SNP Party Conference: The Diary

Sturgeon’s Danish politics lesson

Alex Salmond revealed that his deputy Nicola Sturgeon is a massive fan of the Danish political drama Borgen as he introduced her to delegates.

He described it as the story of a female politician who “runs rings” round her male and party colleagues and ends up being prime minister. “Do you think there might be a message for me in all of that?” he asked.

The Nationalists’ own Ant and Dec

Referendum campaign chief Angus Robertson and local government minister Derek MacKay had a perhaps less a flattering comparison, as it emerged they were becoming known as the Ant and Dec of the SNP over their efforts on the Yes campaign. East Kilbride MSP Linda Fabiani didn’t reveal which one was which.

Coming to a screen near you, in 3D

It’s not unknown for SNP campaigners to get carried away by the cause, but even Angus Robertson felt things went a bit far during a recent roadshow. Aberdeen organisers had been asked to provide a screen for the North-east presentation, but he was startled to learn they had booked a multi-screen cinema.

Trip Down Under for inspiration

The SNP cites several countries in its support for independence, but conference took an Australian theme on Saturday, as delegate Alison Thewliss burst into a soap opera theme tune. “That’s when good neighbours become good friends,” she sang to illustrate Scotland’s potential international role.