Holyrood 560 / 23 March 2026

Swinney holds all the cards ... despite the SNP losing some of its magic with voters
Analysis & exclusive polling, pages 14-21

3 Editor’s note
May’s election is about Holyrood – not Westminster

6 Opinion
Louise Wilson
Kirsteen Paterson

8 Topical Question:
What advice would current MSPs offer the next intake?

10 Committee Round-up

12 Spotlight:
Election preview
This seemingly predictable election may yet surprise us

16 Spotlight: Polling
The SNP holds the cards even if the magic has worn off for voters

21 Opinion
Chris Marshall

22 Feature: Public Health
Despite some successes, deep inequalities remain

28 The Huddle:
Preventative medicine

32 Connect: Data & AI
How AI is catching cancers earlier

35 Minister: Jenni Minto
There’s work still to do on improving public health

38 Interview: Patient Safety Commissioner Karen Titchener says MSPs should worry about her

44 Feature: Housing
Who will solve the emergency?

48 Minister: Màiri McAllan
More Homes Scotland and beyond

50 Feature: Holyrood baby
As Kirsty turns 10, is her life getting better?

54 Interview: Paul O’Kane
The Labour MSP on why he’s his party’s fixer

60 Event Report
The Showcasing Scotland Westminster reception

62 Exit Interview: Douglas Ross The ex-Tory leader reflects on his eventful time at Holyrood

64 Diary
Humza Yousaf and Patrick Harvie’s ‘conscious uncoupling’

65 Political Spin
Labour MP Euan Stainbank on his love of karaoke

66 Last Word: Sketch
Malcolm Offord is just a local boy done good