Lobbying Register to open next March
![Lobbying Register to open next March](https://gallery.mailchimp.com/91cb73bca688114fefed773f2/images/e6312b2d-daf3-46c2-adc7-02e575d19a08.jpg)
All regulated lobbying in Scotland, as defined in the Lobbying (Scotland) Act 2016, will have to be included in the new Lobbying Register from Monday 12 March 2018.
Passed in 2016, the act states that certain face to face meetings with MSPs or the Scottish government’s ministers, special advisers or permanent secretary need to be registered.
The acting lobbying registrar, Douglas Wands said: “The Lobbying (Scotland) Act is intended to increase openness and transparency around who seeks to influence and inform our decision makers, and it is expected that the Lobbying Register will do just that.
“From 12 March 2018 all face to face lobbying activity as defined in the act will need to be registered. Whilst this may seem like a big change, we have been working for many months with those who may be affected to ensure they are aware of what is required.”