SNP say party conference is 'the hottest ticket in town'

There's a Disney on Ice show and a Golf Expo going on at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre (SECC) this weekend but it's the SNP Party conference that is, according to its press office, 'the hottest ticket in town'.

This is the biggest gathering in the party's 81 year history with over three thousand of its members packed into a hall usually reserved for pop concerts or touring theatre productions.

And there is a big show feeling about this conference. The merchandise tables which sell everything from SNP hoodies to foam fingers are doing a roaring trade.

As is the photo booth where, against a SNP branded background you can get your picture taken holding up slogans such as "Dude, where's my powers".

The mood here is upbeat, optimistic. Losing last years referendum was sore but wiping out Labour at the General Election would for many of these members provide something of a comfort, even a form of revenge.

I was approached by one delegate this morning who told me "the SNP is no longer a party, it's a movement". And it's clear in what direction they are headed. Destination Westminster on May the 8th.