Most political conferences do not look this this at 10am on the first morning.

Perth Concert Hall was packed from the off for the SNP's 80th annual gathering and there was a mood of real excitement among the delegates.

But this is no ordinary conference. Within minutes of the formal opening, Alex Salmond, leader of the party for 20 of the last 24 years, had been replaced by Nicola Sturgeon, whose coronation was greeted by loud cheers and lengthy standing ovation.

The new leader, elected unopposed, said it was "the biggest privilege of my life". She thanked her family, her mum and dad and her husband, SNP chief executive Peter Murrell.

But her warmest tribute went to "my now predecessor" Alex Salmond. "We owe him the most enormous debt of gratitude," she said.

Ms Sturgeon immediately set out her top three priorities: to govern Scotland; to win next May's Westminster election; and to keep making the case for independence.

It was the last these that won the loudest applause from the party faithful. Ms Sturgeon stressed the SNP must not "impose our will" or "berate" opponents but persuade them through argument.

Ms Sturgeon will make her keynote speech to conference tomorrow afternoon but for now this was enough.

The new leader acknowledged another burst of rapturous applause as she posed for pictures with newly elected deputy Stewart Hosie, MP for Dundee East.

Earlier Mr Hosie - who defeated Keith Brown by 55% to 45% after third placed candidate Angela Constance was eliminated - also urged the party to campaign hard in next May's election.

His victory surprised many but will not disappoint Ms Sturgeon, who is close friends with Mr Hosie's partner, MSP Shona Robison.