Scotland deserves a new co-operative direction. The 2026 Scottish Parliamentary Election represents the opportunity for change after almost two decades of the incumbent Government. The new Platform, developed from extensive member engagement and consultation, makes the case for putting co-operative development at the heart of Scotland’s economy and society. This will help to create a fairer, greener, more resilient Scottish economy which can deliver for all members of society.

Scotland has a rich history of co-operation, dating back to Fenwick Weavers’ Society in the 18^th century. Scotland now has 600 co-operatives generating over £1.9bn in revenue each year and serving 700,00 members across the country. The Scottish Government should establish a target to more than double the size of the co-operative sector – enabling it to expand into more sectors than ever before. By introducing enhanced co-operative development support and co-operative-friendly procurement, the Scottish Government can help the co-operative sector to take new opportunities in green energy, technology, digital platforms and more. This will mean ensuring existing business support services are accessible and tailored towards encouraging co-operative and mutual models to start-up, expand and diversify.

Building a more co-operative Scottish economy will mean supporting more democratic ownership – whether its co-operative, employee-owned or community owned enterprises and assets.  By promoting community ownership, we can help communities across urban and rural Scotland take control of key local assets – from renewable energy projects to transport services and much-loved public spaces, such as music venues and libraries. This will help to build a Scottish economy where wealth and power are shared.

Community energy development could be a vital part of achieving a fair, inclusive energy transition in Scotland. Locally-owned renewable energy projects will allow communities across Scotland to generate, store and receive benefit from the energy they produce. This will help to lower builds, reduce emissions and create new green jobs. Our new Platform lays out how a new Scottish Government can make the most of this opportunity – spreading ownership to a new generation of members.

We believe this Platform’s policies can be transformative to the economy and our relationship to it. Whether its local assets, football clubs or energy systems – co-operative models provide the opportunity to truly empower people across Scotland. By voting Labour & Co-operative in May, we can start to establish a new co-operative direction for Scotland.

To read the full Scottish Co-operative Party platform, please follow the link: A Co-operative Direction for Scotland