Trade groups Scottish Hospitality Group and Scottish Tourism Alliance both announce hustings as Scotland prepares to go to the polls
SCOTTISH bar owners and staff will have the chance to hear from their political leaders directly ahead of the upcoming election at two separate hustings events.
The first, organised by the Scottish Hospitality Group, takes place on Wednesday 25th February at Cold Town House in Edinburgh at 6.15pm.
Chaired by political broadcaster Bernard Ponsonby, it will include representatives from across Scotland’s political parties and cover topics including support for hospitality, fiscal reform and economic growth.
SHG spokesman Stephen Montgomery said the event will be ‘a constructive but robust discussion centred on stability, fairness and growth for the sector’.
“Given the current climate for hospitality businesses, and the wider implications for Scotland’s high streets and communities, we believe this will be a significant and newsworthy discussion,” said Montgomery.
Anyone interested in attending can register their interest via info@scottishhospitalitygroup.com
The following month the Scottish Tourism Alliance will host its own hustings event as part of its Signature Conference 2026.
Taking place on Tuesday 10th March at Edinburgh’s EICC, the event will be chaired by political journalist Brian Taylor, with panellists including Kate Forbes, representing the SNP; Daniel Johnson of Scottish Labour; Murdo Fraser of the Scottish Conservatives; Willie Rennie of the Scottish Liberal Democrats; and Graham Simpson of Reform UK.
“As we head into an election campaign, now is the time for the parties to put business, jobs and the economy at the top of the agenda,” said Marc Crothall of the STA.
“What businesses need most is a clear signal that government understands what is at stake and is prepared to address the pressures facing a sector that underpins jobs, communities and local economies across Scotland.”
The Scottish Parliament election will take place on Thursday 7th May.
