MORE than 1000 SNP members have signed up to help beat festive loneliness with virtual meet-ups this Christmas.

Following the success of the Blether function at the party’s digital SNP conference last month, it was decided that the service would be available over the 12 days of Christmas.

Blether, which takes place on the online events platform Hopin, sees members log in to be randomly matched with another member for a five-minute chat over video call.

At conference some members were paired with senior figures like Keith Brown and Humza Yousaf. 

READ MORE: SNP Blethers: Party relaunch video chat platform for Covid Christmas period

Kirsten Oswald, the party’s business convener, was pleased to see the demand continue to roll in.

“This year, the safest way to spend the festive season is to stay at home,” she said.

“New Year will be a little different this year. Many of us will feel isolated and lonely, so it is heart-warming to see so many young and old members helping one another by just logging on to Blether.

“Staying connected is so important so I’m really pleased that we’ve rolled out Blether for members over the festive season.”

She went on: “It is the least we can do to support our members. They are what makes this party so special.

“Just like every good Blether, these are completely free to attend.

“There is still time for party members to join us for a Blether, so I’d encourage other party members to register too.”

Blether will be available from today until Sunday January 3 between 6.30pm and 9.30pm.

Registration remains open – to sign up members should email events@snp.org.