Scottish General Election

It's the Scottish government's decisions how it spends the money it has and it was the SNP government that decided that giving the ferry contract to a local shipbuilder was more important than having functioning ferries on time. They heeded no warnings, same as for the QEII hospital. It's all show, bugger the eventual outcome.

The ferries and the NHS Scotland and Scotrail are Scottish government responsibilities first and foremost. I would have a lot more respect for the SNP and their supporters if they would grow up and accept their responsibilities and their shortcomings.

Running down of rural services has happened because of austerity, both under the last UK government and this one.

SG only get the block grant funding that Westminister will give them. There will be the same lack of money under any Scottish Government, run by any party, because Westminister spend most of our money on our behalf.
So no money for Scotland after HS2, defence, Trident renewal have all been prioritised. Independence is the only way this situation will change.

Please can you explain why a non-SNP government would be more successful with ferries using the same amount of block grant money, which won't change under dependence?

How do you think people on the islands with medical issues feel about the ferry problems?
Residents on Mull who require kidney dialysis need to take the ferry to Oban from where they are driven by taxi to Lochgilphead (60 miles) for the dialysis and then back, they need to do this several times every week.
The local hospice charity has fitted out a flat for cancer patients from the islands to stay when they need to travel to/from the mainland for medical appointments because the ferry service is so unreliable now, people have to travel days ahead to be sure they make it and risk getting stuck on the way back.
And you know what, it wasn't always like this, I've lived here long enough to know that this running down of vital rural services has happened under the SNP government.

Sorry you feel that way.

I'm glad I don't live in England as due to its government it's far worse there.

My disabled friend is trapped there as she can't afford to move back. She waited 2 years to see a neurologist, who then decided to take a 'wait and see approach'. She is going blind and collapsed leaving the GP, needing a wheelchair to reach her car. Her GP is trying to get her another neurologist but can't so far. She's only 46.

I had a serious neurological issue too, for over 12 years. But in Scotland I was seen as an emergency, treated in hospital, given access to a biologic through a NICE request which NHS England would have refused on cost grounds, and as of 2 months ago I was signed off. I have my life back, but I'm really scared my friend could lose hers, and has spent years living in disability as well.

But, hey, you aren't happy with ferry services.

As always, I’ll have to vote for whoever has the best chance against the SNP

They’ve destroyed Scotland whilst in government, and the idea of them trying to set up a new country is terrifying, the mind boggles

An absolute fortune spent defending indefensible court actions, from the woman stuff to the bottle returns

And being in tow with the weirdo Greens

The referendum was a horrible time: divisive and unsettling and I don’t think there’s genuinely an appetite for a repeat or the massive waste of money when Scotland is in such disrepair. We need education and healthcare fixed not more flag waving

Brexit has also shown the foolhardiness of nationalist separatism and its effect on lives and the economy so it’s anybody but pro independence parties (or reform) for me. I also think many people will vote SNP because of the state of politics overall and not through ideology

My DC is 17 and despises the SNP and the parochial nationalist mindset, especially after the abuse he got in 2014 as his dad is English

The SNP couldn’t run a ferry build in a ship yard never mind a country. It makes me very sad what they’ve done to mine

John Curtice's opinion on what may or may not happen:

John Curtice: Polls says SNP will be the largest party but numbers vary - BBC News https://share.google/RXrhc1PXVE7BMa7Nn

The No vote was a huge mistake. We were dragged out of the EU, our EU powers were reverted to UK automatically, and now we are a poor country despite being energy rich through oil, gas and renewables.

The UK has profited by 420 billion from oil taxation, and is still in debt.

Why do you think they are competent to keep running Scotland? Not 'it's always been this way', but what merit do they have, what is the justification for their continual poor management? Why is Wes Streeting in charge of that decision and not you?

Here's the independence polling data from the last ten years from Professor Sir John Curtice's site. If you look at this year and bear in mind a +/- of a couple of percent error margin, it's neck and neck overall.

I think it could go either way, but I don't think No would get 55 again. But nor do I think Yes would potentially get more than 55.

I think anything less than 55 (ideally 60) shouldn't lead to change. Personally I think if you don't have at least 60% of voters behind you, it won't be a success as there's too much discord. I point you to the Brexit vote.

All referendums ideally need to be 60/40 for a change, rather than 50%+1.

How would you vote in a Scottish independence referendum if held now? (asked after the EU referendum) - What Scotland Thinks

https://share.google/HKrGrAufqAjF71Qt4

Rather underwhelming

Wikipedia 😂. Which can be edited.

🎯

What is it about Ireland that you think we should emulate? Low corporation taxes? Seems totally in opposition to the SNPs economic ideology.

Is there a middle ground?

https://scottishelections.ac.uk/2025/09/03/is-there-a-constitutional-middle-ground-in-scotland-attitudes-to-indyref-mandates/

Posted my vote today.

SNP/SNP.

@Motheranddaughter Incidentally, a poll in February (?) had 58% (!!!) of Scots voters interviewed as wanting independence if Farage became the UK PM.

Reform's quiet desire to row back on devoloution is dangerous - particularly as regards Northern Ireland.

I & many, many friends here in the Highlands would be on the streets if one Reform finger dared touch Holyrood. Remember, 78% I think voted Yes/Yes for devo.

What I don’t understand about the SNP is that indy ref was 12 years ago and the electorate voted no. The majority had their reasons for voting no and rather than attempt to address those reasons to try and win them over, they have continued with what increasingly appears to be student politics rather than a proper government.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opinion_polling_on_Scottish_independence

The link above is good.

Last poll 46% in favour.
43% not.
10% Don't Know

Generally "in favour" have led but the percentage of "Don't Knows" would swing it.

I bitterly regret voting No. Dumbfounded by the utter stupidity of BREXIT & the crap UK economy since.

And where is clear evidence the result would be any different if there was a referendum tomorrow

@Igneococcus

My apologies - you are quite correct - and I am happy to learn that our income tax does come back full circle! 👌

Apropos 2014.

12 years back.

What exactly is the reason unionists believe that Scotland cannot possibly match say, Ireland?

What do you believe Scots don't measure up to?