PLAID Cymru’s annual conference in Aberystwyth over the weekend was brought to life by a rousing speech by the First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon.

In her first visit to Ceredigion, Ms Sturgeon used the stage to talk of the close cultural connections between Scotland and Wales.

Speaking to a packed Great Hall at Aberystwyth Arts Centre on Friday afternoon, Ms Sturgeon said: “The Celtic connections our countries share run deep.

“Both of our countries boast stunning landscapes that have an enduring appeal in our own hearts and in hearts the world over.”

The First Minister also referred to the recent loss of Dr John Davies, the noted historian who lectured many generations of Aberystwyth students and wrote the definitive History of Wales.

“Dr John Davies made a huge contribution to your nation,” she added.

“He knew, as I do, that history is important — it grounds us and gives us a story. But John always had one eye on the future.

“He knew that the history of Wales is only partly written. He knew that Wales, just like Scotland, must continually look to the future.”