Scottish Greens

The Scottish Greens (also known as the Scottish Green Party; Scottish Gaelic: Pàrtaidh Uaine na h-Alba [ˈpʰaːrˠʃtʲi ˈuəɲə nə ˈhal̪ˠapə]) are a green^[3] political party in Scotland. The party has seven MSPs in the Scottish Parliament as of May 2021. As of the 2022 local elections, the party sits on 13 of the 32 Scottish local councils, with a total of 35 councillors. They hold two ministerial posts in the Yousaf government following a power-sharing agreement with the SNP in August 2021, marking the first time Green party politicians formed part of a government in the UK.

Scottish Green Party Pàrtaidh Uaine na h-Alba (Scottish Gaelic)
Co-Leaders	Patrick Harvie Lorna Slater
Council Co-Convenors	Laura Moodie Kate Nevens
Executive Co-Chairs	Ross Greer
Founded	1990 (1990)
Preceded by	Green Party (UK)
Headquarters	17b Graham Street Edinburgh EH6 5QN
Youth wing	Scottish Young Greens
Women's wing	Scottish Greens Women's Network
LGBTQ+ wing	Rainbow Greens^[1]
Membership (2023)	7,646^[2]
Ideology	Green politics^[3] Scottish independence^[3] Scottish republicanism^[4] Pro-Europeanism^[5]
Political position	Centre-left^[6] to left-wing^[7]
European affiliation	European Green Party
International affiliation	Global Greens
Colours	Green
Slogan	For People. For Planet.^[8]
Scottish seats in the House of Commons	0 / 59
Scottish Parliament	7 / 129
Local government in Scotland^[9]	35 / 1,227
Party flag
Website
greens.scot
Politics of Scotland Political parties Elections

The Scottish Greens were created in 1990 when the former Green Party separated into two independent parties, representing Scotland and England and Wales. The party is affiliated to the Global Greens and the European Green Party.

Party membership increased dramatically following the Scottish independence referendum,^[10] during which it supported Scotland's independence from the United Kingdom.^[11]

Organisation

The Scottish Greens are fully independent, but work closely with the green parties from Ireland: the Green Party Northern Ireland and the Green Party of Ireland. Until October 2022, it also cooperated with the Green Party of England and Wales.^[12] It is a full member of the European Green Party. The party currently has seven MSPs and 35 councillors, but has no representation in Westminster.

Membership

Within days of the Scottish independence referendum being held, the membership swelled to more than 5,000.^[13] Launching its manifesto for the 2015 UK general election, the Scottish Greens stated a membership of over 8,500.^[14] By October 2015 the party were holding their biggest ever conference, with their membership standing at more than 9,000.^[15] In mid-2021 it had fallen back somewhat, reported as standing at 7,500.^[16] In April 2023 the number of members had risen to 7,646.^[2]

Conferences

The Scottish Greens hold conferences every Spring and Autumn, where members from throughout Scotland attend to deal with all the business of the party, with members voting on conference motions and policy motions.

Internal party bodies

There are two key bodies which steer the party between conferences, party council and the national executive. The party council can, with some exceptions, act as a more frequent conference on issues that appear outside conference season. The national executive oversees the day-to-day administration of party activities.

Branches

The party is made up of branches, who usually cover one or more local authority areas, and meet on a regular basis.

Representation groups

The Scottish Greens have six self-organised representation groups:^[17]

• Disabled Greens
• Greens of Colour
• Rainbow Greens (LGBT+ group)
• Scottish Green Trade Union Group
• Scottish Young Greens
• Women's Network

These groups have additional meetings and discussions which are separate from the main party meetings.

History

Main article: History of the Scottish Greens

Origins in the Ecology Party (1978–1999)

Main article: Green Party (UK)

The Scottish Green Party originated as the Scottish branch of the Ecology Party, founded in 1978 by Leslie Spoor.^[18] The Ecology Party became the UK Green Party and it remained a constituent party until 1990, when the Scottish Green Party became a separate entity.

The 1990 Highland Regional Council election gave the Greens their first ever councillor in the UK.^[19] Roger (aka Rory) Winter, representing the Highland Green Party (Known in Scottish Gaelic as Uainich na Gàidhealtachd), was elected in Nairn. However, Cllr Winter broke away from the Greens in 1991 and continued his four-year term as an Independent Green Highlander.

First electoral successes (1999–2013)

Successful Scottish elections

In the first election to this Parliament, in 1999, the Scottish Green Party got one Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) elected by proportional representation, Robin Harper, the UK's first elected Green parliamentarian.

In the 2003 Scottish Parliament election, the Scottish Greens added six new MSPs to their previous total.^[20] The result was a surprise for the party.^[21] Afterwards, Harper stood for election for First Minister, securing six votes.^[22]

Despite the breakthrough in Holyrood, the party failed to elect any candidates in the 2004 European Parliament election, 2005 Westminster elections.

In the 2007 Scottish Parliament election, the party lost five seats in Holyrood, leaving the party with just 2 MSPs. The result was disappointing as polls initially suggested the party would remain with 7 MSPs.^[23][24] However, in the council elections, taking place under the new Single Transferable Vote voting system, they gained three Councillors on the City of Edinburgh Council and five Councillors on Glasgow City Council.

Co-convenor Robin Harper blamed the loss on spoiled ballot papers and the campaign focusing on larger parties.^[25]

Supporters of the first SNP government.

 

Johnstone (left) and Harper (right), were co-convenors of the party between 2007-2008

Despite the loss of MSPs, the party gained influence with the new SNP government. On 11 May, the Greens signed an agreement with the Scottish National Party (SNP), which meant that the Greens voted for Alex Salmond as First Minister and supported his initial Ministerial appointments.^[26][27] In return, the SNP backed a climate change bill as an early measure and promised to legislate against ship-to-ship oil transfers in the Firth of Forth. The SNP also agreed to nominate Patrick Harvie, one of the Green MSPs, to convene the Scottish Parliament Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change.

Differences, primarily over transport policy, were cited for the limited nature of the agreement.^[26] But they left open the door to further negotiations should the Scottish Liberal Democrats join the First Salmond government.

Given the present situation that (the SNP) are going to be forming a minority government, it really didn't seem to make sense for us to tie ourselves closely into confidence and supply or into coalition, because we have serious reservations about many SNP policies, particularly their transport policies

— then MSP Robin Harper, speaking to BBC Scotland.^[26]

During the election, co-convenor Shiona Baird lost her seat, and did not re-stand for election as co-convenor. She was replaced by then Edinburgh councillor Alison Johnstone in November 2007.^[28]

 

Harvie (left) with Eleanor Scott (right), co-convenors of the party between 2008 and 2011

Robin Harper and Johnstone did not seek re-election in 2008 as co-convenor. While Harvie was the sole nominee for the male co-convenor, there was 3 candidates for female co-convenor: former MSP Eleanor Scott, Glasgow councillor Nina Baker and Edinburgh councillor Maggie Chapman.^[29] The role of female co-convenor was won by Scott.^[30][31]

During the 2009 Scottish budget process, the Scottish Greens demanded an £1 billion home insulation programme over 10 years.^[32] The SNP Scottish Government offered £22 million for a 'pilot' project. The party decided this compromise was not acceptable.

