The Parliament's procedures are primarily governed by the Standing Orders. These Rules are revised from time to time. The current version may be accessed below in two formats: the PDF version is printable and mirrors the paper document, whereas the HTML version provides a more user-friendly format for on-screen viewing. The PDF version also includes explanatory footnotes where Rules have been amended.

• Standing Orders of the Scottish Parliament in HTML
• Standing Orders of the Scottish Parliament (843KB pdf)

If you have a copy of the Standing Orders in hard copy, but have missed any recent Revisions that have been issued, you can download the replacement pages in PDF format by following this link to the Revisions to The Standing Orders.

Guidance

A number of volumes of guidance have been produced by the Clerking and Reporting Directorate to explain how key aspects of Parliamentary business operate in practice, by reference to relevant standing orders, determinations, conventions and practices. Although the guidance is aimed primarily at MSPs and clerks, it is also a useful reference source for anyone wishing to follow Parliamentary proceedings in detail.

• Guidance for Committee Conveners
• Guidance on Motions
• Guidance on Parliamentary Questions,
• Guidance on Committees
• Guidance on Public Bills
• Guidance on Private Bills
• Guidance on Private Bills - Print version (502KB pdf)

Additional guidance has been prepared for members of the public wishing to object to a Private Bill or to lodge a public petition.

• Information for Objectors to Private Bills
• Guidance on the Submission of Public Petitions / Stiuireadh ann a bhith a' cur a-steach Athchuingean Poblach