May 2026

Election 2026 Round Up

Election Results and Implications

The Scottish Parliament election took place on 7th May, with some seismic changes in the make up of the parliament. Whilst SNP won the election with 58 seats, the biggest winners on the day were Reform UK and the Scottish Greens who now have 17 and 15 seats respectively. 

To understand what this means for health in Scotland, it is important to look at the party manifestos. Last month I wrote a blog exploring how the manifesto asks from each of the six main political parties compare with our Manifesto for Health Creation. 

Blog: ‘Sticking Plasters’ vs Systemic Change: What are Scotland’s Party Manifestos saying about health creation?

You can also read the Key Messages from our Prevention and Power joint hustings event that we hosted back in March. 

Movement for Health Creation Open Letter

On the 12th May we sent all new and returning MSPs an Open Letter urging them to prioritise health creation, health equity, and the right to health. This letter was signed by 79 VHS member organisations. 

Read more about our Open Letter 

What Next?

The next few months provide an opportunity to build relationships with new and returning MSPs, and raise their awareness of the issues that matter to you. 

We have updated our Election 2026 Toolkit to provide useful information about identifying your local MSPs and guidance on getting in touch with them, including a template letter. 

Visit the Election 2026 Toolkit

Get Involved!

Launch Event: VHS Gender and Health Research

We're excited to invite you to attend the launch event of our (IN)VISIBLE research report exploring the relationship between sex, gender and health from a Scottish Third Sector perspective. 

This event will take place online via Teams on Tuesday 19th May, 1-2pm. After hearing a summary of the findings, attendees will hear from several VHS members who contributed to the research before a Q&A. 

Sign up now!

*LAST CHANCE* Share your Views: Right to Breaks for Unpaid Carers

We are intending to respond to the Scottish Government consultation on the implementation of rights to breaks for unpaid carers, and would welcome your views on what we should include in our response. Please get in touch by midday on Friday 15th May if you would like to contribute. 

VHS Policy News

Workshop: Accessing 2022 Scottish Census Data with National Records of Scotland

Join VHS and National Records of Scotland (NRS) for an informative workshop looking at how to access and interrogate data from the 2022 Scottish Census.

Sign up now!

Meeting with the Scottish Parliament Participation and Communities Team (PACT)

Tejesh and I had a fantastic and very timely meeting with Chi and Caroline from the PACT team, who provided useful information about how we can maximise engagement with the parliament and MSPs going forward.  

Wider Policy Developments and Publications

The following is a summary of relevant policy developments, but it is not an exhaustive list. Please contact me if you want to speak about something not listed here. 

Alcohol Deaths in Scotland

Data released by the ONS has revealed that deaths caused by alcohol have reached the lowest number since 2021. Scotland and Northern Ireland were the UK constituent countries with the highest alcohol-specific death rates in 2024, with 20.9 and 21.4 deaths per 100,000 people, respectively. However, the rate in Scotland in 2024 was the lowest since 2019, when it was of 18.5 deaths per 100,000 people.

NHS urged to integrate third sector providers in mental health services

The Centre for Mental Health (CMH) has recommended the NHS to embed welfare advice in mental health services after its report found that specialist third sector providers can improve mental wellbeing, reduce stress, and prevent homelessness.

Poll suggests two thirds of Scots relying on bad habits to cope with mental health issues

A poll for the Mental Health Foundation (MHF) has suggested that over two thirds of adults in Scotland regularly rely upon bad habits to cope with mental health issues, as reported widely in the press including by STV News.

Study reveals disparities in life satisfaction among Scots

The 2026 Belonging Barometer has revealed a “tale of two Scotlands,” with strong disparities across the nation regarding people's sense of community and togetherness.

Next Scottish Government facing public sector funding crisis

Economists with the Fraser of Allander Institute (FAI) at the University of Strathclyde have said that the next Scottish Government will need to make “really difficult” spending decisions once in power, according to a recent briefing.

SNP defends GP walk-in centres

The SNP has defended its rollout of GP walk-in centres after revised figures showed shorter waiting times than previously reported. NHS Lothian confirmed that claims of a patient waiting more than six hours at a pilot centre were due to an administrative error. Updated data indicates the average wait time is just over 30 minutes, with nearly 1,000 patients seen in the first month.

Bowel and ovarian cancer rates increasing exclusively among young people

Analysis carried out by the Institute of Cancer Research and Imperial College London, and published in the BMJ, shows that the diagnosis rates of eleven cancers in young people are rising. This is linked to increased rates of obesity. 

IFS warns parties ignoring Scotland’s fiscal reality ahead of election

The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has warned that Scotland’s main political parties are failing to fully confront the scale of the financial challenges facing the next government, despite offering sharply different visions on tax and public spending.

Cancer Research UK report reveals Scottish cancer rates at all time high

The 'Scotland Overview Report 2026' released by Cancer Research UK shows that cancer cases in Scotland have reached a record high, with roughly 35,600 people being diagnosed each year.

Relevant Consultations

Right to Breaks for Unpaid Carers - implementation – Closing 22nd May

Protections in the justice system for women and girls – Closing 19th June