Appearing virtually at the SNP's conference, Mr Blackford told of his joy as Scotland re-opens back up following the months of pandemic restrictions placed on Scottish people. He expressed his excitement to go and watch his "beloved" Hibernian Football Club following the easing of restrictions and pondered what others may be doing with the time. But he then went on to poke fun at the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster who was recently filmed dancing in a club on his own.

       Mr Blackford said: "While we have all adapted to the changes brought about by the pandemic, I think by this stage we all have the very natural longing to gather together again in person.

       "The good news is that we are slowly but surely getting there. This year we come together with the real hope that this marks the last time that circumstances force us to meet in this virtual way.

       "But friends throughout the last year every small step we have collectively taken has resulted in massive strides towards a more normal way of life.

       "The things that we have all missed so much have either returned or are just around the corner."

       JUST IN SNP Conference LIVE: Blackford boasts Scots bailing English out by 'paying Tory tax'

       Mr Blackford added: "For you, that may have meant a summer of family reunions, for me that also means watching my beloved Hibernian as many will be doing tomorrow."

       But in a sly jab at Mr Gove, the Westminster SNP leader put the Tory in his crosshairs as he grinned at his timely joke.

       He said: “For Michael Gove that also means dancing solo at an Aberdeen nightclub!

       “But whatever your choices for you, for all of us, we are blessed to be in a far better place.”

       READ MORE Please Boris, can I have a referendum? Sturgeon mocked as 'Oliver had more chance of win'

       Mr Blackford also used his speech to condemn Boris Johnson as he claimed "Scotland is being shafted" by UK Government plans to increase national insurance contributions in the UK.

       It comes as this week MPs voted to back an increase to national insurance contributions of 1.25 percentage points to help fund social care reforms. The devolved administrations were also promised a share of the levy, which would see Scotland receive ￡1.1 billion.

       DON'T MISS

       Brussels hits back at claim hated Brexit deal will spark violence [Latest]

       Don't need EU! SNP attacked for demanding HGV migrants [Insight]

       Brexit news: Morrison in clash with UK 'I do trade agreements!' [Report]

       The SNP conference will run from September 10-13 2021.