The very foundations of Scottish democracy are being undermined by a culture of complacency and remoteness within the hallowed halls of Holyrood, a shocking new analysis reveals.
What was once envisioned as a modern, accessible parliament for the people has morphed into what critics are calling a 'cosy club'—a sealed bubble where scrutiny evaporates and accountability is in short supply.
The Empty Corridors of Power
The shift to hybrid working, accelerated by the pandemic, has left the parliamentary estate a ghost town on many days. While remote access to proceedings is praised, the physical absence of MSPs has had a corrosive effect on the democratic process.
The spontaneous conversations, the confrontations in the corridor, the essential scrutiny that happens away from the cameras—all have diminished. This lack of a bustling parliamentary atmosphere has created a void where proper debate and challenge struggle to survive.
A Failure of Scrutiny and Accountability
The situation is compounded by a worrying decline in robust journalistic oversight. The once-packed Holyrood press gallery has seen numbers dwindle, leaving many ministerial statements and parliamentary debates uncovered.
This lack of media scrutiny allows the government to operate with minimal challenge. Controversial policies and potential missteps can slide through without the necessary public examination, leaving voters in the dark.
The SNP's Dominance and the 'Country Club' Culture
Sixteen years of continuous SNP leadership have fostered an environment where the lines between party and state have become dangerously blurred. The government's extensive use of public funds on advertising often feels like party propaganda, promoting SNP achievements rather than public information.
This dominance has bred a sense of entitlement, with the parliament sometimes resembling a private members' club rather than a national institution serving every Scottish citizen.
A Parliament Adrift From the People It Serves
The ultimate casualty of this insular culture is the Scottish public. When parliamentarians operate in a remote bubble, disconnected from the daily realities of their constituents, the quality of governance suffers.
The core principles of devolution—bringing power closer to the people—are being betrayed by a system that feels more distant and less accountable than ever before.
For Scottish democracy to function healthily, a urgent reset is required—one that prioritises transparency, physical presence, and vigorous scrutiny over comfort and convenience.
