Economy and tackling sectarianism among Salmond's top goals

In his first major policy speech since being re-elected, Mr Salmond has outlined the goals for the newly-formed majority government as it enters a five-year term in power at Holyrood.

Addressing MSPs, Mr Salmond also spoke about the "economics of security" and creating a "social wage", to bring about circumstances that "allow Scots to meet their ambitions".

He said: "Already within the Scottish Government, we have secured a no compulsory redundancy deal covering 30,000 workers in this government and its agencies.

"Our commitment is to extend this first to 160,000 workers in our NHS, before then working to ensure no compulsory redundancy policy spreads across the public sector."

On the social wage, the First Minister said: "A social wage is part of the pact, the promise, between politicians, public services and people.

"We shall deliver the social and economic circumstances that allow for people to dream, to aspire, to be ambitious - but it is for the individual to realise their dreams, to reach for their hopes, to meet their ambitions."

Mr Salmond said MSPs should be united to create a better nation.

"The steps this Parliament has already taken: free personal care, the abolition of tuition fees, the scrapping of tolls and the delivery of free prescriptions are our side of the bargain," he said.

"The next steps, including the freezing of the council tax until the end of this Parliament. We know the pressures on family budgets. We know that tough times force difficult decisions in homes the length and breadth of our nation. Many people have accepted a wage freeze. People understand that public spending must be restrained."

Mr Salmond said the Government would protect the health budget, improve rights for victims, improve conditions for carers, and provide opportunities for jobseekers and students.

He went on to pledge his commitment to a 250 million Scottish Futures Fund, which will support five separate initiatives covering young people, warm homes, transport, the digital revolution and Sure Start - to provide life chances for newborn Scots.