The gradualist viewpoint within the Scottish National Party (SNP) is the idea that Scottish independence can be won by the accumulation by the Scottish Parliament of powers that the UK Parliament currently has over a protracted period of time. It is also a philosophy that emphasises the election of a SNP government should bring about trust in the Scottish people in the ability of Scotland to govern itself, thus bringing increased support for independence.

Gradualism stands in opposition to the fundamentalist point of view that would stress the SNP's support of independence more.

Most political commentators today acknowledge that the current SNP leadership is by in large of the gradualist mould.