THERE was disappointment for small parties and independent candidates yesterday as their major rivals swept the board at the Scottish elections. New pro-independence organisations Restore Scotland and Scotia Future, led by ex-SNP MSP Chic Brodie, had hoped their manifestos – offering a sovereign Scotland with the EU – would attract Yes voters disenchanted with the pro-Europe policies of the SNP and the Greens. However, despite concerted campaigns, neither secured enough support to win any seats. Two other pro-Yes parties – Action for Independence and the Independence for Scotland Party (ISP) – had also planned to stand candidates, but withdrew after the launch of the Alba Party.
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A NEW Yes party launches today – 50 days before polls open for the Scottish Parliament elections. Restore Scotland advocates for independence outside of the European Union and was founded on the 700th anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath last year. Based in Fife and ready to stand candidates in May, it is the fourth fledgling party set to enter that contest on a pro-independence ticket. The others are the Independence for Scotland Party, Action for Independence and Scotia Future. Restore Scotland says it stands for “the defence of individual liberty, the value and integrity of the family, the sanctity of human life and the health and wellbeing of the nation”.