91�ȱ�

Delegates at the SNP conference have given their backing for the constitution of an independent Scotland to include a ban on nuclear weapons.

The Inverness conference also agreed that it would enshrine the rights to free education and a home.

The party said that if there was a yes to independence, a cross-party group would work on the details of the constitution.

The referendum will take place on 18 September next year.

At the beginning of the year First Minister Alex Salmond said he believed Scots should have key rights enshrined in writing.

SNP MSP Bruce Crawford told the conference that one of the first and most important tasks of an independent Scotland would be to establish the process for "drawing up the constitution that will shape Scotland in the years to come".

He added: "That is something that transcends party politics and is a process that must bring together people from all parties and across the spectrum of Scottish society.

"It will be an enormously exciting opportunity and will give all people across Scotland the chance to come together and lay down the fundamental principles that will underpin an independent Scotland.

"A constitution defines and safeguards the values and character of a nation and I hope a future constitutional convention will enshrine Scotland's role as participative democracy based on social justice, equal law and the sharing of power."

The home of the UK's nuclear deterrent, Trident, is currently at Faslane on the Clyde. The SNP has said that Trident would have to go in an independent Scotland.

Mr Crawford said: "People in Scotland have had to put up with nuclear weapons on the Clyde for far too long, despite polls showing that 80% of people in Scotland want them removed.

"A yes vote in next year's referendum is the only way that we can ensure these weapons of mass destruction are removed from Scotland once and for all."