After years of SNP dominance, Scotland’s political landscape is shifting. As trust in major parties declines, smaller and emerging groups are gaining ground, making the 2026 Holyrood election more unpredictable than ever and voter participation increasingly crucial.

Paulina Gombarova, a young member of Romano Lav’s Community Catalyst programme, writes about the power of voting, why she is using her vote in this council by-election and why you should too.

Help us to build a citizens agenda: have your say and tell us what issues candidates should be addressing during the by-election campaign in Southside Central ward.

Thriving Places Govanhill are awarding grants of up to £2500 for community initiatives around Govanhill that improve health and wellbeing, with the recipients being decided by the local community. Read our handy guide to all the initiatives (including us!) and how to vote.