Scottish election: what it means for RCPsych in Scotland

The recent Scottish election has resulted in a more fragmented Parliament, with the SNP remaining the largest party on 58 seats but short of a majority.

Labour and Reform UK are tied as joint opposition, while the Greens, Liberal Democrats and others are likely to play important roles in shaping negotiations around budgets and legislation.

For the College in Scotland (RCPsychiS), this political landscape presents real opportunities. Minority governments rely on cross-party agreement, which means credible external voices have greater influence. We’ve already seen this in action and utilised negotiations - most notably through our part in securing £7.6 million in budget negotiations last year to support progress in neurodevelopmental support and relieving pressure on mental health services. Strengthening relationships across all parties will be key in the months ahead.

Encouragingly, there is strong alignment between political priorities and our own. Following sustained engagement, our own RCPsychiS manifesto priorities appeared across every major party’s platform. In particular, there is cross-party recognition of the need to improve neurodevelopmental services, increase mental health investment, and expand early and community-based support.

A significant achievement is the SNP’s commitment to adopt our four-tiered national pathway for neurodevelopmental conditions, including within its first 100 days. Other parties have made similar commitments. This reflects a shared understanding that Scotland needs a needs-based, whole-system approach, but the challenge now is ensuring that these pledges are translated into funded, evidence-based delivery that benefits patients and supports our workforce.

With 64 new MSPs elected, there is both an opportunity and a need to establish our voice early. We will relaunch our MSP engagement with a sustained strategy, including a refreshed parliamentary guide explaining key concepts such as the role of psychiatry, how services operate, and the distinction between mental health, wellbeing and severe mental illness. Tailoring our communication - from introductory explanations to detailed policy insight - will be crucial.

Alongside this, we will prioritise engagement with the new Scottish Government, positioning the College as a trusted, clinically informed partner in NHS reform.

Finally, the election reinforces the importance of local as well as national influence. Scotland’s complex health system means that change often depends on the influence of multiple decision-makers. To deliver on our priorities, we must engage across all these levels.

Overall, this Parliamentary term offers a valuable opportunity for constructive advocacy. With strong political momentum behind mental health, our focus now is on turning commitment into action - and ensuring our members’ expertise continues to shape the future of services in Scotland.

If you’d like to hear more about the RCPsychiS’ policy and public affairs work, or would like to get involved, please contact Jane Gordon, Policy and Public Affairs Manager at jane.gordon@rcpsych.ac.uk.

This article was included in our May 2026 eNewsletter.