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Salmond addresses SNP conference Salmond sets out 'winning vision'
(about 1 hour later)
The Scottish National Party leader Alex Salmond is telling his party that Scotland is "six months from a date with destiny". Scottish National Party leader Alex Salmond has delivered his vision for victory at the Scottish election.
Addressing the annual conference in Perth, he is expected to say that the Holyrood election will provide a chance to push forward to independence. Addressing the annual conference in Perth, he said the party was "alive, kicking and winning".
The speech, which began at 1430 BST, comes as the SNP is convinced that opinion is moving in its direction. Mr Salmond, who is bidding to return to Holyrood as an MSP, also claimed that support for Scottish independence was at an all time high.
Mr Salmond will also speak about renewable energy and education. He set out his plans for health, education and the economy in a hall packed with hundreds of delegates.
In a break with the past, the SNP leader will put little emphasis on attacking his party's political opponents. Mr Salmond told the conference that that party had a "dramatic six months" ahead, before the Holyrood elections next May.
Instead, he will appeal to Scots to look at the big picture, while setting out how an SNP administration could improve life in Scotland. The MP said: "Today we ride on the crest of a wave - this time, in our time - there shall be change for Scotland."
"We are six months away from a date with destiny and we have a great task in hand," Mr Salmond told the Perth gathering. He continued: "Two years ago when Nicola (Sturgeon) and I came to lead this party, I told this conference that I was not here to go through the motions, but back to rid Scotland of a small-minded managerial administration and to deliver a vision capable of touching the very soul of Scotland.
The politician will say that no-one in this world owes Scotland a living. "I am standing for first minister and we are running to win."
He believes the country must have a competitive edge so that it can reap its own harvest and ring its own tills.
"In our Scotland, everyone will get a square deal, a fair shout, and an equal chance," he will say.
"Certainly we will use markets to give Scotland a competitive advantage - but we are the masters of markets and not their servants."