The Scottish Greens have made history by winning their first-ever constituency seats in the Scottish Parliament, ousting prominent SNP figure Angus Robertson in the Edinburgh Central constituency and capturing Glasgow Southside, previously held by Nicola Sturgeon.
Why it matters: This election marks a turning point for the Scottish Greens, who have historically relied on list votes to secure seats. Their victories indicate a growing support for environmental politics in Scotland.
Lorna Slater won Edinburgh Central with a majority of 4,582 votes, receiving 12,680 votes compared to Labour's 8,098 and Robertson's 7,702.
Holly Bruce, a Green councillor, claimed Glasgow Southside with a majority of 3,101 votes, also defeating former SNP minister Kaukab Stewart.
The results represent the first time the SNP has finished third in a constituency ballot since 2011, signaling a shift in voter preferences.
Driving the news: The Scottish Greens' success is a clear indication of changing political dynamics in Scotland, particularly among younger voters. Slater, who previously was a minister in an SNP-Green government, described the win as a "significant milestone" for her party.
Slater expressed optimism about the Greens' future, stating, "Two constituencies is amazing for us. It shows how that progressive agenda really has support, especially from young people."
She aims to surpass the Greens' previous record of eight MSPs achieved in 2021, indicating a desire for continued growth.
Bruce emphasized community ties in her acceptance speech, declaring, "This victory isn't just mine, it belongs to all of you."
State of play: Angus Robertson's defeat is particularly notable as he was the SNP's campaign director and a former culture secretary. His ranking as fourth on the party's regional list raises doubts about his return to Holyrood.
Robertson's campaign faced criticism for his lack of engagement with constituents, including not holding in-person surgeries, which contributed to his poor performance.
He previously lost his Moray seat in 2017 and had been a prominent figure in the SNP, serving as Westminster leader before shifting focus to Holyrood.
His controversial meeting with an Israeli diplomat in 2024 led to backlash within the party, impacting his standing among progressive voters.
The big picture: The Scottish Greens' victories signal a potential realignment in Scottish politics, with environmental issues gaining traction among voters.
The Greens ran close contests in other constituencies, nearly unseating SNP candidates in areas like Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith.
Political analysts suggest that the Greens' success could alter the balance of power in the Scottish Parliament, especially if they can maintain or increase their representation.
Slater's win is viewed as a direct challenge to the SNP's long-standing dominance in Scottish politics, particularly in urban areas.
What they're saying: Reactions to the election results have varied, with some praising the Greens for their breakthrough and others lamenting the SNP's struggles.
Robertson's loss has been described as a "humiliation," with political commentators noting that he had fallen from a position of prominence to third place in his constituency.
Joanna Cherry, a fellow SNP member, criticized Robertson's lack of presence in the constituency, stating, "It's really quite an indictment that an incumbent SNP Cabinet Secretary... came in third."
Supporters of the Greens have celebrated the wins as a sign of a broader shift toward progressive politics in Scotland.
By the numbers: The election results highlight the changing political dynamics in Scotland.
Slater received 12,680 votes in Edinburgh Central, marking the highest count for any candidate in that constituency.
Robertson's third-place finish saw him secure only 7,702 votes, a stark drop from the support he once enjoyed.
In Glasgow Southside, Holly Bruce won with 3,101 votes, underscoring the Greens' growing influence in traditionally SNP-dominated areas.
What's next: The Scottish Greens are looking to build on their historic wins and expand their influence in the Scottish Parliament.
Slater aims to leverage the momentum from these victories to advocate for more progressive policies and engage with younger voters.
The SNP will need to reassess its strategies to regain lost ground, particularly in urban constituencies where they have traditionally held sway.
As the political environment evolves, both parties will likely face increased scrutiny from voters eager for change.