Scotland is a nation rich in economic and cultural achievement.

But we are also rich in potential and possibility.

We have the ability not just to be the seventh richest nation in the world, but also to use that wealth wisely and well.

A new Scotland must underpin and build economic prosperity whilst establishing social justice and democracy.

We must create an inclusive and welcoming society, one which takes pride in its good relations with its neighbours whilst representing strongly Scottish interests in Europe and the world.

Scotland is in the process of independence.

But to keep moving within that process we must make the new parliament work well for all who live here.

Move forward to independence

The SNP has a comprehensive portfolio of policies for governance in the new parliament and we are working to win the opportunity to implement those policies.

As the SNP Leader, and therefore SNP candidate for the post of first minister, I repeat my pledge to Scotland - if elected to govern the SNP will make our new parliament work, while giving Scotland the opportunity to move forward to independence.

Our task over the next five months is to focus on the future of Scotland, and to communicate to every Scottish voter the tremendous opportunity that now lies within our grasp.

That positive message was the bedrock of our success in last week's NE Scotland European by-election.

Great change

It can result in similar success at the Scottish Parliament elections.

Everyone of our candidates will rededicate themselves to the challenge ahead.

Our country has changed greatly in recent years. The referendum victory in September 1997 showed that Scots were no longer prepared to live shackled to the past, but instead were ready to confidently embrace their future.

The destination of our national journey is independence - all that is to be decided is the speed of our progress.

A new Scotland is being born.