Scottish Greens Win First Holyrood Constituency as SNP Loses Seat

The electoral system combines 73 first-past-the-post constituency seats with 56 proportional representation regional seats. Swinney had targeted 65 seats to deliver an outright majority and advance the case for a new independence referendum. Whether the SNP can reach that threshold remains unclear as more results emerge.

Several prominent politicians faced uncertain fates as votes were tallied. Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie has held Dumbarton since 1999 but faced renewed pressure amid low turnout and a fragmented vote. Conservative leader Russell Findlay's position also hung in the balance depending on constituency outcomes elsewhere.

The Scottish Greens aimed to increase their influence after entering government for the first time in the last parliament. Co-leaders indicated they would support Swinney in a pro-independence majority but left open other possibilities if that threshold was not met.

Liberal Democrats sought gains in the Highlands and around major cities. Reform UK hoped for a breakthrough on the regional lists after polling strongly in recent national surveys. The party's performance could draw votes from the Conservatives and reshape the unionist side of the chamber.

Multiple party leaders had positioned themselves against Reform during the campaign. That pact had allowed the Greens to secure ministerial roles including Slater's. The current election will determine whether any similar arrangement returns or if a different coalition or minority government emerges.

Questions remain over who will become first minister. Labour leader Anas Sarwar has positioned himself for the role, though his party's path relies on complex post-election arithmetic. Unionist parties have discussed potential alignments, though Sarwar ruled out relying on Reform votes.

The results will shape Scotland's political direction for the next five years, including the balance between pro-independence and unionist forces. Further constituency and regional outcomes are expected throughout the day as counts conclude in remaining areas.

The Greens ran the SNP close in several other seats including Edinburgh North and Leith as well as Glasgow Kelvin and Maryhill. Robertson's defeat adds to previous setbacks in his political career that once saw him serve as SNP leader at Westminster.