Time is running out for voters to register to have their say in the Scottish Parliament election on Thursday 7 May, with the deadline for registrations at 11.59pm TONIGHT.
Registering takes minutes and can be done online at gov.uk/register-to-vote. All voters need is a name, address, and National Insurance number.
Those who are already registered will have received a poll card, which tells them where and when to vote.
Cahir Hughes, Acting Head of the Electoral Commission Scotland, said: “We want everyone to be able to have their say in this election, but first they need to be registered to vote.
“If you’re voting for the first time, have moved house, or changed any of your details, it’s especially important that you register online before the deadline tonight.
“It takes just five minutes and all you need is your name, address, and National Insurance number. You can do it now at gov.uk/register-to-vote.
“If you want to vote by post or by proxy, you still have time to apply, but you’ll need to be registered to vote first. Anyone not registered in time won’t be able to vote on Thursday 7 May.
“Once you’re registered, the deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5.00pm on Tuesday 21 April and the deadline to apply for a proxy vote is 5.00pm on Tuesday 28 April.”
With the deadline for new voter registration at 11:59pm on MONDAY 20 APRIL fast approaching, the city council is reminding all eligible residents in Edinburgh to register in time.
Registering online is quick and easy, with full details on the UK Government’s website. If you have recently moved home or your details have changed you will need to register to vote again.
The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on Tuesday 21 April, and for a proxy vote it’s 5pm on Tuesday 28 April.
Returning Officer for Edinburgh, Paul Lawrence said: “Next week marks several crucial milestones as our city prepares for polling day.
“We want everyone to be able to cast their vote and make their voice heard in this election. I’d urge anyone in Edinburgh who is eligible to make the necessary arrangements as soon as possible.”
Polls will be open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday May 7. You can find your nearest polling place on our website. The count will take place on Friday May 8.
A leading coalition of children’s services providers has challenged political parties to “stop talking and start delivering” after a dramatic surge in additional support needs (ASN) conditions among Scotland’s pupils.
New analysis of Scottish Government data reveals a sharp rise in complex needs over the past decade. Between 2015 and 2025:
Mental health problems have surged by 526%
Communication support needs have risen by 296%
Autism diagnoses have increased by 252%
Interrupted learning has jumped by 497%
Social, emotional and behavioural difficulties are up 144%
Physical health problems have grown by 142%
Dyslexia has increased by 129%
Substance misuse has increased by 245%
Overall, the number of pupils identified with ASN has almost doubled—from 153,143 to 299,445—now accounting for 43% of all pupils, experiencing an increased complexity of need.
The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition (SCSC), an alliance of leading providers of specialist care and education for vulnerable children and young people, has warned that rising need is being met with falling support.
Despite the sharp increase in demand:
Specialist ASN teachers have droppedfrom 3,038 in 2015 to 2,864 in 2025.3
Educational psychologist numbers have barely shifted, rising only from 370 to 396.4
The SCSC notes that the gap between need and provision is being driven by a combination of improved diagnosis, the lasting impact of Covid-19, social media pressures, and the cost-of-living crisis.
Associated with this, we are witnessing increasing levels of classroom disruption, a key cause of this being the increase in the number of those with ASN, who are not receiving the support they are entitled to.
The SCSC has also raised concerns about the effectiveness of mainstreaming—where pupils are educated in mainstream classrooms unless exceptional circumstances apply—warning that without adequate support, it is failing many children.
An SCSC spokesperson said:“Scotland’s politicians must stop talking and start delivering. The scale of this increase in need is staggering—but the support simply isn’t keeping pace.
“Too many children with ASN are being left without the help they are entitled to. That is failing them, their classmates, their teachers and support staff.
“Mainstreaming can work—but not without the resources to back it up. Right now, that support just isn’t there, and we are seeing the consequences in rising classroom disruption and unmet need.
