As the SNP begins the final day of its 2009 conference in Inverness delegates will focus on campaigning for the Glasgow North East by-election, the upcoming Westminster election and look forward to a referendum to allow the people of Scotland to have their say over Scotland’s constitutional future.

The high point of today’s events will be an address by Deputy First Minister, Depute Leader of the SNP and Cabinet Secretary for Health Nicola Sturgeon MSP.

Ms Sturgeon’s speech which will close this year’s enormously successful conference will be preceded by the launch of the SNP’s candidates for the Westminster election as Parliamentary Business Minister Bruce Crawford is joined by Angus Robertson and Michael Russell to lead the party through the campaigns ahead on the road to the referendum.

The SNP will debate independence and respond to the Calman Commission with a call for immediate devolution of powers where it is possible to do so.

Speaking ahead of the debate Mr Crawford said:

“Scotland’s got what it takes to be Independent.

“As we prepare for the election campaign ahead the SNP has shown over the last 3 days that in Glasgow, across Scotland and in the world we’ve got what it takes to speak up for Scotland and for Scotland to be an independent nation.

“It is clear that only the SNP and a strong Scottish block of SNP MPs in Westminster will speak up for Scotland, drive Scotland’s recovery forward and protect Scotland’s interests.”

SNP Westminster Leader Angus Robertson said the SNP has got what it takes to give Scotland a louder and stronger voice in Westminster – starting with Glasgow North East:

“Over the last three days in Inverness and the last two years in government the SNP has shown we have what it takes to give Scotland a stronger and louder voice in Westminster.

“The next six months will see us campaign in Glasgow North East and across the country on our record of delivery for Scotland, protecting Scottish interests and for a stronger and louder voice for Scotland at Westminster.

“Only the SNP can offer a stronger and louder voice in Westminster to people across Scotland.  Labour and the Tories have failed Scotland – it is a strong SNP voice that will put the pressure on UK parties to get the best deal for Scotland, rather than suffer the slash and burn impact of Labour and the Tories reckless battle to cut public services.”