THE Action for Independence (AFI) party have announced they are standing down their 42 candidates in the Scottish Parliament election after the launch of Alex Salmond's Alba Party.

Taking to Twitter tonight, the pro-indy group – which had been backing the "MaxTheYes” strategy in a bid for a “supermajority” in Holyrood – said they were gratified that their concept "had been taken up by such a highly credible party with such influential leadership".

Their statement read: "The Alba Party is to all intents and purposes 'AFI 2', and we note that the ideas, slogans and Max the Yes concept it employs were all spawned by AFI.

"AFI's members were right in pursuing the Max the Yes concept and they should all be proud of the part they have played in paving the way for a supermajority.

"AFI thanks all of our members, candidates and branches for the amazing work they have done in bringing the Max the Yes concept to the fore in Scottish politics and looks forward to an overwhelming pro-independence majority on May 6."

READ MORE: Viewers across Scotland react to launch of Alex Salmond's Alba Party

They added: "AFI's aim has always been to unite the Yes family on the regional lists and we are confident that the Alba Party, with the help of AFI's members, will succeed in doing that."

Earlier today, the party had revealed the names of several candidates. They had been looking to field MSP hopefuls in every electoral region in May.