Elections to the Scottish Parliament take place on Thursday 7 May. There is a vote for a Constituency MSP, and for Regional MSPs.

There are 5 candidates for the Orkney Constituency.

The candidates whose names will appear on the constituency ballot paper on polling day are:

• John William COUPLAND – Reform UK

• Jamie HALCRO JOHNSTON – Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party

• Robert Fraser LESLIE – Scottish National Party (SNP)

• Mike MACLEOD – Scottish Labour Party

• Liam Scott MCARTHUR – Scottish Liberal Democrats

The votes will be counted at the Pickaquoy Centre in Kirkwall on the morning of Friday, 8 May 2026.

There are two ballot papers.

You mark with a cross on the lilac ballot paper your vote for the person to represent the Orkney Consitutency.

You mark with a cross on the peach ballot paper your vote for the political party or person (if they are standing as an independent) to be elected as a Highlands and Islands MSP.

Registering to vote

If you have not done so, the deadline for registering to vote is Monday 20 April.

Click on this link for more information about registering to vote: Register to Vote

All those registered to vote will have received a letter to notify them.

Other key dates:

• Those wishing to apply for, or make changes to a postal vote must do so by Tuesday 21 April at 17:00

• For those wishing to appoint a proxy to vote on their behalf the deadline date is Tuesday 28 April at 17:00.

Once completed, the form can be posted to the Electoral Registration Office, 8 Broad Street, Kirkwall KW15 1NX, or a scanned copy can be sent by email to ero@orkney.gov.uk(opens in new tab)

Alternatively, phone the local Electoral Registration Office on 01856 876222 or email ero@orkney.gov.uk(opens in new tab) to request an application form

The Scottish Parliament: 2026 Election.