Catholic Bishops of Scotland charge New MSPs “to promote truth, justice and charity for the common good of all.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Scotland has urged the newly elected members of Scottish parliament to ensure justice and promote the common good, while congratulating the politicians for victory at the polls.

In an official statement, Rt. Rev. John Keenan stated, “On behalf of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, I pray that your service will be rooted in humility and guided by a sincere desire to promote truth, justice, and charity for the common good of all.

“I hope that you will defend fundamental freedoms.”

The President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland expressed the desire that new leaders will promote dialogue, respect the dignity of everyone especially the most vulnerable groups in society.

“I hope that you will defend fundamental freedoms, foster respectful dialogue, and work for a Scotland where every person’s dignity is respected.

“Your role is a noble calling, entrusted with the responsibility to act with integrity, to value every human life, and to prioritise the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable in our society” he said.

Bishop Keenan used the meduim to warmly congratute the politicians for vitory at the polls assuring them of prayers by the Church.

“I warmly congratulate all Members of the Scottish Parliament elected to serve our nation. Be assured of my prayers as you begin this important work for the people of Scotland,” he stated.

Highlights of the results

The Scottish National Party (SNP) won the May 2026 Scottish Parliament election, securing a record fifth consecutive term in government. However, they fell short of an outright majority, winning 58 seats (65 required for a majority). 

The election was marked by the surge of Reform UK, which tied with Scottish Labour for second place. Meanwhile, the Scottish Conservatives suffered their worst-ever Holyrood result, dropping to fifth place.

Although the SNP missed an outright majority, a combined 73 seats for the SNP and Scottish Greens maintained a pro-independence majority in the 129-seat chamber.

Competing in their first Scottish Parliament election, Reform UK won 17 seats, all through the regional list vote.

Also, the Scottish Greens secured their best-ever result, winning their first-ever constituency seats in Edinburgh Central (Lorna Slater) and Glasgow Southside.

on its part, the Liberal Democrats increased their MSP count to 10, gaining seats in areas like Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, though they lost their long-held Shetland seat to the SNP.

Meanwhile, the Scottish Conservatives fell from being the main opposition party to fifth place, losing 19 seats just as high-profile MSPs lost their seats, including the SNP’s Angus Robertson in Edinburgh Central. 

Summary of final seat results

The newly elected MSPs are scheduled to be sworn in on Thursday 14 May, followed by the election of a First Minister, widely projected to be John Swinney.