Your Voice, Our Future: A Guide to Engaging with the 2026 Scottish Election

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As we approach the Scottish Parliament election in May 2026, Scotland stands at a crossroads. The decisions made by the next intake of MSPs will determine crucial things like how we transition our energy systems and how we protect our food systems, the wellbeing and health of our communities and ecosystems from climate impacts.

At SCCAN, we believe that community-led action is the heartbeat of a just transition. But for that heartbeat to be felt, we must engage directly with those seeking to represent us. This guide provides comprehensive advice on how to talk to candidates and a breakdown of where the major parties stand on the issues that matter most. Share with all of those you think would benefit from it.

How to Engage: Making your voice count

With the election scheduled for Thursday, 7 May 2026, the “campaign period” usually begins in late March. This is when candidates are most active in your community.

Contact Your Candidates

Every person in Scotland is represented by eight MSPs: one for your specific constituency and seven for your wider region.

  • Find your current MSPs: Use the Scottish Parliament website.
  • Write an Email/Letter: Share your local climate project’s success. Ask them: “If elected, how will you ensure long-term, accessible funding for community-led climate action and adaptation?”

Doorstep pitches

If a candidate knocks on your door, you have like 60 seconds to make an impact. Keep it local and personal.

Examples:

  • Health and climate: “Our local air quality is a concern. What is your plan for better, greener public transport?”
  • Housing: “Many homes in this street are drafty and expensive to heat. Will you support a national retrofitting programme?”

Attend Hustings

Hustings are public meetings where candidates debate. They are excellent venues to ask about climate, energy, health, nature and environment priorities.

You can go with a group from your local climate group to show collective community interest.

Party Pledges: Where do They Stand?

Note: Always refer to the full official manifestos for the most detailed information.

Scottish National Party (SNP)

  • Climate & Energy: Commits to the Climate Change Plan 2026–2040, focusing on a “just transition” for workers and a Β£500m Just Transition Fund.
  • Housing: Aims for 1.9 million homes to switch to clean heating by 2045.
  • Childcare: Pledges an expansion of childcare for children from 9 months to the end of primary school (means-tested).
  • Health: Focuses on NHS recovery and reducing waiting lists via new technology.
  • Read more: snp.org

Scottish Labour

  • Climate & Energy: Proposes a “National Warm Homes” programme with community one-stop shops for retrofitting and solar energy.
  • Housing: Pledges 125,000 new homes and reform of tenement maintenance laws.
  • Childcare: Pledges “affordable” year-round childcare from 9 months to primary school age.
  • Health: Focuses on “bringing back the family doctor” and a mental health emergency service.
  • Read more: scottishlabour.org.uk

Scottish Conservatives

  • Climate & Energy: Proposes redirecting some net-zero budgets toward “practical” infrastructure and housing; pledges a Β£100 energy bill discount from ScotWind funds.
  • Housing: Focuses on building new homes and upgrading infrastructure rather than heat pump subsidies.
  • Childcare: Introduces a “funded childcare from nine months” model to help parents return to work.
  • Health: Prioritizes frontline spending and medical diagnoses for mental health support.
  • Read more: scottishconservatives.com

Scottish Greens

  • Climate & Energy: Top priority is getting Scotland back on track for Net Zero by 2045 with a Carbon Emissions Land Tax and a Climate Adaptation Fund.
  • Housing: Supports rent controls and massive investment in public sector retrofitting.
  • Childcare: Proposes universal free childcare as part of a wider public service expansion.
  • Health: Pledges universal free dental care and domiciliary social care.
  • Read more: greens.scot

Scottish Liberal Democrats

  • Climate & Energy: Focuses on community-owned energy and a “Youth Work Bill” to engage young people in the transition.
  • Housing: Pledges to remove dangerous cladding from all buildings.
  • Childcare & Youth: Focuses on a “Right to Youth Work” and mental health beds for young people.
  • Health: Aims to improve support for long-term conditions like Long Covid and ME.
  • Read more: scotlibdems.org.uk

Reform UK Scotland

  • Climate & Energy: Pledges to scrap Net Zero targets and subsidies. Support fast-tracking North Sea oil and gas licenses, ending the ban on new nuclear power, and accelerating geothermal and coal mining infrastructure.
  • Housing: Repeal rent control regulations to encourage private investment. Replace current property taxes with a single Annual Property Tax and phase out the Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT).
  • Health: Cutting current waiting lists by reducing admin costs and integrating AI technology.
  • Childcare: Not included in manifesto.

Read more: reformuk.scot/policies

Resources

To go deeper into the policy demands of the climate movement, explore these resources:

The 2026 election isn’t just about a cross on a ballot paper. It’s about the conversations we have now. Let’s make sure community-led climate action and adaptation is at the top of every candidate’s inbox.