Alex Salmond

"Scots have also for these past three hundred been part of a political union - the United Kingdom. Some of you may argue this is three hundred years too long. Others may disagree. But Scotland has play…"

"We must remove, not erect, barriers to degree level education."

"In Scotland you were allowed to starve but had to learn to read and write. Whereas in England the poor house provided an alternative to starvation, but education was only for the privileged few. This …"

"The future strength of our rural economies and communities will depend upon the availability of a sufficient and appropriate supply of housing."

"I have always had a special regard for the General Assembly and its members. This is the place - and you are the people - that do so much to give expression to the heart of Scotland."

"Those are the objectives - competence, consensus and vision - against which we should be judged. Of course that judgement could come earlier if the opposition parties wished to force an election!"

"It is time to celebrate diversity and distinctiveness. And to openly welcome the contribution that faith based education can make to Scottish education."

"We Scots derive a strong sense of identity from our nationhood. Scotland has always retained a unique culture and character - not defined in opposition to our neighbours, but by ourselves and our basi…"