ALEX Salmond will tell the SNP conference today that the clarity and popularity of the independence message will deliver success in the referendum on Scotland's constitutional future.

But he will also say that short of full independence the “devolution max” option is a “legitimate proposal” and say he is willing to include it as a second option on the ballot paper.

In recent weeks Labour figures such as Edinburgh North and Leith MSP Malcolm Chisholm and former First Minister Henry McLeish have said the Calman Commission proposals do not go far enough and the party should consider the extra powers devolution max would deliver such as fiscal responsibility.

Mr Salmond will say: “Fiscal responsibility, financial freedom, real economic powers is a legitimate proposal. It could allow control of our own resources, competitive business tax and fair personal taxation. All good, all necessary, but not good enough.

“Trident nuclear missiles would still be on the River Clyde, we could still be forced to spill blood in illegal wars such as Iraq and we would still be excluded from the councils of Europe and the world. These things only independence can bring.”

In the main speech of the conference this afternoon, Mr Salmond will say: “We have the talent, resources and ingenuity. The only limitations are our imagination and ambition. So give Scotland the tools, put the people of Scotland in charge and see our nation flourish as never before.”