Any delay in devolving new powers to Holyrood would lead to Scotland taking “matters into our own democratic hands”, Alex Salmond has claimed in his final keynote address to the SNP conference.
Speaking after Nicola Sturgeon had taken over the party’s top job, the First Minister until Tuesday laid out a clear threat to David Cameron about the country still being ready to leave the UK, despite a No vote in September’s referendum.
Mr Salmond said he knew “with a greater certainty than ever before” that the country would one day go it alone.
“At various times in our national story, Scotland has managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory,” he said. “This time, out of defeat will come future success.”
He insisted September 18 would in future “come to be seen as the day Scotland started to take control of our own destiny”.
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Mr Salmond claimed many No voters had been won over by the vow of substantial new powers made by David Cameron, Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg.
He added: “So let the message be very clear from this hall and this country to the Prime Minister delay, prevaricate, block or obstruct the implementation of what was promised and Scotland will take matters into our own democratic hands.”
He also hailed Ms Sturgeon, who looked emotional during a huge standing ovation at the end of the 36-minute speech, as a “woman of extraordinary talent”.
Mr Salmond told his successor: “Nicola, your contribution to where this party now stands has already been immense. Your future contribution I have no doubt will be to make history.”
There was also praise for Finance Secretary John Swinney, as he painted the Perth and North Perthshire MSP as “Scotland’s Merlin” due to his ability with budgets.
Mr Salmond also pledged £1 million of government money over the next three years to secure the future of the Scottish Youth Theatre.