Unpacking the Results: Scotland Votes 2026
post-election hustings, CIPR Scotland election event, Scottish Parliament, Scottish elections,
CIPR Scotland is proud to bring to you an evening of analysis and discussion after one of the most hotly anticipated Scottish Parliament elections since devolution.
The post-election panel will provide expert analysis, insider perspectives, and practical takeaways for PR and communications professionals navigating the evolving political landscape. From shifts in public sentiment to media dynamics and stakeholder engagement, our panel will examine the key implications for the industry.
This event is ideal for PR and communications professionals, public affairs specialists, students, and anyone interested in the intersection of politics, media, and public relations.
Your ticket includes wine, beer, soft drinks, and canapés.
Panel Chair
John Brown FCIPR
John, a past chair at CIPR Scotland, has held senior positions in public relations and marketing. He was Head of Public Relations for Scotland’s largest councils, Strathclyde Region and after 1996 Glasgow City. Previously, he worked as journalist and political producer at Scottish Television. Since 2005, John has acted as an independent public relations consultant, advising government bodies, international companies, and voluntary organisations on media, marketing and communications. He is co-author of CIPR textbook “PR and Communications in Local Government and Public Services”.
John was awarded the CIPR Sir Stephen Talents medal in 2007 and the CIPR Scotland Lifetime Contribution Award in 2022.
Panellists
Rachel Amery, Political Correspondent, The Scotsman
Rachel Amery is The Scotsman's political correspondent and author of The Steamie morning politics newsletter. As well as covering Scottish politics from Holyrood, she is also a freelance political commentator for the BBC and STV.
Mark Diffley, Director of Research, Diffley Partnership
Mark is founder and director of research and insight, Diffley Partnership. He has spent 25 years delivering research, polling and insights for organisations in all sectors, including for governments, the third sector and companies across the business sector both here in Scotland and further afield.
Catriona Matheson, Founding Partner, Linco
Catriona Matheson is the founder and managing partner of Linco, an Edinburgh-based public affairs consultancy which is part of the UK and Ireland Connect Group. Catriona previously worked in politics, holding policy and communications roles in Holyrood, Brussels, and Westminster, including Head of Communications for the SNP in the UK Parliament where she established and ran a busy press office. Catriona later took the role of Chief of Staff to the SNP’s Westminster Leader and on returning to Scotland, she became a Special Adviser to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in the Scottish Government.
Catriona is a graduate of the University of Glasgow and the University of Sydney, and a Trustee of the David Hume Institute.
Adam Morris, Director, Shorthand PR
Adam Morris is an ex journalist and now a communications professional. He worked with the Scottish Conservatives from 2012 to 2020, most recently as director of communications. In the summer of 2020 he left to establish Shorthand PR, based in Edinburgh, which now works with businesses and politicians across the UK. He also works with parties across the political spectrum.
Contact: Alexandra Herdman
Email: [email protected]