Nicola Sturgeon announces new campaign for independence

Nicola Sturgeon has announced a fresh drive to persuade Scots to back independence.

In her speech to delegates at the SNP conference on Saturday, Sturgeon announced that a new "initiative to build support" for independence will begin in the summer.

Quoting one of her heroes her hero, Eleanor Roosevelt, who said, “the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams”, Sturgeon said: “Our dream is for Scotland to become independent. To be in the driving seat of our own destiny. To shape our own future.”

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She told party members: "we will not achieve our dream of independence just by wishing that the outcome of the referendum had been different, or wishing that we could do it all again next week". 

But she added: "It will mean convincing the people of this country that independence is right - not for yesterday's world - but for the complex, challenging and increasingly interdependent world that we live in today. And right also for the world that our children will inherit and live in tomorrow.

"Making and winning that case is our challenge - and our opportunity.

"That is why I can tell you today that this summer the SNP will embark on a new initiative to build support for independence.

"It will not be an attempt to browbeat anyone. I know that many across Scotland support the union as strongly as we do independence - I respect that.

"But I also know that many wanted to be persuaded in 2014 - but ultimately didn't find our arguments compelling enough. So we will listen to what you have to say.

"We will hear your concerns and address your questions - and in the process, we will be prepared to challenge some of our own answers.

"And, patiently and respectfully, we will seek to convince you that independence really does offer the best future for Scotland."

Opinion polls suggest the SNP are heading for another huge majority in the Scottish Parliament when Scots go to the polls in May.

Addressing those outside the conference hall, Ms Sturgeon - who took over as First Minister when Alex Salmond stood down following the independence referendum - called on them to give her a "clear mandate" to keep doing the job.

"The choice at this election - just as at any election - is about more than individual policies. It is about who you trust.
 
"It's about who you trust most to provide the leadership, the experience, the ambition, the character and the strength of purpose to take our county forward with confidence. Today, I ask you this - simply and from my heart.

"Trust me to lead our country forward. Trust us - the SNP - to keep building a better and a brighter future for all of us."