This speech was given to the Scottish Conservative conference in Stirling on 7 June.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This month, Struan argues that UKIP poses no threat to a sensible reform of the UK-EU relationship, gets a first-hand look at new technology that will revolutionise energy efficiency, updates readers on progress towards the conclusion of CFP reform and welcomes Dr Ian Duncan as the top Scottish Conservative Euro candidate in next year's elections.

If there was ever any doubt that the Iranian regime of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei was on its last legs, his government has now presented the necessary evidence. It has barred the candidacy of the two men who might have displayed anti-regime credentials. Unlike countries where fair elections are held, Iran has rules that guarantee the results. If the ruling mullahs don’t like or fear a candidate, they simply don’t allow them onto the ballot paper.

Many scientists argue that we could save 75% of the energy we use by improving energy efficiency. Indeed the most effective way to reduce carbon emissions, instead of covering Scotland with useless and costly industrial wind turbines, would be to reduce the amount of energy we waste. A Scottish company is about to explode onto the world’s business pages by putting this theory into practice.

This month, Struan urges local communities to keep the pressure on the Scottish Government over windfarm developments, hears from Scottish skippers on the pressures facing their industry, joins the ranks of the Keepers of the Quaich and remembers Margaret Thatcher.

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This month, Struan discusses Alex Salmond's 'Darien', asks for views on the EU's system of Environmental Impact Assessments, marks the Halabja genocide and tells of two bizarre examples of unsuccessful EU overreach.

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This month, Struan congratulates the CFP on passing its first major test, describes how President Barroso has dealt another blow to the Yes campaign for independence, provides on update on the latest difficulties at Camp Liberty and tells of an amusing tale of mistaken identity between an Irish MEP and a certain retiring pontiff.

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This month, Struan examines the continuing problems in Iraq, tells of further trouble with turbines, discusses his priorities for 2013 and raises a toast to Scotland's national bard at his charity Burns supper.

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It is interesting to note that for a few minutes on Friday 19^th September next year, Mary Pitcaithly, the Chief Executive of Falkirk Council, will literally hold the fate of Scotland in her hands. Mary Pitcaithly is also the Chief Returning Officer for Scotland and on that fateful day, she will be handed a piece of paper on which will be written the final result of the referendum on independence. The numbers that she reads out will decide Scotland’s future, perhaps for centuries to come.