Your guide to The Scotsman's Holyrood election results coverage

Polls show John Swinney’s hopes of an overall majority may be fading, but the SNP is still in course to remain by far the largest party.

However, the real story could happen elsewhere, with the extraordinary rise of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK.

READ MORE: John Swinney's hopes of SNP majority fade as Scots head to the polls

It is battling it out with Scottish Labour and the Greens for second place, in a result that could upend the political consensus in Scotland.

The Liberal Democrats are also on course to make gains, while the Scottish Conservatives fear a near-existential wipe-out.

Turnout is expected to be low, perhaps just over 50 per cent, which could have an impact.

And with around one in four voters still open to changing their mind, nothing is set in stone.

There is all to play for, and a number of seats are simply too close to call. Expect some upsets on Friday.

Follow The Scotsman’s LIVE blog for all the results throughout the day from the Scottish Parliament election 2026

Our reporters will be on the ground throughout Scotland to bring you all the latest news, gossip and analysis.

Alistair Grant, David Bol, Catriona Stewart, Rachel Amery, Andrew Quinn and Lauren Jack will be at counts in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Perth, Inverclyde and the north-east, while our live blog, helmed by Rachel Mackie, will capture all the latest results.

Our live interactive map will be updated by Gary Flockhart as seats are declared.

And we’ll also have comment and analysis from some of the best political writers in Scotland.

READ MORE: How the Holyrood election campaign failed to ignite Scotland

In the meantime, you can watch The Scotsman’s exclusive video interviews with all the main party leaders on YouTube or on our website now.

We had pizza on the beach with First Minister John Swinney, played pool with Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar and went to a driving range with Malcolm Offord, the leader of Reform UK in Scotland.

We also went surfing with Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton, played Dungeons and Dragons with Ross Greer and Gillian Mackay, the co-leaders of the Scottish Greens, and went to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum with Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay.

It’s fair to say you won’t get coverage quite like that anywhere else.

Don’t forget to subscribe to The Scotsman for just £2 to get exclusive commentary, analysis and reaction from our team of specialist reporters on the ground and amongst the action.

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