Salmond kicks off conference
"We are standing on the shoulders of the giants of our movement," Alex Salmond said today as he kicked off the SNP conference in Perth.
The First Minister told party members that Scotland was closer to independence than "any time in the last 300 years" and called upon delegates to make the argument for splitting with the UK.
“This week is a pivotal one in the history of our party and Scotland," Mr Salmond said. "The game has changed dramatically, and delegates, we are standing on the shoulders of the giants of our movement who are no longer with us, but are responsible for bringing us within reach of achieving an independent Scotland.
“We now have an agreement on the process, and respect for the outcome. We’re now closer to our goal of Scottish independence – not just in the 80 years of SNP history, but at any time in the last 300 years. That’s what awaits the people of Scotland in two years’ time."
Speaking ahead of the conference, Deputy Leader Nicola Sturgeon said independence was "there to be won".
An Ipsos MORI poll for the Times released today suggested support for independence amongst those certain to vote was as low as 30%, while support for the Union was on "a consistent upward trend".