On 28 January 2009, the two Green MSPs were instrumental in the defeat of the Government's budget.^[33] The move surprised some commentators, whose leadership had until this point been marked with increased cooperation with the SNP government.^[34]

A slightly amended version of the budget was passed easily the following week with the support of other parties.^[35]

2011 Scottish parliament election

At the party's 2010 conference, Robin Harper announced that he would not seek re-election in the 2011 Scottish Parliament election.^[36][37] The party's election campaign was launched with a focus on investment into public services paid for by tax raises.^[38][39] In the end, the party only elected 2 MSPs in the 2011.^[40]

Despite not moving forward, the party was the only 'minor' Scottish party which achieved representation in the Scottish Parliament after 2011 when the Scottish Socialist Party, Scottish Senior Citizens Unity Party and others lost seats.^[41]

Independence referendum and rapid growth (2014–2019)

 

Harvie (left) with Maggie Chapman, co-convenors of the party between 2014 and 2018.

2014 Independence referendum

 

"Green Yes" activists in Edinburgh campaigning for independence, 2014

In November 2013, Edinburgh councillor Maggie Chapman succeeded Glasgow councillor Martha Wardrop as the party's female co-convenor after she did not seek re-election, while Patrick Harvie was re-elected.^[42][43]

During the 2014 Scottish independence referendum, the party participated in the cross-party Yes Scotland campaign in favour of scottish independence. Co-convenor Patrick Harvie sat on the campaign's advisory board.^[44][45] Briefly, the party withdrew from Yes Scotland.^[46] However, the party's 2012 conference overturned the decision.^[47] The party also joined the Radical Independence Campaign.^[48]

The party's own campaign of 'Green Yes' launched in October 2013, and advocated that only independence could deliver radical change, with Harvie also arguing that the party's vision of independence was progressive, and explicitly not nationalistic.^[48][49] He also argued that devolution did not go far enough to tackle issues important to Scots like austerity.^[50]

For me, it’s got nothing to do with flags, or 300 years of history; it’s about the future. And I think that the best way [...] of changing Scotland

— Patrick Harvie MSP, speaking about the party's vision of independence, New Statesman^[50]

However, some in the party were opposed to independence, including former convenor Robin Harper who said that he would "absolutely vote No".^[51]

Membership before and after independence referendum^[13][15]

Year	Membership
2013	1,178
2014	7,800
2015	9,000

After the independence referendum, the Scottish Greens experienced a massive surge in membership, including future co-leader Lorna Slater.^[52][53][54] The party claimed that, for a period in the day after the referendum, it gained a member every 15 seconds.^[55] The party's then co-convenors, Harvie and Chapman were chosen by the party to serve as its representatives on the post-referendum Smith Commission.^[56][57] The party argued that full powers on income tax, the bulk of welfare policy, energy, transport, employment law and human rights law should be transferred to Holyrood.^[58]

2016 Scottish Parliament election and Brexit

In 2015, Maggie Chapman was challenged as co-convenor by activist Zara Kitson in the party's internal elections.^[59] The election was notable as it was the first time an incumbent co-convenor faced a serious challenge, all to date had been re-elected as the sole nominees. Chapman was re-elected.

 

Edinburgh Green councillors, including Maggie Chapman (top middle)

In the leadup to the 2016 Scottish Parliament election, the party campaigned with a focus on tax-rises for the rich, with co-convenor Patrick Harvie saying it would be “agenda item one” in any post-election talks with the SNP.^{[60] [61]} The party's selection process of co-convenor Maggie Chapman as lead candidate in the North East Scotland region for the 2016 election attracted controversy.^[62][63][64]

In the 2016 Scottish Parliament election, the party won 6 more seats, its best result since 2003.^[65] The result pushed the party ahead of the Scottish Liberal Democrats in seat numbers, making it the fourth-largest party for the first time.^[66] The Scottish Greens also elected the youngest MSP ever, Ross Greer at the age of 21.^[67]

 

A collection of Green activists with co-leader Patrick Harvie

In the 2016 United Kingdom European Union membership referendum, the party called for a 'Remain' vote.^[68] Subsequently, the party began more strongly advocating for a second Scottish independence referendum.^[69][70]

In February 2015, the party announced that it would field candidates in 32 seats for the 2015 United Kingdom general election with 40% of their candidates being women.^[71] In 2017 the party generated some controversy by standing only 3 candidates at the general election.^[72] In the 2019 general election they contested significantly more seats in 22 constituencies. They failed to win any seats and lost their deposit in every contest.

The 2017 Scottish local elections saw 'real progress' with the party returning 14 councillors across Scotland, with 8 in the City of Edinburgh Council.^[73]

Inaugural co-leaders and first Green ministers (2019–present)

 

Lorna Slater (left) and Harvie (right) became the inaugural co-leaders of the party in 2019.

The Scottish Greens contested the 2019 European Parliament election in the United Kingdom, with co-convenor Maggie Chapman as lead candidate and rising stars Lorna Slater and Gillian Mackay also on the list.^[74] The party failed to elect any MEPs despite other Green parties having significant success across Europe.

In August 2019, a newly adopted constitution by the party led to the 2019 Scottish Green Party co-leadership election, where Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater were elected as co-leaders with 43.1% and 30.2% respectively.^[75]

2021 Scottish Parliament election and power-sharing agreement

Main article: Bute House Agreement

In the 2021 Scottish Parliament election the party won a record eight Holyrood seats.^[76] Alison Johnstone was one of the eight MSPs elected for the Scottish Greens in the election, however on 13 May 2021 she gave up her party affiliation in order to become Holyrood's Presiding Officer as the position is a politically neutral role.^[77]

 

Harvie (left) and Slater (right) with Nicola Sturgeon announcing the SNP-Green power-sharing deal.

After two months of negotiations, on 20 August 2021, the Scottish Greens announced a new power-sharing agreement with the SNP Scottish Government.^[78][79][80] While not an official coalition, for the first time in Scottish and UK history it offered the Greens two ministerial posts.^[81][82][83] The agreement will see both parties pledge for a second referendum on Scottish independence, an increase investment in active travel and public transport, enhancing tenants rights, a ten-year £500m Just Transition and establishing a National Care Service.^[84][85] The agreement was approved by 83% of Scottish Green members, and secured a two-thirds majority vote of the party's National Council.^[86] This was required under the party's constitution for the agreement to be ratified.

Academic Professor Nicola McEwen suggested that the agreement "sometimes pushes [the SNP] further" particularly on climate, social and fair work policy.^[87] She also argues that the two parties had already converged on many issues over the preceding decade. However, critics and supporters of the party agree that the agreement has allowed the party to have a lot of influence on the Scottish government.^[88][89]

 

Patrick Harvie visits a housing development notable for its use of heat pumps, 2023

After the election of Humza Yousaf as Leader of the Scottish National Party, the Scottish Green Party National Council unanimously voted to direct its MSPs to vote for Yousaf to become First Minister and continue their power-sharing agreement.^[90][91] During the leadership campaign, the party had suggested it would not support a government led by the other candidates.^[92][93] The party's co-leaders continue to serve as ministers in the Yousaf government.

