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Edinburgh 16th of April 2026: First Minister John Swinney at the launch of the SNP Manifesto in the Scottish Elections 2026 | Lisa Ferguson / The ScotsmanJohn Swinney unveiled the SNP’s Holyrood election manifesto in Glasgow.
John Swinney unveiled the SNP’s manifesto for next month's Holyrood election - with eye-catching promises that will grab headlines and attention.
Concerns have been raised over how a re-elected SNP government could afford its vision for the next five years, while opponents have criticised Mr Swinney for a failure to deliver past promises.
First Minister John Swinney at the launch of the SNP Manifesto in the Scottish Elections 2026 | Lisa Ferguson / The ScotsmanHere are five key pledges in the SNP’s election manifesto.
A price cap on essential foods items
This flagship policy will have raised eye-brows from voters.
John Swinney has proposed a cap on essential food items | AFP via Getty ImagesThe SNP leader has argued that Scots’ public health and nutrition is now being impacted by soaring prices and he has powers to act. But it will require the UK government step aside and allow the complicated policy to proceed.
A £2 bus fare cap across Scotland
The SNP is keen to build on existing measures to boost the take-up of public transport, including free bus use for under 22s and over 60s and the Scottish Greens’ policy to scrap peak rail fares.
Bus fares could be capped at £2 across Scotland under SNP plans. (Photo by Lisa Ferguson) | Local LibraryThe SNP manifesto said the move “will help with modal shift [from cars] and reduce household costs. Our action will benefit families, the economy and the environment”.
Another vow to freeze income tax
The SNP has been criticised over failing to keep its promise, made in the 2021 Holyrood manifesto, to freeze income tax. So the party’s critics might take a similar pledge in the latest document with a pinch of salt.
Under the plans, the SNP has vowed not to increase the rates of income tax, or the amount of bands, with the promise to “simplify” the tax regime in a bid to help people struggling with the cost of living.
It is understood merging the bottom three income tax bands could be under consideration if Mr Swinney’s party is re-elected next month.
A minimum income guarantee for artists
The SNP manifesto also tables a minimum income guarantee pilot for artists including writers, musicians, filmmakers, playwrights, comics and visual artists.
The commitment could see around 2000 artists and workers benefit from almost £15,000 a year if the SNP is returned to office with a £30m funding pot for the pilot scheme.
A £200 youth culture pass
Another new pledge in the SNP manifesto is a vow to introduce a “youth culture pass” by the end of the next parliament, if the party is returned to power.
The policy, modelled on similar ideas in Italy, France and Spain, states that “everyone who turns 18 will receive a ‘culture pass’ worth £200 that can be used for cultural pursuits”.
The manifesto argues that the policy would “bring benefits both to the young people involved, but also the creative industries”.