John Swinney, the leader of the Scottish National Party and first minister, is preparing to assert his vision for the party as it gathers for its annual conference in Aberdeen. With independence remaining the party's central goal, Swinney faces the challenge of reinvigorating the movement amid stalled progress and internal debate over strategy. Since taking over during a period of turmoil, Swinney has stabilized the party, shifted focus to public service improvements, and sought to distance the government from recent controversies.

As the next election approaches, the Scottish National Party holds a lead in polls, but faces a fragmented opposition and a decline in overall popularity compared to previous years. Swinney is expected to use the conference to clarify his leadership style and set out a refreshed agenda, balancing the independence cause with practical governance and attempts to win back lapsed supporters. The outcome of debates on independence strategy and Swinney's keynote speech will be closely watched as indicators of the party's direction and unity.