Thousands of independence supporters recently gathered on Edinburgh's Calton Hill, waving the Saltire (Scotland's blue-and-white flag) and calling for an end to rule from London, in what observers described as a notably peaceful and non-aggressive demonstration. The Scottish National Party (SNP), which campaigns for Scottish independence from the United Kingdom, could win a majority in elections scheduled for 7 May, potentially giving fresh momentum to calls for a new independence referendum — a cause currently backed by around 45% of Scots. Adding urgency to the movement, a potential collapse of Keir Starmer's Labour government in London and a rise of right-wing parties such as Reform UK could deepen Scottish alienation from Britain and push more undecided voters toward the independence camp.