Kate Forbes closed SNP conference with a call for economic confidence, energy ambition and independence, arguing Scotland has paid the price for UK mismanagement and must now take control of its future.
Speaking in Aberdeen, she described the city as the “jewel in the crown” of the economy and said the North East had powered the UK for decades, only to see oil revenues wasted on “unjust wars and pet projects” instead of being invested in future generations.
Forbes contrasted the UK’s approach to energy with that of Norway, where a $2 trillion oil fund now underpins low child poverty and a resilient welfare system.
She criticised the current UK windfall tax regime, extended by Labour, which she claimed was putting jobs at risk and stalling progress on the energy transition.
She called on the Chancellor to replace the “destructive” 78% tax rate with a fairer system that protects jobs and encourages investment.
Forbes said Scotland’s future lies in renewable energy, not nuclear, and criticised the UK Government’s support for new nuclear developments, stating “Scotland will not be the UK’s nuclear playground”.
She argued that renewables must benefit every Scottish citizen, creating jobs, lifting children out of poverty and delivering long-term prosperity for communities.
She highlighted SNP-backed investment at Kishorn, Ardersier and Hunterston, as well as projects across Ayrshire and the Highlands, as evidence of an industrial revival rooted in clean energy and supply chain development.
On job security, Forbes contrasted SNP action with what she described as Labour’s failure to intervene at Grangemouth.
She said the party had promised to save the site but acted only in Scunthorpe, leaving Scottish jobs behind.
She pointed to the SNP Government’s role in brokering a furlough agreement to protect roles at Alexander Dennis in Falkirk, calling it an “innovative and exceptional intervention” to secure Scotland’s bus manufacturing base.
Forbes also took aim at UK migration policy, warning that a hardening stance from Labour and the Conservatives risked damaging the economy.
She said the SNP would continue to offer “a warm welcome” to those who choose to live, work or study in Scotland.
Turning to her own role, she said it had been a “privilege beyond measure” to represent Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch and to serve as Finance Secretary and Deputy First Minister.
She said her “dream job” had always been to serve as Minister for Gaelic, and that she was proud to have helped pass legislation recognising Gaelic and Scots as official languages.
Closing her speech, Forbes said Scotland’s future need not be defined by the past.
She said independence offered a fresh start, and that with confidence and self-belief, “a better future is possible”.
