As the final day of campaigning gets underway in Scotland, the outcome of the Holyrood election is anything but certain. BBC Scotland political editor Glenn Campbell notes that the volatile politics of 2026 make it wise to prepare for a range of possible scenarios.
The Scottish Parliament election is due to take place on 7 May 2026, with polls indicating a highly competitive contest between the Scottish National Party (SNP), Scottish Labour, the Conservatives, and the Liberal Democrats. The SNP, led by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, is seeking to maintain its majority in the Scottish Parliament, while the opposition parties are vying for power.
The SNP has been in power in Scotland since 2007 and has been a strong advocate for Scottish independence. However, the party's popularity has waned in recent years, and the opposition parties are hopeful of making gains in the election. The Conservatives, led by Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross, are expected to make significant gains, while the Scottish Labour Party, led by Anas Sarwar, is seeking to regain ground.
The Liberal Democrats, led by Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie, are also expected to perform well in the election. However, the party's chances of making a significant impact are uncertain, given the highly competitive nature of the contest.
With the outcome of the election uncertain, voters are being urged to prepare for a range of possible scenarios. The Scottish Government's plans for the country's future, including its stance on Scottish independence, are likely to be influenced by the election result.