SNP and Greens Join Independence March as Holyrood Election Campaign Begins

SNP and Scottish Greens joined thousands in Edinburgh for an independence march as Holyrood election campaigning began. Leaders from multiple parties outlined their positions on independence, public services, and the cost of living ahead of the 7 May vote.

Independence March in Edinburgh

SNP leader John Swinney and the Scottish Green Party's co-leaders participated alongside thousands of independence supporters in Edinburgh during the opening weekend of Holyrood election campaigning.

The event on the Royal Mile also featured appearances by Succession actor Brian Cox, broadcaster Lesley Riddoch, and human rights lawyer Aamer Anwar.

Independence advocates from across Scotland gathered for the march, which culminated in a rally held at Calton Hill.

A young girl - draped in a saltire flag - takes part in a march and rally for independence organised by Believe in Scotland, which aims to celebrate Scotland's potential, its culture and its people in Edinburgh. — A young girl draped in a saltire was among those who took part in the event

Calls for Referendum and Political Responses

Opposition candidates have rejected calls for a new referendum on Scottish independence and criticised the SNP’s governance record.

Addressing the rally, Swinney described independence as the "prize before us" if the SNP secures a majority in the 7 May election.

"The UK establishment was broken and Scotland was paying the price," he said.

"In one of the most energy-rich countries in the world, people pay some of the highest energy bills in Europe.

It does not add up. And yet it is the reality for people right across this country. Westminster has failed."

Last October, SNP members endorsed Swinney’s proposal to claim a mandate for a second independence referendum if the party wins a majority of seats.

The previous referendum, held in September 2014, followed the SNP's historic majority win in the 2011 Holyrood election.

Thousands of activists wave saltire flags — Scotland last held an independence referendum in September 2014

Scottish Greens’ Position

Scottish Greens co-leader Gillian Mackay stated that votes for her party would contribute to securing a pro-independence majority.

"With Labour failing on all fronts and the prospect of Nigel Farage in Downing Street, it is more crucial than ever that we take our future into our own hands.

We cannot continue allowing decisions to be made for us by far and remote governments who are all too happy to ignore Scotland."

Conservative Campaign Focus

Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay campaigned in Perthshire, focusing on the challenges faced by businesses.

He emphasised that the election should concentrate on issues such as the cost of living and public services.

"While John Swinney was up a hill rabble-rousing with nationalist diehards, I spent the day talking with ordinary Scots in the real world.

By leading a nationalist rally on the first weekend of the election campaign, he confirmed how out of touch he is with the people of Scotland.

Swinney's flag-waving antics confirmed that independence will always be his only priority."

Russell Findlay in a suit and striped tie stands in the middle of a busy indoor event, surrounded by groups of people talking, taking photos and moving around the room, with bright lighting and framed photographs on the walls — Russell Findlay said the election should be about issues like the cost of living and public services

Reform UK’s Stance

Reform UK candidate Thomas Kerr told BBC Scotland News that the party intends to prioritise issues such as job creation.

"Reform UK does not want to leave the UK, we want to lead the UK.

Our position is very clear. Scotland decided in 2014 to remain part of the United Kingdom.

We want to focus the next 10 years on recovering."

Labour’s Election Promises

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar pledged to reduce waiting times and eliminate the 08:00 "scramble" for GP appointments during his weekend campaign activities.

He committed to improving healthcare by "getting the basics right" and incorporating new technology to accelerate diagnosis and treatment.

"After 20 years of the SNP, too many people feel Scotland is stuck, and nowhere is that clearer than in our NHS.

Waiting lists are soaring, patients are being let down and the SNP has run out of road.

I'm standing to fix the mess, get the basics right and build a better future for Scotland."

Liberal Democrats’ Campaign Initiatives

The Scottish Liberal Democrats stated they are "on the verge of winning against the SNP" in numerous constituencies.

Leader Alex Cole-Hamilton made the statement during a visit to a cafe in Linlithgow, West Lothian, where he outlined his party’s plans to reduce the cost of living.

These plans include an emergency insulation programme aimed at lowering heating bills and accelerating the deployment of climate-friendly heating solutions such as solar panels.

Cole-Hamilton also pledged to revise community benefit regulations to ensure local communities receive a greater share of revenue generated by renewable energy projects in their areas.