THE Alba party have launched a pro-independence, pro-republican billboard campaign ahead of the coronation on May 6.

The party are putting focus on their policy that Scotland should be an independent republic, a position backed by most Scots in recent polling.

The campaign will be on electronic advertising boards at more than 40 sites across Scotland, as well as on display to tens of thousands of supporters as they make their way to Hampden this weekend for the Scottish Cup Semi Finals.

The party have also distributed 20,000 posters to activists across Scotland, many of which they say have “already been popping up in high streets across the country”. 

Alba said: “In the midst of a cost of living crisis it is clear that the institution of monarchy is becoming so far removed from reality that it is not recognisable to the people of Scotland.” 

Polling by Alba released at the start of the year showed that 55% said they wanted to see an independent Scotland become a republic with an elected head of state, whereas only 45% said they wanted to keep King Charles. 

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Commenting on the campaign, Alba Party Westminster leader Neale Hanvey MP said:  “In keeping with Scottish constitutional tradition Alba Party adhere to the principle that it is the people that are sovereign. Our position is that Scotland should now move to an elected head of state with similar powers to the Uachtarán na hÉireann.

“Alba firmly stands for Scotland and our priority is to ensure the people of Scotland have the freedom to make this choice soon, as an independent country.

“At a time that we are faced with the absurdity of millions of our people in Scotland facing fuel poverty, when we are an energy rich land, the institution of monarchy could not be further detached from reality.

"That’s why this weekend and in the coming week this is a message Alba will be taking to the people of Scotland, and it is a message that we believe they will support.”