“The next Scottish Government must act decisively, providing adequate support for children and young people with ASN, who disproportionately come from the most disadvantaged backgrounds.”
Reasons for support for pupils with ASN (pupils may have more than one reason for additional support).
Political parties and policymakers urged to commit to ending homelessness to ensure everyone in Edinburgh has a safe and stable home
Homelessness charity Crisis Scotland has launched The Road to Ending Homelessness, a national campaign calling on all political parties in Scotland to commit to ending all forms of homelessness in Scotland by 2040.
The target aligns with the Scottish Government’s long-term ambition to ensure there are enough homes for everyone in Scotland by 2040.
The charity is calling for sustained investment, clear accountability and cross-party commitment that lasts beyond a single election cycle.
Maeve McGoldrick, head of policy and communications at Crisis Scotland, said: “Ending homelessness in Scotland by 2040 is achievable, but only through decisive, collective action. Delivering enough of the right homes, in the right places, is fundamental to meeting the needs of those at greatest risk.
“Early intervention must be the standard, not the exception. We need robust systems that identify risk sooner, provide timely support, and focus relentlessly on prevention. This requires guaranteed, long-term, multi-year funding for the public services that underpin effective homelessness prevention and response.
“The Road to Ending Homelessness sets out a clear, practical framework for reaching a point where homelessness is preventable and where, if it does occur, it is rare, brief, and non-recurring.
“We call on everyone in Scotland, including all political parties, to commit to this national priority. A Scotland where everyone has a safe, secure home is within reach but only if we act with urgency, sustain momentum, and turn ambition into concrete, measurable progress.”
Homelessness is the most extreme form of poverty, affecting thousands of Scots. A quarter of the population have either experienced it themselves or know someone close to them who has.
Every day, rising living costs, a shortage of affordable homes, and gaps in support push more families and individuals into homelessness, even within one of the world’s most progressive housing systems.
Families are stuck in overcrowded or unsuitable homes, or in poor-quality temporary accommodation lacking basic facilities. Many are forced to sleep on friends’ sofas, unsure when they might be asked to leave. Increasing number face the trauma and indignity of sleeping on the streets.
Crisis Scotland emphasises that this does not have to be the reality. While progress has been made in recent years, long-term political leadership is now essential.
To coincide with Reform UK’s Scottish conference on Thursday 19 March activists from Edinburgh Climate Coalition (ECC) are launching a campaign today warning voters across Scotland that voting Reform UK in the Scottish Parliament Election could threaten jobs, increase energy bills and undermine Scotland’s renewable energy future.
The campaign will include social media activism, street campaigning and community outreach across Edinburgh and the Lothians, with volunteers speaking directly to residents about how climate policy affects everyday issues such as employment, energy costs and public services.
The ECC wants to ensure that everyone is aware that Reform UK’s policies that undermine climate action will make the lives of people in Scotland worse.
The coalition argues that Scotland’s renewable energy sector has the potential to deliver long-term economic benefits while helping to tackle climate change.
We’ve created high-quality resources to sound the alarm—and we need your help to spread the word.
COSLA has launched Working Towards Achieving a More Balanced Population in Scotland, the first in a series of white papers to be published in advance of the 2026 Scottish Parliament election.
Scottish councils are facing increasingly complex and deeply rooted population challenges, and COSLA is calling for urgent, coordinated action to address them.
This paper provides a detailed examination of these issues and sets out practical recommendations across key policy areas to support a more sustainable and balanced population.
Launching the paper, COSLA described achieving population balance as a central priority for Scottish local government.
With some areas experiencing rapid growth, others facing significant depopulation, and many managing both pressures simultaneously within their boundaries, the need for strategic intervention has never been greater.
COSLA has today launched 'Working Towards Achieving a More Balanced Population in Scotland', the first in a series of white papers to be published.
COSLA Community Wellbeing Spokesperson, Cllr Maureen Chalmers, said:“I am delighted to be launching our population white paper today.
