How many Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) are there?

The total number of Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) is 129. This figure is established by the system of proportional representation used in Scotland and is designed to ensure that the parliament reflects the diverse political landscape of the country. The Scottish Parliament consists of these 129 members, who are elected to represent both local constituencies and larger regional areas.

The structure of the Parliament balances constituency representatives, who are elected in simple majority contests, with additional members chosen via lists proportional to the votes received by each party in various regions. This approach aims to create a fairer representation compared to a purely first-past-the-post electoral system, accommodating various political views more effectively within the legislature.