Scottish Politics Explained : 2026 Election Special

The countdown to the 2026 Scottish Parliament election is on. Do you know who holds political influence, how to engage with them appropriately during the election period, and how to make sure your priorities are reflected in party manifestos?

As we near the election, now is the perfect time to sharpen your understanding of the political landscape in Scotland before most of the campaigning begins. Holyrood’s Scottish Politics Explained 2026: Election Special is a one-day training event designed for professionals working in public affairs, policy, communications, and campaign management. With a focus on the upcoming election, this edition will equip you with the knowledge and practical insight needed to navigate Holyrood confidently and effectively in the months ahead.

By attending, you will learn:

  • How the Scottish Parliamentfunctions in the run-up to an election
  • How the Scottish electoral system works
  • The key players, processes, and timelines that shape election outcomes
  • How to engage with MSPs, staffers, and adviserseffectively during campaign season
  • How manifestos are developed and how to influence them
  • The role of the media in shaping the political debate and how to work with journalists during elections

Join us in January to gain timely, expert insight into the Scottish political system ahead of the 2026 election and connect with peers who are also working to inform and influence policy in a politically sensitive environment.

Book today to take advantage of our group booking discounts.

All attendees will receive a copy of Holyrood’s Political Guide and Public Bodies Guide. You will also have the chance to win a year’s subscription to Holyrood Magazine.

Event Details

This session will explore the basic foundations of the Scottish Parliament including:

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

This session provides an overview of how elections to the Scottish Parliament work. This will cover:

- How the Additional Member System (AMS) works
- The difference between constituency and regional MSPs
- Parties, electoral trends, and likely battlegrounds
- What happens after the vote – government formation and timelines

Hear directly from a panel of current Members of the Scottish Parliament, representing a range of parties and perspectives, as they reflect on the unique pressures and responsibilities of being an MSP in the run-up to a national election. Delegates will have an opportunity to ask questions during the interactive Q&A.   

This session demystifies the rules that apply during the pre-election period including:

- Best practice for public-facing messaging.
- Do’s and don’ts for external communications and public engagement during an election period
- Protecting reputation and relationships in a sensitive political climate

An insider’s look at how political parties develop their manifestos, who contributes to them, and what influence external organisations can have.

As we approach the 2026 election, and parties develop their manifestos and campaign focus, 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

Catherine Fergusson
Principal Clerk to the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee
Scottish Parliament
Naveed Asghar
Head of Office
Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Sarah Mackie
Head of the Electoral Commission, Scotland
The Electoral Commission
Catherine Vallis
Head of Office in the Scottish Parliament and Councillor in Glasgow City Council
Scottish Labour
Professor Christopher Carman
University of Glasgow
Brian Roy
Founding Director: Craigview Strategies, Former General Secretary of Scottish Labour
Scottish Labour Party
Erin Robertson
Senior Communications and Public Affairs Manager
British Medical Association
Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP
Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament
The Scottish Parliament
Sir John Curtice
Professor of Politics
University of Strathclyde
Neil Bibby MSP
Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture
Scottish Labour
Murdo Fraser MSP
Member of the Scottish Parliament
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.
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

Event Details