Scottish Politics Explained 2025

Scottish Politics Explained

COSLA, Edinburgh | 3 June 2025

The countdown to the 2026 Scottish election is on: who holds influence, how do you engage with them, and how do you get your message into their manifesto pledges?

Now is the ideal time, in the lead up to the election, to learn about the processes, people, and structures integral to the running of Scotland. Holyrood’s Politics Explained event will provide you with a thorough understanding of all of this and more.

By attending, you can expect to learn:

  • About the structure and everyday workings of the Parliament
  • About the delivery and structure of Scottish elections
  • How the Scottish Government runs and is held to account
  • How to engage with politicians and parliamentary staffers
  • How you might influence manifestos and policies ahead of 2026
  • About the role of the media and how to engage

Scottish Politics Explained is particularly relevant to those working in:

  • Policy and/or public affairs
  • External affairs and/or communications
  • Public relations and/or campaigns
  • Parliament or constituency offices

Join us in June to learn from experts about the Scottish political system and network with colleagues who are also seeking to engage with parliamentarians and influence policy.

All attendees will receive a copy of Holyrood’s 2025 Communications Guide and have the chance to win a year’s subscription to the Holyrood Magazine.

Event Details

- Structure and composition
- Committees and Cross-Party Groups
- Procedures and rules
- Devolved and reserved matters

- Who’s who in the Scottish Government
- Directorates and portfolios
- Civil servants and ministers
- The relationship with Parliament

With the 2026 Scottish Parliamentary election fast approaching, learn how to:

-Engage with MSPs and the legislative process
-Effectively lobby within the parameters
-Effectively engage with the media

As we approach the 2026 election, and parties begin to develop their manifestos, hear from experts about:

-The roles of parliamentary staffers and how they work together with MSPs
-How best to interact with parliamentary staffers and get your message across

Discounts
Discounted rates available

50% discount for students available using code UNI50

£195
Reduced Rate

Voluntary/charitable

With annual income of less than £1m

£195 + VAT

£245
Standard Rate

Public sector/voluntary/charitable

With annual income over £1m

£245 + VAT

£295
Private Sector Rate

Commercial e.g. plc, Ltd, LLP

£295 + VAT

Christine Grahame MSP
MSP for Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale
The Scottish Parliament
Peter McGrath
Principal Clerk
The Scottish Parliament
Erin Robertson
Senior Communications and Public Affairs Manager
British Medical Association Scotland
Sophie Corbett
Head of Cabinet Performance and Outreach
Cabinet Secretariat, The Scottish Government
David Mitchell
Communications Officer - SNP Group
Scottish National Party
Stephen Tierney, KC (Hon) FRSE
Professor of Constitutional Theory and Legal Advisor
The University of Edinburgh
Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP
Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament
The Scottish Parliament
Caitlin Stott
Senior Parliamentary Researcher
The Scottish Parliament
Charles Pound
Head of Research
The Scottish Conservative Party
Jackson Carlaw CBE MSP
Scottish Conservative MSP for Eastwood
Scottish Parliament
Jackson Carlaw CBE (born 12 April 1959) is a Scottish politician who served as Leader of the Scottish Conservative Party from February to July 2020, after acting in the role since 2018. He was previously the Deputy Leader of the party from 2011 to 2019. Carlaw has been a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) since 2007, initially for the West Scotland region, and later for Eastwood from 2016. Born and raised in Newton Mearns, Carlaw worked in the motor retail industry before entering politics. He was first elected to the Scottish Parliament in 2007 and became Deputy Leader of the Scottish Conservatives in 2011. Carlaw held various positions including Scottish Conservative Spokesperson for Health and Sport, and Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Europe and Culture. He acted as leader during Ruth Davidson's maternity leave in 2018-2019 and after Davidson's resignation in 2019. Carlaw won the 2020 leadership election but resigned in July 2020.
Louise Wilson
Political Editor
Holyrood Communications
Douglas Ross MSP
Member of the Scottish Parliament for Highlands & Islands Region
Scottish Conservatives
Martin Whitfield MSP
Parliamentary Business Manager and Spokesperson for Children and Young People, Scottish Labour Party
The Scottish Parliament
Rachael Hamilton MSP Headshot
Rachael Hamilton MSP
Scottish Conservative MSP for Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire
Scottish Conservatives
Henry McLeish Headshot
Rt Hon Henry McLeish
Former First Minister of Scotland
Henry McLeish is a Scottish politician, author and academic who served as First Minister of Scotland from 2000 to 2001.
Event Details