The importance of Scotland’s towns was highlighted during a special drop-in event at the Scottish Parliament this week, where MSPs heard directly about the pivotal role of towns and town centres in tackling Scotland’s biggest challenges, including local economic resilience, the housing emergency, child poverty and sustainability.
The event marked the launch of Scotland’s Towns Partnership Manifesto for the 2026 Scottish Parliamentary election, which calls on all parties to make a renewed national commitment to towns.
Setting out clear asks for the next Scottish Government, STP is calling for a strengthening of the Town Centre First approach, embedding towns across national strategies, accelerating town centre living, extending community wealth building, and simplifying regulations to unlock development in town centres across the country.
The manifesto also highlights the importance of community wealth building, Business Improvement Districts and the Scotland Loves Local campaign as key enablers of positive change in town centres.
STP Chair Professor Leigh Sparks told MSPs how the election presents a crucial opportunity to build on the strong progress already made in Scotland through cross-party support for towns.
He said: “Towns are the social, economic, cultural and historical heart of our country, but have been battered and bruised by change over the last 60 years.
“Our manifesto sets out how we can further enhance towns at the heart of policy and decision making, empower local communities, build on the the assets all towns possess, tackle national priorities and support businesses to create thriving places to live, work and visit”.
Paul McLennan MSP sponsored the event and is co-convenor of the Cross Party Group on Towns and Town Centres.
He said: “Scotland’s towns are at the heart of our economy, our communities and our sense of place.
“Scotland’s Towns Partnership has set out a manifesto which recognises the unique role towns play in delivering inclusive growth, supporting local businesses and strengthening community wellbeing.
“I welcome this contribution to the national conversation and look forward to continuing to work with partners across the country to ensure our towns are resilient, vibrant and fit for the future.”
The full manifesto can be read here.
