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2026 Scottish Parliament election

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2026 Scottish Parliament election
← 2021
7 May 2026
All 129 seats to the Scottish Parliament
65 seats needed for a majority
Opinion polls
 
Leader John Swinney Russell Findlay Anas Sarwar
Party SNP Conservative Labour
Leader since 6 May 2024 27 September 2024 27 February 2021
Last election 64 seats 31 seats 22 seats
Current seats 60 28 20
Standing in (constituency) Perthshire North N/A Glasgow Cathcart and Pollok
Standing in (list) Mid Scotland and Fife West Scotland Glasgow
 
Leader Ross Greer / Gillian Mackay Alex Cole-Hamilton Malcolm Offord
Party Green Liberal Democrats Reform
Leader since 29 August 2025 20 August 2021 15 January 2026
Last election 8 seats 4 seats 0 seats
Current seats 7 5 1
Standing in (constituency) N/A Edinburgh North Western Inverclyde
Standing in (list) West Scotland / Central Scotland and Lothians West N/A West Scotland
Incumbent First Minister

John Swinney
SNP



The 2026 Scottish Parliament election is due to be held on Thursday 7 May 2026, and will elect 129 members to the Scottish Parliament. It will be the seventh general election since the devolved parliament was re-established in 1999. Six parties have MSPs in the sixth parliament, although only five won seats at the last Scottish Parliament election in 2021: the Scottish National Party (SNP) led by First Minister John Swinney, the Scottish Conservatives led by Russell Findlay, Scottish Labour led by Anas Sarwar, the Scottish Greens, led by co-leaders Gillian Mackay and Ross Greer, and the Scottish Liberal Democrats, led by Alex Cole-Hamilton.

Of the main five parties, four have changed their leaders since the 2021 election. Reform UK and the Liberal Democrats have each received one MSP following a defection from the Conservatives, giving Reform UK an MSP after failing to elect any at the 2021 election, and increasing the Liberal Democrat's number of seats to 5. Seven members sit as independents after leaving or being suspended or expelled from their respective parties (three from the SNP, three from Labour, and one from the Conservatives). Additionally, Labour received an additional MSP when they won the 2025 Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election following the death of SNP MSP Christina McKelvie. It will be the first Scottish election since the 2024 United Kingdom general election, in which Labour won a landslide victory.[1]

Background

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Electoral events

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2021 Scottish Parliament election

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Since the 2021 Scottish Parliament election, Scottish politics has undergone a period of significant leadership transitions and shifting governing arrangements. In that election, the Scottish National Party (SNP) won 64 seats, falling one short of an overall majority. This led Nicola Sturgeon to negotiate the Bute House Agreement with the Scottish Greens, which brought Green MSPs into the government for the first time to secure a pro-independence majority in the chamber.

SNP leadership changes

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Sturgeon’s final term as First Minister was marked by a renewed push for a second independence referendum, though this was checked by a UK Supreme Court ruling in 2022 stating Holyrood could not legislate for a vote without Westminster's consent. Her government also faced intense debate over the Gender Recognition Reform Bill, which was passed by the Scottish Parliament but ultimately blocked by the UK government, using a never-previously used power. In February 2023, Sturgeon unexpectedly announced her resignation, citing the personal toll of the office and a desire to make way for new leadership.[2]

Humza Yousaf won the subsequent turbulent leadership contest, becoming Scotland's first ethnic minority First Minister. His tenure was characterised by the ongoing Operation Branchform police investigation into SNP finances and a difficult economic climate. In April 2024, Yousaf unilaterally terminated the Bute House Agreement with the Greens. This move backfired when the Greens withdrew their support for his leadership, and facing an imminent vote of no confidence, Yousaf resigned after thirteen months in office.[3]

John Swinney, a former Deputy First Minister and the former SNP leader while the party was in opposition, was elected unopposed to succeed Yousaf and currently leads a minority government. His leadership has focused on party stabilisation following the 2024 UK general election, which saw Labour win a landslide victory and Scottish Labour replacing the SNP as the largest party in Scotland by Westminster seat count. However, the SNP have since recovered in the polls amid the unpopularity of both Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Scottish Labour Leader Anas Sarwar, with Swinney leading his party into the 2026 elections and has promised to deliver independence if re-elected. While the constitutional debate around independence has remained central to Scottish discourse during Swinney's premiership, the immediate path to a second referendum remains stalled by legal and political obstacles.[4]

Conservative leadership changes

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In May 2024, the Conservative prime minister Rishi Sunak called the 2024 United Kingdom general election to be held on 4 July, which was won by the Labour Party, with Keir Starmer succeeding Sunak as prime minister the following day. Amid the national election, Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross announced his intention to resign as leader of the Scottish Conservatives upon the election of his successor.[5]

Russell Findlay, who had been considered a frontrunner for the position, announced his candidacy for leader on 22 July.[6] Facing fellow MSPs Murdo Fraser and Meghan Gallacher,[7] Findlay received 52% of MSP endorsements and was elected leader with 61.7% of the first-preference vote among party members.[8] He assumed leadership, becoming leader of the largest opposition party in the Scottish Parliament on 27 September. He formed his Shadow Cabinet on 8 October.[9]

Anas Sarwar's call for Keir Starmer's resignation

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On 9 February 2026, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar held a press conference in Glasgow to publicly call for Prime Minister Keir Starmer to resign. Sarwar stated that "the distraction needs to end and the leadership in Downing Street has to change," citing a series of "mistakes" that he believed were undermining Labour's prospects in the upcoming elections. Sarwar described Starmer as "a decent man" and "a friend", but argued that his primary loyalty was to Scotland and that the Prime Minister's continued leadership was sabotaging the party's future.[10]

The primary catalyst for this intervention was the fallout from the appointment of Peter Mandelson as British Ambassador to the United States, which had come under intense scrutiny due to Mandelson's past ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Sarwar's move followed the resignations of Starmer’s chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, and director of communications, Tim Allan. Sarwar said he had spoken to Starmer earlier that day to inform him of his decision, stating that the two had "disagreed" on the necessity of his resignation.

