URL guidance

If you're delivering a digital service in Scotland, you need to make sure your URLs are clear, consistent and easy to use.

Well-designed URLs help people understand what a page or service is about. They also make content easier to find, use and share.

Use this guidance when creating or reviewing URLs for:

• websites
• services
• campaigns

on:

• mygov.scot
• gov.scot
• subdomains of gov.scot
• your organisation's website

What a URL is

A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the address of a page or resource on the internet. It has 2 parts:

• the domain or subdomain, for example servicemanual.gov.scot
• the page path, for example /url-guidance

Most Scottish public sector content should be published on one of the following:

• mygov.scot for mainstream, task‑focused public service content
• gov.scot for policy, corporate or specialist information
• approved gov.scot subdomains for specific services or operational needs

Read about where to publish your service content for more information.

URL design principles

URLs should be:

• clear
• unambiguous
• easy to read
• easy to type
• easy to share
• consistent and predictable.

This improves usability and helps search engines surface government content.

Use clear, descriptive words

Choose everyday words people recognise. Avoid technical terms or jargon.

Some older services have ambiguous names but established recognition. It’s fine to continue using these names.

Use lowercase

Write all URLs in lowercase to prevent typing errors.

Match the page title where possible

Use the same words in the page path as the page title so users can predict what the page is about.

Avoid acronyms

Spell out words unless the acronym is widely recognised, for example NHS. If needed, create a redirect from an acronym to the full URL.

Use dashes in page paths

Use dashes between words so URLs are easier to read and pronounce.

For example:

https://www.mygov.scot/under-22-bus-pass

Do not use dashes in domain names.

If you need a version that is easier to say aloud, such as for TV or radio, create an alternative URL without dashes and redirect it to the main page.

Avoid unnecessary words

Keep URLs short and simple.

Use short forms such as:

• /benefits
• /benefits-guide

Avoid longer forms such as /a-guide-to-benefits.

Only use articles like “a” or “the” if removing them would make the URL unclear.

For example:

/childrens-hearings/complain-about-a-childrens-hearing

Use the verb stem

Use the base form of a verb.

For example:

• /apply
• not /applying

Base URLs on user needs

Choose words that describe what users want to do or find out, not the official name of a policy, strategy or programme. Official names can change.

For example:

• Policy publication: www.gov.scot/publications/place-stay-place-call-home-strategy-private-rented-sector-scotland
• User-focused guidance: www.mygov.scot/tenant-new-tenancy

Include the year for one‑off promotions

Include the year in short URLs for annual or one-off events

For example:

www.gov.scot/budget-2026

Keep URLs short

Keep URLs as short as possible, especially when they're used in offline channels such as:

• posters
• letters
• TV advertising
• radio advertising

Short URLs matters most in subdomains and in the first few levels of a page path.

Do not use trailing slashes in promotion

Do not include a trailing slash when you share URLs in print, TV or radio.

For example:

• www.gov.scot/your-url-here
• not www.gov.scot/your-url-here/

Do not redirect to non‑government websites

Do not use gov.scot or mygov.scot URLs to redirect to non‑government websites.

Get help with complex cases

If you cannot follow these rules, work with a content designer to find the best solution. Some older websites may still have URLs that do not meet these standards.

Campaign sites

Scottish Government content should normally be published on gov.scot or a gov.scot subdomain.

Campaign websites might be created for specific initiatives. Campaign domains must:

• follow URL standards
• not include the words “Scotland” or “Scottish” (because .scot already conveys this)
• not include dashes in the campaign domain

Example: https://costofliving.campaign.gov.scot

If promoting a campaign offline, you may also need a short URL such as:

gov.scot/costofliving

For more information on Campaign Sites, read where to publish your service content.

Short or ‘friendly’ URLs

Use short URLs when you need to promote content offline. They redirect to a full URL but are easier to type and remember.

Short URLs must:

• use one or two words
• not use dashes
• follow URL standards
• make sense long‑term (include a year for one‑off events)
• only be used where significant offline promotion is planned

Requesting a short URL

For public sector organisations

Processes differ between organisations. Speak to your organisation’s digital or content team. They can advise whether you can request a short URL and which domain you should use.

For Scottish Government employees

• For mygov.scot short URLs, email contentupdates@gov.scot
• For gov.scot short URLs, email website@gov.scot

Only a limited number of top-level short URLs can be approved.

Service subdomains

Transactional services use two types of URL:

• start page on mygov.scot
• transactional service domain on service.gov.scot

Start pages should be published on mygov.scot and follow URL standards. These pages explain the service in plain English and guide users into the transactional journey.

For example: www.mygov.scot/scotaccount

The transactional part of a service must include the service name before the subdomain.

For example: manage.scotaccount.service.gov.scot

Service domains should:

• avoid dashes unless needed for clarity
• use a unique identifier for the service
• avoid references to policies, schemes or organisations that may change

Service subdomains can also support things like email or development environments, so setup may be more complex.