Swinney: SNP must show independence is route to fairer future

John Swinney has said that his leadership of the SNP will focus on "earning the right to be heard by delivering on the public's priorities".

Speaking at the SNP conference for the first time as the first minister, Mr Swinney said that he would ensure independence "is understood as the route to a stronger and fairer country".

The first minister added that it was up to the party to '"awaken" a sense of optimism among Scots.

"It's up to [us]... to unite our country to win independence," Mr Swinney said. "That is what we have got to do - and that is what we are going to do."