SNP preparations for the 2011 Holyrood election are underway as the party confirmed selection procedures for constituency and regional list candidates have begun.

Anyone wishing to put themselves forward should contact their local Constituency Association or SNP Headquarters for details.

The opening of nominations comes as the party turns its attention to the 2011 Holyrood election and the importance of a strong SNP Government to put Scotland’s interests first through the tough times ahead.

All constituency candidates are to be selected by 7th August. Nominations for regional list candidates will close on the 16th August with postal ballots being issued to the SNP’s 15,000 members at the end of August. Results will be declared in late September.

SNP Business Convener and Stirling MSP Bruce Crawford said:

"The SNP in the Scottish Parliament has put Scotland first at all times over the last three years and will continue to do so.

"SNP MSPs have helped bring real change to Scotland over the last three years and I hope that others will take this opportunity to think about what they can contribute to Scotland at Holyrood and consider stepping forward to represent their local communities with the SNP.

"Attention is fixed firmly on the Holyrood election in 2011 and the way forward for Scotland as we face the tough times and spending cuts coming from the new Tory- Liberal government as a result of Labour’s economic mess.

"Scotland’s voters have been misled by Labour’s claims that they would keep the Tories out and let down by the Liberals rush for power. At the 2011 election voters will be looking for a party that unlike them will put the people before party politics at the next election.

"Over the last three years, the SNP team in Holyrood has taken Scotland forward, delivering a council tax freeze for three years, removing tolls from the Forth and Tay Bridges, scrapping the graduate endowment, improving waiting times and cleanliness in our hospitals

"The SNP has put investing in sustainable growth at the heart of our government creating and sustaining jobs through the recession, building new council homes and passing world leading climate change legislation backed by real support for Scotland as Europe’s renewables energy capital.

"With the Tories back in power in London, and Labour powerless across the UK it is essential that we see a strong team from the SNP stepping forward to campaign for Scotland in 2011 and to continue the work of building a strong future for Scotland in the Holyrood Parliament."