In the immediate aftermath, senior Cabinet members including Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy and Chancellor Rachel Reeves rallied behind Starmer, emphasising his mandate and urging party unity. Within Scottish Labour, the move caused significant friction; while Monica Lennon supported Sarwar's "leadership", others such as former Scottish Secretary Ian Murray branded the call a threat to party stability. First Minister John Swinney and Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay characterised the situation as "opportunism" and a "meltdown".[1] Addressing the Parliamentary Labour Party later that evening, Starmer remained defiant, stating he had "won every fight I've ever been in" and refused to walk away.[11]

Easdales donation offer to Scottish Labour

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In January 2026, the millionaire Easdale brothers "reportedly pledged a six-figure donation to Scottish Labour".[12] Sarwar said that they did not make any policy demands of Scottish Labour but that they want the SNP out of power.[12]

Alba Party financial and leadership crisis

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In February 2026, the Alba Party entered a major financial and organisational crisis which ultimately led to the party being wound down ahead of the election. Party leader Kenny MacAskill warned members that Alba was unlikely to contest the election due to financial irregularities linked to alleged fraud and declining income, while discussions were ongoing with the Electoral Commission regarding compliance and the party’s future registration.[13] The announcement triggered internal divisions within the party, with several National Executive Committee members and candidates disputing the leadership’s handling of the situation and calling for a membership ballot on whether Alba should stand in the election.[14] The dispute escalated publicly in late February and early March, amid reports of resignations, candidate withdrawals and disagreements over access to party membership data. Party officials later stated that Alba was financially insolvent and unable to meet existing debts, while internal factions argued the party could continue if leadership changed and additional funds were raised.

On 8 March 2026, MacAskill announced that Alba would be wound down due to its financial position, effectively ending the party founded by Alex Salmond in 2021 and confirming it would not participate in the election.[15][16][17]

Other elections

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Two further elections affecting Scotland took place between the 2021 and 2026 Scottish Parliament elections:

Composition of the Scottish Parliament before dissolution

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Affiliation Members
Elected
in 2021 		Before dissolution Differ­ence
SNP 64 60 Decrease 4
Conservative 31 28 Decrease 3
Labour 22 20 Decrease 2
Green 8 7 Decrease 1
Liberal Democrats 4 5 Increase 1
Reform 0 1 Increase 1
Independent 0 7 Increase 7
Presiding Officer 0 1 Increase 1
Total MSPs 129 129 Steady
Government majority –1 –9 Decrease 8

Date

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Under the Scottish Elections (Reform) Act 2020, an ordinary general election to the Scottish Parliament would normally be held on the first Thursday in May five years after the 2021 election, i.e. on 7 May 2026.[18] This Act superseded the Scotland Act 1998, which had set elections in every fourth year.[19] The date of the poll may be varied by up to one month either way by the monarch, on the proposal of the Presiding Officer, making 4 June 2026 the latest possible date for this election, assuming the convention of holding elections on a Thursday stands.[19]

If Parliament itself resolves that it should be dissolved, with at least two-thirds of the members (i.e. 86 Members) voting in favour, the Presiding Officer proposes a date for an extraordinary general election and the Parliament is dissolved by the monarch by royal proclamation. It does not necessarily require a two-thirds majority to precipitate an extraordinary general election, because under the Scotland Act Parliament is also dissolved if it fails to nominate one of its members to be First Minister within certain time limits, irrespective of whether at the beginning or in the middle of a parliamentary term. Therefore, if the First Minister resigned, Parliament would then have 28 days to elect a successor (s46(2)b and s46(3)a). If no new First Minister was elected then the Presiding Officer would ask for Parliament to be dissolved under s3(1)a. This process could also be triggered if the First Minister lost a vote of confidence by a simple majority (i.e. more than 50%), as they must then resign (Scotland Act 1998 s45(2)). No extraordinary general elections have been held to date. Any extraordinary general elections would be in addition to ordinary general elections, unless held less than six months before the due date of an ordinary general election, in which case they supplant it. The subsequent ordinary general election reverts to the first Thursday in May, five years after the previous ordinary election.[18][20]

The close of nominations was 1 April.[21] The count will start on 8 May.[21]

Retiring MSPs

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A record number of MSPs are not seeking re-election,[22][23][24] with 39 as of December 2025.[25] Eight of those stepping down were first elected at the formation of the Scottish Parliament in 1999, but only five have had unbroken service. Richard Lochhead briefly resigned his regional seat to contest a Moray by-election in 2006; Rhoda Grant lost her seat in 2003 and returned at the 2007 election; Sarah Boyack lost her seat in the 2016 election and returned in 2019. Of the original MSPs from 1999 with unbroken service, there are only three contesting the 2026 election: Jackie Baillie, Fergus Ewing and John Swinney.[22]

Members of Scottish Parliament not standing for re-election
MSP Seat First elected Party Date announced
John Mason Glasgow Shettleston 2011 Independent (elected as SNP) 25 April 2023[26]
James Dornan Glasgow Cathcart SNP 10 August 2023[27]
Christine Grahame Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale 1999 29 September 2024[28]
Ruth Maguire Cunninghame South 2016 16 November 2024[29]
Elena Whitham Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley 2021 25 November 2024[30]
Humza Yousaf Glasgow Pollok 2011 17 December 2024[31]
Oliver Mundell Dumfriesshire 2016 Conservative 9 January 2025[32]
Richard Lochhead Moray 1999 SNP 26 January 2025[33]
Joe FitzPatrick Dundee City West 2007 28 January 2025[34]
Michelle Thomson Falkirk East 2021 29 January 2025[35]
Audrey Nicoll Aberdeen South and North Kincardine 9 February 2025[36]
Evelyn Tweed Stirling 12 February 2025[37]
Graeme Dey Angus South 2011 19 February 2025[38]
Beatrice Wishart Shetland 2019 Liberal Democrats 20 February 2025[39]
Liz Smith Mid Scotland and Fife 2007 Conservative 25 February 2025[40]
Rona Mackay Strathkelvin and Bearsden 2016 SNP 25 February 2025[41]
Edward Mountain Highlands and Islands Conservative 26 February 2025[42]
Gordon MacDonald Edinburgh Pentlands 2011 SNP 28 February 2025[43]
Annabelle Ewing Cowdenbeath 2 March 2025[44]
Richard Leonard Central Scotland 2016 Labour 4 March 2025[45]
Shona Robison Dundee City East 1999 SNP 5 March 2025[46]
Fiona Hyslop Linlithgow 5 March 2025[46]
Alex Rowley Mid Scotland and Fife 2014 Labour 6 March 2025[47]
Bill Kidd Glasgow Anniesland 2007 SNP 12 March 2025[48]
Nicola Sturgeon Glasgow Southside 1999 12 March 2025[49]
Natalie Don-Innes Renfrewshire North and West 2021 13 March 2025[50]
Mairi Gougeon Angus North and Mearns 2016 14 March 2025[51]
Michael Matheson Falkirk West 1999 16 March 2025[52]
Willie Coffey Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley 2007 17 March 2025[53]
Douglas Ross Highlands and Islands 2016 Conservative 25 March 2025[54]
Maurice Golden North East Scotland 7 April 2025[55]
Rhoda Grant Highlands and Islands 1999 Labour 15 May 2025[56]
Sarah Boyack Lothian 1999 Labour 16 June 2025[57]
Alison Johnstone Lothian 2011 Presiding Officer[a] 20 June 2025[58]
Kate Forbes Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch 2016 SNP 4 August 2025[59]
Mercedes Villalba North East Scotland 2021 Labour 2 September 2025[60]
Tess White North East Scotland 2021 Conservative 2 September 2025[61]
Kevin Stewart Aberdeen Central 2011 SNP 8 September 2025[62]
Pam Duncan-Glancy Glasgow 2021 Independent (elected as Labour) 21 December 2025[63]

