Political heavyweights set out their long-term vision for Scotland

Carnegie UK has published a new collection of essays bringing together perspectives from senior leaders from Scotland’s biggest political parties, each setting out their vision for the country’s future. 
 
First Minister John Swinney MSP, Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay MSP, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar MSP, Scottish Green Party co-leader Gillian Mackay MSP, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton and Reform MSP Graham Simpson have all contributed to the publication.  

Carnegie UK asked each party to respond to the question: What kind of country do you want Scotland to be two decades from now? Contributors were encouraged to set out a long‑term, positive vision for the nation, considering how today’s decisions shape the opportunities of tomorrow. 

Carnegie UK says the essays provide a unique snapshot of how Scotland’s political parties are thinking about long‑term change, and how they hope to address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. 

Alongside publishing the collection, Carnegie UK has also issued a challenge to all parties and candidates contesting the May Holyrood election. Many of Scotland’s most pressing issues such as addressing child poverty, the organisation notes, cannot be resolved within a single parliamentary term. 

Carnegie UK is calling on political leaders to consider how they will: 

• Commit to sustained, long‑term action rather than short‑term fixes 
• Work collaboratively across political divides and beyond Parliament in pursuit of improved outcomes for Scotland’s people 
• Balance the needs of today’s Scots with the interests of future generations 

Carnegie UK’s chief executive Sarah Davidson said: “Scotland’s future depends on deep, patient work and collective effort. As voters prepare to make their choice, we hope this collection helps spark a wider public conversation about the kind of leadership, cooperation and long-term thinking needed to build a fairer, thriving Scotland for generations to come. 

“This essay series invites a moment of reflection at a key democratic juncture — encouraging parties, voters and wider civic society to look beyond the immediate pressures of the election cycle and consider the kind of country Scotland could become over the next two decades.”

Contact

Stuart Mackinnon: [email protected]/07934 296831