BETA

This is a new website that we're testing. Please give us some feedback on our external survey.

Language: English / Gàidhlig

Skip to main content
Loading…

About the Scottish Parliament

How Parliament works

Have you ever wondered how Parliament works? This section will help you understand who we are, what we do and how laws are made

What are the powers of the Scottish Parliament?

The Scottish Parliament at Holyrood can pass laws on matters devolved to Scotland

Parliament and Government - who does what?

The Parliament and the Government are separate organisations. They do different things and are based in different locations

Who's who in the Scottish Parliament?

What's the difference between the First Minister and the Presiding Officer? What are the SPCB and the Bureau? Find out about the people and groups involved in the Parliament and what they do

What happens in the debating chamber?

The Chamber is the place where all Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) can meet to debate and make decisions

What is the Scottish Budget process?

Every year the Scottish Government sets out a plan of how it plans to spend the money it receives from the UK Government and from taxes raised in Scotland

The Standing Orders of the Scottish Parliament

The Standing Orders are the rules of procedure for the Parliament and its committees

Recess dates

Parliamentary business takes place throughout the year, with periods of recess (breaks). During recess, there are normally no meetings of the Parliament and no committee meetings

Get your voice heard

If you are passionate about an issue there are lots of ways you can get your voice heard

How are laws made?

Find out how laws are made at the Scottish Parliament

What can MSPs do?

Find out more about the Members of the Scottish Parliament

What do committees do?

Find out all about committees

Cookies

This website uses cookies.

We use cookies to give you the best experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we’ll assume you're happy to get all cookies on this website.