Parties

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See also: List of political parties in Scotland

Contesting constituency and/or regional ballot

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Parties Constituency/regional
Scottish National Party (SNP) Both
Scottish Labour Both
Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party Both
Scottish Greens Both
Scottish Liberal Democrats Both
Reform UK Both
Scottish Common Both
Alliance to Liberate Scotland/Sovereignty[64] Both
Workers Party of Great Britain (WPGB) Both
Alliance for Democracy and Freedom (ADF)[65] Both
Independence for Scotland Party (ISP) Both
Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition[66] Constituency only
Scottish Socialist Party (SSP) Regional only
Communist Party of Britain Regional only
Scottish Family Party Regional only
Scottish Liberal Party Regional only
Scottish Rural Party Regional only
Independent Green Voice
UK Independence Party (UKIP) Regional only

Other parties

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On 21 February 2026, Alba Party leader Kenny MacAskill announced that the party was unlikely to be able to stand candidates due to an internal financial crisis.[67] After this announcement Tommy Sheridan, Angus MacNeil, Christina Hendry and Suzanne Blackley issued a joint statement in which they offered to take over leadership of the Alba Party to ensure it can contest the election but this ultimately never materialised.[68] On 8 March 2026, MacAskill announced that the party would deregister and therefore would be unable to stand in the election.[69]

Your Party originally intended to stand candidates, but it was later reported that they would miss the deadline due to what Scottish representative Niall Christie called "inaction and decisions taken by Your Party at a UK level".[70]

Election system, seats, and regions

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Main articles: Scottish Parliament constituencies and electoral regions and List of Scottish Parliament constituencies and electoral regions (2026–)

The total number of Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) elected to the Parliament is 129. The Scottish Parliament uses an additional member system (AMS), designed to produce approximate proportional representation for each region. There are eight regions, each sub-divided into smaller constituencies. There are a total of 73 constituencies. Each constituency elects one MSP by the plurality (first past the post) system of election. Each region elects seven additional MSPs using an additional member system. A modified D'Hondt method, using the constituency results, is used to elect these additional MSPs.[71][72][73]

The Scottish Parliament constituencies have not been coterminous with Scottish Westminster constituencies since the 2005 general election, when the 72 former UK Parliament constituencies were replaced with a new set of 59, generally larger, constituencies (see Scottish Parliament (Constituencies) Act 2004). The boundaries used for the Scottish Parliament elections were then revised for the 2011 election. The Boundary Commission also recommended changes to the electoral regions used to elect "list" members of the Scottish Parliament,[74] which were also implemented in 2011. The Second Periodic Review of constituency and regional boundaries began in September 2022 and was completed by May 2025.[75][76] The proposals were formally approved in October 2025, establishing the constituencies and regions that will form the basis for the 2026 election.[77]

Campaign

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According to Professor John Curtice main campaign issues include the economy, cost of living, health and social care services and immigration.[78] Other issues include energy, housing and Scottish independence.[79] Another issue is Starmer's leadership after Sarwar called for him to resign.[80] On 10 March 2026, BBC Scotland's podcast Scotcast started airing leader interviews with the party leaders in the run-up to the election.[81]

On 19 March 2026, Reform UK launched their manifesto.[82] They also unveiled their constituency candidates.[83] The following day, Stuart Niven, the candidate for Dundee City West, was suspended following revelations that he was disqualified as a company director.[84] In the days that followed, four more candidates stood down from standing for Reform UK[85].

On 21 March, the Scottish Greens announced a commitment to raising the minimum wage for care workers to £15 per hour.[86] Other policies announced by the party include, expanding funded childcare, higher tax on the super rich, big businesses, big banks, as well as casinos and bookies, and a commitment to free bus travel for everyone in Scotland via a bus network under public control.[87]

On 27 March, The National announced that they would be hosting a hustings which would feature representatives of the six main parties to be hosted on 7 April however the Conservatives and Labour declined to appear[88], and on 6 April, the day before the hustings, Thomas Kerr, the Reform representative pulled out, criticising The National and accusing them of spreading misinformation on his party's stance on corporal punishment in schools.[89] The Holyrood Sources podcast announced that they would host a hustings event with the party leaders on 1 April.[90]

On 30 March, debate emerged over Scottish Labour’s electoral strategy following its campaign launch, after reports suggested the party was exploring a pathway to power that could rely on a fragmented parliament and a strong performance by Reform UK on the regional list.[91] Senior Labour figures indicated that gains in key central belt constituencies, combined with vote splitting among unionist parties, could potentially allow the party to form a minority government. However, polling experts including Professor John Curtice and academic Mark McGeoghegan expressed strong scepticism, noting that Labour remained significantly behind the SNP in most polls and that the rise of Reform UK was more likely to divide the anti-SNP vote than assist Labour. Analysts described the scenario as highly unlikely without a substantial and unprecedented shift in voter support.[92][93] Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay refused to rule out that his party would vote to make Sarwar the First Minister in this scenario.[94]

On 31 March, Guy Ingerson was replaced by Maggie Chapman as top candidate in North East Scotland.[95] On 1 April, Scottish Labour candidate for Glasgow Southside Mohammed Ameen was replaced by Rashid Hussain following criminal charges.[96] SNP candidate for and leader of the SNP group on North Lanarkshire Council Tracy Carragher was suspended from the party and dropped as an election candidate.[97]

On 4 April, the Scottish Greens announced a commitment to end all NHS dental charges, ensuring free dental care for all in Scotland.[98] The party also stated that it would expand the role of dental therapists in order to speed up waiting times.[98]

