The Gloves are Off
Scottish elections 2026
Nursing is demanding action, not promises
The Gloves are Off for nursing staff because five years on from the last Scottish parliament elections, nursing staff have seen no meaningful improvement to health and care services, whether in the NHS or independent sector.
Scotland cannot build the sustainable nursing workforce it urgently needs by asking staff to continue to work under relentless pressure while feeling demoralised and undervalued.
So, ahead of the 2026 Scottish Parliament election, our message is simple - the gloves are off, nursing is ready to be heard.
Let’s all get involved and ensure politicians from all parties recognise that it's time to value nursing properly - because Scotland’s health depends on it.
Our manifesto
The impact this all has on nursing staff is huge. They are unable to provide the best possible care to Scotland’s population.
Find out what we are calling on the next Scottish government to do to value nursing properly.
Discover what we're calling for in our manifesto
Take action today
We want to hear about staffing levels where you are - tell us about your last shift/day at work in our latest survey
Join our national hustings
Join us on Tuesday 31 March for your opportunity to quiz candidates about what their party would do to value nursing properlyÂ
Support our The Gloves are Off campaign
Find out how you can show your support for The Gloves are Off campaign at work and at home
Contact your candidates to tell them why you're supporting The Gloves are Off campaign
Campaign news
Read the latest news from our election campaign.
- RCN Scotland responds to Labour Party’s proposed ‘Train Here, Stay Here’ policy - 27 February 2026
- RCN Scotland members take ‘The Gloves are Off’ message direct to politicians - 12 February 2026
- Time to see nursing as an investment not a cost, says RCN Scotland - 13 January 2026
Campaign blogs
Catch the latest opinions from our election campaign.
Have you jumped on the band 5 review wagon yet? - 5 March 2026
One year on from Scotland’s Nursing and Midwifery Taskforce - 18 February 2026
The Gloves are Off. RCN Scotland election manifesto launch - 13 February 2026
