Scotland in Transition: Perspectives on Politics and Policy Ahead of the 2026 Election
12-13 May 2025, University of Edinburgh
Promoted by the Scottish Election Study, co-organised with the Centre on Constitutional Change and the Territorial Politics Research Group, Department of Politics and International Relations, University of Edinburgh
A quarter of a century into devolution and a decade on from the independence referendum, the 2026 Scottish Parliament election could be a pivotal moment in the country’s political evolution and constitutional future. With the SNP on the verge of two decades in office, the Labour party winning back power at Westminster, widespread dissatisfaction with administrations at both levels and renewed fragmentation across the constitutional divide, the forthcoming devolved election could well be the least predictable for many years. This conference, taking place one year ahead of the vote, provides a timely opportunity for scholars with an interest in Scottish politics and policy to reflect on the dynamics shaping the nation in a time of international upheaval and uncertainty.
We invite contributions that analyse Scotland’s political institutions, policies, and political identities – both in isolation and in comparative perspective – to enhance academic understanding of the upcoming election and where it might lead Scotland. The conference will also provide a platform for community-building among researchers around Scotland and beyond, and we especially welcome submissions from PhD students and other Early Career Researchers.
Themes
We take a broad view of Scottish politics and invite papers that explore a range of themes, including but not limited to the following:
- Elections, Voters and Parties
- Parliament, Government and Public Administration
- Social Identities, Diversity and Integration
- Nationalism, National Identity, and Constitutional Change
- Policy, including social, fiscal and foreign policy
Submission Guidelines
Please submit an abstract (max 250 words) outlining your paper’s focus and contribution(s) to the themes outlined above by completing this form no later than 14 March 2025.