May 2026 sees Scottish Parliament elections with seats being offered both for constituencies and regional lists. We speak with Tam Laird, Scottish Libertarian Party Candidate, Edinburgh Central Constituency and Edinburgh Lothians East Regional List.
“People need to understand that government is the problem and that the less of it we have the better for everyone. That’s my message to the voter.”
Can you introduce yourself to our readers, and tell us what made you decide to run?
I’ve been Leader of the Scottish Libertarian Party for over 10 years and have stood in many elections now. Council, Scottish Parliamentary and UK. Though I have little to no faith in democracy or the Parliamentary system, at the end of the day the primary function of any political party is to stand in elections. Speaking personally though, my mission is primarily didactic. Standing in elections is just another way of getting our message of peace, freedom and free markets out there.
People need to understand that government is the problem and that the less of it we have the better for everyone. That’s my message to the voter. That said, government isn’t just going to disappear because we wish it away. If you don’t fight it will continue to ride roughshod over your freedom and rob you of your property and possibly even your life. As Peter Gabriel observed in The Carpet Crawlers, “We got to get in to get out”.
“The so called cost of living crisis is in fact a cost of government crisis. The challenge we face is that more and more people are on the receiving end of the bribe-ocracy.”
You’re the prospective candidate for Edinburgh Central and on the Edinburgh Lothians East Regional List. What are the main concerns in the area?
The problems we face in the constituency and region I’m contesting are no different to anywhere else in the country. Out of control government spending and interference in private lives and business. Our message is not a popular one. We aren’t going to give you free stuff, and any “free” stuff you are getting from government we are going to do our level best to take away. The so called cost of living crisis is in fact a cost of government crisis. The challenge we face is that more and more people are on the receiving end of the bribe-ocracy.
Scotland has a massive public sector and much of the alleged private sector are in fact secondary tax consumers through government contracts. Even that old Bolshevik George Galloway has recognised that is simply unsustainable. It will come crashing down badly and the poor and middle classes will suffer as usual. We have no illusions. There’s an old saying,. If a man is not a socialist by the time he’s 20 he has no heart. If he’s still a socialist by 30 he has no brain. I take it one step further. If he’s still a socialist at 50 he’s probably Scottish. People don’t want to hear the truth but they are going to. Unfortunately, it won’t win us many votes, but that’s the lay of the land.
“I fight the fight because I believe it’s right. Not necessarily because I believe I can win. Though I have hope.”
What do you see as the major issues that if elected you hope to champion?
The state assault on Individual rights and liberties is ramping up and is at critical stage. Free speech and free expression have never been in such grave danger. Before long we will have sleepwalked into a totalitarian state. We are in many respects already there. It may even be too late to reverse which is frightening thought. If central bank digital currency (CBDC) coupled with digital ID come in its game set and match to the state. We have to fight, there’s no choice. I fight the fight because I believe it’s right. Not necessarily because I believe I can win. Though I have hope. I’ll let others decide which is the more reliable motivation. State funded mass immigration is also a problem. So again, Government is the root of all evil. As long as it has the power to rob you and spend your money these problems will persist.
I also intend to be a consistent anti war voice. All wars are bankers wars and benefit a select few at the expense of ordinary working folk. We can’t afford it financially or in terms of human lives. I say this as a former soldier who put his life on the line. Unlike many of the chest beating sabre rattling warmongers who are prepared to send others to die for their beliefs.
How can people find out more or get involved in the campaign?
You can follow us on X @ScoLibertarian or visit our website at www.scottishlibertarians.com and read our 2026 Manifesto at https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/rbi1nzoqkkgkzldjnvoy2/Scottish-Libertarian-Manifesto-2026.pdf?rlkey=kbnw6vcsxm5s3mpgoaykauuqb&e=1&st=z4g96fo8&dl=0
