Candidates and Agents
This page details information useful to candidates and election agents at the Scottish Parliamentary Election.
Nomination period
The nomination period will open at 10am on Tuesday 17 March 2026 and close at 4pm on Wednesday 1 April 2026.
What these dates mean
Candidates may only submit nomination papers during the nomination period. Nomination papers cannot be accepted before 10 am on Tuesday 17 March or after 4pm on Wednesday 1 April 2026.
Post-nomination briefing for candidates and agents
An online post-nomination briefing for candidates and agents will take place on 2 April 2026.
Where and when the briefing takes place
The briefing will take place on Thursday 2 April 2026 at 11am on Microsoft Teams. Contact us at election@highland.gov.uk if you wish to attend.
Nomination guidance
The following videos offer guidance on completing your nomination papers:
- Guidance for constituency candidates
- Guidance for regional individual candidates
- Guidance for party list nominating officers
Download candidates' nomination information and packs
Polling day information
Download guidance for polling agents and tellers
Count day information
The Count will take place on Friday 8 May 2026 and will be held in Inverness Leisure Centre.
After the election
The Electoral Commission have published a variety of resources to assist candidates and agents with declaring and returning their election expenses.
View the Electoral Commission resources
Additional election information
- Election timetable
- Guidance for candidates and agents at Scottish Parliament elections
- Access to Elected Office Fund
- Electoral Management Board of Scotland: Count Directions Press Release
- Electoral Management Board of Scotland: Directions for the 2026 Scottish Parliament Election
- Candidate Security Pack from Police Scotland
We will continue to publish updates as information becomes available.