Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said an independence referendum will take place in October next year if a crunch court case goes her way - and wowed to fight on if it doesn't.
Ms Sturgeon - who said she intends to remain in charge "for quite some time yet" - lashed out at Tory PM Liz Truss, saying the Conservative Party has taken just three weeks to realise she is a "disaster".
She told the SNP Party Conference in Aberdeen that a vote on Scottish independence will happen on October 19 next year if judges in London rule that the Scottish Parliament can legally legislate for a second referendum.
The SNP leader has asked the Supreme Court to rule on whether her government can hold a non-binding referendum without needing the Prime Minister's permission.
She said: "Over the next two days the Supreme Court will consider whether the current law allows the Scottish Parliament to legislate for an advisory referendum.
"If Westminster had any respect at all for Scottish democracy, this court hearing wouldn’t be necessary.
"But Westminster has no such respect. That means this issue was always destined to end up in court, sooner or later.
"Better, in my view, that it is sooner. If the Court decides in the way we hope it does, on 19 October next year, there will be an independence referendum."
She said that the party will "respect" the judgement if it goes against them, saying the SNP will take time to "reflect".
Ms Sturgeon said: "I don’t know about you - actually I suspect I do… But I will never - ever - give up on Scottish democracy.
"For now, the question of process - the ‘how’ of securing independence - is in the hands of judges.
"It is for us to crack on with answering the question ‘why’."
The Scottish First Minister lashed out at Liz Truss, saying: "It took the Tories three years to realise Boris Johnson was a disaster.
"With Liz Truss, it took them just three weeks.
"She caused mayhem in the markets with her decision to borrow billions of pounds to fund tax cuts for the richest. Borrowing to be repaid by eye watering austerity cuts and a raid on the incomes of the poorest.
"It is unconscionable."
She confirmed that if a crunch Supreme Court ruling goes her way, there will be a referendum on independence next October, with polls showing 52% support.
Ms Sturgeon continued: “I know some see independence as turning our back on the rest of the UK. It is not - it is about recasting our relationship as one of equals.
“There is a point here that at first glance might seem curious - but it is in my view, becoming increasingly true.
“Independence is actually the best way to protect the partnership on which the United Kingdom was founded - a voluntary partnership of nations.
“Right now, an aggressive unionism is undermining that partnership.
“Westminster’s denial of Scottish democracy. Full frontal attacks on devolution. A basic lack of respect. It is these which are causing tension and fraying the bonds between us.
“Scottish independence can reset and renew the whole notion of nations working together for the common good."
She continued: “England, Scotland, Wales, the island of Ireland. We will always be the closest of friends. We will always be family. But we can achieve a better relationship - a true partnership of equals – when we win Scotland’s independence.”
Yesterday, Ms Sturgeon sparked controversy when she said she "detested" everything the Tories stand for.
She said that although she would like to work constructively with new PM Liz Truss, she wants to see her government out of office.
"I detest the Tories and everything they stand for," she told the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg.
The Scottish First Minister has this week set up her case for a second referendum, stating: "In short, with independence, we will show how we can break with the low productivity, high inequality, Brexit-based UK economy.
"And use the full powers of independence to build and inclusive, fair, wellbeing economy that works for everyone - that is the prize of independence."
On Friday Ms Sturgeon said she has yet to have a proper call or a meeting with the new Prime Minister, who famously dubbed her an "attention seeker" who should be ignored during her leadership campaign.
The First Minister fumed: "I don't know whether that is arrogance, lack of respect, or insecurity, or whatever it is. It's not the right way to do Government in a grown up way."
In an interview with the BBC, she said that she and Ms Truss had spoken at events marking the Queen's death, but have yet to have an official chat about political business.
Ms Sturgeon said: "I hope we will see a change. I'll do my best to work with Liz Truss as constructively as possible, or whoever comes after because we can't take anything for granted in UK politics these days."
