The Standing Orders are the rules of procedure for the Parliament.
The current version of the Standing Orders is the 7th Edition (published 11 May 2026).
On 21 May 2026 the Parliament agreed to motion S7M-00150. As a result, some Rules in Chapters 2, 11 and 13 of the Standing Orders have been suspended or varied in order to facilitate changes to the Parliamentary week proposed by the Presiding Officer as part of his “renewal and re-engagement” initiative. These arrangement took effect on 29 May 2026 and may remain in effect until 31 January 2027. To view the Standing Orders in their permanent form, follow the link above for the PDF version, or links under the heading “Contents” for the HTML version.
To view Chapters 2, 11 and 13 as they currently apply, follow these three links:
Chapter 2: Meetings of the Parliament
This annexe contains any temporary rules made under Rule 17.1A that are currently in force.
1. This rule applies to the committee mentioned in Rule 6.8. It ceases to apply when the Parliament has taken a decision to amend rule 6.8 in accordance with Rule 17.1 or on 2 October 2026, whichever is the earlier.
2. Where provisions contained in this temporary rule are in conflict with other standing order provisions, those in the temporary rule have precedence.
Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee
3. There shall be a committee, the remit of which is to consider and report on the following (and any additional matter added under Rule 6.1.5A)—
(a) the Scottish Government’s EU and external affairs policy;
(b) policy in relation to the UK’s exit from the EU;
(c) the international activities of the Scottish Administration, including international development; and
(d) any other matter falling within the responsibility of the Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture and any matter relating to inter-governmental relations within the responsibility of the Deputy First Minister.
1. This rule applies to the lodging deadlines for Public Bills at Stages 2 and 3 in Rule 9.10 and Rule 9.16. It ceases to apply on 21 December 2026.
2. Where provisions contained in this temporary rule are in conflict with other standing order provisions, those in the temporary rule have precedence.
3. In Rules 9.10.2, 9.10.2A and 9.16.6A, replace “16:30” with “14:30”.
4. Replace Rule 9.16.6 with:
“Amendments to a Budget Bill may be moved, and notice of amendments to such a Bill may be given, only by a member of the Scottish Government or a junior Scottish Minister. Notice of any amendment at Stage 2 or 3 shall be given by lodging it with the Clerk no later than 14:30 on the Friday immediately preceding the week in which the Stage is due to start”