In government, the party introduced the first government bill from a Green Minister.^[94]

 

Co-leader Lorna Slater (furthest right) announcing new legal targets for nature recovery.

On 3 August 2023, Robin Harper, the party's first MSP resigned claiming the party had 'lost the plot' and announced he would vote Labour in the next UK general election.^[95] Nonetheless, the party also enjoyed an unprecedented level of support.^[96]

Success in local government

The 2022 Scottish local elections saw a record result for the party, doubling its seat count to 35.^[97] The party elected councillors for the first time in North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire, Argyll and Bute, Clackmannanshire, Shetland, East Lothian, Moray and the Scottish Borders. The party committed to introduce policies in local government based on climate and social justice.^[98]

In the central belt cities, the party also got closer to power, either supporting a minority administration or attempting to form a coalition with the SNP in Glasgow and Edinburgh.^{[99][100][101][102][103]}

Ideology

The Scottish Greens are a party whose ideology is shaped by green politics, Scottish independence, Scottish republicanism and pro-Europeanism.^{[104][105][106][107]}

Co-leader Patrick Harvie has described the party's ideals as:^[108]

Of a liveable planet.

Of justice, equality and dignity for all people.

Of Scotland’s right to decide its own future - not because of attachment to one flag or another, but because of a clear, compelling vision of what a Green Scotland could be.

Four principles

According to the party's website, the Scottish Greens are committed to forming a sustainable society and are guided by four interconnected principles:

• Ecology: "Our environment is the basis upon which every society is formed. Whenever we damage our environment, we damage ourselves. Respect for our environment is therefore essential".
• Equality: "A society that is not socially and economically just cannot be sustainable. Only when released from immediate poverty can individuals be expected to take responsibility for wider issues. Our society must be founded on cooperation and respect. We campaign hard against discrimination on grounds of gender, race, sexuality, disability, age or religion".
• Radical democracy: "Politics is too often conducted in a polarised, confrontational atmosphere and in a situation remote from those that it affects. We must develop decentralised, participative systems that encourage individuals to control the decisions that affect their own lives".
• Peace and nonviolence: "Violence at all levels of human interaction must be rejected and succeeded by relations characterised by flexibility, respect and fairness".

The party claims that, taken together, these principles give the party a holistic view that is in common with all green parties around the world.^[109]

Factions

Eco-socialism

There are internal factions which seek to transform the party's ideology to be eco-socialist.^[110][111] In the party's 2019 internal elections, the Green Futures Group ran a slate of candidates on a platform of a Green New Deal, eco-socialism and independence.^[112] The group's candidates were all elected and hold key positions in the party as of 2019.^[113] In 2015, future MSP and then co-convenor Maggie Chapman, former MSP Mark Ballard and influential member Peter McColl were reported to be part of a "leftist grouping inside the Greens".^[62] McColl argued that Chapman's election and subsequent role as lead candidate in the 2014 European Parliament election marked an increased socialist influence on the party.^[114] In 2023, the Scottish Green Party Trade Union Group called the party's parliamentary group a "group of ecosocialist MSPs in their own right.”^[115]

There are many of us who are socialists, is the party as a whole socialist? I’d like to say yes, but I don’t know if I can…

— then party co-convenor Maggie Chapman, speaking to Common Weal, 2014^[116]

In 2021, the party's conference backed a motion calling for the party to "towards building a democratic ecosocialist system", which was taken by some internal groups, such as the Scottish Young Greens as the party backing eco-socialism.^[117][118] The party's critics on the Labour left like Coll McCail and Finn Smyth claim that it has taken a neo-liberal turn in office and is simply maintaining the status-quo by reneging on commitments like the establishment of a government owned energy company.^[118] Radical Independence Campaign co-founder Cat Boyd noted that while the party had been "a consistent ally of the radical left" she was concerned that may end as the party got closer to power due to "the temptations of ‘pragmatic’ coalition government".^[119]

McCail and Smyth's criticism was engaged with by the party. Green MSP Ross Greer who co-authored the party's power-sharing agreement with the SNP Scottish Government argued that they had identified the wrong problem, and that the Government's lacking capital borrowing powers was what forced the end of the policies they discussed.^[120]

After the 2021 Scottish Parliament election, in which she was elected as a MSP, Chapman argued that the left had "won the Scottish Green Party".^[121] She argued the election was the first which the party "run a campaign on the basis of policies rather than personalities or tactical voting messages" and that those policies emphasised social justice and climate justice.

Policy

While associated mainly with environmentalist policies, the party has a history of support for communitarian economic policies, including well-funded, locally controlled public services within the confines of a steady-state economy, is supportive of proportional representation and takes a progressive approach to social policies. The party is also strongly opposed to both nuclear power and the Trident nuclear programme.^{[122][123][124]}

The party's 2019 manifesto included pledges to implement a green new deal to tackle climate change and for future investment, the introduction of a universal basic income, the phasing in of a four-day week, support for rent controls and treating drug use as a health issue rather than a crime.^[125]

Climate change

The party favours strong action to combat climate change, including phasing out single-use plastic, the creation of more Low Emission Zones in cities and a ban on the sale of new petrol cars, diesel cars and fossil fuel boilers.^[126] The party also seeks "ambitious" climate action, and in 2019 abstained on the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill claiming it was not "anywhere near meaningful action to address the climate emergency".^[127] However, the BBC News journalist Philip Sim argued in 2021 that since then the party position has shifted to "hitting these [carbon emissions reduction targets] than stretching them".^[128]

The party is also against oil and gas developments in Scotland, such as the proposed Cambo and Rosebank oil and gas fields.^[128]

In government, the party's ministers announced a ban on new waste incinerators and a new biodiversity strategy.^[129]

Transport

The Greens are against plans to dual the A9 and the A96, arguing that the plans are incompatible with climate commitments.^[130] Instead, the party advocates for the expansion of the Scotland's railway network, such as a tunnel across the Forth constructed between Leith and Kirkcaldy, an aim to connect every town with more than 5,000 people to the railway network and to completely electrify the Scottish network by 2030.^[131]

The Scottish Greens also supported the nationalisation of ScotRail and Caledonian Sleeper, and advocates for "the whole of Scotland’s railways – both track and train – to be brought into public ownership".^{[132][133][134]} The party, as part of its co-operation agreement with the Scottish Government scrapped peak-time rail fares for at least one year.^[135]

The party also supports a wider nationalisation of all rail, bus and ferry companies, alongside further investment in walking, wheeling and cycling.^[136]

Scottish independence

It is the only party other than the SNP to both support Scottish independence and have representation in the Scottish Parliament. At the party's 2005 conference, a motion passed to support Scottish independence.^[137]

The Scottish Green Party supports Scotland having its own currency if it were to become an independent country. The party has said this would be in order to establish full economic independence, rather than being tied to the pound sterling.^{[138][139][140]}

The party backed the Scottish government's attempt to hold a second Scottish independence referendum in 2023, and made it a key part of its 2022 autumn conference.^[141]

However, in an interview at the party's 2023 autumn conference, co-leader Lorna Slater suggested that independence was not a "red line" for any future power-sharing deals with Scottish Labour, re-affirming similar comments during the independence referendum.^[142]

LGBT+ rights

The party has campaigned strongly for LGBT rights, with the party publishing a specific LGBT+ manifesto co-produced with its LGBT wing.^[143] The party supports gender self-identification, banning conversion therapy, improving LGBT+ inclusive education and improving transgender healthcare.^[144] The party has also campaigned to get more non-binary people into politics, and voted to 'suspend ties' with the Green Party of England and Wales due to transphobia concerns .^[145][146]

We will only vote for the SNP’s new Leader to become First Minister if... they agree that trans rights are human rights. [...] These are fundamental issues for us. They are non-negotiable.

