Scottish Elections 2026: Making sure that Scotland keeps the promise

Ahead of the Scottish Parliamentary elections in May 2026, The Promise Scotland has published a paper to show what must happen to keep the promise by 2030.

It informs all political parties standing about what needs to be done, and is intended to support their discussions and guide their decisions.

It will be the continued responsibility of The next Scottish Government, Members of the Scottish Parliament and other duty bearers to make sure the promise made to Scotland’s children, families and care experienced adults is kept. 

Today, Scotland is at the halfway point in a programme of change through to 2030— by which time the promise must be kept.

When the promise was made in 2020, it was made with enthusiastic support and commitment from all parties in the Scottish Parliament.

This support was reaffirmed in November 2024.

The Government and Parliament elected in May 2026 will be responsible for governing beyond that point— for making sure the promise Scotland made is kept and continues to be, for generations to come.

What does our election publication call for?

Our publication makes calls which cover the run-up to the elections themselves, and the next Parliamentary term:

Call on political parties

A call for political parties standing for election to the Scottish Parliament to state their commitment to the promise made to Scotland’s children in their manifestos.

Call on the next Scottish Government

A call on for the next Scottish Government to support the development of Plan 24-30, and the implementation of the route maps for change.

Call on the next Scottish Government and all parties in the next Parliament

A call on the next Scottish Government and all parties in the next Parliament to work collaboratively to address the systemic barriers getting in the way of change, through:

• creating a clear legislative environment
• ending short-term and siloed funding— engendering good practice within commissioning
• improving data collection
• strengthening scrutiny, accountability and governance
• using unique levers to enable shared responsibility and long-term outcomes – not to drive compliance or blame – signalling trust in the workforce, and creating conditions for confident, collective decisions rather than risk-averse ones.

Setting out a vision for 2030

The publication also sets a vision for 2030, where:

• children and families will get early help and support – including those living ‘on the edges of care – so they can stay together where safe to do so.
• children and young people who cannot live with their families will have consistent caregivers and belong to a safe and loving home, with their brothers and sisters when safe to do so.
• children and young people transitioning out of care will be safe, happy, loved and prepared as they move from childhood to adulthood.
• care experienced adults will know and understand the rights they have and how to access help and support whenever they need it.