Humza Yousaf has pledged "to reach across the divisions and bring people together" if he succeeds Nicola Sturgeon.
The Health Secretary will make a speech in Clydebank today and face questions from the media as he gets his SNP leadership campaign underway.
Yousaf confirmed yesterday he would stand and faces competition for the top job from former Scottish Government minister Ash Regan.
They are expected to be joined by Kate Forbes who could announce her own candidacy as soon as today.
Yousaf said: "The top job needs someone who has extensive experience in Government, I believe I have that experience. I am proud that Nicola Sturgeon has trusted me with some of the most difficult jobs in Government, as Transport Minister, Justice Secretary and my current role as Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care.
"I have been a member of the SNP for most of my adult life, I believe in independence with every fibre of my being. I will dedicate myself to re-energising and growing our movement from the grassroots up. Our opponents are obsessed with trying to get us to talk about process, I want us to talk about policy and remind people why we need Scotland to be an independent nation.
"I also believe I have the skills required to reach across the divisions that exist in our political discourse and bring people together, be that in our party or in the country. This is a crucial time for the future of Scotland, the future of the SNP, and the future of the independence movement. I believe I am the right person to ensure we remain a progressive Government, that puts always puts the needs of the most vulnerable first."
He added: "My promise to my fellow SNP members and to the people of Scotland is this - I will always stand up for Scotland. I will always protect Scotland’s democracy. I will work tirelessly for a fairer, more equal Scotland. I hope you will support my bid to be Scotland’s next First Minister."
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