Co-leader Lorna Slater, speaking at the party's 2023 Spring Conference.^[147]

The party was the only party to support same-sex civil partnerships upon its entry to the Scottish Parliament in 1999.^[148] In 2003, the party's MSP Patrick Harvie introduced a bill to allow civil partnerships in Scotland.^[149] The bill failed, but was key to creating the debate on the topic which let to its passing at Westminster.^[150]

The Scottish Greens have also firmly supported reforms to the Gender Recognition Act 2004. The party's MSP Andy Wightman, and later, the party's first MSP Robin Harper both left the party over the policy.^[95][151] Despite this, the party remained committed to the policy, arguing that "...human rights, including the rights of trans people, are at the core of our vision and have been since our party was founded over 30 years ago". The party opposed the UK Government's veto of the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill.^[152]

Leadership

Further information: Co-leaders of the Scottish Greens

The Scottish Greens is led by a six-person leadership team. This is made up of the co-leaders of the party, the co-chairs of the national executive of the party and the co-convenors of the party council.

The political leadership roles are generally held by a present or aspiring elected politician, while internal leadership is held by a mixture of ordinary members and aspiring or elected politicians.

Political leadership

Alongside many other green parties, the Scottish Greens initially shunned the idea of a singular leader, despite key party figures like Robin Harper commenting that it must "have an official Leader and face to represent it if it is to sustain political effectiveness."^{[153][154][37]} Increasingly, during Patrick Harvie's tenure as co-convenor, the role became more like a traditional party leader, as his profile as an MSP tended to overshadow his fellow co-convenor.^{[116][155][156]} In 2019, as a part of internal party reforms, the role of two co-leaders was introduced, with Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater elected as inaugural co-leaders.^[75] A maximum of one of the co-leaders may identify as a man.

Unlike party leaders in most other political parties, the Scottish Greens' co-leaders are only elected for two year terms, after which they may seek re-election.^[157] Generally, incumbents are returned without opposition, but the inaugural co-leadership election,^[a] and 2015 co-convenorship election were contested.^[59]

Co-leaders				Term start	Term end	Government
Portrait	Name	Portrait	Name
	Patrick Harvie MSP for Glasgow (2003–present) Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Active Travel and Tenants' Rights (2021–present)		Lorna Slater MSP for Lothian (2021–present) Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity (2021–present)	1 August 2019	Incumbent	Third Sturgeon Government Yousaf government

Internal leadership

The other 4 members of the party's leadership team are drawn from its national council and executive. They serve for 2 year terms, and are elected by a ballot of party members.

Party Council

 

Conference is the "supreme decision making body" of the party, in line with the party's commitment to radical democracy.

Between conferences, the Party Council provides the forum for strategic decisions, policy discussions, oversight and branch coordination. The council is composed of two delegates from branches, usually branch co-convenors, representative and special interest groups. Its decisions can only be overridden by a party conference or AGM.

The council is currently led by council co-convenors Laura Moodie and Kate Nevens.

Party Executive Committee

The National Executive oversees the day-to-day administration of the party. It is led by two co-chairs, directly elected by party members, and who manage the party staff and its volunteer-led National Committees which focus on specific party functions like policy development or engagement with the European Greens. Its decisions may be overridden by the party council or conference.

It is presently solely chaired by Ross Greer, after the resignation of Co-chair Ellie Gomersall in December 2023.^[158] This committee also oversees the work of the elected National Committees; Finance & Fundraising, Elections & Campaigns, Policy, Membership and International.

National Executive Co-Chairs				Took office	Left office
Portrait	Name	Portrait	Name
	Ross Greer MSP for West of Scotland (2016–present)		Vacant^[b]	2019 (Greer)	Incumbent
National Council Co-Chairs				Took office	Left office
Portrait	Name	Portrait	Name
	Laura Moodie Lead candidate for South Scotland (2021)		Kate Nevens Lead candidate for Lothian (2021)	2022 (Moodie) 2023 (Nevens)	Incumbent

Elected representatives

The Scottish Greens have representation in the Scottish Parliament and several Scottish councils. It does not have any representation in the House of Commons or the House of Lords, unlike its sister party the Green Party of England and Wales.

MSPs

All of the Scottish Green Party's members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) have been elected under the list in the Scottish Parliament.^[159] The party elected a record 8 MSPs in the 2021 Scottish Parliament election.^[76] However the party's representation was reduced to 7 after Green MSP Alison Johnstone was elected as the Parliament's non-partisan Presiding Officer.

Green MSPs in 2024

Portrait	Name	Region	Portfolio
	Lorna Slater MSP	Lothian (2021–present)	Co-leader of the Scottish Greens (2019–present) Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity (2021–present)
	Patrick Harvie MSP	Glasgow (2003–present)	Co-leader^[c] of the Scottish Greens (2008–present) Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Active Travel and Tenants' Rights (2021–present)
	Maggie Chapman MSP	North East Scotland (2021–present)	Spokesperson for Justice, Equality, Human Rights and Economy. Member of the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body
	Mark Ruskell MSP	Mid Scotland and Fife (2016–present, 2003–2007)	Spokesperson for Environment, Climate, Transport and Culture
	Gillian Mackay MSP	Central Scotland (2021–present)	Spokesperson for Health and Social Care Member of the Parliamentary Bureau
	Ariane Burgess MSP	Highlands and Islands (2021–present)	Spokesperson for Communities, Land Reform, Housing and Rural Affairs
	Ross Greer MSP	West of Scotland (2021–present)	Spokesperson for Education, Finance, Constitution and External Affairs

 

Line chart showing the number of Scottish Green MSPs elected at each Scottish Parliament election

