The former first minister told the conference "we have come a long way but we have a step further still to travel".

He added: "It must be infuriating for our unionist opponents to see us lose the referendum and then go on to prosper. They are totally disorientated. They cannot understand what on earth is going on.

"The reason is actually quite simple - for us, the referendum was never about party. It was always about country."

Mr Salmond, in his speech, said the response by the unionist parties to the Yes campaign was desperate. He said: "Rattled by the Yes campaign, the unionist parties were prepared to say and do anything to preserve the status quo.

"As Scotland dared to dream, Labour offered nothing but nightmares.

"When Scotland was alive with ideas and debate - all Labour could demonstrate was timidity and fear."

Political commentator David Torrance tweets, external: Disappointing final speech from FM: just usual ad hominem attacks & corny soundbites. Capable of much better & occasion warranted it

Alex Salmond has praised Women for Independence, Business for Scotland, National Collective and other groups within the grassroots movement during the Scottish independence campaign.

Addressing the conference, he asked rhetorically: "Who would you rather have representing the nation?

"The new people who awoke the national spirit or the old Westminster parties who have done their best to break it?"

Laura Bicker
Scotland Correspondent, BBC News

.@AlexSalmond 'Labour didn't trust Scotland and now Scotland doesn't trust Labour'

Alan Roden, Political Editor of the Scottish Daily Mail, tweets, external: Salmond delights his party's conspiracy theorists by claiming new oil fields have "suddenly been discovered" since the #indyref. #snp14

Alex Salmond has set the SNP the target of winning their first UK general election in Scotland.

He told the conference: "Together we will ensure that the vow made to Scotland will be redeemed in full.

"Ten years ago when I was re-elected in a partnership leadership with Nicola the SNP had 8,000 members.

"We now have ten times that number, ready and willing to pick up the gauntlet for Scotland."

Laura Bicker
Scotland Correspondent, BBC News

.@AlexSalmond pledges £1m over 3 years to secure Scottish Youth Theatre. Money to come from private sector Clyde Blowers.

Alex Salmond warned the "Westminster gang" against reneging on promises made by Gordon Brown on the eve of the referendum.

"He pledged 'home rule' - his words not mine.

"That is now the yardstick by which the Smith Commission will be measured.

"And each of the parties in that commission needs to understand one thing very clearly - Scotland expects the vow to be redeemed."

Laura Bicker
Scotland Correspondent, BBC News

.@AlexSalmond stops as hall applauds @JohnSwinney describing him as 'Scotland's Merlin' for balancing budget

Alex Salmond has said that independence would have happened were it not for the "cynical ploy" by the pro-union campaign.

He said: "Without that desperate vow of maximum devolution, Scotland would already be in a process of becoming independent. A cynical ploy? A last minute bribe? Certainly.

"A desperate response to a Yes campaign which was gaining such ground? Absolutely.

"But for many it was enough to convince them to give the union one more drink in the last chance saloon."

Alex Salmond has thanked all those involved in the referendum campaign.

In his speech, he said: "As I look out on each and every one of you, and think of the 1.6 million people who stood with us on 18th September 2014, let me start by saying simply this: Thank You

"Thank you for believing in a better country. Thank you for working to persuade that 1.6 million. Thank you for transforming this nation."

Alex Salmond tells delegates in Perth Scotland will become independent.

"The referendum vote was 45%, not 55%," he said.

"But let us proclaim what each of us know now with a greater certainty than before.

"Scotland will become an independent nation"

Laura Bicker
Scotland Correspondent, BBC News

.@AlexSalmond If Westminster reneges on pledges made in the campaign - they will discover that Hell hath no fury like this nation scorned.'

Laura Bicker
Scotland Correspondent, BBC News

.@AlexSalmond tells #snp14 'They thought it was all over.. well it isn't now. For Scotland has changed and changed utterly.'

Alex Salmond has begun his speech to the SNP conference - after Nicola Sturgeon was appointed new party leader.

Mr Salmond - who has served at first minister for more than seven years - was given a standing ovation as he approached the podium in Perth.

He was introduced by Ms Sturgeon who said "thank you for being a friend, mentor and wonderful leader".

Nicola Sturgeon introduces Alex Salmond, saying she is "close to tears" and watching the tribute video has "brought home to her what big boots she has to fill".

Aileen Campbell:, external Trip down memory lane ahead of @AlexSalmond 's speech to #SNP14 conference - think folk will need their hankies!

Rachel Heydecker:, external This video tribute to Alex Salmond is really very well done. What a man. #ThanksAlex #snp14

Jamie Ross:, external Crowd are absolutely loving this Salmond retrospective. I will provide vines of crying SNP supporters during the speech if I can.

Nicola McGarry:, external Never seen a queue like this for Salmond's speech. Out the door of the marquee. #snp14

Alistair, Waterside: (Responding to Louise, Black Isle at 09:40) The Alex Salmond story is far from over. Never underestimate his ability. I believe his strategy is moving into plan B phase following the No vote.

Nicola will heal any gaps Alex's personality created and will be an amazing First Minister. We have a lot to be proud of in Scottish politics - you only have to look south of the border. He's more "best thing since sliced bread", than Marmite.

You can always text your comments to 80295 or tweet us using #ScotlandLive, external.