SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon takes applause following delivering her keynote speech to the Scottish National Party Spring conference on March 12, 2016 in Glasgow, Scotland (Jeff J Mitchell)

The First Minister yesterday revealed details of an SNP plan to target so-called “reluctant No” voters to find out what it could do to persuade them to back a Yes vote.

Ms Sturgeon – who described the 2014 independence referendum as a “once in a lifetime opportunity for Scotland” – signalled it was time to build a new case for breaking up the Union.

The First Minister claimed she knew “that many wanted to be persuaded in 2014” and said her party was prepared to “challenge some of our own answers” – hinting at a shift on controversial issues such as currency.

It is expected the SNP will include some form of a commitment to a fresh independence referendum, with conditions, in its manifesto.

Opposition parties last night called on the SNP to respect the result of the majority 2014 vote in favour of rejecting independence.

But addressing the SNP conference in Glasgow, Ms Sturgeon said: “We will not achieve our dream of independence just by wishing that the outcome of the referendum had been different – or wishing that we could do it all again next week.

“We will achieve independence only when we persuade a majority of our fellow citizens that it is the best future for our country.

“It will mean convincing the people of this country that independence is right – not for yesterday’s world – but for the complex, challenging and increasingly interdependent world that we live in today.

“Making and winning that case is our challenge – and our opportunity.

“This summer, the SNP will embark on a new initiative to build support for independence. It will not be an attempt to browbeat anyone.”

She added: “I know that many across Scotland support the Union as strongly as we do independence – and I respect that.

“But I also know that many wanted to be persuaded in 2014 – but ultimately didn’t find our arguments compelling enough.

“So we will listen to what you have to say. We will hear your concerns and address your questions – and in the process, we will be prepared to challenge some of our own answers.

“And, patiently and respectfully, we will seek to convince you that independence really does offer the best future for Scotland.”

Last year, Miss Sturgeon used her conference address to warn the UK that leaving the EU against the wishes of a majority of Scots could trigger another independence poll.

The SNP leader is on record as saying she doesn’t want to go for another referendum unless the polls show a majority of Scots back the move.

This means the “listening exercise” being planned for the summer is unlikely to lead to an immediate re-run of the referendum given polls currently show the majority of people are still against the move.

Scots Tory leader Ruth Davidson said: “It’s clear the SNP – from top to bottom – just isn’t prepared to let this go.

“People voted decisively to remain part of the UK and it’s time Nicola Sturgeon respected it.

“This shows again why having a pro-UK opposition in Holyrood is so critical to Scotland’s constitutional future.”

Meanwhile, Mhairi Black used her address to raise the issue of pension inequality which The Sunday Post has been championing.

£100 million Education Plan

Headteachers will get a share of a new £100 million fund to raise standards in Scotland’s schools.

Nicola Sturgeon said the cash, being raised from a hike in council tax, would pay for extra teachers, classroom assistants and equipment.

The money will bypass councils and go straight to headteachers and is part of what the First Minister described as a £750 million investment into raising the education standards of the poorest children in Scotland.

An initiative to give free school meals to P1 to P3 pupils will also be extended to youngsters in council-run nurseries as well.

Miss Sturgeon said: “Nothing motivates me more than the desire to give every young person the same chances in life that I had.

“That means giving them the best education.”

In addition, a new maternity grant will be handed to low-income families.

The allowance will see payment of £600 for a first child then £300 for each subsequent child, with £500 more to come when the child is older.

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