Scottish independence admission would have sent chills down the spines of SNP's hardcore campaigners

Ten years on from the referendum, this appearance from John Swinney in Edinburgh was the most candid from any SNP leader in the past decade. 

The first minister recalled his fond memories of a vibrant 2014 independence campaign to a packed hall of a few hundred supporters. But this event was a far cry from his party's rockstar-like events of the past.

Mr Swinney made an admission that would send chills down the spines of his hardcore campaigners who are desperate for another vote. He said there was "no shortcut" and appeared to kick the can down the road.

It was a subdued shift in position that took a few attempts from journalists in the room to come out.

This is the same SNP leader who during the election campaign said he believed another poll could be held within the next three to five years.

He was given multiple opportunities to recommit himself to his recent comments and dodged timescales completely.

Read more on this story:
10 years on from historic referendum
Salmond: 'I started writing concession speech after first result'
Swinney: 'Scotland is closer to independence now than in 2014'

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Mr Swinney, and senior figures in the SNP, know fine well this anniversary comes hot on the heels of their biggest electoral defeat in 10 years.

This was a day for the first minister to tell activists that he is still committed to the ultimate goal of independence.

Where some believe Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf arguably failed, Mr Swinney hopes to create an atmosphere of persuasion to win over the 'no' voters.

The Scottish government was criticised recently for failing to deliver big new ideas in their programme for the next 12 months.

But some suggest Mr Swinney is attempting to move the SNP away from controversial policies, like gender reforms, that have bogged down the Edinburgh administration.

He wants to rebuild trust and be seen as a political party competent enough to deliver key public services.

Although this anniversary is important to some, those around the first minister have their eyes on the 2026 Holyrood election and are acutely aware that further defeat could kill off the dream of independence for another decade.