First Minister John Swinney delivered an emotional speech at the SNP conference, explaining that his personal commitment to Scottish independence is for the future of his 15-year-old son, Matthew. During the speech, the autocue stalled, leading to a period of silence before the conference crowd gave a standing ovation.
Swinney also made a direct comment regarding regional devolution, stating, "Scotland is no city. We are no region. We are a nation and soon we will be an independent nation." This was seen as a response to the Prime Minister's recent visit to Motherwell to promote regional devolution within Scotland.
The First Minister highlighted the Scottish government's £2 bus fare cap as an example of cost of living support. He confirmed its extension across north east Scotland from April, with plans for it to be available everywhere in Scotland by the end of the current parliamentary term. By that time, the bus network is expected to be under public control through franchising and regulation.
Further announcements included making misogyny a specific criminal offence and new funding for community groups to combat racism.