NORMALLY at SNP conference, after the First Minister’s speech, your crack team of National journalists would head to the hall to try and find out what the party faithful made of it all.

This year, with everything going virtual, (and with hacks seemingly BARRED from the conference website’s blether function) we asked a few activists to watch the address and email us their thoughts.

Here’s what they thought.

Marco Biagi, Edinburgh Central branch
In a year when so much has been unfamiliar, the First Minister’s speech was reassuringly to form. This wasn’t a woad-daubed call to revolution or a flowery and pretentious stream-of-consciousness, it was, as we’ve come to expect, humble and human, earnest and detailed.

Nicola Sturgeon presented herself again as the serious, determined, trustworthy leader that, in these turbulent times, the Scottish public has been reassured by.

Yet again, she made independence look like the safe choice and staying in the Union look like the gamble.

Alan Petrie, Aberdeen Independence Movement co-organiser
We welcome the general message to the world and the EU, today’s speech set out a clear path of what we must do going forward in the independence movement.

The pandemic has shone a light on social issues, the big questions are how best to move forward to a new Scotland, and that must be at the centre of the independence case.

READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon: SNP manifesto will contain commitment to independence referendum

We as a group now need to get ready for the upcoming campaign, be that 2021 or 2022, we have a lot of work to do. Let’s make a positive case for independence in a respectful manner.

Fiona Sarwar, Mid-Strathmore SNP branch
A very different closing conference speech at the end of a very different and difficult year. With a measured and sensitive approach, the First Minister highlighted the sacrifices made by so many during this Covid pandemic.

However, what stood out to me was the message of hope; a light at the end of the tunnel that “is getting brighter”.

Financial packages to help those left most vulnerable this winter and a special one-off £500 “thank you” payment to NHS and Adult Social Care staff underscore the SNP’s commitment to compassion and solidarity.

READ MORE: FM was clear Scotland aims for independence in EU but there are challenges ahead

Ultimately these values must lead the way as we enter the 2021 election campaign – they will be key to securing a majority in Parliament and importantly a mandate for the next legal independence referendum.

Craig Berry, SNP Common Weal Group
The SNP membership demanded urgency on independence. The First Minister has responded with a commitment to call a referendum in the early part of the new parliament. As we begin our recovery from Covid-19, it’s up to us to make the positive case for a resilient independent Scotland.

That means inspiring people with new ideas about what we can achieve with the full powers of independence – like a National Care Service, rent controls and radical land reform. It’s time to unite the party behind a progressive grassroots-led campaign for independence in 2021.

Fraser Dick, SNP Progressive Policy Research
I was particularly pleased to see the FM speak about measures which will materially improve people’s economic circumstances. Free school meals, an improved social security system and £500 for NHS staff will put money into the pockets of people who need it most. I’d have liked to see more action on private rents, but overall it gives us a strong platform for the 2021 election and a future referendum to build a socially just Scotland.

Julie Hepburn, Cumbernauld branch
There was a strong emphasis in the First Minister’s speech on what independence would allow us to do and how the actions of the Scottish Government to tackle child poverty and support public sector workers is more than practical support – it is also an expression of our values and the kind of country we could build with independence.

Nicola perfectly articulated the constitutional ceiling on what the Scottish Government can do under devolution, and why we so urgently need independence.

The National:

Julia Stachurska, National Convener, SNP Students

"I was delighted with the First Minister’s key reminder that Scotland has the ability to be a fair, equal, and progressive independent nation, and that we as an independent country can be partners and bridge builders to ensure the best future for the people of Scotland - and those who will come here in the future to live, work, and study. We as a Party, a movement and a country have to keep faith in the people of Scotland to vote for, and deliver fairness, dignity and respect for us all, ensuring Scotland continues to be a leader in eradicating poverty, and providing the best possible outcomes for all those who choose to make Scotland their home."

You can share your thoughts on the First Minister’s speech by emailing letters@thenational.scot

This article has been edited after wrongly attributing Craig Berry's quote to Catriona MacDonald.