THERE was disappointment for small parties and independent candidates yesterday as their major rivals swept the board at the Scottish elections.

New pro-independence organisations Restore Scotland and Scotia Future, led by ex-SNP MSP Chic Brodie, had hoped their manifestos – offering a sovereign Scotland with the EU – would attract Yes voters disenchanted with the pro-Europe policies of the SNP and the Greens.

However, despite concerted campaigns, neither secured enough support to win any seats.

Two other pro-Yes parties – Action for Independence and the Independence for Scotland Party (ISP) – had also planned to stand candidates, but withdrew after the launch of the Alba Party.

The election coincided with the first anniversary of ISP’s formation and the party has indicated it will field candidates at next year’s council contest.

Meanwhile, new No outfits also failed to gather sufficient backing.

Michelle Ballantyne, who left the Conservatives to lead Reform UK’s Scottish section, was not returned.

That party – a rebrand of the Brexit Party – lost its UK leader in March when Nigel Farage announced he was leaving politics.

Peach ballot papers in some parts of the country also featured other candidates from a variety of ideological standpoints, including the Scottish Family Party, the Women’s Equality Party and the Freedom Alliance.

Edinburgh councillor Ashley Graczyk stood as an independent on the Lothians list, where three Conservative, two Green and two Labour MSPs were returned.

In the Falkirk East constituency contest, drug policy reform campaigner Peter Krykant secured a 2.5% vote share of 971, putting him just 36 votes behind the LibDem candidate.

Krykant said that although he was “gutted” he was “determined to get marginalised voices heard”, adding: “Bring on the council elections 2022.”

Edinburgh artist Bonnie Prince Bob decided to go it alone in Edinburgh Central, where he was flanked by two supporters.

At a total of 363, he got more votes than the Libertarian and Ukip candidates, but was miles behind winner Angus Robertson of the SNP, who ended on 16,276.

David McHutchon, leader of Restore Scotland, thanked “everyone who came out and voted” for his party amidst increased turnout in Scotland.

Referring to the party’s rejection of the EU, UK and Efta, he told them in a tweet: “Thank you for standing up for #TrueIndy. We will be back bigger and stronger in 2022!”