Issued on behalf of the Constituency and Regional Returning Officer
The Notice of Election for the 2026 Scottish Parliament Election has been published today (Monday 16 March 2026).
The election will take place on Thursday 7 May 2026 with polling taking place in three Highland constituencies.
The Highland constituencies are:
- Caithness, Sutherland and Ross.
- Inverness and Nairn.
- Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch.
Nomination forms are available on The Highland Council’s website for candidates seeking election to the Scottish Parliament.
Prospective constituency candidates have until 4pm on Wednesday 1 April 2026 to submit their nomination forms.
As well as returning a Highland constituency Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP), electors will also be asked to elect seven additional Members from the Highlands and Islands Regional List.
The Highland and Islands Regional constituencies are:
- Argyll and Bute
- Caithness, Sutherland and Ross
- Inverness and Nairn
- Moray
- Na h-Eileanan an Iar
- Orkney
- Shetland
- Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch
Regional nomination forms are available for individual candidates or party list candidates seeking election to the Scottish Parliament on the Council’s website. The deadline for nominations to be submitted is also 4pm on Wednesday 1 April 2026.
The public are reminded that to take part they will need to ensure that they are registered to vote by the deadline of Monday 20 April 2026. The quickest and easiest way to register is online or phone the Electoral Registration Office on 0800 393 783 to request a paper form.
Voters will be able to opt to vote in person at a polling station, apply for a proxy vote so someone can vote on their behalf or vote by post.
The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm, Tuesday 21 April 2026. Application forms and full information can be downloaded . If you are unable to print the form, you can request application forms to be sent to you or your household. The Electoral Registration Office can arrange for an application form to be sent to you in the post.
For further information about the Scottish Parliament election