Previous MSPs

• John Finnie for Highlands and Islands. Finnie was elected Green within this region in May 2016, having previously been SNP then Independent. Stood down in 2021.
• Shiona Baird for North East Scotland. Baird served as party co-convener from 2004 to 2007.
• Chris Ballance for the South of Scotland.
• Mark Ballard for the Lothians.
• Robin Harper for the Lothians. Harper was the first elected Green parliamentarian in the UK and was the party's convener from the time of that position's creation in 1999 until 2002. He later served as one of its co-conveners from 2004 to 2008.
• Eleanor Scott for the Highlands and Islands. Scott was party convener from 2002 to 2004, and a co-convener of the party from 2008 to 2011.
• Andy Wightman was an MSP for the Lothian region 2016 to 2021. He was elected for the party in the 2016 election, but left in December 2020 after facing possible complaints and disciplinary action for the way he intended to vote on an amendment to the Forensic Medical Services (Victims of Sexual Offences) (Scotland) Bill. He had planned to vote against the party and for the amendment, in conflict with the party's policy on trans rights. He stated in his resignation letter that he felt the party had an "alienating and provocative" stance on trans rights.^[160][161]
• John Wilson, a member of the Greens, sat as an independent MSP in the 4th Scottish Parliament, having left the SNP in September 2014 because of its change in policy on NATO membership.^[162] He stood for the Greens in the 2016 election,^[163] but was unsuccessful.
• Alison Johnstone is an MSP for the Lothian and was elected Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament on Thursday, 13 May 2021, giving up her party affiliation on election to the role.^[164]

Councillors

Prior to the 2007 elections, the Party had only ever elected one councillor at local level: in May 1990, Roger (aka Rory) Winter, representing the Highland Green Party (Uainich na Gàidhealtachd), was elected in Nairn as Scotland's first Green regional councillor to the then Highland Regional Council. Cllr Winter broke away from the Greens in 1991 and continued his four-year term as an Independent Green Highlander.

The party made its first major breakthroughs at council level in the 2007 local elections, electing 8 councillors between Glasgow City and the City of Edinburgh Councils.

In the 2012 local elections this was increased to 14. The party elected councillors for the first time to Aberdeenshire, Stirling & Midlothian Councils.

At the 2017 local elections, the party returned a record 19 councillors, including elected councillors to Orkney Islands Council for the first time. However, the party lost its sole councillor on Midlothian Council.

The 2022 local elections saw another record number of Green councillors elected. 35 candidates gained seats across 13 local authorities, an increase of 16.^[165] This included the first ever Green councillors in North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire, Argyll & Bute, Clackmannanshire, Shetland, East Lothian, Moray and the Scottish Borders.^[166][167]

Electoral performance

Vote share represents the party's share in Scotland rather than the UK at large.

House of Commons

Election	Scotland		+/–
	%	Seats
1997	0.1	0 / 72
2001	0.2	0 / 72
2005	1.1	0 / 59
2010	0.7	0 / 59
2015	1.3	0 / 59
2017	0.2	0 / 59
2019	1.0	0 / 59

Scottish Parliament

Election	Constituency			Regional			Total seats	+/–	Rank	Government
	Votes	%	Seats	Votes	%	Seats
1999				84,023	3.6	1 / 56	1 / 129		5th	Opposition
2003				132,138	6.9	7 / 56	7 / 129	6	5th	Opposition
2007	2,971	0.1	0 / 73	82,584	4.0	2 / 56	2 / 129	5	5th	Opposition
2011				87,060	4.4	2 / 56	2 / 129		5th	Opposition
2016	13,172	0.6	0 / 73	150,426	6.6	6 / 56	6 / 129	4	4th	Opposition
2021	34,990	1.3	0 / 73	220,324	8.1	8 / 56	8 / 129	2	4th	Cooperation agreement

Local councils

Election	1st pref votes	%	Councillors	+/–
2007	45,290	2.1	8 / 1,222	8
2012	36,000	2.3	14 / 1,223	6
2017	77,682	4.1	19 / 1,227	5
2022	110,791	6.0	35 / 1,227	16

European Parliament

Election	Scotland			+/–
	Votes	%	Seats
1994	23,304	1.6	0 / 8
1999	57,142	5.8	0 / 8
2004	79,695	6.8	0 / 7
2009	80,442	7.3	0 / 6
2014	108,305	8.1	0 / 6
2019	129,603	8.2	0 / 6

See also

•  Ecology portal
•  Environment portal
•  Politics portal
•  Renewable energy portal

• Green politics
• List of advocates of republicanism in the United Kingdom
• List of environmental organisations
• Radical Independence Campaign
• Renewable energy in Scotland
• Scottish Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament

Related organisations

• European Federation of Green Parties
• Green Party Northern Ireland
• Green Party of England and Wales

Further reading

• Dennison, James (2016). The Greens in British Politics: Protest, Anti-Austerity and the Divided Left. Palgrave.

Notes

1. The office of co-leader succeeded that of co-convenor, and Harvie was the incumbent male co-convenor
2. Since the resignation of Ellie Gomersall in December 2023
3. The office was known as co-convenor of the Scottish Greens until 2019.

