Lobbying
About lobbying
“Lobbying” is a way to influence decisions that MSPs and other elected representatives make.
Lobbying takes many different forms. It can be done by:
- individuals
- interest groups
- bodies that represent their members or professions
- charities and the voluntary sector
- professional lobbyists
Since March 2018, “regulated lobbying” must be recorded in a Lobbying Register. The types of lobbying which are regulated are set out in the Lobbying (Scotland) Act 2016.
“Regulated lobbying” is lobbying which takes place face-to-face (including by video-conference) with:
- Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs)
- members of the Scottish Government (including Scottish Law Officers)
- junior Scottish ministers
- Scottish Government special advisers
- the Permanent Secretary of the Scottish Government