For years, the dream of an independent Scotland has sparked passions across the nation.
Yet, as the desire for self-determination grows, internal political strife threatens to derail progress.
The schism between the Scottish National Party (SNP) and ALBA, fuelled by personality clashes and policy differences, has proven costly.
Now, more than ever, Scotland’s independence movement needs unity—true unity—if it is to achieve its long-sought goal.
And that means the SNP and ALBA must set aside their differences and come together for the greater good.
The SNP, long the dominant force in Scottish politics, has been the driving engine behind the push for independence.
Their electoral victories have kept the dream alive, with First Minister John Swinney continuing the work begun under Nicola Sturgeon and Alex Salmond.
Yet, the party’s focus on progressive governance has drawn fire from those who believe it has strayed from its original independence mission.
Enter ALBA, founded by former First Minister Alex Salmond, who represents a different strand of Scottish nationalism—one that believes the SNP has become too complacent and too focused on winning over voters in London.
However, as the fight between the two parties intensifies, Scotland’s road to independence becomes more treacherous.
Divided movements rarely succeed.
The split in the independence vote has handed leverage to pro-Union parties, weakening the independence mandate.
This division threatens to delay—perhaps indefinitely—the realisation of Scotland’s aspirations.
The truth is, both parties want the same thing: independence.
They may differ on strategy and tactics, but the overarching goal remains shared.
By continuing to fight amongst themselves, they only serve to fracture the base that is so crucial for winning a future referendum.
Both parties need to recognise that their internal struggles pale in comparison to the ultimate goal of securing Scotland’s sovereignty.
If the SNP and ALBA were to bury the hatchet and work in tandem, they could present a united front that would galvanise the independence movement.
A coalition of the two parties could signal to the people of Scotland—and to Westminster—that the push for independence is stronger and more serious than ever.
It would also bring together different perspectives and talents, strengthening the overall campaign by offering a more nuanced and inclusive vision of an independent Scotland.
Moreover, working together would rekindle the fire of the 2014 referendum when Scotland came within touching distance of independence.
That energy, combined with new momentum from both sides of the movement, would invigorate the cause.
With increasing frustrations over Westminster’s handling of Brexit and devolved powers, the time is ripe to reignite the conversation and build consensus among pro-independence voters.
In the end, Scotland’s independence won’t be won by division, but by cooperation.
The SNP and ALBA must come to terms with the fact that, despite their differences, they are on the same team.
By setting aside personal grievances and ideological disputes, they can create a formidable political force—one that has a real chance of achieving the independence Scotland deserves.
Only then can the nation truly move forward, united in purpose and stronger than ever before.
