What age must someone be to stand as a candidate in an election?

To stand as a candidate in an election in Scotland, an individual must be at least 18 years old. This age requirement is aligned with the legal voting age in the UK, where individuals gain the right to vote in general elections at 18. As a candidate, one needs to demonstrate a level of maturity and understanding of democratic processes, which is why this age limit is set at 18 rather than younger ages like 16 or 21.

While the minimum voting age in Scotland for certain elections has been lowered to 16, the eligibility to run for office has not changed in the same way, ensuring that candidates are of a more mature age. This distinction is important in the context of the effectiveness of governance and representation in local and national politics.