Election debates and hustings

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2026 Scottish Parliament election debates and hustings
Date Organisers Moderator(s)  P  Present[b]    S  Surrogate[c]    NI  Not invited   A  Absent invitee  INV Invited 
SNP Conservatives Labour Greens Lib Dems Reform Venue Ref.
31 March The Scotsman[d] Alistair Grant S
McAllan[e] 		S
Fraser[f] 		S
Whitfield[g] 		S
Harvie[h] 		P
Cole-Hamilton 		P
Offord 		Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh [99]
1 April Holyrood Sources Calum Macdonald[i] P
Swinney 		P
Findlay 		P
Sarwar 		P
Greer 		P
Cole-Hamilton 		P
Offord 		Easter Road Stadium, Edinburgh [90]
2 April Prosper Gina Davidson P
Swinney 		P
Findlay 		P
Sarwar 		P
Greer 		P
Cole-Hamilton 		P
Offord 		Royal Bank of Scotland, Edinburgh [100]
7 April The National Assa Samake-Roman S
Middleton[j] 		A[k] A[l] S
Bruce[m] 		S
Jardine[n] 		A
Kerr 		Virtual [102]
12 April BBC Scotland Stephen Jardine INV
Swinney 		INV
Findlay 		INV
Sarwar 		INV
Greer 		INV
Cole-Hamilton 		INV
Offord 		Paisley Town Hall, Paisley [103]
28 April STV News Colin Mackay INV
Swinney 		INV
Findlay 		INV
Sarwar 		INV
Greer or Mackay 		INV
Cole-Hamilton 		INV
Offord 		Signet Library, Edinburgh [104]

Candidates

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Constituencies

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Seat SNP[105] Labour Conservative[106] Greens Lib Dem[107] Reform UK[108] Other
Aberdeen Central Jack Middleton Jenny Laing Stewart Whyte Yi-pei Chou Turvey James Wyllie
Aberdeen Deeside and North Kincardine Stephen Flynn Matthew Lee Liam Kerr Mel Sullivan Duncan Massey Iris Alexandra Leask (Independent)
Aberdeen Donside Jackie Dunbar Lynn Thomson Hannah Powell Michael Turvey Claudia Leith Kelly Wilson (Liberate Scotland/Sovereignty)[109]
Aberdeenshire East Gillian Martin Janine Langler Douglas Lumsden[110] David Evans John Crawley
Aberdeenshire West Fatima Joji Kate Blake Alexander Burnett Jeff Goodhall Jo Hart
Airdrie Neil Gray Suzanne Macleod Euan Blockley Ed Thornley Graham Simpson John Jo Leckie (BUP/ASP)

Brendan O'Donnell (Indpendent)

Almond Valley Angela Constance Jordan Stokoe[111] Damian Doran-Timson Caron Lindsay Malcolm Jones
Angus North and Mearns Dawn Black Simon Watson Tracey Smith Martyn Knights Laurie Carnie David Allen Neil (Independent)
Angus South Lloyd Melville Heather Doran Angus MacMillan Douglas Isobel Knights Bill Reid
Argyll and Bute Jenni Minto Callum George Peter Wallace Alan Reid[112] Amanda Hampsey Fiona Nelson (ISP)[113]

Tommy MacPherson (Independent)

Mick Rice (Independent)

Ayr Siobhian Brown Brian McGinley[114] Sharon Dowey[115] Desmond Buchanan Andrew Russell Denise Sommerville (independent)[116]

Muhammad Tufail (Scottish Common)

Banffshire and Buchan Coast Karen Adam Brooke Ritchie James Adams Les Tarr Conrad Ritchie N D R McLennan (Independent)
Bathgate Pauline Stafford Jenny Young[114] Peter Heggie Stephen Harte David McLennan Gus Ferguson (BUP)
Caithness, Sutherland and Ross Maree Todd Eva Kestner[117] Donald MacKenzie[118] David Green[119] Steve Welsh Andrew MacDonald (Liberate Scotland/Sovereignty)

Matt Sheppard (Advance UK)

Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley Katie Hagmann[120] Carol Mochan[121] Tracey Clark Karen Utting Andrew Scott Sean Davis (independent)[122]
Clackmannanshire and Dunblane Keith Brown Suzanne Grahame [114] Alexander Stewart Sally Pattle Mike Collier Eva Comrie (Liberate Scotland)[113]

Luca Scacchi (independent)[123]

Clydebank and Milngavie Marie McNair Callum McNally[124] Alix Mathieson[125] Ben Langmead Andy White Claire Gallagher (Scottish Common)
Clydesdale Máiri McAllan Lynsey Hamilton[121] Julie Pirone Richard Brodie Daniel Clarke
Coatbridge and Chryston Fulton MacGregor Kieron Higgins Andy Bruce[115] Daniel Mancini Mandy Lindsay
Cowdenbeath David Barratt Fiona Sword[126] Darren Watt[115] James Calder Mark Davies Laurie Moffat (Liberate Scotland/Sovereignty)[109]
Cumbernauld and Kilsyth Jamie Hepburn James McPhilemy[124] Keith Allan William Brian Howieson Steve Grant Alan McManus (Liberate Scotland/Sovereignty)[109]
Cunninghame North Kenneth Gibson Matthew McGowan Ronnie Stalker[115] Christine Murdoch Mike Mann Ian Gibson (ADF)
Cunninghame South Patricia Gibson Katy Clark Maurice Corry Emma Farthing-Sykes Matthew McLean
Dumbarton Sophie Traynor Jackie Baillie[127] Gary Mulvaney[115] Elaine Ford David Smith Andrew Muir (independent)

Lynda Hannah McEwan (TUSC)

Dumfriesshire Stephen Thompson Linda Dorward Craig Hoy Iain McDonald David Kirkwood
Dundee City East Stephen Gethins Cheryl-Ann Cruickshank[124] Jack Cruickshanks[115] Tanvir Ahmad Mark Simpson Allan Petrie (independent)[113]
Dundee City West Heather Anderson Michael Marra Abigail Brooks Daniel Coleman –[o]
Dunfermline Shirley-Anne Somerville Joe Long Thomas Heald Lauren Buchanan-Quigley Otto Inglis
East Kilbride Collette Stevenson Joe Fagan[121] Brian Whittle Leigh Butler Tim Kelly
East Lothian Coast and Lammermuirs Paul McLennan Martin Whitfield[129] Miles Briggs Tim McKay Nigel Douglas Morgwn Carter Davies (Independent)
Eastwood Kirsten Oswald Kayleigh Quinn[121] Jackson Carlaw Euan Davidson John Mooney
Edinburgh Central Angus Robertson James Dalgleish Jo Mowat Lorna Slater[130] Charles Dundas Gary Neill Tam Laird (Libertarian)

Craig John Murray (Alliance to Liberate Scotland)

Bonnie Prince Bob (Independent)

Chris Creighton (Independent)

Robert Neil Pownall (Independent)

