"The Politics of Identity in a Fragmenting Electoral Landscape: Insights from the Scottish Election Study"

"The Politics of Identity in a Fragmenting Electoral Landscape: Insights from the Scottish Election Study" with Dr. Fraser McMillan

Summary:

The 2026 Scottish Parliament election was the most volatile in history. Although the SNP were again comfortable victors, their vote share plummeted. The Scottish Conservatives saw half of their voters depart for new populist right challenger Reform UK, and Scottish Labour lost further ground due to cross-border contamination from unpopular Westminster Labour government. Scotland's political landscape remains highly polarised along constitutional and ideological lines, and with a wider menu of electoral options than ever, it is becoming increasingly fragmented.

Fraser McMillan, Co-Investigator on the 2026 Scottish Election Study, delves into the project's brand new survey data to explain the recent result, how and why Scottish electoral politics is downstream of national and social identities and what this means for the future of our wee country.

Bio:

Originally from Aberdeen, Dr Fraser McMillan is a Lecturer in Scottish Electoral Politics at the University of Edinburgh. A member of the Scottish Election Study team since 2021, his main research interests are voting behaviour, territorial politics and the role of election pledges in democracy. He is passionate about science communication, Aberdeen Football Club and the international pop star Bad Bunny.

Venue:
Malones, 242 Morrison Street , EH3 8DT

Event Running Time:
Doors 4pm
Introduction: 4:25pm
Lecture: 4:30pm
Q&A: 5:20pm
Mix & mingle with other attendees 5:30pm
Wrap up 5:45pm

Food:
If you plan on eating at the venue, we recommend arriving as early as possible so the kitchen can get your order out before the talk starts.

FAQ

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Pints of Knowledge is a series of public talks where experts, researchers, and big thinkers share fascinating ideas all in the relaxed setting of a pub. We bring brilliant minds and curious audiences together over a pint, covering topics from science and politics to history, art, and beyond.

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At each Pints of Knowledge event, you’ll hear engaging talks (about 40 minutes) from expert speakers on fascinating topics — followed by audience Q&A. The vibe is informal and social, set in a pub where you can grab a drink, meet interesting people, and enjoy big ideas in a relaxed setting.

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