The 30th of November is St Andrew's Day - Scotland's National Day. Each year the Saltireflies on our public buildings and our broadcasters make a little - too little - reference tothis national event. But this St Andrew's Day, the Stone of Destiny - one of the historicsymbols of our nationhood - will be returned to Scotland.

After 700 years holding the stone South of the border, Westminster has decided it deservesto be returned to this country. Westminster is slowly recognising that Scotland is a nation.The growing pressure in Scotland for change has forced the government to do something. Notto do anything that gives us real power because neither the Tories nor Labour will ever dothat - but to make a gesture.

That gesture is the return of the Stone and we must build on that gesture. We must 'Build onthe Stone'.

We must ensure the ancient nation of Scotland becomes a real nation with a government of ourown and a voice in the international community. We need to get the substance of ournationhood back, not just the symbols. We need a real parliament than can use our ownresources to build this country anew and a real parliament to represent the real Scotland.

We need Independence.

It is independence that will allow us to make our own decisions about our own future. And itis independence that will give us the confidence to take responsibility for those decisions.

Only independence can make any real difference. Only Independence can allow us to invest inour young people, create jobs, build new houses, strengthen our health and social servicesand create the best conditions for Scottish business. Only independence will deliver aprosperous and just Scotland.

With control of our own resources Scotland would be the eighth richest nation in theindustrialised world - and yet we are not permitted to decide on anything for ourselves. Wehave nearly 70% of Europe's crucial oil reserves and yet we must stand outside the door whendecisions are taken in Brussels. We produce more, save more, and export more than thosesouth of the border, yet we are continually told that we live off London taxes.

We know that we have the skills, the wealth, and the determination to be free. And more ofus are saying so.

Within six months the General Election will test our determination to decide our own future.We can build on the stone. We can win our freedom.

I hope you will support the SNP in our drive to rebuild Scotland. The SNP can win. Scotland can be a real nation again. The future of Scotland is in the hands of our people.

Alex Salmond MP
Leader
Scottish National Party

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Alex Salmond is the Member ofParliament for Banff & Buchan and is leader of the SNP. An economist aged 42 , he is widely regarded as one of the most effective Scottish politicans of his generation.

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If you would like to know more about the SNP and HELP SCOTLAND contact snp.hq@snp.org.uk or visit the official the Scottish National Party web site.

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