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Ais-eòlas
Published by The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body
Dissolution of the Scottish Parliament
Author: Courtney Aitken
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Published: Tuesday 10 Mar 2026 (SB 26-18)
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Overview
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Overview
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Summary
Current arrangements for dissolving the Parliament
Ordinary general elections
Statutory timing of Scottish Parliament general elections
Timing of dissolution before an ordinary general election
The "minimum period" for dissolution
Extraordinary general elections
Rescheduling of elections
Ordinary general elections
Interaction with UK Parliamentary general elections
Presiding Officer's power to reschedule elections
Extraordinary general elections
Pre-election campaign period
Sitting days, recess and the pre-election campaign period
Guidance issued during the pre-election campaign period
Consequences of dissolution
Status of Members of the Scottish Parliament
Status of the Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament
Status of the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body
Status of Scottish Ministers
Effect of dissolution on parliamentary business
Bills
Secondary legislation
Motions
Oral and written questions
Petitions
Sources
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