Edinburgh Eastern, Musselburgh and Tranent Kate Campbell Katherine Sangster[121] Tim Jones[115] Alan Grant Angela Ross Joe Smith (Liberate Scotland)[131]
Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith Ben Macpherson Oliver Thomas[121] Haris Young Kate Nevens[132] Liss Owen David Lees
Edinburgh North Western Lyn Jardine Irshad Ahmed Rachel Cairns Alex Cole-Hamilton Davie Thomson David Henry (Worker's Party)
Edinburgh Northern Euan Hyslop Eleanor Ryan-Saha Christopher Cowdy Kayleigh Kinross-O'Neill[133] Sanne Dijkstra-Downie Andrew McLaughlin Abu Meron (Socialist Workers)
Edinburgh South Western Simita Kumar Catriona Munro Sue Webber[134] Andy Williamson Cameron Rose
Edinburgh Southern Deidre Brock Daniel Johnson[135] Marie-Clair Munro Jane Alliston Pickard Charles Turner Mar Wilkinson (Edinburgh & East Lothian People)
Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire John Redpath Kaymarie Hughes [114] Rachael Hamilton Ray Georgeson Jamie Langan Terry Howson (Liberate Scotland)[131]

James Anderson (Independent)

Falkirk East and Linlithgow Martyn Day Siobhan Paterson[114] Lewis Stein Paul McGarry Amanda Bland Ian Wallace El-Paget (Independent)
Falkirk West Gary Bouse Paul Godzik[121] Neil Benny Lucy Smith Richard Fairley Stuart James McArthur (Indpendent)
Fife North East John Beare Elizabeth Carr-Ellis Edward Sheasby Willie Rennie[136] William Docherty
Galloway and West Dumfries Emma Harper Jack McConnel[137] Finlay Carson Tracey Warman Senga Beresford
Glasgow Anniesland Colm Merrick Eunis Jassemi[114] Sandesh Gulhane James Speirs Sean O'Hagan
Glasgow Baillieston and Shettleston David Linden Pauline McNeill[121] John Murray Amy Carman Thomas Kerr
Glasgow Cathcart and Pollok

Zen Ghani

Anas Sarwar[121] Kyle Park Peter McLaughlin Kim Schmullian Yvonne Ridley (WPGB)

Adnan Zafar Rafiq (Scottish Common)[138]

Glasgow Central Alison Thewliss Vonnie Sandlan Naveed Asghar Paul Kennedy Paul Bennie Paul Steele (ISP)[113]
Glasgow Easterhouse and Springburn Ivan McKee Paul Sweeney[121] Josephine Macleod Nicholas Moohan Audrey Dempsey Kenneth Nwosu (Scottish Common Party)
Glasgow Kelvin and Maryhill Bob Doris James Adams[139] Danny Bowman[140] Iris Duane Daniel Khan-O'Malley Aimee Alexander Thomas Adkins (Scottish Common Party)
Glasgow Southside Kaukab Stewart Rashid Hussain Ross Hutton[141] Holly Bruce Rachel Park Gordon Millar George Galloway (WPGB)

Kamran Butt (Scottish Common) Abdullah Aroo Waqqar (Independent)

Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse Alex Kerr Davy Russell Alexandra Herdman Michael Weatherhead John McNamee John Forbes (ISP)[113]
David Ballantine (ADF)
Inverclyde Stuart McMillan Francesca Brennan[121] Ted Runciman[115] Jamie Greene Malcolm Offord
Inverness and Nairn Emma Roddick Shaun Fraser[142] Ruraidh Stewart[143] Neil Alexander [144] Fred Campbell Fergus Ewing (independent)[145]

Steve Skerrett (Advance UK)

Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley Alan Brown Ewan McPhee[146] James Adams Michael Gregori Anne Millar Garry McClay (Liberate Scotland)[131]
Kirkcaldy David Torrance Claire Baker[121] Heather Greig Fraser Graham Julie McDougall
Mid Fife and Glenrothes Jenny Gilruth Afifa Khanam Niamh Heald Ed Scotcher Sacha Haworth
Midlothian North Colin Beattie Caitlin Stott Phil Doggart Jenny Butler Pal Chidambaram
Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale Calum Kerr Daniel Coleman[124] Keith Cockburn Duncan Dunlop Carolyn Grant
Moray Laura Mitchell David Blair[147] Tim Eagle[148] Morven-May McCallum Max Bannerman Allan Duffy (Alliance to Liberate Scotland)
Motherwell and Wishaw Clare Adamson Ayeshah Khan[121] Bob Burgess Jenni Lang Duncan Macmillan Dominic James Alderson (Independent)

Greig Duncan McArthur (Alliance to Liberate Scotland)

Na h-Eileanan an Iar Alasdair Allan Donald MacKinnon[121] George MacPherson Jamie Dobson Malcolm McTaggart Kenneth McKenzie (Liberate Scotland/Sovereignty)[109]
Orkney Islands Robert Leslie[149] Mike Macleod[150] Jamie Halcro Johnston[151] Liam McArthur John Coupland
Paisley George Adam Neil Bibby[121] Satbir Gill James Kenyon Alec Leishman Mark Turnbull (Freedom Alliance)

Sinead Daly (TUSC)

William Wallace (Independent)

Perthshire North John Swinney Angela Bailey Murdo Fraser[115] Claire McLaren Kenneth Morton
Perthshire South and Kinross-shire Jim Fairlie Luke Thomson Roz McCall[152] Amanda Clark Helen McDade
Renfrewshire North and Cardonald Michelle Campbell Mike McKirdy Jack Hall Grant Toghill Moira Ramage Jim Halfpenny (TUSC)
Renfrewshire West and Levern Valley Tom Arthur Paul O'Kane[121] Farooq Choudhry Ross Stalker Jamie McGuire Ken Thomson (ADF)
Rutherglen and Cambuslang Clare Haughey Monica Lennon[124] Annie Wells Patrick Logue Allan Lyons Chris Sermanni (TUSC)
Shetland Islands Hannah Mary Goodlad John Erskine[153] Douglas Barnett[154] Alex Armitage[155] Emma Macdonald Vic Currie[156] Brian Nugent (Liberate Scotland/Sovereignty)[109]

Peter Tait (Independent)

Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch Eilidh Munro[157] Isla McCay[157] Helen Crawford[115] Andrew Baxter Jon Whitton Laùra Hänsler (Liberate Scotland)[158]
Stirling Alyn Smith Kainde Manji[121] Stephen Kerr Jill Reilly Rachael Wright Matthew Riley (independent)[159]
Strathkelvin and Bearsden Denis Johnston Colette McDiarmid[124] Pam Gosal[160] Adam Harley Faten Hameed
Uddingston and Bellshill Steven Bonnar Mark Griffin[121] Meghan Gallacher Ben Munnoch George Hobbins

