Sovereignty Rests with the People
Project Arbroath is a civic initiative dedicated to explaining popular sovereignty in Scotland. We have grounded ourselves in the principle that Scotland's future should be decided by Scotland's people—not by Westminster, not by permission, but by right.
Holyrood Election 2026
Understanding how your vote works is the first step toward using it effectively. The second vote—the regional list—is crucial to parliamentary balance.
Understand the Second VoteThe Principle of Sovereignty
The claim that Scotland requires permission to decide its political future is not just constitutionally incorrect—it is a fundamental misunderstanding of where power rests. Sovereignty is not a gift from Westminster. It is a right held by the people.
Non-Partisan
We are not advocates for any party. We are interested only in sovereignty and democratic self-governance.
Legally Grounded
Our positions are based on constitutional law and accepted legal principles, not conjecture or wishful thinking.
Civic Education
We are dedicated to the idea that power cannot be exercised without understanding.
Focus: The Holyrood Voting System
The Scottish Parliament elections use a system designed to balance parliamentary representation. But many voters don't understand how it works—particularly the regional (second) vote and the D'Hondt formula that determines how seats are allocated.
- Vote 1 (Constituency): Elects a single MSP using First Past the Post. The candidate with the most votes wins.
- Vote 2 (Regional List): Designed to correct disproportionate outcomes from the constituency vote using the D'Hondt system.
- How D'Hondt Works: Parties that win many constituency seats are penalised in the regional allocation. Their votes are divided by (seats won + 1).
Understanding this system is not optional if you want to use your vote effectively. The second vote is not a "backup" for your first choice—it's a separate mechanism with its own logic.
The Project Arbroath Booklet
This isn't a wish list or a roadmap for the next election. This is the argument—grounded in claim of right and rooted in Scotland's constitutional continuity—for why sovereignty belongs to you. Available in multiple formats, from single copies to bulk distribution boxes for organised outreach.
Grounded in claim of right and rooted in Scotland's constitutional continuity, this booklet makes the case that sovereignty has never left Scotland's people—and therefore, permission is not required for self-determination.Order Your Copy for £1.00