Scotland’s system of government is defined by devolution, a process that transfers certain powers from the central UK Government at Westminster to the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood in Edinburgh. While Scotland remains part of the United Kingdom, its legislature and government are responsible for many aspects of daily life.
The Scottish Parliament was established in 1999, following a 1997 referendum in which the Scottish people voted overwhelmingly in favour of devolution. This marked a significant change in how Scotland is governed, allowing decisions on key domestic issues to be made in Scotland rather than London.
Devolved Matters (handled by the Scottish Government)
Health and the NHS in Scotland
Education and schools
Justice and policing
Transport and infrastructure
Environment and agriculture
Local government
Tourism and culture
Reserved Matters (retained by the UK Government at Westminster)
Defence and the armed forces
Foreign affairs and diplomacy
Immigration and nationality
Energy regulation (oil, gas, nuclear)
The constitution and the Union
Monetary policy and the currency
Social security (partially shared)
The First Minister of Scotland, appointed from the largest party in the Scottish Parliament, leads the Scottish Government and is the most senior political figure in devolved matters. The UK Prime Minister and UK Parliament continue to make laws on reserved issues, which apply across the entire United Kingdom.
UK Government
Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland – supporting the Secretary of State in promoting the best interests of Scotland within a stronger United Kingdom.
It ensures Scottish interests and responsibilities are fully and effectively represented at the heart of the UK Government and in Scotland.
Delivering for Scotland – The UK Government is working to build a stronger, fairer, safer and more secure country that works for everyone in Scotland and the whole of the UK.
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland and has responsibilities that include the economy, education, health, justice, rural affairs, housing, environment, equal opportunities, consumer advocacy and advice, transport, and taxation.
The Scottish Parliament – everything you need to know about the Holyrood Parliament.
The Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, supported by two Deputy Presiding Officers, chairs the proceedings in the parliamentary chamber, the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body, and the Parliamentary Bureau. The PO also represents the Scottish Parliament at home and abroad.
Current and previous Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs)