Yousaf is still giving his speech, and is now talking about the highly-anticipated topic of independence.

"Around half of our fellow Scots already support independence," he says. "I have no doubt that we can turn that half into a sustained majority.

"And we will do so when we concentrate not on the how – but on the why."

The first minister says that at the next election, "page one, line one" of their manifesto will be dedicated to achieving independence.

On Brexit, he adds: "With independence we can escape the failed UK Brexit-based economy and take our place – for the very first time – as a member state in our own right of the European Union."

The first minister turns to the Labour leader and says he has "absolutely no idea what Keir Starmer stands for".

"The closer he gets to Downing Street, the further he retreats from his principles."Labour say they plan to apply Tory policies like the rape clause – in their words - “more fairly”, argues Yousaf.

"The so-called rape clause is one of the cruellest policies devised by this cruel Tory government. The only fair thing to do with the rape clause is to abolish it."

After disagreeing with Tory policies over migration, Yousaf accuses the Conservatives of making "culture wars their election strategy".

"The Tories know they are defeated.

"They’re done.

"They’re finished, and conference, good riddance to them."

On Scottish values, the first minister say they are not abstract: "The choices we make are driven by our principles, our convictions and our values."

He gives an example of values that are "very different" from those to the SNP.

"At the Tory conference, the UK Home Secretary warned about what she described as a 'hurricane' of migrants coming to the UK, and other western, countries. When I hear that dog-whistle language it makes me shudder."

He says Scotland should be in control of their own migration policy.

"Not only is the anti-migrant rhetoric morally wrong, it is also bad for our economy. Our migration policy will be founded on core principles: welcoming, internationalist and compassionate."

Image source, PA Media

Yousaf turns to the culture sector, saying over the next five years his government will more than double our investment in Scotland’s arts and culture.

This means that by the end of the five years the investment will be £100m higher than it is today, he says.

"I choose to ensure that Scotland’s arts and culture are supported to grow at home, and be seen across the world."

Moving onto violence against woman, Yousaf says "there is more to do" to protect women, as he announces a new £500,000 fund to support women in distressing situations.

The fund will be delivered by Women’s Aid groups in the five councils areas with the highest numbers of women presenting as homeless due to domestic abuse.

"Women will receive up to £1000 to help them pay for the essentials that they and their children need.

"Conference, let us in this hall today say to any woman or survivor of domestic abuse that we stand with you."

He gets a huge standing ovation from the crowd.

Next the first minister announces that over the next five years, the Scottish government will invest up to £500m to anchor a new offshore wind supply chain right here in Scotland."

He says this will be a catalyst for additional private investment in our ports and harbours."This will send a clear message to global investors – Scotland means business," he says.

An extra £100m will be provided in each of the next three years to cut NHS waiting lists, Yousaf says.

Yousaf says the NHS is a "cherished institution" but acknowledges waiting lists that have risen.

"When our NHS needs us, this party steps up. Delivering for patients, delivering for our NHS, delivering for Scotland," he says.

The first minister is now mentioning his predecessor, Nicola Sturgeon.

He says she "transformed Scotland".

"And we will never forget in the toughest of times our country faced, Nicola was the calmest of voices and the coolest of heads. So for all of this, and more, we say 'thank you Nicola'."

Image source, PA Media

The freezing of council tax rates goes back 16 years to when the SNP came to power in 2007, and Alex Salmond was first minister.

The Scottish government provided local authorities with extra funding not to increase rates, with the aim being to offer households some financial relief.

Since 2007, council tax has been either frozen or capped - with recent years seeing government and authorities negotiating the maximum level for rises.

The age of freezes appeared to have melted away when last year councils used new powers to set their own rates. Twenty-two of the 32 local authorities opted for a 3% rise.

Council tax bills are to be frozen in Scotland next year, First Minister Humza Yousaf announces.

"I can announce to the people of Scotland that, next year, your council tax will be frozen," says the first minister."That’s the SNP delivering for people when they need it the most."

This is met with widespread applause throughout the room.

The first minister turns to the achievements of the SNP in government.

He says the Scottish government has brought the rail service back into public ownership and has scrapped peak time fares.Yousaf cites the following:

• abolished prescription charges
• NHS staff are the best paid in the UK
• social care workers will be paid at least £12 an hour
• the biggest ever reduction in the attainment gap on literacy and numeracy in primary schools in a single year

• free bus travel for young people
• families entitled to £25 a week thanks to the Scottish Child Payment

Image source, PA Media

"A couple weeks ago, we had a tough night in the Rutherglen and Hamilton West by-election," he says, touching on the loss for the SNP party.

"We can either spend time feeling sorry for ourselves. Or we can take another course of action."

But, he continues, the party will stand up for the people of Scotland, and stand by their values.

The first minister says his brother-in-law is a doctor in Gaza.

"When we can get through to him on the phone, he tells us of scenes of carnage," continues Humza Yousaf.

He urges the UK government to support the medical evacuation of injured civilians in Gaza.

"Scotland is ready to play her part and our hospitals will treat the injured men, women and children of Gaza where we can."

Yousaf has asked the UK government to take urgent steps amid the Israel-Gaza war.

He says the government should create a resettlement scheme for people in Gaza who can and want to leave.

He says: "Scotland is willing to be the first country in the UK to offer safety and sanctuary to those caught up in these terrible attacks."

Yousaf asks the audience to imagine the reality for Israeli and Palestinian families, who are living without water, food and aid.

He says a humanitarian corridor must be opened and he condemned Hamas's actions against Israel.

Turning to Scotland, he continues: "Here at home, to Scotland's Jewish, Muslim and Palestinian communities, you're communities that I love."

He says he wants them to know, "I share the pain".

"There is no room for anti-semitism, islamophobia, or hatred of any kind here in Scotland."

Humza Yousaf begins by saying he has never felt the love and kindness of the SNP family as much as he has over the last 10 days and thanks them all.

He tells the conference what's happening in the Middle East is truly "heart-breaking" and must be condemned in the strongest manner possible.

"Too many innocent men, women and children are suffering."

Deputy First Minister Shona Robinson has just introduced Yousaf ahead of his speech.

She opened by praising his work ethic despite facing stress over his family who are stuck in Gaza.

"He has been a true statesman on his response to this terrible humanitarian disaster," she says.

Short but sweet, she then told the crowd to give her "friend", Humza Yousaf, a warm welcome.

Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf has taken to the stage in Aberdeen.

You can watch his speech live by pressing Play at the top of this page and we'll bring you live text updates here.

SNP MP Alison Thewliss has the stage at the moment and will shortly introduce the first minister a wee bit later than we expected.