Regions

[edit]
Seat # SNP Labour[161] Conservative Greens Lib Dems[107] Reform UK[162] Liberate Scotland[163][164] Scottish Family Other
Central Scotland and Lothians West
1 Pauline Stafford Mark Griffin Meghan Gallacher Gillian Mackay Paul McGarry Graham Simpson Greig McArthur David Richardson SSP:
  • 1. Collette Bradley
  • 2. Lewis Clark
  • 3. Conor Gilbey
UKIP:
  • 1. Neil Wilson
  • 2. Stephen Hollis
  • 3. Margaret Garbutt
2 Neil Gray Jenny Young Lewis Stein Claire Williams Lucy Smith Mandy Lindsay Alan McManus Leo Lanahan
3 Toni Giugliano Keiron Higgins Neil Benny Cameron Glasgow Caron Lindsay Amanda Bland David Baird Norma McLachlan Diffin
4 Clare Adamson Siobhan Paterson Keith Allan Anne McCrossan Stephen Harte Richard Fairley Graham Fraser Ailish Lanahan
5 Callum Cox James McPhilemy Andrew Bruce Brian Howieson David McLennan Steve Arnott
6 Steven Bonnar Suzanne Macleod Peter Heggie Daniel Mancini Duncan MacMillan
7 Stacey Devine Ayeshah Khan Damian Doran-Timson Jenni Lang Steven Grant
8 Jordan Stockoe Bob Burgess Malcolm Jones
9 Euan Blockley George Hobbins
Edinburgh and Lothians East
1 Tommy Sheppard Irshad Ahmad Miles Briggs Lorna Slater Sanne Dijkstra-Downie Angela Ross Craig Murray Philip Holden Sean Moffat (Advance UK)

Animal Welfare Party:

  • 1. Mark Scott
  • 2. Lee Christopher Williscroft-Ferris
  • 3. Vivienne Margret Moir
  • 4. Jane Catherine Smith

Chris Cullen (Communist)

Edinburgh & East Lothian People:
  • 1. Marc Richard Wilkinson
  • 2. David Sisson
Equality Party:
  • 1. David Renton
  • 2. Laura MacKintosh
  • 3. Caitlin Dykes-Johnstone
Libertarian:
  • 1. Tam Laird
  • 2. Gary Finlayson Smith
SSP:
  • 1. Colin Fox
  • 2. Natalie Reid
  • 3. Ally Maxwell
WPB:
  • 1. David Henry
  • 2. Abu Meron

Jeremy Balfour (independent)

Bonnie Prince Bob (Independent)

Morgwn Carter Davies (Independent)

Ash Regan (independent)

2 Deidre Brock Katherine Sangster Sue Webber Kate Nevens Jane Pickard Pal Chidambaram Joe Smith Neil Deepnarain
3 Simita Kumar Daniel Johnson Marie-Clair Munro Q Manivannan Charles Dundas Nigel Douglas Hugh Kerr Mairi Lucas
4 Angus Robertson Catriona Munro Christopher Cowdy Kayleigh Kinross-O'Neill Lewis Younie David Lees Anna Carro Helen Maceachen
5 Paul McLennan Martin Whitfield Jo Mowat Chas Booth Jenny Butler Charles Turner Jim Daly Peter James Cox
6 Colin Beattie Caitlin Stott Tim Jones Adam Al-Khateb Liss Owen Andrew McLaughlin
7 Kelly Parry James Dalgleish Mridul Wadhwa Alan Grant Gary Neill
8 Lyn Jardine Eleanor Ryan-Saha Jo Phillips David Thomson
9 Oliver Thomas Dan Heap Cameron Rose
10 Astri JS Kvassnes
11 Alex Staniforth
12 Connal Hughes
Glasgow
1 Alison Thewliss Anas Sarwar Annie Wells Patrick Harvie Daniel Khan-O'Malley Thomas Kerr Tommy Sheridan Andrew John Bradie Paul Steele (ISP)

Alisdair McConnachie (IGV)

John Cormak (Scottish Christian Party)

Scottish Common:
  • 1. Kamran Butt
  • 2. Adnan Zafar Rafiq
  • 3. Thomas Adkins
  • 4. Kenneth Ifeanyu Nwosu
SSP:
  • 1. Liam McLaughlan
  • 2. Olivia Murphy
  • 3. Bill Bonnar
UKIP:
  • 1. Donald Mackay
  • 2. Ian Garbutt
  • 3. Lynda Davis
  • 4. Laurence Keeley
WPB:

Craig Houston (Independent)

Elspeth Lynn Kerr (Independent)

2 Ivan McKee Pauline McNeill Sandesh Gulhane Holly Bruce Paul Kennedy Kim Schmulian Dhruva Kumar John Paul McArthur
3 Kaukab Stewart Paul Sweeney Ross Hutton Iris Duane James Spiers Audrey Dempsey Gail Sheridan Michael James O'Hara
4 David Linden Monica Lennon Kyle Park Rana Moro Hamed Rachel Park Allan Lyons Hilda McMahon Agnes Gallagher
5 Graham Campbell James Adams John Murray Isabele Ruffell Peter McLaughlin Paul Bennie
6 Colm Merrick Vonnie Sandlan Josephine MacLeod Kit Renard Amy Carman Aimee Alexander
7 Declan Blench Eunis Jassemi Verity Woolley Sean O'Hagan
8 Zen Ghani Gordon Millar
9 Annette Christie
10 Abdul Bostani
11 Adekemi Giwa
12 Qasim Hanif
Highlands and Islands
1 Maree Todd Isla McCay Tim Eagle Ariane Burgess Morven-May MacCallum Vic Currie Brian Nugent Kenny Stone Advance UK:
  • 1. Matt Sheppard
  • 2. Steve Skerrett

Fiona Nelson (ISP)

Nicola Siddall (IGV)

David MacLeod Boyd (Scottish Christian Party)

Nathan Lumb (Libertarian)

Scottish Rural:
  • 1. Alasdair Fletcher
  • 2. Ruraidh Ormston
SSP:
  • 1. Willie Hamilton
  • 2. Brenda Nicholson

Syed Hussain (WPB)

Duncan MacPherson (Independent)

Mick Rice (Independent)

2 Robert Leslie Donald MacKinnon Jamie Halcro Johnston Kristopher Leask Alan Reid Max Bannerman Andrew McDonald Allan Maceachen
3 Emma Roddick Eva Kestner Helen Crawford Kate Willis Declan Gallacher Amanda Hampsey Kenneth MacKenzie Rachel Michelle Gibson
4 Hannah Mary Goodlad John Erskine Ruairidh Stewart Draeyk Van der Horn Angela MacLean Fred Campbell Laùra Hänsler Eva Morrice
5 Eilidh Munro Mike MacLeod George Macpherson Alex Armitage Denis Rixson Malcolm McTaggart Allan Duffy Harriet Woolmore
6 Jérémie Fernandes Callum George Elaine Kirby Anne Thomas Guy Grieve Jon Whitton Flora Badger
7 Shaun Fraser Julie Christie Fiona Bennett John Coupland
8 David Blair
Mid Scotland and Fife
1 John Swinney Claire Baker Murdo Fraser Mark Ruskell Claire McLaren Helen McDade Eva Comrie Richard Crewe Lucas Advance UK:
  • 1. Hilary Newton Wheater
  • 2. Reece Craig Lauder

