SNP activists will gather for conference amid claims the party is riven over independence.
More than 2,000 delegates are expected at the Aberdeen event, when a new deputy leader will be unveiled.
Former Angus-based Royal Marine Keith Brown is favourite to win the contest, but the Economy Secretary is up against councillor Chris McEleny and activist Julie Hepburn.
The two-day conference takes place as Westminster prepares to vote on flagship Brexit legislation next week, against the backdrop of SNP anger about a “Conservative power grab” on Holyrood competences.
It also follows the publication of the Scottish independence blueprint from the Growth Commission, which has been criticised by some in the Yes movement.
Kirsty Blackman, the SNP MP, said: “Over the next two days the SNP will debate the positive ideas that can take Scotland forward and replace the despair of Brexit with hope and optimism for our country.”
Calling on Nicola Sturgeon to focus on the economy and schools rather than independence, Scottish Conservative deputy leader Jackson Carlaw said: “The truth is that the SNP is meeting this weekend as a house divided.”
