The First Minister began by paying tribute to former Labour leader Michael Foot, who passed away just hours before the start of the conference. "As a young MP, I found him to be a kind, generous man. He will be sorely missed across the world of politics," he said.
Scotland's economic future formed the bulk of the First Minister's speech and he expressed just how crucial the positive relationship between national and local government has become in these challenging times.
"The Concordat is a wonderful example of how Scottish national and local government can work together," he said. "It was important in the good times, and it's even more important in tough times. It is critical to help find the solution."
Those words were echoed by Councillor Watters. "If ever there was a time for local and national government in Scotland to come together to protect services, it is now," was his view.
New challenges
The First Minister spoke at length on the overall economic direction of the country. Giving examples, he said: "Discretionary fiscal stimulus must continue in Scotland. To not do so would deviate from other major European economies."
Local authority budgets, and the prospect of future cuts, were naturally of interest to everyone sitting inside the presentation room and the First Minister promised his audience that he is seeking clarity on this subject.
He said: "If I was allowed to ask one question at upcoming BBC live debates, it would be this: 'Is next year's budget fixed, or will there be further downward revisions?' I need clarity and hope the upcoming election gives me that."
Councillor Watters followed the First Minister in addressing delegates. Elected in 1982, he has a wealth of experience in local government, but warned that the country is "entering new territory" in an economic sense. He also stressed that local authorities have to "take control and protect services that are vital to our communities."
Highlighting the projected rise in demand and potential loss of resources, he spoke in depth about the challenges facing Scottish local government as they attempt to improve services.
However, he also told his fellow councillors: "We are not part of the problem, we are part of the solution. The values of the Elected Members are what we need to get through the next five years."
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