A Scottish Parliamentary Election will be held on Thursday 7th May 2026.
Voters in Argyll and Bute will be asked to elect one constituency/local Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for the Argyll and Bute Constituency as well as voting for Regional/List MSPs for the Highlands and Islands region.
Accordingly the Returning Officer for Argyll and Bute is due to publish the Notice of Election on Monday 16th March 2026.
The pre-election period will start immediately upon publication of the Notice of Election. There are particular requirements and restrictions for council staff during this time. This is to ensure that no individual or political party standing for election can make use of council resources – including staff – for their own political purposes.
It is important that employees are familiar with all issues associated with the pre-election period. The council has drawn up the attached document, Argyll and Bute Council Pre-Election Period Guidance, for those requiring more information. If you have any staff who don’t have ready access to emails, please consider sharing this update with them so they’re aware.
Any employee who is unsure whether something which they have been asked to do is political, or could be interpreted as such, should refer the matter to their line manager and ultimately, if necessary, their Head of Service or Executive Director.
It is possible that you may be asked questions about the election in the course of your work. Information will be available on My Council Works to help you answer or direct any queries that you or anyone else have.
The council’s Elections Team is also available to assist and can be contacted on 01546 603264 or elections@argyll-bute.gov.uk
Below is a list of useful web links to find out more about elections and voting:
- www.gov.uk/register-to-vote – online voter registration
- www.electoralcommission.org.uk – the independent body which oversees elections in the UK
- Elections | Argyll and Bute Council – the council’s dedicated Elections web page
Voters living in Helensburgh and Lomond are part of the Dumbarton constituency and can find local information at 2026 Scottish Parliament Election | West Dunbartonshire Council
Issued on behalf of the Returning Officer, 10 March 2026