John Snowden Forbes (ISP)

Alexandra Rose Hardie (IGV)

Calum Paul (Libertarian)

SSP:
  • 1. Paolo Caserta
  • 2. Jack Reekie
2 Shirley-Anne Somerville Joe Long Stephen Kerr Mags Hall Sally Patile Julie MacDougall Laurie Moffat Daniel Gerard Smith
3 Fiona Law Fiona Sword Roz McCall Caitlin Ripley Edward Scotcher Rachael Wright Jock Penman Alan Henry Brown
4 Alyn Smith Kainde Manji Alexander Stewart Ryan Blackadder Amanda Clark Mark Davies Donal Hurley Marc Surtees
5 Jim Fairlie Suzanne Graham Edward Sheasby Marie Stadlter Lauren Buchanan-Quigley Mike Collier Frank Armstrong
6 David Torrance Angela Bailey Thomas Heald Clare Andrews Jane Ann Liston Kenneth Morton
7 Susan McGill Elizabeth Carr-Ellis Darren Watt Andrew Adam Fraser Graham Otto Inglis
8 John Beare Afifa Khanam Paul Vallot
9 David Mitchell Luke Thomson Elspeth Maclachlan
North East Scotland
1 Stephen Flynn Michael Marra Liam Kerr Maggie Chapman Yi-pei Chou Turvey Duncan Massey Stephen Bowie Euan Morrice Sarah Hashim (Advance UK)

Allan Angus Petrie (ISP)

Richard Tallach (IGV)

SSP:
  • 1. Ross Kenny
  • 2. Brian Stewart
WPB:
  • 1. Peter Richard Ashby
  • 2. Tariq Imtiaz
2 Gillian Martin Heather Doran Douglas Lumsden Esme Houston Michael Turvey Mark Simpson Konrad Rekas Susan Ettle
3 Fatima Joji Lynn Thomson Alexander Burnett William Linegar Tanvir Ahmed Claudia Leith Brett Morrison Dave Bestwick
4 Christian Allard Cheryl-Ann Cruickshank James Adams Sylvia Hardie Jeff Goodhall Jo Hart Ronald Hardie Joana Moore
5 Dawn Black Simon Watson Stewart Whyte Charlotte Horne Mel Sullivan Conrad Ritchie Mark David Mair
6 Miranda Radley Kate Blake Hannah Powell Remi Salvan Martyn Knights John Crawley
7 Michael Hutchison Matthew Lee Tracey Smith Fahd Asif David Evans Laurie Carnie
8 Janine Langler Jack Cruickshanks Gordon Miller Arthur Keith
9 Brooke Ritchie Abi Brooks William Reid
South Scotland
1 Màiri McAllan Carol Mochan Rachael Hamilton Laura Moodie Duncan Dunlop Jamie Langan Terry Howson Gareth Kirk David Ballantine (ADF)

Muhammad Tufail (Scottish Common)

2 Alan Brown Joe Fagan Craig Hoy Ann McGuinness Roy Georgeson David Kirkwood Garry McClay Hamish Goldie-Scot
3 Emma Harper Linda Dorward Finlay Carson Dominic Ashmole Aisha Mir Senga Beresford Yvonne Lazenbury
4 Siobhian Brown Ewan MacPhee Sharon Dowey Neil MacKinnon Richard Brodie Tim Kelly Maureen Johnstone
5 Katie Hagmann Lynsey Hamilton Brian Whittle Barbara Harvie Charlotte Olcay Carolyn Grant Marjorie Thomson
6 John Redpath Daniel Coleman Keith Cockburn Cameron Garrett Tracey Warman Daniel Clarke
7 Collette Stevenson Kaymarie Hughes Julie Pirone Tim Clancey Michael Gregori John Mcnamee
8 Stephen Thompson Davy Russell James Adams Tom Kerr Andrew Russell
9 Alex Kerr Brian McGinley Tracey Clark Korin Vallance Andrew Scott
10 Allan Dorans Jack McConnel Anne Millar
11 Kirsty Campbell
12 Ross Clark
13 Amjid Bashir
West Scotland
1 Stuart McMillan Jackie Baillie Russell Findlay Ross Greer Adam Harley Malcolm Offord Gordon Ross Liam McKechnie ADF:
  • 1. Ken Thomson
  • 2. Ian Gibson

Colette Walker (ISP)

Ian Inkster (IGV)

Claire Gallagher (Scottish Common Party)

Libertarian
  • 1. Alan William Findlay
  • 2. Cameron Alexander Milne
SSP:
  • 1. Veronica Edgely
  • 2. Jonathan Judge
  • 3. Colin Edgely
Scottish Liberal Party:
  • 1. Allan Steele
  • 2. Andrew MacGregor
UKIP:
  • 1. Ben Walker
  • 2. Mike Pursglove
  • 3. Gillian Ammoun


Paul Mack (Indepnedent)

Paddy McCarthy (Indpendent)

William Wallace (Independent)

2 Kirsten Oswald Neil Bibby Jackson Carlaw Cara McKee Jamie Greene David Smith Simon McLean Luke Reid
3 Michelle Campbell Katy Clark Pam Gosal Karen Sharkey Christine Murdoch Moira Ramage Ken McNeil Matt Lynch
4 Patricia Gibson Paul O'Kane Alix Mathieson Paula Baker Grant Toghill Mike Mann Ian Vallance Paul Gallacher
5 Kenneth Gibson Francesca Brennan Gary Mulvaney Ross Collins Emma Farthing-Sykes Matthew McLean Eammon Gallagher
6 Tom Arthur Kayleigh Quinn Maurice Corry Ross Stalker Frank Wallis
7 Sophie Traynor Mike McKirdy Jack Hall Elaine Ford Faten Hameed
8 Denis Johnston Colette McDiarmid Ronnie Stalker Andrew White
9 Michael Gibbons Matthew McGowan Farooq Choudhry Donald McNiven
10 Andrew Steel Ted Runciman

Opinion polling

[edit]
Main article: Opinion polling for the 2026 Scottish Parliament election
Key

  SNP – Scottish National Party
  Conservative – Scottish Conservatives
  Labour – Scottish Labour
  Lib Dem – Scottish Liberal Democrats
  Green – Scottish Greens
  Alba – Alba Party
  Reform – Reform UK

