With exactly one year to go until the 2026 Scottish Parliament election, the SNP has unveiled its candidate list - and there is a bit of a theme.
There are several names from Westminster all hoping to win a seat in Holyrood.
Whether it is figures from the existing crop of SNP MPs, or the numerous high fliers who lost their seat at last year’s general election, The Scotsman takes a look at the ten SNP candidates hoping to make the switch from Westminster to Holyrood.
5. 5 - Kirsten Oswald
Kirsten Oswald represented East Renfrewshire from 2015 up until she lost in last year’s general election. During her time in the House of Commons she was the party’s deputy Westminster leader under Ian Blackford and spokeswoman on women and equalities. She is standing in the Eastwood seat, which has been held by the Conservative’s Jackson Carlaw for the past decade. Photo: Submitted
6. 6 - Allan Dorans
Allan Dorans represented Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock at Westminster from 2005 until he lost the seat in last year’s general election. During his time in the House of Commons he was the SNP’s spokesman on policing and foreign affairs. Before entering politics, he was in the police. He is standing in the Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley seat which is currently held by the SNP’s Elena Whitham. | UK Parliament
7. 7 - Martyn Day
Martyn Day was the MP for Linlithgow and East Falkirk from 2015, but lost the battle for the Bathgate and Linlithgow seat in 2024. During his time in the House of Commons he was the party’s spokesman on health and social care. He is standing for Falkirk East and Linlithgow - Falkirk East is currently represented by the SNP’s Michelle Thomson and Linlithgow by Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop. Photo: Submitted
8. 8 -Alyn Smith
Alyn Smith was the MP for Stirling from 2019 until 2024. He is now hoping to become the MSP for Stirling, a seat currently held by the SNP’s Evelyn Tweed. While in the House of Commons he was a party spokesman on Europe and foreign affairs. Prior to this he was an MEP in the European Parliament and had studied abroad in Germany and Poland. Photo: Jane Barlow