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

- How Bills are introduced
- The stages of a Bill
- When and how you can input into the legislative process

- Overview of an MSP’s role
- Constituency and parliamentary obligations
- Input into the legislative process
- How to meet an MSP
- Practical tips and advice

- 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

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