Footnotes

1. "Rainbow Greens Manifesto". Scottish Greens. from the original on 24 March 2023. Retrieved 3 January 2023.
2. Conor Matchett [@conor_matchett] (24 April 2023). "Scottish Greens state their membership stands at 7,646" (Tweet). Retrieved 24 April 2023 – via Twitter.
3. Nordsieck, Wolfram (2016). "Scotland/UK". from the original on 23 October 2018. Retrieved 1 October 2018.
4. (PDF). Scottish Greens. November 2012. Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 March 2014. Retrieved 12 December 2019. A hereditary monarchy is incompatible with Green principles of democracy, equality and fairness. We favour an elected Head of State.
5. Greer, Ross (February 2016). "Now is the time to fight to stay in Europe ... and to reform it from the left, not the right as Cameron plans". Scottish Greens. from the original on 13 April 2021. Retrieved 8 March 2021.
6. Scotland Business Law Handbook: Strategic Information and Laws 21 December 2018 at the Wayback Machine. International Business Publications, USA. Volume 1, 2013 edition (updated annually). Published in Washington DC, USA.
7. Stone, Jon (14 July 2015). "Green Party set to take 10 seats from Labour in next year's Scottish Parliament election". The Independent. from the original on 31 January 2020. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
8. "Scottish Greens - For People. For Planet". Scottish Greens. from the original on 1 January 2024. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
9. "Local Council Political Compositions". Open Council Date UK. 7 January 2018. from the original on 30 September 2017. Retrieved 7 January 2018.
10. "SCOTTISH GREENS THANK OVER 3,000 NEW MEMBERS". from the original on 1 October 2014. Retrieved 22 September 2014.
11. "Scottish independence: Greens join Yes Scotland campaign". BBC News. 6 October 2012. from the original on 30 November 2018. Retrieved 1 November 2018.
12. "Scottish Greens 'suspend ties' with Green Party of England and Wales over trans views". The National. 16 October 2022. Retrieved 16 October 2022.
13. "Scottish referendum: 'Yes' parties see surge in members". BBC News. 22 September 2014. from the original on 23 October 2018. Retrieved 21 June 2018.
14. "Manifesto launch: Scottish Green Party unveils 'bold vision'". BBC News. 30 March 2015. from the original on 2 November 2018. Retrieved 21 June 2018.
15. "Scottish public 'should have power to propose independence referendum'". The Herald. 10 October 2015. from the original on 11 April 2016. Retrieved 28 March 2016.
16. Carrell, Severin (11 August 2021). "Deal between Scottish Greens and SNP delayed as deadline looms". The Guardian. from the original on 11 August 2021. Retrieved 24 January 2022.
17. "Representative Groups". greens.scot. Scottish Greens. Retrieved 3 January 2023.
18. Paul Cockburn, "Leslie Spoor", The Herald, 30 March 2011
19. Bochel, JM; Denver, DT. "Scottish Regional Elections, 1990" (PDF). The Elections Centre. p. 3. Retrieved 22 April 2020.
20. Tempest, Matthew (2 May 2003). "Scottish Labour retains power - just". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
21. Ballard, Mark (22 March 2012). "Great Green Campaigns: Scotland 2003". Bright Green. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
22. "Second term for McConnell". 15 May 2003. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
23. "Greens enjoying political climate". 5 November 2005. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
24. Barnes, Eddie (4 March 2023). "Greens face recycle bin as big parties wise up". The Scotsman. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
25. "Election 2007: The Others: Battle of big two leaves small parties in the cold". The Scotsman. 4 May 2007. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
26. "SNP and Greens sign working deal". BBC News. 11 May 2007. from the original on 9 October 2007. Retrieved 6 January 2010.
27. "Text of Scottish National Party and Scottish Green Party Cooperation Agreement (60Kb pdf), accessed 6 January 2010" (PDF). (PDF) from the original on 23 September 2021. Retrieved 12 August 2008.
28. "New co-leader for Scottish Greens". 24 September 2007. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
29. "Harvie to become Green co-leader". 22 September 2008. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
30. "GREEN CO-CONVENORS". Scottish Greens. 27 November 2008. Archived from the original on 23 September 2014. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
31. "Patrick Harvie to lead Scottish Greens". The Scotsman. 23 November 2008. Archived from the original on 10 May 2016. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
32. Carrell, Severin (28 January 2009). "Alex Salmond threatens to call election after Scottish parliament rejects SNP's budget". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
33. "Scottish budget rejected by MSPs". BBC News. 28 January 2009. from the original on 31 January 2009. Retrieved 5 February 2009.
34. Dinwoodie, Robbie (29 January 2009). "Why Patrick Harvie felt he could not back the bill THE GREENS". The Herald. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
35. "Scots budget clears first hurdle". BBC News. 23 January 2008. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
36. "UK's first Green Parliamentarian to stand down at next election - edie". edie. 8 November 2010. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
37. Kelbie, Paul (13 September 2008). "End of a green era as Harper steps down". The Observer. ISSN 0029-7712. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
38. Dinwoodie, Robbie (20 April 2011). "2011". The Herald. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
39. "What the Greens think about the SNP and insulation". The Edinburgh Reporter. 10 April 2011. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
40. "Scottish election: SNP majority for second term". BBC News. 7 May 2011. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
41. Dennison, James (2017). The Greens in British politics: protest, anti-austerity and the divided left. Cham: Palgrave Macmillan. p. 50. ISBN 978-3-319-42672-3.
42. "Glasgow MSP retains Greens leader role". Evening Times. Newsquest. 25 November 2013. from the original on 23 September 2021. Retrieved 8 December 2013.
43. Stephen, Phyllis (27 November 2013). "Edinburgh councillor chosen to lead the Green Party in Scotland". The Edinburgh Reporter. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
44. "Perspective: Why a Yes voter needn't be a nationalist". 10 January 2013. from the original on 5 April 2013. Retrieved 3 April 2013.
45. "From treaties to referendums: Scotland's political timeline". The Herald. 2 May 2012. from the original on 1 January 2024. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
46. "Greens pull out of Yes Scotland referendum campaign". The Telegraph. 12 June 2012. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
47. Dennison, James (2017). The Greens in British politics: protest, anti-austerity and the divided left. Cham: Palgrave Macmillan. pp. 50–51. ISBN 978-3-319-42672-3.
48. Dennison, James (2017). The Greens in British politics: protest, anti-austerity and the divided left. Cham: Palgrave Macmillan. pp.51. ISBN 978-3-319-42672-3.
49. Dennison, James (2017), "The Rise of the Greens in British Politics", The Greens in British Politics, Cham: Springer International Publishing, p. 2, doi:10.1007/978-3-319-42673-0_1, ISBN 978-3-319-42672-3, retrieved 1 January 2024
50. Chakelian, Anoosh (15 August 2014). "Leader of the Scottish Greens: "You don't need to like Alex Salmond to vote Yes"". New Statesman. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
51. "Robin Harper to vote No". Edinburgh News. Johnston Press. 3 December 2013. from the original on 6 December 2013. Retrieved 3 December 2013.
52. "Scottish politics has turned upside down since the independence referendum". British Politics and Policy at LSE. 11 November 2014. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
53. Slater, Lorna (2 May 2021). "Green Because... Lorna's Story" (video). youtube.com. Scottish Greens.
54. Brooks, Libby (12 October 2014). "Scottish Greens look to the future". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
55. @scottishgreens (20 September 2014). "Since yesterday morning, we've gained 1,200 new members. At one point folks were signing up one every 15 seconds!" (Tweet). Retrieved 1 January 2024 – via Twitter.
56. "Henry McLeish backs Greens to win devolved powers". BBC News. 6 October 2014. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
57. "Scottish referendum: Iain Gray to join powers commission". BBC News. 29 September 2014. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
58. "What are the parties' proposals to the Smith Commission?". BBC News. 10 October 2014. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
59. "Activist challenges co-convenor of Greens for top post ahead of biggest election campaign". The National. 27 October 2015. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
60. Carrell, Severin (12 April 2016). "Scottish Greens to press Nicola Sturgeon to tax rich after election". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
61. . Scottish Greens. 2016. Archived from the original on 8 April 2016. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
