When 39 SNP MPs lost their seats in July's general election, the discussion immediately changed to whether there were places for them in the Scottish Parliament - and whether the likes of Nicola Sturgeon, Humza Yousaf and Michael Matheson would make way for them.

Many of the party's high profile politicians failed in their bid to be re-elected, being unseated by Labour across many parts of the country.

And as the SNP looks to bounce back from that disastrous defeat, they could look to their former Westminster cohort to refresh the talent in Holyrood.

Allan Faulds of Ballot Box Scotland warned a strategic plan of this kind could be damaging for the party, as he warned it could be perceived to be a continuation of "bitter infighting" that has plagued the party in recent years.

But perhaps a few of the big names who lost their seats in Westminster could make individual bids for a Holyrood seat, especially if many current MSPs stand down.

Those looking to run have just under a month – until November 11 – to submit an application to the National Executive Committee (NEC).

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A selection process will then follow, with candidates in place by April 2025 – more than a year before the 2026 vote in May.

So who are the runners and riders looking to move into the Scottish Parliament, and which SNP MSPs could stand aside?

Three SNP MSPS have already confirmed their intention not to seek re-election.

Who is standing down from Holyrood?

Prior to the 2021 Scottish Parliament election, James Dornan, 71, said he would stand down as MSP for the Glasgow Cathcart seat but later u-turned on that decision months later.

Alison Thewliss is widely expected to make a Holyrood bid.Alison Thewliss is widely expected to make a Holyrood bid. (Image: UK Parliament).

But in August last year, Mr Dornan said he intends to stand down at the Holyrood election in 2026.

He tweeted in response to then-Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross, who had criticised Scottish Government spending.

Mr Dornan wrote: "It's this pathetic type of politics and politicians such as Ross that make me glad this is my last term as an MSP."

Mr Dornan also took a leave of absence for health reasons in 2022 but contributed to Holyrood remotely before returning in person.

If a defeated SNP MP was to step in as a candidate for the seat, Stewart McDonald would have been the likely choice, having represented Glasgow South, the equivalent to Mr Dornan's seat in Westminster, for nine years.

However, he has confirmed he will not stand in 2026, despite being approached by "elected representatives".

Mr McDonald, a former SNP frontbencher at Westminster, said he believes it is the right time to "explore new paths".

However, the SNP lost all of its Glasgow MPs in the general election, clearing the way for South West's Chris Stephens, North East's Anne McLaughlin, West's Carol Monaghan, East's David Linden and North's Alison Thewliss.

While he is no longer an SNP MSP, John Mason has said he still intends to stand down in 2026.

He was recently expelled from the party over comments on the Israel and Hamas conflict. 

But he was the SNP's pick in Glasgow Shettleston in previous elections and was first elected to Holyrood in 2011.

MSP Michael Matheson has faced calls to step down.MSP Michael Matheson has faced calls to step down. (Image: PA) It is unlikely he will U-turn on his decision to stand down, but even if he did, his expulsion from the SNP means there is a vacancy for a new candidate in the Shettleston seat.

Geographically, Mr Linden would make sense, but Ms McLaughlin may also look to make a Holyrood bid.

Christine Grahame is the third MSP who has confirmed she will not seek re-election.

The stalwart MSP, aged 80, has represented the party since it was reconvened in 1999 but told ITV Borders last month she will not stand in the Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale seat.

She said she knew to "quit while you're ahead".

A possible Westminster consideration for this seat could be Owen Thompson, who lost the Midlothian seat to Labour in July.

Could Sturgeon, Matheson and Yousaf step down?

It is widely expected that former first minister Nicola Sturgeon could step down in 2026.

She stepped down as leader of the SNP last year after around eight years in the job.

Ms Sturgeon has dominated much of the SNP discourse in recent years, and that has only continued as Operation Branchform continues.

The police investigation into what happened to £600,000 of party donations saw Peter Murrell, former chief executive, and husband of the former first minister, charged with embezzlement.

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Why is Operation Branchform taking so long?

Ms Sturgeon and former treasurer and current Midlothian North and Musselburgh MSP Colin Beattie, were arrested in connection with the probe but were released without charge pending further investigation.

Both Ms Sturgeon and Mr Beattie could step down, partly to allow the SNP to heal while the investigation continues, but also for new adventures.

Ms Sturgeon is currently writing a memoir on her route from a shy child from Ayrshire to the steps of Bute House.

If there was a former MP who could replace her, Alison Thewliss - a friend of Ms Sturgeon - could make a lot of sense.

After his year as first minister, Humza Yousaf has not confirmed what his future as a politician looks like, but there has been speculation he could step down after his year as first minister ended in controversy over his handling of the Bute House Agreement.

That would free up another Glasgow seat - this time the Pollok constituency.

Former health secretary Michael Matheson has already staved off significant pressure to resign after he served a 27-day ban over an iPad roaming bill of nearly £11,000.

Mr Matheson's parliamentary iPad racked up the bill on a family holiday in Morocco in 2022. He initially said the device was used solely for work purposes before confessing his teenage sons had used it as a wifi hotspot to stream football.

He apologised, paid back the bill and resigned from government in February. 

But there has been significant speculation on whether he will stand in 2026.

In fact, he refused to answer questions on his future beyond 2026 from The Herald on his return from suspension.

If he does resign, it clears a candidate spot in the Falkirk West constituency.

Who are some of the former MPs who could stand?

Other than those mentioned above, ousted parliamentarians who could bid for a Holyrood seat include Stuart McDonald, the party's treasurer and former Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East.

Former Stirling MP Alyn Smith is also a significant party figure who the SNP may want to utilise, alongside Edinburgh East and Musselburgh's Tommy Shepherd.

However, one key SNP figure who will not be returning is Joanna Cherry KC. 

She has returned to her legal career, joining Edinburgh's Ampersand Advocates.

She has also been a fierce internal critic of the SNP and urged leadership to address the "culture of hate" within the party.