Scottish Parliamentary Election 2026
The next parliamentary elections in Scotland are scheduled for 7 May 2026 to elect 129 Members of Scottish Parliament (MSPs) to the Scottish Parliament. Of these MSPs, 73 are elected as constituency representatives, using the first-past-the-post system, while the remaining 56 are elected as regional members through a proportional representation. That system of voting ensures that everyone in Scotland is represented by 8 MSPs.
In the Argyll and Bute local authority area, everyone except voters in the Helensburgh and Lomond area (Wards 9, 10 and 11) will vote in the Argyll and Bute Constituency, and the Highlands and Islands Region. The Highlands and Islands Region comprises of the following constituencies:
- Argyll and Bute
- Caithness, Sutherland and Ross
- Skye Lochaber and Badendoch
- Inverness and Nairn
- Moray
- Shetland
- Orkney
- and Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar
The Constituency Returning Officer is Pippa Milne, Local Returning Officer for Argyll and Bute Council. The Regional Returning Officer for the Highlands and Islands Region is the Highland Council Returning Officer, Derek Brown.
Electors in Helensburgh and Lomond area will vote in the Dumbarton Constituency and the West of Scotland Region. Voters in those areas can find out more about their Constituency and Region on the West Dunbartonshire Council Election page: 2026 Scottish Parliament Election | West Dunbartonshire Council
Polling will take place between 7am and 10pm on Thursday 7 May 2026 with the result for the Argyll and Bute Constituency and the Highlands and Islands Region expected to be announced on Friday 8 May 2026.
For enquiries about the electoral register, or to submit an application form to vote by proxy or postal vote you should contact the Electoral Registration Officer as follows:
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Address:
The Electoral Registration Officer
Kilbrannan House
Bolgam Street
Campbeltown
PA28 6HZ -
Email: ero-abc@dab-vjb.gov.uk
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Phone: 01586 555300
Statutory Notices
- Notice of Election (available from 16 March 2026)
- Notice of Poll (List of Candidates) (available from 1 April)
- Notice of Appointment of Election Agents (available from 1 April)
- Notice of Appointment of Sub-Agents (available from 1 April)
- Notice of Situation of Polling Places (available from 1 April)