“Achieving a more balanced population is a priority for Scottish Local Government and COSLA, and it is imperative that this remains a priority for the new Scottish Government administration following the election.
“Our white paper highlights the diverse population challenges faced by councils across Scotland, from those that are experiencing rapid population growth, to those facing critical depopulation, as well as the many dealing with both challenges within their council area. It proposes recommendations across three key priority areas: economy, workforce and jobs; housing; and transport.
“Scottish councils are best placed to lead population balance efforts but require support from both Scottish and UK Government to achieve our aims.
“We are calling on our national politicians to commit to working with us to implement the recommendations that we have set out today.”
Alba Continuation Group welcomes leader MacAskill’s ‘positive engagement’
Hopes for Scottish independence in the next Parliament through the election of Alba MSPS on the list heightens after constructive engagement with Kenny MacAskill following recent correspondence, marking meaningful progress toward a clear and democratic way forward.
In his latest communication, Mr MacAskill acknowledges that a full indemnity has now been offered, to remove all risk from the current Alba leadership.
He sets out a number of constitutional and financial questions requiring clarification. These questions are legitimate and reflect the seriousness of the responsibilities involved.
They provide not an obstacle, but a structured and democratic route to resolving outstanding matters in a transparent and credible way.
Earlier this week The ALBA Continuation Group set out a ‘confident and forward-looking’ proposal aimed at securing the Party’s future and maximising it’s impact in the forthcoming Scottish Parliament election.
The group – made up of Angus Brendan MacNeil, Tommy Sheridan, Christina Hendry and Suzanne Blackley, all elected with substantial support from party members – has confirmed it’s willingness to offer an unconditonal indemnity to facilitate an orderly and dignified transition in the Party’s leadership.
Commenting today, Angus Brendan MacNeil said, “Central to this pathway is democratic legitimacy. Any transfer of responsible officer roles, as defined by the Electoral Commission, must command the confidence of members.
“That legitimacy can be secured straightforwardly through an online ballot of members, organised efficiently and transparently. Such a ballot would provide a clear democratic mandate from the elected membership, ensuring that any organisational changes rest on firm constitutional foundations.
“Addressing financial clarity is equally important. Establishing certainty around liabilities, ongoing costs and indemnity arrangements is essential to protecting members and ensuring long-term stability. These are practical issues that can and should be resolved through open engagement and good faith.
“This moment represents a crossroads. Small decisions taken now may have significant consequences over the next two years. By choosing a democratic, member-led route, there is an opportunity to strengthen credibility, rebuild confidence and position Alba to stand at the forthcoming Scottish Parliament election, which is vital in Scotland’s independence journey.
“Independence is within our grasp. With unity, transparency and democratic endorsement from members, Alba can enter the next Parliament as a clear, forceful and principled advocate for Scotland’s constitutional future.
“We look forward to continued constructive dialogue and to progressing matters swiftly, so that energy and focus can return to the central objective: delivering independence for Scotland through democratic means.”
Ahead of May’s election, Scotland’s sexual and reproductive health leaders are calling on an incoming Scottish Government to put high‑quality, accessible care at the top of its agenda to reduce health inequalities, improve public health and strengthen the country’s economy.
For the first time, The College of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (CoSRH), the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH), and the British HIV Association (BHIVA) – which collectively represent more than 3,000 sexual and reproductive healthcare professionals across Scotland – have come together to publish Improving Scotland’s Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare: A Joint Manifesto for the Next Scottish Parliament.
While the manifesto acknowledges Scotland’s progress through initiatives like the Women’s Health Plan and the Sexual and Blood‑Borne Virus Action Plan, it also makes clear that the system is under real strain.
Demand for services has risen sharply, including a 50% increase in abortions in less than 10 years, rising rates of sexually transmitted infections and HIV testing numbers surpassing pre‑COVID levels. Yet this surge comes at a time when resources remain limited, and workforce pressures continue to grow. These pressures are creating longer waits, busier services and widening gaps in care.
