THE Scottish Greens achieved their biggest haul in the party’s history and paid tribute to the volunteers who got them there.

As the dust settled at the count at the Emirates Arena seven councillors from the party were announced to sit in Glasgow City Chambers.

Martin Bartos and Martha Wardrop were re-elected as the top candidates announced in their respective wards of Partick East/Kelvindale and Hillhead.

They were joined by Kim Long in Dennistoun, Jon Molyneux in Pollokshields, Allan Young in Govan, Tanya Wisely in Langside, and Christy Mearns in Anderston/City/Yorkhill.

Speaking to the Evening Times from his hospital bed following a cycling accident the group’s leader Martin Bartos, said: “I am delighted and honoured to be back and I am proud of the efforts of the volunteers which has got a bigger Green group elected.

“I expect the group will be digesting the results over the weekend.”

Councillor Bartos was unable to make the count after he broke a collar bone and several ribs after being knocked off his bike on Thursday.

As the count began the Greens got out the blocks quickly as two councillors were voted in at the first round of ward results.

The first Green to cross the line was Tanya Wisely who took a seat in Langside.

She said: “I’m really looking forward to to representing the people of Langside.

“It’s such a great place and its residents need to be listened to.

“It’s now my job to do that.”

Then, coming out top in the new Partick East/Kelvindale ward was Martin Bartos - regaining his seat.

It was a day of firsts for the group as wards throughout the city voted for a Green councillor for the very first time in council history.

Kim Long, of the Dennistoun ward, and Jon Molyneux of the Pollokshields ward were the first to break in to new areas.

“This is phenomenal,” said Long.

“We ran such a strong campaign and that has resulted in a great result. I had 66 people supporting me through the campaign and I need to thank every one of them.

“It’s time to enjoy the moment and then, looking forward, we will work with the communities.

Jon Molyneux, Pollokshields' first ever Green councillor, said: “The Greens worked really hard in the run-up to these elections. We focussed on the local issues people raised in the area and I think that is what’s paid off.

“It’s the first time a Green councillor has been appointed in Pollokshields and that shows real positive signs that the party is going in the right direction.”

Christy Mearns managed to hold the Green seat in the Anderston/City/Yorkhill which was occupied by Dr Nina Baker who stood down before this election.

From being third the Greens are now the fourth largest party in the council after the Tories managed to win eight seats.