Scotland’s Mental Health Hustings 2026

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On Monday (9 March) the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland – in its role as secretariat for Scotland’s Mental Health Partnership (SMHP) – hosted a hustings bringing together leaders from across the political spectrum.

With the 2026 Scottish Parliament election rapidly approaching, more than 200 people with lived experience, professionals, campaigners, and members of the public gathered to hear what parties plan to do to improve Scotland’s mental health.

All six Holyrood parties were represented:

• Emma Roddick MSP (SNP)
• Brian Whittle MSP (Scottish Conservatives)
• Paul Sweeney MSP (Scottish Labour)
• Gillian Mackay MSP (Scottish Greens)
• Cllr Sally Pattle (Scottish Liberal Democrats)
• Jon Whitton (Reform UK Scotland)

Each opened with a sharp two-minute pitch setting out their vision for the future of Scotland’s mental health – and from the outset, the tone was constructive. One of the most striking features of the event was the level of cross-party consensus and the clear willingness to work together to make things better.

The first major question: how to accelerate progress on Scotland’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy?

Panellists differed on approach, but agreed on a core reality – delivery has been too slow, and accountability needs strengthening if the strategy is to deliver real change.

Funding dominated much of the discussion, with parties pressed on the long-standing commitment (previously supported by all except Reform) to allocate 10% of NHS spend to mental health. Speakers were challenged not just on whether they would recommit, but when – sparking a lively debate on priorities across acute care, community support, and prevention. Five of the six parties re-committed to the need for the 10% to be delivered.

Every party acknowledged the strain on mental health professionals across both the NHS and the third sector. Ideas ranged from clearer training and retention routes to better multidisciplinary working and more stable funding for voluntary sector providers. The urgency of workforce challenges was one of the strongest points of agreement across the panel.

The rising stigma around severe mental illness – and the need for a renewed national anti-stigma programme – was a key theme. Several panellists stressed that Scotland must move beyond awareness campaigns toward measurable reductions in discrimination and better everyday experiences for those most affected.

With referrals for neurodevelopmental assessment climbing sharply, parties were asked whether they would back a national neurodevelopmental pathway. The question resonated strongly with the room, prompting thoughtful contributions on diagnosis, support, and early intervention.

The event wrapped with a powerful audience Q&A, ensuring that lived experience shaped the discussion throughout – and that panellists were challenged directly on what matters most to communities.

As secretariat to the Partnership, the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland extends sincere thanks to all panellists, contributors, and attendees. The message from the hustings was clear: mental health must remain a top priority this election, and people across Scotland expect ambitious, joined-up action – backed by a welcome spirit of cross-party cooperation.