Alex Salmond has described Alba's results during the local elections as 'very disappointing'.
But he added that the Alba Party remains “undaunted” despite failing to have any councillors elected.
The party put up 111 candidates – a number of whom were elected as SNP councillors in 2017 before defecting to Mr Salmond’s party when it launched last year.
But none of the candidates managed to gain a seat in any of Scotland’s 32 local authorities, the same fate that befell the party at last year’s Holyrood election.
Among those to lose their seat was Chris McEleny, the party’s general secretary, who received 126 votes.
Alba leader Alex Salmond
Andrew Milligan
Mr Salmond with supporters during a visit to Falkirk earlier this week
Andrew Milligan
While Mr Salmond said it was “very disappointing” that Brian Topping took just 274 votes in the Fraserburgh District.
Mr Salmond said: “It was very disappointing. Brian was our best hope.
"He was fourth on the first preference, but then got squeezed out. It was still a good result for him, because he came so close."
He added “Our 111 candidates fought a fine campaign and our vote registered everywhere.
“In a number of wards the Alba vote came in at over 5 percent, but the instruction from the SNP leadership not to use preferences to support other independence candidates now condemns most Scottish councils to control by unionists.
“However the awareness of Alba is much, much greater than previously. We found people friendly and receptive to the Alba message but still to be convinced about the vote.
“Alba is undaunted and will continue to press hard on the urgency of independence.
“It was Alba pressure which brought discussion on the timing of an independence ballot to the fore in this election.
He added: “In the event of the promised referendum next year, our party will unite with others behind the Yes campaign.
“If, however, it does not take place then, the SNP will reap the electoral whirlwind in coming elections.
“Alba is also focused primarily on the tactic of maximising the pro-independence votes at Holyrood and the next Holyrood poll is our number one target.”