Without decisive action, these pressures risk deepening existing disparities in health outcomes, particularly for women, young people, minority ethnic communities, and under served populations.
The manifesto urges immediate action from the next Scottish Government on five priority areas to improve SRH, HIV, maternity and abortion care across the country:
1. Integrated sexual & reproductive healthcare;
2. Investment to improve maternity services;
3. Deliver the HIV Transmission Elimination Plan and ensure equitable access to STI and BBV testing and treatment;
4. Reduce gynaecology waits and improve care pathways;
5. Implement the recommendations of the Review of Abortion Law in Scotland Expert Group and guarantee access to abortion care up to 24 weeks for all who need it.
Dr Sinead Cook, Chair of the CoSRH Scotland Committee, said: “Scotland has made real progress in women’s health and sexual health, but far too many people still face long waits, limited access and avoidable barriers to the care they need and deserve.
“Improving access to high‑quality sexual and reproductive healthcare not only benefits patients and service users, it also strengthens Scotland’s economy by reducing time lost to poor health.
“That’s why investment in abortion care, menopause care and sexual and reproductive healthcare more broadly must be a priority for the next Scottish Government.”
Dr Alison Wright, President of the RCOG said: “We very much hope that Scotland’s next political leader will seize the opportunity to build upon the strong foundations already laid through the Women’s Health Plan, the review of Scotland’s maternity services and the recommendations of the Review of Abortion Law in Scotland.
“Maternity staff are working under extreme pressure; caring for increasingly complex pregnancies, whilst facing ongoing workforce and resource shortages that affect the provision of safe, personalised care. At the same time, unacceptably long gynaecology waiting lists, rising demand for abortion care, and inequalities in access to sexual and reproductive health services, present significant challenges.
“Addressing the five priority areas set out in this manifesto will enable the next Government to deliver meaningful change where it is most urgently needed for women. We look forward to working with the next Scottish Government and our colleagues across Women’s Health and Maternity services in Scotland, to turn these ambitions into practical improvements in care.”
Dr Graham Leslie, Chair of the BASHH Scottish Branch, said: ““Sexual health and HIV services play a vital role in Scotland’s public health, yet they are operating in an increasingly challenging environment, exacerbated by workforce pressures and persistent inequities in access and outcomes.
“This manifesto sets out clear recommendations to strengthen prevention, expand access to testing and specialist genitourinary medicine, and deliver the HIV Transmission Elimination Plan. With sustained commitment and prioritisation, political leaders can deliver a legacy of world‑leading sexual health and HIV care for everyone who needs it across Scotland.”
Dr Tristan Barber, Chair of the British HIV Association (BHIVA), said: “BHIVA looks forward to ongoing commitment from the next Scottish Government in delivering success for the HIV Transmission Elimination Plan.
“This means funding and removing barriers to equitable access to prevention, testing, and treatment, making all readily available as a fundamental part of routine healthcare. We must also continue to challenge the persistent stigma that keeps key groups on the fringes of the health system, especially women and those from ethnic minorities.
“For those who acquire HIV, early testing and rapid engagement with treatment and care is crucial to both preventing onward transmission and enabling these individuals to live a long and healthy life.
“The next Scottish Government has an opportunity for Scotland to be the first UK nation to achieve the UNAIDS targets of zero HIV transmissions, zero HIV related stigma, and end late diagnosis and HIV related deaths. Scottish Government in achieving these goals.”
A leading national charity is calling on politicians from all parties to take urgent action in providing better support to those in the Armed Forces community.
Poppyscotland has today (Tuesday, February 10th) launched the charity’s second manifesto ahead of May’s Scottish Parliamentary elections.
The manifesto identifies five key areas for improving the support available for serving and ex-serving military personnel in Scotland. These include the expansion of the Armed Forces Covenant, Education, Childcare, Health and Housing.
