TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28

When I decided to embark on this tour, I didn't quite expect the overwhelmingly positive reaction that would follow. I still can't believe tickets are booked out for venues across the country.

And the fact that all the tickets of the 12,000 capacity SSE Hydro were gone within 24 hours … well, I just can't get my head around that at all. The size of the place is unbelievable. I'm just glad I had experience of speaking there in the BBC 16 and 17-year-olds referendum debate, or the thought of it would be a bit daunting.

Given the acts that venue is used to, I hope the crowds won't be expecting me to belt out a Kylie tune or two. I think I'll save their eardrums the trauma and just stick to speeches for now.

One of the most important aspects of the tour is the chance it brings to meet and listen to people from across the country and get a clear sense of what they are looking for from their new First Minister. As the dust settles on the referendum result, what kind of Scotland do they think will emerge?

I have been struck by the dignified way the majority of those who voted Yes have bounced back, and the equally dignified way most of those who voted No now want to move forward. Everyone is now looking to the future and to how we get the powers Scotland needs to thrive and become the fairer, more prosperous country we all want to see.

This evening, I put the finishing touches to my speech. Since the realisation that I would be putting myself forward as First Minister, I've had a clear idea in my head of the message I wanted to give but this is the only opportunity I've had to really sit down and set out my thoughts.

I want to make it clear to people that I will be First Minister for all of Scotland - it's no longer about Yes or No, it's about moving forward together as one.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29: DAY 1 OF TOUR - EDINBURGH CORN EXCHANGE

07:00hrs: An early start this morning, beginning with a trip to the BBC Scotland studios at The Tun to do interviews for Good Morning Scotland and the Today programme.

They are covering a proposal I will make in my speech tonight to lodge an amendment to any UK Government bill on a referendum to take the UK out of the European Union. The amendment will stipulate a majority in each of the four UK nations must vote for EU withdrawal before it can happen - stopping Scotland being dragged out of Europe against our will.

During the referendum campaign, the No parties made much of the UK being a "family of nations". If that's the case they must support my proposal - after all, this is an issue that is hugely important for thousands of peoples' jobs.

11:00 - 14:00hrs: Interviews with BBC Scotland, ITN and STV. My EU referendum bill amendment has made waves and the media are keen to find out more. Typically, David Cameron tried to dismiss the idea at Prime Minister's Questions but that approach won't wash - Scotland's voice must be heard on this issue.

18:50hrs: Once I arrive at the Edinburgh Corn Exchange, I take a peek through the curtain backstage at the audience as they arrived. I'm instantly struck by the size of the hall - this is one of the biggest public meetings I've done to date. Can't deny a few last-minute butterflies but there's no time for nerves now.

19:10hrs: The crowd are seated and waiting, so it's time to officially kick off the tour. Kenny MacAskill welcomes the crowd, then I'm up.

21:00hrs: The first event draws to a close. Absolutely loved it. It was great to see so many SNP members old and new at the event, and people responded well to the speech. The positivity of the audience was very heartening indeed.

Before the referendum I'm not sure I would have believed a room full of Yes voters could be so upbeat and hopeful in the face of the No vote. And yet here they are. The atmosphere is still buzzing and there is a renewed sense of determination. For me, the people I met during the referendum campaign have been the real story - they had hope for change and were an inspiration at every step. I'm convinced the will for change remains - along with the collective energy to pursue it.

After one last interview with BBC Scotland 2014, I head home for the night. It has been a very good - but long - day.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30

Woke up feeling positive about last night's event, and was pleased to read Facebook comments from those who came or followed it online saying they found it worthwhile.

Another busy day in Parliament with more interviews - this time with the New Statesman, the Edinburgh Evening News and Border TV.

Just before 2pm, news broke of an Ipsos MORI poll for STV that puts SNP support at 52% on Westminster voting intentions. Staggering. If this was to be replicated in a General Election, it would see us make some very big gains and allow us to send a strong group of SNP MPs to Westminster to hold the establishment to account on The Vow they made to the people of Scotland. But there's no sense of over-excitement in SNP ranks - we know from experience how hard we have to work to win votes and seats.

No tour date scheduled for tonight so going to try to have a break before tomorrow evening's event in Dumfries. Easier said than done as I always work later than I mean to!

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31: DAY TWO OF TOUR

EASTERBROOK HALL, DUMFRIES

I had a brilliant time in Dumfries on the second date of the tour. Although it was standing-room only in the hall, tonight's smaller venue had a much more familiar feeling of the Yes meetings I took part in across the country during the campaign.

I was a lot less nervous about tonight but I find no matter how many public meetings I go to, I always feel a bit anxious beforehand. I'm determined to give my best every time.

In my speech I pointed out yesterday's polls make it impossible for broadcasters to ignore the SNP during next year's General Election TV debates. Their plans to exclude us are completely unacceptable and it's time for them to think again.

I also made a commitment that if I become First Minister, the Scottish Cabinet will meet in Dumfries early next year. The audience seemed pleased and I'm looking forward to hearing their thoughts on how the Scottish Government can improve life for the people of Dumfries.

Questions tonight covered a range of topics - but there was one recurring theme: the Westminster parties' panicked Vow to the people of Scotland. The majority of the audience don't trust Westminster to deliver powers - and I can appreciate why. But our job now is to ensure the other parties can't wriggle out of their promise by holding them to account at every turn.

Next week I'll be in Dundee and in the weeks that follow I'll be in Inverness, Glasgow for the Hydro (gulp!) and Aberdeen. I'm looking forward to every one. And that's a key message of the tour: always look forward - never back.