SCOTTISH Greens members have met for the final time before voters head to the polls in May.
The party's spring conference took place in Glasgow on Saturday, with members gathering primarily to discuss campaign strategy ahead of the Holyrood elections, which could see the Greens return a record number of MSPs.
Around 300 members attended in person, and I'm told there were 70 online. No motions were voted on, but a number of key manifesto pledges were unveiled by the party co-leaders – notably an extension of funded childcare and free bus travel for everyone in Scotland.
The conference took place just one day after a poll conducted for The National put the Greens in third place, ahead of Scottish Labour on a record 14 seats.
Co-leader Ross Greer made a nod towards the poll in his speech to members, telling members "it's great to be in a position where every single poll shows us on track".
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And speaking to The National later in the day, he said: "I think we're definitely heading towards not just a record result, but looking at the data, the public polling and the canvassing data, I think we are on track to run Labour close, if not actually come ahead of them at this point.
"I don't think politicians should be betting people, I think lots of politicians got in trouble for betting in 2024, but I am now airing in a very positive direction."
He later joked with The National that "as a dour Presbyterian, for me to be this optimistic hints at how good our canvassing data is right now".
This optimism was seen from both co-leaders when they spoke of their party's manifesto (they both used the word "bold" to describe it). But there was also an underlying level of frustration with the political status quo – mainly seen as Greer took aim at the Scottish Government's "unwillingness to act if it might upset the rich and powerful", particularly when it comes to the recent Parliamentary vote for an immediate boycott of Israel.
The co-leader also hit out at the Scottish Government for trying to “charm” US president Donald Trump, pointing towards the First Minister's visit to Washington DC to discuss whisky tariffs.
He also accused the Scottish Government of being "subservient to America" following allegations US troops "abducted" two people from Scotland despite a court order that they were not to leave the jurisdiction.
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Addressing Swinney directly, Greer said: “First Minister, your attempts to charm Donald Trump have got you all the way to the Oval Office, but they failed.
“You’ve got nothing to show for them, and history will judge us all, especially the recent high office for what we do here and now.”
Meanwhile, Mackay took direct aim at the monarchy following the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
"This week the man formerly known as prince Andrew was arrested," she said.
"He is one of the wealthiest and most privileged people in the world, but has brought nothing but shame and disgrace".
The co-leader was met with a round of applause when she declared that "there is no case for hereditary rule in the 21st century".
"It's a ridiculous, antiquated relic of a system that flies in the face of democracy," she went on.
The Green leaders are certainly firing on all cylinders. Other members seemed to match their energy, but if you were hoping for a drama-filled conference, this one's not for you (unless a lack of lunch riles you up).
There was a bit of a stir in the press room, however, when it emerged Alba are unlikely to be contesting the Holyrood election.
In the weeks ahead, all eyes are on the Greens to see if they can live up to what all current polling seems to be pointing them towards.
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