Humza Yousaf spoke last night of his "impatience" to see Scotland achieve independence.
The health secretary was the first of the three SNP leadership candidates to make his opening speech at the party's first hustings event.
It was a theme many SNP members could relate to as they queued outside Cumbernauld Theatre on a chilly March evening.
The venue was sold-out with 200 activists keen to ask questions of the three candidates vying to become the next First Minister.
Local members Alex and June joined the party on the day after the 2014 independence referendum.
Now in their 70s, the couple told the Record they wanted to see independence achieved in their lifetimes.
"We've lost friends in the years since the referendum," June said.
"We're still out canvassing and delivering leaflets.
"We need to sell the dream of independence, let people know how it could change their lives for the better."
Alex viewed the leadership contest as a two-horse race between Yousaf and Kate Forbes, the finance secretary.
"I think the contest is an open one as so many party members still haven't made their minds up on who to vote for.
"We'll make up our minds after we've heard them make their cases."
Asked if Forbes was still capable of winning the vote among party members after a rocky start to her campaign, June said yes.
"She proved herself when she delivered the Budget at the last minute. She's still capable of pulling off a surprise."
Her popularity among some members was proven just minutes later.
As Forbes made her way to the entrance of the theatre, the front of the queue burst into applause.
Cumbernauld resident Mary Smith was among those who kept her arms at her side.
"I'll be honest, I'm still in shock that Nicola Sturgeon has resigned," she said.
"I think a lot of the members are. And for that reason, a lot of them haven't made up their minds on who to vote for.
"But I'm backing Humza. He has the experience."
The Record was the only newspaper to have a reporter inside the theatre after SNP bosses initially announced they would shut-out the media from hustings events to create a "safe space" for members.
Following a storm of criticism, the party agreed last night's event would be live streamed and some journalist could gain access.
Making his way inside the theatre, a beaming Yousaf said he was "absolutely" happy that the event would be streamed online.
He went on tell the audience he would be a "first activist" as well as a First Minister if he was elected.
It was a smart line for an audience who are desperate for a realistic plan to achieve their independence dream.
To win this leadership contest, candidates must prove they are as impatient as their party members.
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