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VoteScot

Scottish Parliament Election • 7 May 2026

Jim Fairlie Scottish National Party (SNP)

Standing in Perthshire South and Kinross-shire · Mid Scotland and Fife region

MSP for Perthshire South and Kinross-shire since 2021. Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity since February 2024. Hill farmer who founded Perth Farmers' Market in 1996.

Policy Positions

Scotland's Future
Support independence. An SNP majority at this election is framed as a mandate for a referendum. Independence cited as essential to Scotland's future prosperity.
NHS & Health
Significant NHS investment. Expand GP walk-in clinics, shorten waiting times, deliver more operations and community diagnostics. NHS described as Scotland's most precious public service.
Housing
Build 110,000 affordable homes by 2032 (70% social rent), create a new housing agency, retain the rent control framework, and provide deposit support of up to £10,000 for first-time buyers.
Climate & Transport
Continue the transition to net zero by 2045 with a focus on Scotland's renewable energy wealth. Interim 2030 climate targets were dropped in 2024; emphasis is on energy costs and a just transition.
Tax & Public Spending
Keep Scotland's progressive income tax, the fairest and most progressive in the UK. Introduce a mansion tax on properties valued above £1m from 2028.
Economy & Jobs
Grow the economy while protecting public services. Unlock £20 billion of pension fund investment, back a just transition, and use Scotland's renewable energy wealth to cut costs for households and businesses.
Education & Childcare
A transformational national expansion of childcare from 9 months to the end of primary school, 52 weeks a year. Protect free university tuition and free school lunches.
Social Issues
Broadly aligned with SNP equality positions on trans rights within devolved powers and LGBTQI+ inclusive education, but abstained at Stage 3 on the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill in December 2022 rather than voting with party leadership.

Track Record

Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity since February 2024
Hill farmer who founded Perth Farmers' Market in 1996
Co-founded Farmers4Yes pro-independence campaign

Sources