62. Hutcheson, Paul (4 July 2015). "Scottish Greens in civil war over Holyrood ballot". The Herald. Archived from the original on 31 December 2023. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
63. "Scottish Greens in turmoil after three Holyrood candidates quit". The Herald. 17 February 2016. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
64. Storr, Debra. "Rather belatedly : Why I resigned from the Scottish Greens". Retrieved 31 December 2023.
65. "Holyrood 2016: SNP claims 'historic' win but no majority". BBC News. 4 May 2016. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
66. "Scottish Greens push Lib Dems into fifth place". BBC News. 6 May 2016. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
67. "Greens' Ross Greer becomes youngest MSP". BBC News. 6 May 2016. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
68. "EU referendum: Scotland backs Remain as UK votes Leave". BBC News. 22 June 2016. Retrieved 26 December 2023.
69. "Greens could back indyref2 court fight against Tories, Patrick Harvie suggests". The National. 8 April 2021. Retrieved 2 September 2021.
70. Whitaker, Andrew (8 January 2017). "Senior SNP figures back Sturgeon on 'parking' indyref2". The Herald. Retrieved 26 December 2023.
71. "Scottish Greens set to field candidates in 32 seats". Sunday Herald. Newsquest. 22 February 2015. from the original on 23 September 2021. Retrieved 22 February 2015.
72. "General election 2017: Scottish Greens to field three candidates". BBC. 10 May 2017. from the original on 10 October 2018. Retrieved 21 June 2018.
73. "Council election results: Sturgeon hails victory despite Tory surge". BBC News. 4 May 2017. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
74. "Scottish Greens candidates for European Elections unveiled". BBC News. 25 April 2019. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
75. "Scottish Greens elect Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater as co-leaders". BBC News. 1 August 2019. Retrieved 28 December 2023.
76. "Scottish election 2021: Scottish Greens win record eight Holyrood seats in 'best ever' result". BBC News. 8 May 2021. from the original on 27 May 2021. Retrieved 27 May 2021.
77. Grant, Alistair (13 May 2021). "Green MSP Alison Johnstone elected Holyrood's new Presiding Officer". The Herald. from the original on 27 May 2021. Retrieved 27 May 2021.
78. "SNP-Greens deal pledges indyref2 within five years". BBC News. 20 August 2021. from the original on 20 August 2021. Retrieved 20 August 2021.
79. Davidson, Peter (20 August 2021). "SNP and Greens negotiate deal to form power-sharing government at Holyrood". Daily Record. from the original on 20 August 2021. Retrieved 20 August 2021.
80. Stephen, Phyllis (28 August 2021). "SNP and Greens strike a deal". The Edinburgh Reporter. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
81. "Co-operation deal between SNP and Greens to be revealed this week". The National. 15 August 2021. from the original on 20 August 2021. Retrieved 20 August 2021.
82. "Scotland: SNP and Scottish Greens' power-sharing agreement is 'groundbreaking', Nicola Sturgeon says". Sky News. from the original on 20 August 2021. Retrieved 20 August 2021.
83. "Scottish Greens enter government as deal done with SNP". STV News. 20 August 2021. from the original on 20 August 2021. Retrieved 20 August 2021.
84. "What does the SNP-Green deal mean for Scotland?". Largs and Millport Weekly News. 20 August 2021. from the original on 20 August 2021. Retrieved 20 August 2021.
85. "Working Together to Build A Greener, Fairer, Independent Scotland" (PDF). Scottish Government and Scottish Green Party. 20 August 2021. (PDF) from the original on 20 August 2021. Retrieved 20 August 2021.
86. "Scottish Greens back historic government deal". BBC News. 28 August 2021. from the original on 31 August 2021. Retrieved 2 September 2021.
87. McEwen, Professor Nicola (2 September 2021). "Scotland's Green Party and National Party: a new agreement". UK in a changing Europe. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
88. Anderson, Blair (17 July 2023). "Four steps we can take to grow the Scottish Green Party's success". Bright Green. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
89. Maciver, Andy (31 July 2023). "How did the Scottish Greens end up with so much influence?". The Spectator. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
90. "Scottish Greens unanimously back Humza Yousaf for first minister". Holyrood Website. 27 March 2023. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
91. Stephen, Phyllis (27 March 2023). "Greens Council vote to support the Bute House Agreement". The Edinburgh Reporter. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
92. Slater, Lorna (25 March 2023). "Lorna Slater spring conference speech 2023". Scottish Greens. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
93. Harvie, Patrick (25 March 2023). "Patrick Harvie spring conference speech 2023". Scottish Greens. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
94. "Rent freeze strikes right balance between tenants and landlords – minister". The Independent. 4 October 2022. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
95. "Robin Harper quits Scottish Greens as party has 'lost the plot'". BBC News. 2 August 2023. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
96. Swanson, Ian (22 August 2023). "Greens in government: Party accused of 'dragging down' SNP but Greens' own poll ratings are looking good - Ian Swanson". Edinburgh Evening News. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
97. "Scottish council elections 2022: SNP finishes as biggest party". BBC News. 5 May 2022. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
98. "Scottish Greens to campaign on climate and social justice". BBC News. 12 April 2022. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
99. "Greens pave the way for another minority SNP administration in Glasgow". Holyrood Website. 17 May 2022. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
100. "SNP and Greens strike Glasgow city council deal". The Herald. 17 May 2022. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
101. "Greens back SNP to form Glasgow council administration". BBC News. 17 May 2022. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
102. "Labour wins Tory backing to oust the SNP from City of Edinburgh Council". Holyrood Website. 26 May 2022. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
103. Turvill, Donald (17 May 2022). "Council elections 2022 – SNP and Greens ready to form a minority administration?". The Edinburgh Reporter. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
104. Greer, Ross (February 2016). "'Now is the time to fight to stay in Europe ... and to reform it from the left, not the right as Cameron plans". Scottish Greens. from the original on 13 April 2021. Retrieved 8 March 2021.
105. (PDF). Scottish Greens. November 2012. Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 March 2014. Retrieved 12 December 2019. A hereditary monarchy is incompatible with Green principles of democracy, equality and fairness. We favour an elected Head of State.
106. Cite error: The named reference Nordsieck3 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
107. Nordsieck, Wolfram (2016). "Scotland/UK". from the original on 23 October 2018. Retrieved 1 October 2018.
108. Harvie MSP, Patrick (28 October 2023). "Patrick Harvie autumn conference speech 2023". Scottish Greens. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
109. . Scottish Greens. Archived from the original on 12 April 2010.
110. Space, Common (9 April 2020). "A party of eco-socialists? New group aims to push Scottish Greens to the left ahead of party elections". Source. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
111. Christie, Niall (13 July 2023). "Grassroots democracy will be central to the Scottish Green Party's future success". Bright Green. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
112. "Greens grassroots mount challenge to Harvie's role". The National. 30 June 2019. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
113. @GreenFutureSGP (2 August 2019). "Just in case you missed it yesterday, all seven of our candidates were successful in the internal elections! We're excited to get to work with all the other amazing folk elected and with ordinary members to deliver a refreshed, election-ready party" (Tweet). Retrieved 31 December 2023 – via Twitter.
114. McColl, Peter (2015). "The Scottish Greens After The Referendum – Scottish Left Review". Scottish Left Review. from the original on 29 January 2022. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
115. "Scottish Greens members call for special meeting to debate Bute House deal with SNP". The National. 28 February 2023. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
116. Space, Common (8 April 2020). "The Green Maggie: Greens co-convener Maggie Chapman on not being Patrick, #GE2015 and finding an identity". Source. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
117. @scotyounggreens (10 October 2021). "The Scottish Green Party have just voted to support ecosocialism at #sgpconf 🍉The just, sustainable society we need to build is not possible under capitalism. Radically reshaping society for the common good is the only way to build a future that works for people and planet 🌍 Image ALT text: Graphic with green background. Text says "ecosocialism. We consider capitalism to be incompatible with a sustainable planet and society and will work towards building a democratic ecosocialist system which will allow people, power and resources to be organised for the common good.". White banner at the bottom has SYG logo and green text says "the Scottish Green Party have backed ecosocialism at #sgpconf"" (Tweet). Retrieved 31 December 2023 – via Twitter.