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Originally elected as Scottish Green MSP
  2. ^ Denotes a main invitee attending the event.
  3. ^ Denotes a main invitee not attending the event, sending a surrogate in their place.
  4. ^ Co-organised with Scotland 2050
  5. ^ Màiri McAllan, Cabinet Secretary for Housing (Scotland)
  6. ^ Murdo Fraser, Conservative MSP
  7. ^ Martin Whitfield, Labour MSP
  8. ^ Patrick Harvie, MSP and former co-leader of the Scottish Greens
  9. ^ Alongside Andy Maciver and Geoff Aberdein
  10. ^ Jack Middleton, SNP candidate
  11. ^ Slot replaced by Richie Venton of the Scottish Socialist Party
  12. ^ Slot replaced by Eve Comrie of Alliance to Liberate Scotland
  13. ^ Holly Bruce, Scottish Greens candidate for Glasgow Southside[101]
  14. ^ Christine Jardine, Scottish Liberal Democrats MP
  15. ^ Stuart Niven was announced as Reform candidate on 19 March 2026, and suspended from Reform on 20 March.[128]

References

[edit]
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    💪 People across Aberdeenshire East have been let down for far too long by the SNP, it's time for change!"     (Tweet) – via X (formerly Twitter).
  111. ^ "Jordan Stokoe – Scottish Labour Candidate for the constituency of Almond Valley". www.jordanstokoe.com. 17 July 2025.
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  125. ^ Mathieson, Alix [@Alix2Win] (20 May 2025). "I am delighted to have been selected yesterday evening as the @ScotTories candidate for Clydebank and Milngavie. I love this constituency and I love representing it. I am looking forward to the campaign. 🇬🇧💙" (Tweet) – via X (formerly Twitter).
  126. ^ Fell, Rory (10 November 2025). "Cowdenbeath Labour candidate confirmed for upcoming election". Central Fife Times. Retrieved 14 November 2025.
  127. ^ Grace, Tempany (15 April 2025). "Jackie Baillie MSP seeks re-election for Dumbarton in 2026". Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter. Retrieved 17 August 2025.
  128. ^ Learmouth, Andrew (20 March 2026). "Reform UK suspends Dundee City West candidate Stuart Niven". The Herald.
  129. ^ "Martin Whitfield chosen to contest new East Lothian Coast and Lammermuirs seat". East Lothian Coast & Lammermuirs CLP. 2 October 2024. Retrieved 2 October 2024.
  130. ^ merecomp. "Let's Get Started in City Centre and Inverleith". Edinburgh Green Party. Retrieved 8 November 2025.
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  132. ^ "Kate Nevens". Edinburgh and West Lothian Greens.
  133. ^ Stephen, Phyllis (24 March 2026). "Greens standing three candidates in Edinburgh constituencies". Deadline News.
  134. ^ Webber, Sue [@SueJWebber] (12 May 2025). "Tonight I am delighted to say that I have been selected as the @ScotTories candidate for Edinburgh South Western in the Holyrood 2026 election.
    Thank you to everyone that came along on such a beautiful evening"     (Tweet) – via X (formerly Twitter).
  135. ^ Johnson, Daniel (28 March 2025). "Starting My 2026 Re-Election Campaign". Facebook.com. Retrieved 17 August 2025.
  136. ^ Crow, Allan (7 May 2025). "Willie Rennie MSP set to contest 2026 elections to mark a full decade as MSP". Fife Today. Retrieved 17 August 2025.
  137. ^ Gillespie, Stuart (7 May 2025). "Parties announce Galloway and West Dumfries candidates for Holyrood election". Daily Record.
  138. ^ Scottish Common Party (23 December 2025). "📢 Important Announcement
    Following on from our previous candidates, we are proud to welcome our next candidates as we continue to grow stronger ahead of the May 2026 Elections 🗳️
    The Scottish Common Party is building a movement dedicated to serving the people of Scotland as they rightly deserve with commitment, integrity, and community at its heart 💙🏴"    . Facebook. Retrieved 3 February 2026.    {{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  139. ^ Pizzuto-Pomaco, Josh (25 January 2026). "Pam-Duncan Glancy replaced as Labour candidate for Glasgow seat". The Herald. Retrieved 26 January 2026.
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  142. ^ Scottish Labour [@ScottishLabour] (29 April 2025). "Congratulations to Shaun Fraser! Scottish Labour's candidate for Inverness and Nairn. #NewDirection" (Tweet) – via X (formerly Twitter).
  143. ^ Stewart, Ruraidh [@Ruraidh_Stewart] (17 May 2025). "I'm deeply honoured to be selected as the @ScotTories candidate for Inverness and Nairn in #Holyrood2026.
    The Highlands are my home and I'm standing to give our communities the strong, local voice they deserve in Holyrood. It's time for real change"     (Tweet) – via X (formerly Twitter).
  144. ^ Pack, Mark (13 May 2025). "Neil Alexander selected for Inverness and Nairn". Mark Pack.
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  146. ^ McPhee, Ewan [@ewan_macphee] (23 August 2025). "It's a huge privilege to have been selected by local members as the @ScottishLabour candidate for Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley. I grew up in Kilmarnock and I'm here to win this seat in next year's elections. The choice in 2026 is more of the same or a new direction for Scotland" (Tweet). Retrieved 26 August 2025 – via X (formerly Twitter).
  147. ^ "David Blair named as Labour's Moray candidate for Holyrood election". Northern Scot. 4 November 2025.
  148. ^ Moray Conservatives [@MorayTories] (12 May 2025). "We are delighted to announce Tim Eagle has been selected as the Moray candidate for next year's Scottish Parliament elections.
    We look forward to meeting as many Moravians as we can in the next year as we campaign across Moray"     (Tweet) – via X (formerly Twitter).
  149. ^ "Robert Leslie to Contest Orkney Constituency for the SNP". The Orkney News. 15 May 2025.
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  151. ^ Halcro Johnston, Jamie [@halcrojohnston] (17 August 2025). "🚨 Delighted to announce..." (Tweet) – via X (formerly Twitter).
  152. ^ McCall, Roz [@RozMccall] (1 May 2025). "📣 I'm honoured to have been selected as the Scottish Conservative and Unionist candidate for Perthshire South and Kinross-shire ahead of the 2026 election.
    Thank you to @mspliz for her dedication and hard work as the Candidate over many years.
    I've always stood up for our communities as a regional MSP and will continue to do so. I am ready to work hard to earn your trust and deliver the strong local voice you deserve. 💙
    #TeamRoz #PerthshireSouth #Kinrossshire #ScotConservatives"     (Tweet) – via X (formerly Twitter).
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  160. ^ Gosal, Pam [@PamGosalMSP] (12 May 2025). "It's a great honour to have been selected as the @ScotTories candidate for Strathkelvin and Bearsden for the 2026 Scottish Parliament election.
    As an MSP for West Scotland I have always worked hard on the things that really matter to local residents and businesses. I promise to continue to fight for common sense 💪🏼💙"     (Tweet) – via X (formerly Twitter).
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