PRO-INDEPENDENCE parties have made their final pitch to voters as polls open across the country for the Scottish elections.
From 7am until 10pm on Thursday, people in Scotland can cast their vote in the Holyrood elections, determining who will be elected to the Scottish Parliament - and ultimately form the next government.
The final MRP poll of the Scottish elections, published on Wednesday evening, found that while a majority is out of reach for the SNP, a pro-independence majority in Holyrood is almost certain.
Here's what pro-independence parties have said in their final bid to voters.
SNP
First Minister John Swinney has said a vote for the SNP will bring "real action on the cost of living, lock Nigel Farage out of power and secure a fresh start with independence".
The SNP leader called on voters to "unite behind the SNP" as he said "that opportunity of a better future is within touching distance".
Ahead of the polls opening, Swinney said: "Today 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.
"I urge people in every part of Scotland to unite behind the SNP to make it happen."
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Swinney said the SNP are the "only party that has set out a positive vision for Scotland's future" and which has a "serious plan to support people with the cost of living".
"We have set out our plans to bring down food costs, give families more support with the cost of childcare, lower the cost of your daily commute and provide more support for first time buyers," he said.
The First Minister continued: "The SNP wants to lower your bills – but all the other parties want to do is stop us.
"They have no plan of their own and nothing to offer. They want you to vote for an opposition to stop things happening. I am asking people to vote for an SNP Government to get things done.
"By casting both votes for the SNP, Scotland can elect a strong majority SNP government that will always stand up for Scotland, prioritise the cost of living, and deliver that fresh start of independence that Scotland needs.
"That opportunity of a better future is now within touching distance. Let's make it happen today by voting SNP."
Scottish Greens
Ahead of the polls opening on Thursday morning, the Scottish Greens have said that voting for them will keep the "hateful and divisive politics of Reform UK" out of the Scottish Parliament.
Co-leader Gillian Mackay has urged Scots to vote for the Greens on the regional ballot in order to secure a pro-independence majority and "shut out Reform".
She said: “We don’t have to accept a broken status quo. It’s time to demand better.
“Every vote for the Scottish Greens is a vote for a fairer, greener and independent Scotland and to reject the hatred and division of Reform UK."
Mackay said the Scottish Greens have a "proud record of change", including policies such as delivering free bus travel for under 22s, ending peak rail fares and wiping school meal debt.
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She added: “With more Green MSPs will deliver free bus travel for everyone across Scotland, climate action to insulate homes and cut energy bills and free and flexible childcare for every child over 6 months. We’ll do it by making the super-rich pay their fair share."
The Scottish Green co-leader said that this is a stark contrast with Reform UK, which she argued "will try to play communities against each other and do the bidding of their multimillionaire donors".
“Every vote will be crucial. The polls show that all over Scotland it will go right down to the wire between the Scottish Greens and reform. It is vital that we beat them and that hope beats hate," Mackay added.
“The only way to ensure a pro-independence majority and to stop Reform and their wealthy friends is a record vote for the Scottish Greens.
“Scotland can demand better by voting for the Scottish Greens on the regional peach-coloured ballot today.”
See Scottish Greens co-leader Ross Greer's final pitch to voters in the video below.
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