Government in Scotland

Since devolution, some policies and services are different in Scotland. The Scottish Parliament and Scottish Government are responsible for most of the issues of day-to-day concern to the people of Scotland.

Scottish Parliament

The Scottish Parliament debates topical issues and passes laws on devolved matters affecting Scotland. It also scrutinises the work and policies of the Scottish Government.

It is made up of 129 elected Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs), and meets at Holyrood in Edinburgh.

• The Scottish Parliament website

Scottish Government

The Scottish Government (formerly known as the Scottish Executive) is the devolved government for Scotland. It develops and implements policy and is accountable to the Scottish Parliament.

It is responsible for many issues, including health, education, justice, rural affairs and transport. Led by the First Minister, it is made up of Cabinet Secretaries and Ministers.

• The Scottish Government
• Scottish Cabinet and Ministers

Find out more about the following responsibilities and activities of the Scottish Government from its website:

• Agriculture
• Arts, culture and sport
• Business and industry
• Economy
• Education and training
• Environment
• Marine and Fisheries
• Government
• Health and community care
• Housing and regeneration
• Justice
• People and society
• Research
• Rural development
• Statistics
• Sustainable development
• Transport

More useful links

• European Parliament (contacts section)
• UK Office of the European Parliament (contacts section)
• Office of the Northern Ireland Executive in Brussels (contacts section)
• Levels of government in Northern Ireland