Scottish party leaders cast their votes on Thursday as the country went to the polls in the Holyrood election. Polling stations opened at 7am and will close at 10pm, with counting beginning at 9am on Friday.
Leaders at the Ballot Box
SNP leader John Swinney voted in Burrelton, Blairgowrie, accompanied by his wife Elizabeth. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar cast his ballot at Pollokshields Burgh Hall in Glasgow with his wife Furheen and their two sons. Reform UK's Scottish leader Malcolm Offord voted at St James' Church in Edinburgh. Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton was joined by his wife Gill and dog Bramble at Davidson's Mains Parish Church in Edinburgh. Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay arrived by bicycle at Cleveden Secondary School in Glasgow. Gillian Mackay, co-leader of the Scottish Greens, voted at Laurieston Community Hall near Falkirk with her partner Alex and their son.
Key Issues and Campaigns
A total of 129 seats are up for grabs: 73 constituency representatives and 56 additional MSPs via eight regional lists. Unlike previous elections, votes will be counted on Friday rather than overnight, with final results expected by late Friday evening. The SNP has led polls throughout the campaign. Swinney urged voters to back his party for a majority to pressure Westminster on a second independence referendum. He said the election is “Scotland’s opportunity to choose a better future by voting SNP for real action on the cost of living, to lock Nigel Farage out of power, and to secure a fresh start with independence.” SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn echoed this, calling independence “the fresh start Scotland can’t afford to miss.”
Reform UK's Rise and Labour's Challenge
One of the unknowns is Reform UK's performance, with the party polling well and poised to win at least a dozen seats, potentially challenging Labour for second place. However, Sarwar insisted polls are wrong and his party will defy expectations, despite a far cry from their 2024 general election success. Sarwar cut ties with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in February over the Peter Mandelson scandal.
Greens and Lib Dems Eye Gains
The Scottish Greens and Liberal Democrats are expected to make gains, with Greens potentially winning their first-ever constituency seat. Mackay said every vote for her party is “a vote for a fairer, greener and independent Scotland and to reject the hatred and division of Reform UK.” Lib Dem leader Cole-Hamilton described his party’s campaign as “sensational,” but noted turnout will be a major factor.
Tories Face Decline
Forecasts suggest the Scottish Conservatives, who have held second place for a decade under former leader Ruth Davidson, may lose votes and seats under Russell Findlay. The campaign has been dominated by the cost of living, with SNP pledging to cap bus fares and essential prices, while Reform and Tories focus on tax cuts. Scottish Labour also pitches tax cuts, contingent on economic growth.
