I think support going towards SNP doesn't in itself give carte blanche support for independence or support.
Not at all, neither do I.
But think of the long term effects, people warm to the party. They listen to the argument, become a member perhaps after changing their vote for example. It has a knock on effect, a stronger re-elected SNP government is going to probably push stronger on the issue this time round, and with a reduced Labour and Conservative groups it could start to dominate the Scottish political theatre more especially with the SNP having ranks of civil servants to help.
I quite like the SNP, and I do think they have been good in a minority government. However, I'm concerned about them holding a majority and being overly concerned with independence.
Don't be, while being the ultimate end aim, it isn't too distracting from day to day politics. This concern was mooted in 2007, and in four years while fighting for the referendum and things like the 'national conversation' they have still produced a robust government and policy.
I think Alex (great name) understands this but we all know what politics is about and he'll spin these results to suggest there is widespread support for independence and I don't think there is - nor will there be for some time.
Yes, you are right to an extent. He won't do it to ad nauseum I don't think, and it will progress to more civic action.
Devolution is indeed the start of the road, and if Scotland gets fund raising powers then it's akin to the accelerator being pressed (how far are we going to go with this analogy?) but I still don't think it will happen. A Yes vote in a referendum means little if Westminster (and the English people) don't agree on it.
The English people don't have a say on the matter, and while technically at present there are constitutional barriers Westminster would ignore Scottish democratic right and will for a second time at high risk.