SNP conference

Exclusive

Brian Taylor pictured with First Minister John Swinney in the drawing room at Bute House, Edinburgh.

John Swinney becomes emotional over family, faith and 'landmark' election moment

John Swinney reflected on his family and his faith in an exclusive, in-depth interview with The Herald's Brian Taylor.

Ballot boxes and signs are dispatched to polling stations in Edinburgh

Ballot boxes and signs are dispatched to polling stations in Edinburgh

2026 Holyrood election

One in four voters could still change their mind in 'absolutely critical election'

What does John Swinney's future as SNP leader look like if the majority strategy fails?

What does John Swinney's future as SNP leader look like if the majority strategy fails?

2026 Holyrood election

The future of SNP leadership is on the line if John Swinney fails defining mission

First Minister John Swinney

First Minister John Swinney

2026 Holyrood election

Swinney: Scottish independence is 'within grasp' as he shrugs off 'failure' criticism

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - NOVEMBER 23: Scottish Independence supporters are seen at a demo outside Holyrood, the Scottish Parliament, on November 23, 2022 in Edinburgh, Scotland. Earlier today, the UK Supreme Court judges unanimously rejected the Scottish

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - NOVEMBER 23: Scottish Independence supporters are seen at a demo outside Holyrood, the Scottish Parliament, on November 23, 2022 in Edinburgh, Scotland. Earlier today, the UK Supreme Court judges unanimously rejected the Scottish

2026 Holyrood election

Only one in 12 Scots want independence vote as priority

John Swinney set out his independence strategy at SNP conference.

John Swinney set out his independence strategy at SNP conference.

Scottish Independence

First Minister told to 'come clean' over 'secret' independence plan

Could the SNP have got the tribute to Alex Salmond right?

Could the SNP have got the tribute to Alex Salmond right?

Behind the scenes of Alex Salmond's complicated SNP conference tribute

Health Secretary dismissed claims there are not enough GPs for walk-in clinics.

Health Secretary dismissed claims there are not enough GPs for walk-in clinics.

Neil Gray dismisses concerns of insufficient GP numbers for walk-in clinic pledge

First Minister John Swinney and Depute Leader Keith Brown during last Saturday’s SNP conference motion that the 2026 Scottish Parliament election will be fought by the SNP on a clear platform of independence

First Minister John Swinney and Depute Leader Keith Brown during last Saturday’s SNP conference motion that the 2026 Scottish Parliament election will be fought by the SNP on a clear platform of independence

When will SNP voters finally realise they've been conned?

SNP conference concluded with a major commitment on GP walk-in appointments. Will it pay off for John Swinney?

SNP conference concluded with a major commitment on GP walk-in appointments. Will it pay off for John Swinney?

John Swinney's walk-in GP appointments is a political gamble - will it pay off?

First Minister of Scotland John Swinney, delivers his speech at the SNP annual conference at the Event Complex Aberdeen

First Minister of Scotland John Swinney, delivers his speech at the SNP annual conference at the Event Complex Aberdeen

2026 Holyrood election

First Minister tells SNP conference now is the time for Scotland to be independent

It's time to sort out the wealth inequality in Scotland

It's time to sort out the wealth inequality in Scotland

Five families hold as much wealth than a quarter of Scots—time to act

Nicola Sturgeon said it would be unthinkable if the Promise to care experienced children was not delivered.

Nicola Sturgeon said it would be unthinkable if the Promise to care experienced children was not delivered.

Nicola Sturgeon

Nicola Sturgeon: 'It would be unthinkable for care Promise not to be delivered'

Alex Salmond has been remembered at the conference

Alex Salmond has been remembered at the conference

Alex Salmond remembered at SNP conference on first anniversary of his death

Former first minister Nicola Sturgeon signs copies of her book Frankly at the Scots Independent stall during the second day of the SNP annual conference at the Event

Former first minister Nicola Sturgeon signs copies of her book Frankly at the Scots Independent stall during the second day of the SNP annual conference at the Event

Nicola Sturgeon

Nicola Sturgeon shrugs off 'rip off' questions over SNP conference book signing

Colin Beattie MSP denies the claims.