The first key area Poppyscotland is calling for action on is keeping the Armed Forces Covenant Promise. This sets out the obligation that the Armed Forces community must not face disadvantage because of their service and that those who have given the most, including the injured and bereaved, receive special consideration.
Poppyscotland is also calling on the Scottish Government to implement a clear, accessible programme to promote the Armed Forces Covenant, backed by appropriate resources, practical guidance, and robust evaluation.
Another key area is support for Armed Forces families. Poppyscotland is calling on the Scottish Government to ring-fence funding for service children with additional support needs, to help address the specific challenges of Armed Forces life.
The manifesto also calls for the Scottish Government to actively promote participation in the GP Armed Forces and Veterans Recognition Scheme, which aims to improve identification and support for veterans within primary care.
Poppyscotland chair, Helen Owen, explained: “The 2026 election is an important opportunity for the new Scottish Parliament to prioritise the needs of the Armed Forces community.
“This manifesto provides clarity and focus around the issues we believe to be of greatest importance, as well as setting out in detail how we feel these recommendations can be taken forward by the next Scottish Government. It has been informed by evidence and experience and it is our hope that by working with all parties, we can ensure that the unique contribution of the whole Armed Forces community is given the recognition it deserves.”
Other recommendations focus on improving the quality of mental health support available to veterans; ensuring the needs of the Armed Forces community’s childcare requirements are met at a local level; and that the Scottish Government must build on its commitment to tackling and preventing homelessness for those who have previously served in the Armed Forces.
Poppyscotland provides life-changing support to the Armed Forces community. Money raised from the annual Scottish Poppy Appeal and the charity’s year-round fundraising enables Poppyscotland to deliver support to members of the Armed Forces community in Scotland by providing tailored support and funding.
Poppyscotland also funds services in advice, employment, housing, mental health and mobility.
Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity says the Young Patients Family Fund is failing the families who need it most
Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC) has launched its manifesto – Families on the brink – ahead of the Scottish Parliament Elections calling for an overhaul of the Young Patients Family Fund.
Roslyn Neely, CEO of ECHCsaid: “The current system, while well intentioned, is failing the families who need it most. Parents already stretched to the limit are being pushed into a deeper financial crisis by reimbursement policies that ignore the realities of everyday life.”
The charity has outlined measures in its manifesto to change the system to a cash-first approach over reimbursement as well as expanding the criteria to cover families attending regular outpatient appointments, rather than just inpatient care.
ECHC provides seriously ill children and their families with the extra support they need when facing a potentially life-changing hospital visit. It sees first hand the number of families who simply can’t afford to pay upfront for travel, food, or accommodation – let alone wait weeks to be reimbursed.
For some families, even when they have been reimbursed the money doesn’t reach them as it can be swallowed by overdrafts or used to repay public debts the moment it hits their account. The fund also doesn’t support families who don’t have a bank account or are unable to navigate the complex claims process.
ECHC believes the eligibility criteria should be expanded beyond inpatient appointments as outpatient appointments can be just as costly for families. Children who need frequent outpatient care – like chemotherapy or treatments for chronic conditions such as Crohn’s – often attend more than five appointments a year. That results in five days of missed work. Five days of travel costs. And, five days of disruption to school, siblings, and family life.
Roslyn Neelyadded: “Ahead of the Scottish Parliament Elections we want policymakers to show families who have a young person regularly visiting or staying in hospital that they understand their reality.They understand that families who are already exhausted and stretched to their limits, feeling unsupported by the system, don’t have to be financially drained as well.
“Simple changes to the Young Patients Family Fund would ease the pressure on families who are struggling, and make what could be a potentially life changing or life threatening experience, just a little bit more manageable.”
The Scottish Government budget for 2026/27 has allocated £3.2 million to the fund, a reduction from £5 million from when it was introduced in 2021.
