There is no credible party in Scottish politics that represents economic and social liberalism.  Scotland’s biggest problem is the failed socialist experiment yet all the main Scottish parties, including the Conservatives, Scottish Nationalists and the Liberal Democrats have signed up to a socialist agenda.  We believe that the ideals of the Scottish Enlightenment must be revived if Scotland is to have any future.

We also acknowledge that this requires a 'coalitional' party able to gather broad political support, and the Progressives are specifically formed to be this kind of party.

Historically, the Progressives were always a coalition that attracted support from various quarters, including independents, the old Liberals and Conservatives.

We seek to revive this tradition.  We are a non-sectarian, non-racist and open-minded party that values independent thinkers and looks to build a coalition of support for a programme of liberal economic reform, strengthening individual freedom and responsibility and enhancing our democratic institutions.

We appeal to all who share our values to help in the task of creating a viable future for Scotland.

We have received encouraging backing from all kinds of people.  The key factors we are looking for in our candidates and personnel are:

• a recognition that Scotland has no future as a bureaucratic socialist state
• a drive and commitment to change
• real world experience, such as full time employment, running a business or bringing up a family
  competence and initiative

We already have a significant number of activists signed up. There are business supporters too and we will be announcing names in due course.

We seek to provide a grassroots alternative to the mainstream parties.  We believe in giving individuals much greater responsibility, thus encouraging more personal freedom and initiative. We believe in reducing the size and scope of government so that individuals, families and businesses can take decisions for themselves.  Above all, we believe that the future of our country depends not on constitutional meddling or big government programmes but rather on releasing the talent and creativity that people possess.

We are a party of the progressive centre - not 'middle of the road' but a liberal, progressive and reformist party that opposes both state socialism and reactionary conservatism.

Neither. We believe that Scotland must first sort out its social and economic problems before it takes any decision on independence. In the current circumstances, those calling for independence would most likely lead us into bankruptcy.  When the time is right the people of Scotland will be able to make a mature and considered decision on the issue of independence.

No, we think that Holyrood could be greatly improved with some sensible and measured reforms such as reducing the number of MSPs and extending their remit to cover certain reserved issues. We would also like to see new powers, such as the power to cut corporation tax which would enable Scotland to create a much more dynamic economy and we think that the Parliament would greatly benefit from a revising chamber.

Our main aims are very clear:

• We stand for small government, an open, flexible liberal economy, fewer regulations and low taxes.
• We seek to put in place credible and effective reforms in the public services.
• We wish to focus Scottish politics on real issues that affect our future, irrespective of constitutional questions, rather than the sterile debate about independence versus the union.
• We intend to concentrate on the root causes of problems and not simply symptoms.
• We see a pressing need to bring people of experience, vision and competence into politics.

The major parties are all committed to high spending, high tax solutions in the mistaken belief that the main aim of government is to buy support through ever increasing entitlements.  By contrast, our approach is based on a liberal market economy and greater personal freedom matched by responsibility – an approach which looks to our future viability as a nation as well as the genuine long-term benefit for most people.