We politicians are in the business of change – seismic, strategic, significant change for ourselves, our children and our grandchildren. For all of us, part of that change is independence as well as the preparatory state-building activities leading up to it and considerable effort after it.

This is what I believe this next parliament and every independence-supporting parliamentarian in it should be seeking to deliver.

It’s a commonly held view that the Holyrood parliament elected in 2021 will be the one that delivers the next successful independence referendum – and this is certainly what I will be stretching every sinew for.

What are the skills and qualities that our MSPs need to be part of this parliament?

Think of it as a job application.

The idea candidate must demonstrate:

• Commitment to independence for Scotland
• Strong leadership
• Excellent communication skills
• Strategic thinking
• Political experience
• Excellent media skills
• Management skills
• Policy experience
• Highly developed relationship management skills
• High energy levels

The ideal candidate may also have:

• Good sectoral specialist knowledge be that in business, education, health, third sector etc
• Local knowledge

Some people believe that the single most important characteristic to lead us forward is an “acute knowledge of local issues”. That would suggest that acute local knowledge is more important than the list above including a demonstrable commitment to independence, strong leadership, excellent communication skills, leadership, strategic thinking etc.

Surely not?

This therefore would have debarred Alex Salmond, Winnie Ewing, Maggie Bain/Ewing, John Swinney – to name just a few of the giants upon whose shoulders the SNP was built.

We saw an entitlement culture develop with the Labour Party in Scotland. “It’s my turn” became the refrain.

I expect better. You expect better. An MSP role should not be awarded for time served.

I encourage you all to consider what excellence means for you in your SNP candidate.

I am not claiming to be excellent. Like anyone else, I have strengths and weaknesses.

But I will make no apology for striving for excellence and encouraging others to seek the highest calibre of candidate the SNP can muster in every single constituency.

We have a state to build and a future to create.