118. "The Scottish Greens: The SNP's Gardening Wing". tribunemag.co.uk. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
119. "How red can the greens be? – Scottish Left Review". Retrieved 31 December 2023.
120. Greer MSP, Ross (14 June 2022). "The Scottish Greens in Government". Bella Caledonia. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
121. Chapman MSP, Maggie (May 2021). "How the left won the Scottish Green Party and how that will change Scottish politics – Scottish Left Review". Scottish Left Review. from the original on 14 June 2021. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
122. Energy 18 January 2017 at the Wayback Machine. 'And we will not build new nuclear power plants because they can never be democratically-controlled, decentralised, delivered or decommissioned without massive subsidy'. Scottish Green Party (official website) 15 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 12 January 2017.
123. What is the Scottish Green Party's view on nuclear power? 13 January 2017 at the Wayback Machine 'We would plan to phase out fossil fuel and nuclear power stations and invest much more in tidal, wave and solar energy along with hydro and wind schemes. Greens will make Scotland a world leader in new renewable technologies'. Lanarkshire Green Party 13 January 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 12 January 2017.
124. Scotland Can Be A Global Citizen 18 January 2017 at the Wayback Machine. 'A nuclear-free Scotland. Scotland’s opposition to the Trident nuclear weapons system is well-established and we are proud to be at the forefront of efforts to disband this obscene Cold War relic. We would pursue every possible avenue to pressure Westminster into getting rid of the nuclear weapons stored on the Clyde. We would explore options such as: issuing guidance to Police Scotland not to enforce charges against nonviolent activists involved in protests against the Faslane base and shipments of nuclear weapons on Scottish roads; amending the Marine Scotland Act to include a ban on the movement of nuclear weapons through Scottish waters; and ending government support for businesses involved in the supply chain for Trident'. Scottish Green Party (official website) 15 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 12 January 2017.
125. "General election 2019: Scottish Greens manifesto at-a-glance". BBC News. 25 November 2019. from the original on 28 January 2021. Retrieved 20 January 2021.
126. "What could the SNP-Green deal mean for Scotland?". BBC News. 9 August 2021. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
127. "Climate change: MSPs approve beefed up emissions target". BBC News. 25 September 2019. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
128. "What could the SNP-Green deal mean for Scotland?". BBC News. 9 August 2021. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
129. "Moratorium on waste-to-energy incinerators". BBC News. 16 June 2022. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
130. Malik, Paul (12 February 2020). "Scottish Government told continuing to dual the A9 and A96 is at odds with its 'green' budget claims". The Courier. from the original on 23 December 2020. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
131. "Scottish Greens calls for Forth rail tunnel". www.theconstructionindex.co.uk. from the original on 21 January 2021. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
132. Jarvis, Chris (8 February 2021). . Bright Green. Archived from the original on 12 February 2021. Retrieved 5 January 2022.
133. "Scotland's train operator ScotRail to be nationalised". BBC News. 17 March 2021. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
134. Dalton, Alastair (25 February 2023). "Caledonian Sleeper expected to be nationalised by SNP Scottish Government". The Scotsman. Retrieved 2 January 2023.
135. "Transport Scotland rebuke Scottish Greens over ScotRail peak fare confusion". The Herald. 8 February 2023. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
136. "Scottish election 2021: Scottish Greens manifesto at-a-glance". BBC News. 14 April 2021. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
137. "Greens show their colours to back vote for independence". The Scotsman. 30 July 2005. from the original on 11 November 2018. Retrieved 11 November 2018.
138. Own currency fundamental to independent Scotland 25 October 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Scottish Green Party (official website). Published 30 August 2016. Retrieved 25 October 2017.
139. Scottish independence: Scottish Green Party launches 'Yes' campaign 1 December 2017 at the Wayback Machine. BBC NEWS. Published 15 November 2013. Retrieved 25 October 2017.
140. Scottish independence: Greens back Scots currency 25 October 2017 at the Wayback Machine. The Scotsman. Author - Tom Peterkin. Published 6 October 2013. Retrieved 25 October 2017.
141. "Are we really one year away from a Scottish referendum?". BBC News. 19 October 2022. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
142. "John Curtice: Greens' independence 'red line' comment 'risks' Yes support". The National. 31 October 2023. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
143. Wakefield, Lily (28 April 2021). "Scottish Green Party reveals plan to tackle 'resurgence of homophobia and transphobia'". PinkNews. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
144. . Stonewall Scotland. 23 April 2021. Archived from the original on 17 January 2023. Retrieved 2 January 2023.
145. Parsons, Vic (2 August 2019). "Scottish Greens launch campaign to get more non-binary people into politics". PinkNews. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
146. Healey, Derek; Amery, Rachel (16 October 2022). "Scottish Greens vote to 'suspend ties' with Green Party of England and Wales". The Courier. Retrieved 16 October 2022.
147. Slater, Lorna (25 March 2023). "Equality and environmentalism non-negotiable". Scottish Greens. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
148. Mackenzie, James (27 June 2013). "When civil partnership was radical". Better Nation. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
149. "Partners in Law". www.gmh.org.uk. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
150. Reporter, Record (2 May 2016). "Patrick Harvie: Five quick questions for the Scottish Green Party co-convenor". Daily Record. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
151. Milton, Josh (18 December 2020). "Scottish Greens MSP resigns over his own party's 'alienating and confrontational' support for trans rights". PinkNews. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
152. Kelleher, Patrick (13 January 2023). "Tories could trigger constitutional crisis by blocking Scotland gender reform". PinkNews. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
153. Harper, Robin; Bridgland, Fred (2011). Dear Mr Harper. Edinburgh: Birlinn. p. 79. ISBN 978-1-84158-934-3.
154. "Profile: Scottish Green Party". 5 April 2010. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
155. "Scottish Greens laugh off rumours Patrick Harvie could be next English party leader". The Herald. 16 May 2016. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
156. Ross, Peter (31 December 2023). "Harvie suits the political stage". The Times. ISSN 0140-0460. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
157. "Slater to be re-elected Greens co-leader weeks after Holyrood no confidence vote". The Herald. 4 July 2023. Retrieved 4 January 2024.
158. "Scottish Greens co-chair resigns from executive committee". The national. 5 December 2023. Retrieved 22 December 2023.
159. "The Green MSPs' blog". greenmsps.org. from the original on 16 August 2016. Retrieved 13 October 2016.
160. "Resignation from the Scottish Green Party". Andy Wightman MSP. 18 December 2020. from the original on 27 January 2021. Retrieved 18 December 2020.
161. Rodger, Hannah (18 December 2020). "Andy Wightman MSP resigns from Scottish Greens over trans stance". The Herald. from the original on 18 December 2020. Retrieved 18 December 2020.
162. "SNP MSP John Wilson quits party over Nato row". BBC News. 23 September 2014. from the original on 23 September 2021. Retrieved 21 January 2021.
163. "Former SNP MSP John Wilson to stand for Greens". BBC News. 12 October 2015. from the original on 1 April 2021. Retrieved 21 January 2021.
164. "Scottish Greens MSP Alison Johnstone to be new presiding officer". BBC News. 13 May 2021. from the original on 13 May 2021. Retrieved 13 May 2021.
165. Richards, Xander (12 May 2022). "Inside the Scottish Greens' best ever local election". The National.
166. Milmine, Shannon (11 May 2022). "South Lanarkshire's first ever Green councillor has been elected". Daily Record.
167. Kelly, Paul (13 May 2022). "First Green Party councillor looks to the future". The Southern Reporter.

External links

 

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Scottish Green Party.

• Official website  
• Scottish Greens on Facebook
• Scottish Greens on Twitter  
• ScottishGreens