in Westminster was made public.

SNP membership has risen beyond 120,000 following the EU referendum according to new figures released by the party. Membership of the party now stands at 120,203.