Colin Beattie MSP denies the claims.

SNP MSP Colin Beattie denies 'cash for votes' controversy

LIVE: SNP conference begins as John Swinney faces independence questions

LIVE: SNP conference begins as John Swinney faces independence questions

RECAP: John Swinney avoids independence rebellion at SNP conference

A mentor scheme is being launched in memory of former SNP MSP Christina McKelvie.

A mentor scheme is being launched in memory of former SNP MSP Christina McKelvie.

Christina McKelvie

Christina McKelvie's life honoured as SNP launch women's Holyrood mentor scheme

First Minister John Swinney during the first day of the SNP annual conference.

First Minister John Swinney during the first day of the SNP annual conference.

John Swinney has 'staked leadership' on winning independence, says depute

Concerns over the future of social care were raised at SNP conference.

Concerns over the future of social care were raised at SNP conference.

SNP minister confronted by party councillors over social care failings

John Swinney will defend his independence strategy at the SNP conference

John Swinney will defend his independence strategy at the SNP conference

Embattled Swinney can see off his SNP critics – but can he convince sceptical voters?

First Minister of Scotland John Swinney and Cabinet Secretary for Housing Mairi McAllan.

First Minister of Scotland John Swinney and Cabinet Secretary for Housing Mairi McAllan.

'The SNP means the world to me, but I wouldn't rush into leadership', says McAllan

Former leader Nicola Sturgeon will make a last minute SNP conference visit.

Former leader Nicola Sturgeon will make a last minute SNP conference visit.

Nicola Sturgeon

'Quick dash': The reason for Nicola Sturgeon's last minute SNP conference appearance

First Minister John Swinney has published a new independence paper promising greater prosperity for households under independence.

First Minister John Swinney has published a new independence paper promising greater prosperity for households under independence.

2026 Holyrood election

Could First Minister's £10,000 indy promise to Scots work – or could it backfire?

The SNP conference passed the motion on Sunday afternoon with overwhelming support

The SNP conference passed the motion on Sunday afternoon with overwhelming support

SNP faces independence showdown as Swinney seeks to settle strategy

Alex Salmond pictured as First Minister posing for a portrait at the Sunset Tower Hotel in West Hollywood, California, in June 17, 2012.

Alex Salmond pictured as First Minister posing for a portrait at the Sunset Tower Hotel in West Hollywood, California, in June 17, 2012.

SNP refuses to say if it will mark Salmond's passing at conference

SNP conference takes place next weekend

SNP conference takes place next weekend

Polls, promises and political theatre: Scotland’s parties on parade

SNP national secretary Alex Kerr with former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon

SNP national secretary Alex Kerr with former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon

Former MP in bid to oust Alex Kerr as SNP national secretary

Secretary of State for Scotland Douglas Alexander arrives in Downing Street.

Secretary of State for Scotland Douglas Alexander arrives in Downing Street.

'Downright dangerous': Douglas Alexander says SNP ‘can’t be trusted’ on defence

Delegates hold their passes in the air to vote on motions during the SNP autumn conference at the SEC, Glasgow..

Delegates hold their passes in the air to vote on motions during the SNP autumn conference at the SEC, Glasgow..

SNP rebels draft new rival plan with date for 'independence day'

Nicola Sturgeon and Alex Kerr, the party's National Secretary at Broomhouse Polling Station

Nicola Sturgeon and Alex Kerr, the party's National Secretary at Broomhouse Polling Station

SNP legal threat after 'one-sided' evidence used to suspend prominent candidate

First Minister John Swinney pictured at Oakwood Medical Practice in Easterhouse, Glasgow

First Minister John Swinney pictured at Oakwood Medical Practice in Easterhouse, Glasgow

SNP rebels in secret plot to oust John Swinney after Hamilton by-election defeat

John Swinney has called for a summit to unite opposition to Reform UK

John Swinney has called for a summit to unite opposition to Reform UK

Letters: Want to beat Reform, First Minister? Give us practical policies then

Health Secretary Neil Gray

Health Secretary Neil Gray

Neil Gray admits Oasis ticket hunt during Alzheimer's event at SNP Conference

A state-funded diner from 1943

A state-funded diner from 1943

Kevin McKenna: State-funded public restaurants an idea whose time has come

The jury is still out on John Swinney's record as SNP leader, his former leadership rival told the Herald.

