However, the Anniesland result left the SNP's reputation as giant killers looking decidedly tattered.
The SNP argues that independence will boost tourism by decreasing corporation tax, which could increase business investment.
The First Minister replied that the SNP had had three different positions on the subject in a week.
BBC: NEWS | Programmes | BBC Parliament | Scotland: First Minister's Questions (11/03/04)
Two earlier Scottish by-elections registered swings of 11.3% (Paisley South) and 22.6% (Hamilton South) from Labour to SNP.
The SNP's Jim Sillars took the seat in the by-election which followed his departure.
Labour wants to merge them into one single force, and the SNP also wants a reduction.
Only the SNP can protect Scotland and only independence can allow Scotland to protect ourselves.
BBC: NEWS | UK | Scotland | SNP chief Salmond rounds on Brown
However, the SNP government is talking rather less about a Norwegian-style oil fund these days.
Ministers said the figures showed the SNP's pledge on maintaining police officer numbers was being maintained.
The SNP was the biggest single party in Aberdeenshire after last year's election, with 28 councillors.
Scotland's lack of a television network is "bizarre", SNP Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop has claimed.
The SNP's soft touch policy on sentencing undermines our efforts to tackle this problem.
Could the Lib Dems and the SNP find common cause to derail the independents?
Mr McLetchie said the SNP "Penny for Scotland" was a penalty for being Scottish.
The 55-year-old SNP politician was diagnosed with a brain tumour in March 2012 and underwent surgery.
Scottish Labour's health spokeswoman Jackie Baillie accused the SNP of "picking a fight" with Westminster.
The SNP came in at 27%, the Tories 22% and the Liberal Democrats at 13%.
The expo board's chairwoman, SNP MSP Jean Urquhart, said the housing market was experiencing difficult times.
The SNP swept to victory in last week's election, winning 69 of the 129 seats.
The SNP can count on the support of the Liberal Democrats for minimum pricing.
Ms Goldie said the SNP plan was manifestly flawed and that VCs offered a unique service.
The SNP has said that Trident would have to go in an independent Scotland.
If the SNP cannot accept the Nato Strategic Concept then it will simply not get in.
Bruce Crawford (SNP) again asked the first minister to order an inquiry into the leak.
Rhona Brankin (Labour) said the SNP was guilty of playing politics with Scottish Opera.
Labour's Holyrood leader Iain Gray said the SNP had "got it wrong" with the economy.
The Greens are the only Holyrood party, aside from the SNP, which backs Scottish independence.
He said the SNP would commit funds to building a station at Blackridge in West Lothian.
However, Callum McCaig, leader of SNP group, called for the City Garden Project to be supported.
Callum McCaig, leader of SNP group, had called for the City Garden Project to be backed.
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