The SNP’s Mike Weir thanked his “wonderful campaign team” as he was returned to Westminster as Angus MP.
He had been “confident” of victory and as early as 12.45am nationalist supporters at the Saltire Leisure Centre in Arbroath were in buoyant mood.
Mr Weir said: “Obviously I’m pleased to be returned, yet again, to stand for the people of Angus.
“I’d like to thank our wonderful campaign team who have delivered this huge victory today.
“We’ve moved forward a different policy from other parties in this election we promised to end austerity and work for the interest of the Scottish people.
“It looks like there will be a substantial number of SNP MPs joining me down in Westminster.”
Derek Wann (Conservatives) said: “I’d like to say thank you to the supporters of the Conservatives in Angus, who time and again turn out to vote for us.
“I’d also like to thank the candidates for what was a respectful campaign.”
Labour’s Gerard McMahon said: “What I promised when I was selected was the biggest-ever ground campaign by Labour in this area, and I feel we’ve achieved that.
“This election took on a different dimension because of what happened at the referendum, and Scottish Labour need to work hard to build on what we have.”
Mr Weir has been the area’s MP since 2001, taking over the reins from 1997 victor Andrew Welsh.
Result:
M Weir (SNP) – 24,130
D Wann (Conservative) – 12,900
G McMahon (Labour) – 3,919
C Walker (UKIP) – 1,355
S Samani (Lib Dems) – 1,216
D Mumford (Green) – 965
Turnout 67.9%.