SCOTS Tories have been ordered by David Cameron to put an end to their pessimism and defeatism and seize the opportunity provided by a new leader and the referendum campaign to reclaim their place in Scottish life.

His speech to conference saw, as expected, passionate support for the Union, a robust defence of his Chancellor's "brave" Budget, and one particular dig at Alex Salmond that delighted the audience – saying of the First Minister's insistence on delaying the referendum for a thousand days: "I thought we were watching the movie Braveheart – it turns out it's Chicken Run."

But anyone expecting to hear Mr Cameron elaborate on his pledge in February that if Scots voted "no" in the referendum he would deliver greater devolution, would have been disappointed.

All he said on this was: "I am open-minded about the transfer of more powers, as long as these powers are truly about improving the lives of Scottish people – not just bargaining chips in a game of constitutional poker. But all these are principally questions for after the referendum."

The Prime Minister also had a swipe at Mr Salmond's aide Joan McAlpine for likening the Union to an abusive relationship.

"What planet are these people on?" he asked, asking if it was an abusive relationship that stood against Nazi Germany, abolished slavery and created one of the world's greatest economic and political success stories.

"This isn't an abusive relationship, it's a partnership for liberty, security and prosperity," said Mr Cameron.

But much of his speech was directed at the 450 or so present in Troon Concert Hall as he sought to rouse them from the disappointment of last May's Holyrood election. "We aren't where we want to be in Scotland – nowhere near it," he said. "There are those who think this is just a fact of life, that a small Conservative presence north of the Border is inevitable. I am resolutely not one of them.

"I am here today to argue that this is our moment, if we are bold enough, to come back stronger."

Many Scots share the Tories' vision and values of responsibility, compassion and ambition, he said, adding: "Our challenge is to reach out to these people, to reconnect their beliefs with ours.

"I see no reason why a party that is moderate, sensible, centre-right cannot represent the people of Scotland. This is a nation founded on the virtues of thrift and graft – of paying your way, not running up debts."