THERE was disappointment for small parties and independent candidates yesterday as their major rivals swept the board at the Scottish elections.
New pro-independence organisations Restore Scotland and Scotia Future, led by ex-SNP MSP Chic Brodie, had hoped their manifestos – offering a sovereign Scotland with the EU – would attract Yes voters disenchanted with the pro-Europe policies of the SNP and the Greens.
However, despite concerted campaigns, neither secured enough support to win any seats.
Two other pro-Yes parties – Action for Independence and the Independence for Scotland Party (ISP) – had also planned to stand candidates, but withdrew after the launch of the Alba Party.
The election coincided with the first anniversary of ISP’s formation and the party has indicated it will field candidates at next year’s council contest.
Meanwhile, new No outfits also failed to gather sufficient backing.
Michelle Ballantyne, who left the Conservatives to lead Reform UK’s Scottish section, was not returned.
That party – a rebrand of the Brexit Party – lost its UK leader in March when Nigel Farage announced he was leaving politics.
Peach ballot papers in some parts of the country also featured other candidates from a variety of ideological standpoints, including the Scottish Family Party, the Women’s Equality Party and the Freedom Alliance.
Edinburgh councillor Ashley Graczyk stood as an independent on the Lothians list, where three Conservative, two Green and two Labour MSPs were returned.
In the Falkirk East constituency contest, drug policy reform campaigner Peter Krykant secured a 2.5% vote share of 971, putting him just 36 votes behind the LibDem candidate.
Krykant said that although he was “gutted” he was “determined to get marginalised voices heard”, adding: “Bring on the council elections 2022.”
Edinburgh artist Bonnie Prince Bob decided to go it alone in Edinburgh Central, where he was flanked by two supporters.
At a total of 363, he got more votes than the Libertarian and Ukip candidates, but was miles behind winner Angus Robertson of the SNP, who ended on 16,276.
David McHutchon, leader of Restore Scotland, thanked “everyone who came out and voted” for his party amidst increased turnout in Scotland.
Referring to the party’s rejection of the EU, UK and Efta, he told them in a tweet: “Thank you for standing up for #TrueIndy. We will be back bigger and stronger in 2022!”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel