First Minister John Swinney has said he is “incredibly proud” of the SNP’s campaign as polls closed across Scotland in the Scottish Parliament election tonight.

Voting ended at 10pm following six weeks of campaigning across the country, with counting now set to continue overnight and into tomorrow morning.

The SNP leader said his party had focused throughout the campaign on the NHS, the cost of living and independence.

John Swinney said:

“I am incredibly proud of the positive, ambitious campaign the SNP has run over the last six weeks.  

“And I am proud that we are the only party to have run a truly national campaign, we have been active and campaigning in every part of Scotland. 
 
“Our campaign focused entirely on the priorities of the people of Scotland, improving the NHS, supporting people with the cost of living and delivering the fresh start of independence.  

“And that is exactly how we will govern, if that is the choice that the people of Scotland have made. 
 
“We have gone to our fellow citizens with a positive message of hope.  

“We have not been asking people to vote for an opposition to stop things happening, we have asked people to vote for an SNP Government to get things done. 
 
“Tomorrow, we will learn the decision the people of Scotland have made, whether we have secured a historic and unprecedented fifth term in government, and whether we have unlocked the chance to choose our own future in a referendum. 
 
“I am immensely grateful to all of the SNP candidates and activists who have worked so hard during this campaign.  

“You are a credit to our party, and I have been proud to campaign with you all from Shetland to Stranraer over the last six weeks. 
 
“And to everyone who has come out today to vote SNP for a better future for Scotland, I offer my warmest thanks.  

“If we have the privilege of being re-elected, we will not let you down.”