Scottish National Party Conference: Alex Salmond speech

Scottish National Party Conference: Alex Salmond speech; SCOTLAND: Perth. INT Nicola Sturgeon MSP (Deputy First Minister of Scotland) introduction speech SOT Alex Salmond (Scottish First Minister and SNP Leader) along to podium Alex Salmond (Scottish First Minister and SNP Leader) speech SOT **CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY** - Delegates, we are entering a new chapter in our nation’s history. In less than one year’s time the people of Scotland will have the opportunity of a generation. That opportunity on September the 18th 2014 is this: TO BUILD A PROSPEROUS COUNTRY TO CREATE A JUST SOCIETY. TO BECOME AN INDEPENDENT COUNTRY. Now for supporters across the land this is the campaign we have been working towards all our lives. It is a time for both anticipation and also for reflection. To reflect on the efforts of those who gave so much. Great colleagues who have died in recent years such as Billy Wolfe, Allan Macartney, Margaret Ewing, Neil MacCormick, Bashir Ahmad and Jimmy Reid and many others. And even more recently Kay Matheson, Allison Hunter and Brian Adam MSP. It was an honour to speak at Brian’s funeral in Aberdeen in the summer as we celebrated the contribution of an outstanding human being. We all know Brian did a huge amount to encourage and inspire young people, particularly those from overseas, to come to Scotland and get involved in politics. Conference, I’m therefore delighted to announce that the SNP’s internship programme in the Scottish Parliament will now be dedicated in Brian Adam’s memory. We are standing on the shoulders of giants who kept Scotland’s flame alive. And how they would have relished the next eleven months. So let’s keep our colleagues in our hearts as we remember how lucky, how lucky we are to live in this moment. And let’s use their inspiration to secure Scotland’s place as a full and independent member of the family of nations. But friends - a Yes vote is not about a victory for the SNP....