The SNP are launching their annual conference in Inverness, claiming they are the only party  "speaking up for Scotland."  

The claim came from SNP Westminster leader Angus Robertson as delegates arrived for the conference which begins this afternoon.

Mr Robertson said: "We have demonstrated to the people of Scotland that the SNP are the only party who put their priorities first and who can give Scotland a voice.

"Over climate change, economic recovery and the future of Scotland as an independent nation, only the SNP is giving Scotland a voice.

"It is only the SNP speaking up for Scottish priorities against the UK parties' plans to waste billions on Trident nuclear weapons instead of public services."

He added: "The Scottish Government's budget is protecting jobs, supporting recovery, and investing in frontline services in health, education and justice in the face of funding cuts from London.

"In the last year, Scotland has seen that both Labour and the Tories plan to slash Scottish spending.

"The SNP is the only party that's got what it takes to speak up for Scotland and fight for our nation's interests."

The first debate of the conference will hear calls for the UK Government to follow Scotland's lead on climate change by setting a target for a 42% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020.

The debate is likely to see criticism of the UK Government for refusing to allow Scottish ministers to be part of the UK delegation at the Copenhagen climate change summit in December.

First Minister Alex Salmond, who has set the party the target of returning 20 SNP MPs to Westminster at the next election, will address the conference on Saturday.