The Potential Loss of SNP Control in 2026: A Disaster for Scotland

As the political landscape in Scotland continues to shift, recent polling data has raised the alarming possibility that the SNP may lose control of Holyrood in the 2026 election. The latest figures suggest that while the SNP is projected to win the most seats, the unionist parties could collectively hold more seats, potentially resulting in a unionist-led government. This scenario would be a disaster for Scotland, undoing years of progress and jeopardising the country’s future.

The Threat of a Unionist-Controlled Holyrood

Imagine a Scotland where decisions about our future are made by those who oppose our right to self-determination. This is the bleak reality we could face if the unionist parties succeed in gaining control of Holyrood. The consequences of such a shift would be profound. The SNP, since coming to power, has worked tirelessly to advance Scotland’s interests, and the achievements of the past decade stand as a testament to their commitment to the people of Scotland. A unionist government, however, would likely reverse much of this progress, putting party ideology ahead of the needs and aspirations of the Scottish people.

The SNP’s Legacy: Achievements Worth Defending

It is worth reflecting on the significant achievements the SNP has delivered for Scotland. These include:

• Free University Tuition: The SNP has ensured that Scottish students do not face the burden of tuition fees, allowing access to higher education based on ability rather than financial means.

• Prescriptions Charges Abolished: The SNP abolished prescription charges in Scotland, ensuring that everyone, regardless of income, has access to essential medications without financial hardship.

• Expansion of Renewable Energy: Under SNP leadership, Scotland has become a world leader in renewable energy, particularly in wind power, reducing our carbon footprint and setting an example for sustainable development globally.

These are just a few examples of how the SNP has consistently worked to build a fairer, greener, and more prosperous Scotland. A unionist government would likely undermine these achievements, as their priorities do not align with the values that have driven Scotland’s progress under SNP leadership.

The Danger of Complacency: Rethinking Our Voting Strategy

However, relying solely on the hegemony of SNP power is not enough to secure Scotland’s future. The 2026 election could very well be a turning point, and it is critical that we do not allow complacency to threaten the progress we’ve made. The current voting system, particularly the proportional representation element, means that a strategic approach to voting is essential if we are to maintain a pro-independence majority in Holyrood.

One effective strategy is to vote SNP for your constituency vote and then direct your regional list vote to another organised pro-independence party. This approach ensures that pro-independence parties can maximise their representation in the Scottish Parliament, countering the influence of unionist parties.

A Pro-Scottish Government: The Power of Strategic Voting

Let’s consider a fictitious example based on recent polling data. If the SNP’s list votes were strategically reallocated to Alba, a smaller pro-independence party, Alba could potentially secure a significant number of seats in Holyrood. In our hypothetical scenario, this could lead to Alba holding 19 regional list seats, on top of the seats won by the SNP and the Greens. Collectively, this would give pro-independence parties a majority of 70 seats in the Scottish Parliament.

This outcome would not only prevent a unionist takeover but would also create a strong, unified front for advancing Scotland’s independence agenda. A pro-Scottish government, built on the strength of strategic voting, is our best hope for safeguarding the progress we have made and continuing to push for a future where Scotland’s destiny is decided by the people of Scotland.

The 2026 Holyrood election presents a clear and present danger to the future of Scotland. If unionist parties succeed in gaining control, it would be a disaster for everything we have worked to achieve. However, by adopting a strategic voting approach—SNP for the constituency vote and another pro-independence party for the regional list vote—we can ensure that Holyrood remains in the hands of those who have Scotland’s best interests at heart. The future of our nation is too important to leave to chance. We must act now to secure a pro-Scottish government that will continue to build a better, fairer Scotland for all.