Re-imagining

Scotland’s Potential:

The Scotland 2050 Manifesto

An ambitious long-term vision to move Scotland beyond five-year electoral cycles toward a resilient, prosperous 2050

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Scotland Needs a Long-Term Plan.

Too often, the short-term pressures of electoral politics encourage a narrow, reactive approach to policy-making. This results in limited progress on major national priorities and a style of governance shaped more by adversarial party politics than by strategic thinking.

The Challenges

The issues we face, including demographic change, NHS pressures, skills shortages, infrastructure demands, and climate transition, cannot be resolved within the confines of a five-year electoral cycle. They require a long-term, cross-party commitment to planning, evidence, delivery, and accountability.

The Solution

We call for the immediate establishment of a Forward Planning Committee. This cross-party, evidence-led body will take a strategic view of Scotland's long-term challenges, shielding recommendations from short-term political pressures.

Strategic Foundations: Delivering Better Outcomes for 2050

The People’s Senate: We propose a second chamber - a revising, non-government-dominated body, to improve legislative scrutiny and enhance accountability for Scotland's long-term future.
Global Connectivity: Scotland should play a leading role in rebuilding the UK's relationship with the European Union (EU) and strengthening practical cooperation.
- We must restore the Rosyth to Dunkirk ferry link, potentially taking 8.2 million kilometers of freight traffic off UK roads and delivering a significant reduction in carbon emissions.
- Targeted investment is needed for our global gateway infrastructure, including Glasgow and Edinburgh airports and the ports of Grangemouth, Rosyth, and Greenock.
Industrial Strategy: We propose a new 30-year Scottish industrial and innovation strategy prioritising clean energy, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing.
Start-up & Scale-up:
- Start-up Scotland: A new accessible programme with digital rollout and Regional Innovation and Skills hubs to support future entrepreneurs.
- Scale-up Scotland: Simplifying support to help high-growth businesses manage capital and remain in Scotland.
AI for Workers: Policy should ensure AI helps workers do their jobs more efficiently rather than replacing them, with proactive training for those affected by automation.
Keeping Talent: We must address the heavy tax burden on middle earners (nurses, teachers, and key workers) to prevent a "brain drain" and make it easier to recruit and retain the people Scotland relies on.
Housing as Infrastructure: Every person in Scotland should have access to a high-quality home. We support a 25,000 all-tenure housing target and the recognition of housing as critical national infrastructure.
The NHS Reservist Unit (SNRU): We propose a Scottish NHS Reservist Unit to be deployed during critical capacity issues, such as winter. Created in partnership with the private sector and universities, it would bolster front-line delivery and improve patient outcomes.
Right to Rehabilitation: Shifting care "upstream" into prevention and early intervention to reduce pressure on hospitals and support independent living.
Join us at the Scotland 2050 Conference on Tuesday, 2nd June 2026 at the Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh.