Words like “historic” are overused by journalists, but there is no doubt that the events that have unfolded today mark a seismic shift in Scotland’s political landscape.
In many ways the Nationalist tidal wave that has encompassed Scotland is even more remarkable than Labour’s Tony Blair-inspired rout in the 1997 general election.
Everyone knew the SNP would be strong in Dundee, Angus and Perthshire, but nobody predicted the extent of their popularity across the country.
For Labour, this election has been nothing short of a catastrophe. In a remarkable series of declarations, one traditional Labour stronghold after another has fallen to the SNP.
First it was supposedly safe seats in Labour’s central belt base in Glasgow and South Lanarkshire. Then, as the day progressed, it became clear the blight had spread to Fife.
Even Gordon Brown’s backyard of Kirkcaldy was not safe, with long-time MSP Marilyn Livingstone defeated. The staunchest of SNP supporters would not have predicted that and the fact that result was the one to seal the SNP’s majority win added misery on misery for Labour.
They were quick to blame a collapse in the Lib Dem vote, and there is no doubt Tavish Scott’s party paid dear for the coalition agreement with the Conservatives at Westminster.
The result in North East Fife, where former Lib Dem leader Sir Menzies Campbell holds sway, was astonishing. Iain Smith, who was defending a massive notional majority and grew up in the area, is out. Nationalist candidate Rod Campbell, who lives in Perth and is largely unknown in the local area, is in.For more election coverage, click here.The Lib Dems’ woes were also evident in North East Scotland, where they lost all their constituency seats and opened the door to a Nationalist clean sweep.
But the Lib Dem impact granted, Labour also must take responsibility for their defeat.
Their election campaign was embarrassingly amateurish and at times simply patronised the intelligence of the public.
Today has conclusively shown that raising the spectre of the evil Tories is no longer enough to ensure a Labour vote in Scotland.
The Labour MSPs who remain many of them new faces now face the unenviable task of attempting to keep a buoyant SNP led by Alex Salmond in check during the march towards an independence referendum.
How they fare in that task has implications for everyone in the UK.
Iain Gray has said he will stand down as Scottish Labour leader in the autumn. That is the right decision.
A root-and-branch review of how Labour will organise, operate and proceed in Scotland is vital.For extensive reaction and analysis from your area, see Saturday’s Courier.