Which MSPs are standing down in 2026?

The Scottish Parliament faces major change next year as a swathe of established politicians leave office.

There is much speculation about the likely outcome of the 2026 vote. But what is certain is that, regardless of who forms the next Scottish Government, the chamber will be a very different place due to the sheer number of MSPs certain not to return.

They include ‘99ers – members of devolution’s first intake 26 years ago – and others who have served only one term, with cabinet secretaries, ministers and backbenchers amongst their number.

And, with selections continuing for most parties, that number could yet grow – even before a single vote is cast.

That’s except for the Scottish Greens, all of whose current bill are running again, though some face a bigger re-election challenge than others.

Here we recap the roster of politicians who have declared they will not stand again next time.

Government figures are amongst those set to step down | Alamy

SNP: Big hitters prepare to leave the stage

Of all the parties with confirmed losses, the SNP has the most. This is partly because of differences in selections processes, with the SNP sticking to a national timetable where other parties work on a regionalised basis.

We’d thought we’d heard the last announcement from Swinney’s ranks weeks ago, before the constituency candidate list was published. That turned out to be premature when Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes issued a belated statement saying that she would not run in 2026, in order to prioritise raising her three-year-old daughter.

Forbes joins a list which includes:

Stephanie Callaghan, Uddingston and Bellshill

Willie Coffey, Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley

Further education, higher education and science minister Graeme Dey, Angus South

Children and young people and The Promise minister Natalie Don-Innes, Renfrewshire North and West

James Dornan, Glasgow Cathcart

Deputy Presiding Officer Annabelle Ewing, Cowdenbeath

Former local government empowerment minister Joe Fitzpatrick, Dundee West

Rural affairs, land reform and islands minister Mairi Gougeon, Angus North and Mearns

Former deputy presiding officer Christine Grahame, Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale

Transport secretary Fiona Hyslop, Linlithgow

Bill Kidd, Glasgow Anniesland

Business and employment minister Richard Lochhead, Moray

Gordon Macdonald, Edinburgh Pentlands

Chief whip Rona Mackay, Strathkelvin and Bearsden

Ruth Maguire, Cunninghame South

Former health secretary Michael Matheson, Falkirk West

Audrey Nicoll, Aberdeen South and North Kincardine

Finance secretary Shona Robison, Dundee City East

Former first minister Nicola Sturgeon, Glasgow South

Michelle Thomson, Falkirk East

Evelyn Tweed, Stirling

Former drugs and alcohol policy minister Elena Whitham, Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley

Former first minister Humza Yousaf, Glasgow Pollok

Members of the Scottish Conservative group | Alamy

Scottish Conservatives: Well-kent faces step down

Maurice Golden, North East Scotland

Edward Mountain, Highlands and Islands

Oliver Mundell, Dumfriesshire

Former leader Douglas Ross, Highlands and Islands

Liz Smith, Mid Scotland and Fife

Members of the Scottish Labour group | Alamy

Scottish Labour: Change ahead for the few

Former transport and planning minister Sarah Boyack, Lothians

Rhoda Grant, Highlands and Islands

Former leader Richard Leonard, Central Scotland

Former deputy leader Alex Rowley, Mid Scotland and Fife

Beatrice Wishart MSP | Alamy

Scottish Lib Dems: Isle see you later

Beatrice Wishart, Shetland Islands

Independent/No Party Affiliation:

Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone, Lothians

John Mason, Glasgow Shettleston