Scottish Parliament Election 2026

Act Now for Arthritis: Building a Healthier Scotland

1.7 million adults, young people and children in Scotland live with a musculoskeletal (MSK) condition like arthritis.

That’s one in three people living with the daily pain, fatigue and disability they can cause. 

Too many people in Scotland have had to press pause on their hopes, dreams and ambitions because of their arthritis. Waiting in agony for treatment and support – pushed out of work, into poverty and close to breaking point.

And despite all this, arthritis remains poorly understood. With no plan to address it.

It doesn’t have to be this way. 

Amy’s story

"It feels like rheumatology departments are overwhelmed by the number of patients they have, with most of my appointments being a rushed phone call. To me, making arthritis a priority would mean the ability to properly build a working relationship with my healthcare professionals.

Furthermore, I don't think many people realise that taking medication does not take away the entire burden of the condition. I still struggle with weakness and stiffness, even when the disease is under control. There is no escaping the reality of arthritis."

Our manifesto

Our manifesto is a blueprint for change, setting out actions for the next Scottish Government to meet this public health crisis head on.

We’re calling on the next Scottish Government to make arthritis a national priority. To commit to the nation’s first MSK Action Plan, unlocking dedicated funding and leadership to deliver it. To tackle the waiting times backlog and build a healthier Scotland now – and for our future generations.

Arthritis UK Scottish Parliament Election Manifesto

Arthritis UK Scotland Manifesto 2026: A call for action in the next Scottish Parliament

991,000 reasons to make arthritis and musculoskeletal 
(MSK) conditions a national priority

Hundreds of thousands of people across Scotland wake up to the pain of arthritis every day. So many tell us that they feel their life is on hold as they manage their way through the challenges of living with arthritis.

The good news is that the impact of arthritis can be reduced. Prevention, early diagnosis, proactive early interventions, supported self-management, and timely access to support, information and treatment can transform quality of life.

This manifesto is a call to action to make arthritis the national public health priority its impact demands – to transform the management of arthritis in Scotland, improve the MSK health of the nation and reduce the strain of arthritis on the NHS and our economy.

Read our manifesto

Our community has the power to create lasting change. Stretching across Scotland, we’re a powerful community of people with arthritis, carers, researchers, health and care professionals, families and friends. Time and again we’ve shown the power we have when we come together and speak out.

Together, we demand a future free from the limits of arthritis. Together, we can make this future a reality.  

We’re here whenever you need us. If you would like to talk to someone, remember you can: