Scotland's political leaders, including Scottish Conservatives led by Douglas Ross, First Minister John Swinney of SNP, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, and Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton, cast their votes as polling stations opened. The elections are crucial for the SNP, with stakes high as failure to secure a majority of seats may be seen as a setback for Scotland's independence ambitions. In Northern Ireland, Unionist parties are shifting their approach, aiming to distance themselves from traditional Unionism and attract a broader base of support amidst changing demographics. Meanwhile, in Scotland, the SNP's persistent focus on independence has drawn criticism for neglecting key issues like healthcare, education, and transportation, potentially making them vulnerable in the current elections.