The jury is still out on John Swinney's record as SNP leader, his former leadership rival told the Herald.

Swinney's former leadership rival delivers verdict on SNP boss

An oil rig in Scottish waters

An oil rig in Scottish waters

If SNP is serious about winning young voters, they need to get serious about climate

Stephen Flynn delivered his speech to SNP conference on Saturday afternoon

Stephen Flynn delivered his speech to SNP conference on Saturday afternoon

SNP conference: Flynn calls for patience on independence

First Minister John Swinney at SNP conference

First Minister John Swinney at SNP conference

'I'm not in denial' John Swinney rejects ex-MP's claim over election defeat

File photo of SNP delegates at the party's annual conference

File photo of SNP delegates at the party's annual conference

Operation Branchform 'the elephant in the room' at SNP dissection of election

Angus Robertson met the Deputy Israeli Ambassador Daniela Grudsky earlier in August. (Image: Israeli Government)

Angus Robertson met the Deputy Israeli Ambassador Daniela Grudsky earlier in August. (Image: Israeli Government)

SNP accused of 'naivety' as Israel ambassador row hits party conference

Stephen Flynn spoke to the media after the SNP's internal election review. (Jane Barlow/PA)

Stephen Flynn spoke to the media after the SNP's internal election review. (Jane Barlow/PA)

Flynn: SNP will be 'fighting fit' for Holyrood win after internal election review

John Swinney has warned of potential UK Government cuts could threaten Scotland. (Image: PA)

John Swinney has warned of potential UK Government cuts could threaten Scotland. (Image: PA)

Swinney: My ability to serve Scotland under threat by UK Government cuts

First Minister John Swinney has warned of the consequences of potential Labour cuts ahead of the SNP conference.

First Minister John Swinney has warned of the consequences of potential Labour cuts ahead of the SNP conference.

Swinney warned to brace for SNP Holyrood defeat ahead of SNP conference

SNP conference gender care row threatens to eclipse Swinney’s first speech as leader

SNP conference gender care row threatens to eclipse Swinney’s first speech as leader

SNP conference gender care row threatens to eclipse Swinney’s first speech as leader

SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn said he will push for Parliament to back ‘concrete actions’ to bring about a ceasefire in Gaza

SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn said he will push for Parliament to back ‘concrete actions’ to bring about a ceasefire in Gaza

SNP to propose fresh Gaza ceasefire motion after Commons chaos

First Minister Humza Yousaf in Holyrood

First Minister Humza Yousaf in Holyrood

SNP's difficulties will 'get worse' under Yousaf's 'weak' leadership, says academic

Humza Yousaf at SNP conference

Humza Yousaf at SNP conference

Yousaf tax freeze trouble as councils plan rises of up to 10%

Nadia El-Nakla Humza Yousaf

Nadia El-Nakla Humza Yousaf

Nadia El-Nakla: The SNP politician who is far more than Scotland's First Lady

Do you agree with the SNP council tax freeze? Have your say in our poll

Laughter master: Humza Yousaf

Laughter master: Humza Yousaf

Unspun: The Herald political diary

It is unclear if the new agency is to be a replacement for Education Scotland or another organisation within an 'already cluttered' educational landscape.

It is unclear if the new agency is to be a replacement for Education Scotland or another organisation within an 'already cluttered' educational landscape.

A bear trap or hope for Scottish education? What is the Centre of Teaching Excellence

Council leaders voice 'extreme disappointment' at Yousaf tax freeze

Humza Yousaf announced a freeze in the council tax next year

Humza Yousaf announced a freeze in the council tax next year

Furious council leaders reject and 'deplore' Yousaf's tax freeze plan