Editing Scottish Greens (section)

==History==
{{Main|History of the Scottish Greens}}

=== Origins in the Ecology Party (1978–1999) ===
{{Main|Green Party (UK)}}
The Scottish Green Party originated as the Scottish branch of the [[Ecology Party]], founded in 1978 by [[Leslie Spoor]].<ref name="cockburn">Paul Cockburn, "Leslie Spoor", ''[[The Herald (Scotland)|The Herald]]'', 30 March 2011</ref> The Ecology Party became the [[UK]] [[Green Party (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.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bochel |first1=JM |last2=Denver |first2=DT |title=Scottish Regional Elections, 1990 |url=http://www.electionscentre.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Scottish-Regional-Elections-1990.pdf |access-date=22 April 2020 |website=The Elections Centre |pages=3}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tempest |first=Matthew |date=2003-05-02 |title=Scottish Labour retains power – just |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2003/may/02/elections2003.uk2 |access-date=2024-01-01 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> The result was a surprise for the party.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ballard |first=Mark |date=2012-03-22 |title=Great Green Campaigns: Scotland 2003 |url=http://bright-green.org/2012/03/22/greatgreencampaignsscotland2003/ |access-date=2024-01-01 |website=Bright Green |language=en-GB}}</ref> Afterwards, Harper stood for election for [[First Minister of Scotland|First Minister]], securing six votes.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2003-05-15 |title=Second term for McConnell |language=en-GB |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/3029063.stm |access-date=2024-01-01}}</ref>

Despite the breakthrough in Holyrood, the party failed to elect any candidates in the [[2004 European Parliament election]], [[United Kingdom general election, 2005 (Scotland)|2005 Westminster elections]].

In the [[2007 Scottish Parliament election]], the party lost five seats in [[Scottish Parliament|Holyrood]], leaving the party with just two MSPs. The result was disappointing as polls initially suggested the party would remain with seven MSPs.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2005-11-05 |title=Greens enjoying political climate |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/4409468.stm |access-date=2023-12-31 |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite news |last=Barnes |first=Eddie |date=4 March 2023 |title=Greens face recycle bin as big parties wise up |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=UKNB&req_dat=A1194290412D455C8584EB4D9AE76D7B&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F117B806E18F052B8 |access-date=30 December 2023 |work=[[The Scotsman]]}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite news |date=4 May 2007 |title=Election 2007: The Others: Battle of big two leaves small parties in the cold |work=[[The Scotsman]] |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=UKNB&req_dat=A1194290412D455C8584EB4D9AE76D7B&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F118F433B2CECEA60 |access-date=31 December 2023}}</ref> 

==== Supporters of the first SNP government. ====
[[File:Alison Johnstone MSP and Robin Harper MSP.png|thumb|220x220px|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 [[Scottish National Party|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.<ref name=":7">{{cite news |date=11 May 2007 |title=SNP and Greens sign working deal |work=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/6646227.stm |url-status=live |access-date=6 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071009115429/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/6646227.stm |archive-date=9 October 2007}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Text of ''Scottish National Party and Scottish Green Party Cooperation Agreement'' (60Kb pdf), accessed 6 January 2010 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/bsp/hi/pdfs/11_05_07_agreement.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210923014432/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/bsp/hi/pdfs/11_05_07_agreement.pdf |archive-date=23 September 2021 |access-date=12 August 2008}}</ref> 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.<ref name=":7" /> But they left open the door to further negotiations should the [[Scottish Liberal Democrats]] join the [[First Salmond government]].
{{Blockquote|text=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|author=then [[Member of the Scottish Parliament|MSP]] [[Robin Harper]]|source=speaking to [[BBC Scotland]].<ref name=":7" />}}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.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2007-09-24 |title=New co-leader for Scottish Greens |language=en-GB |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/7009486.stm |access-date=2023-12-30}}</ref>
[[File:Scottish_Green_Leadership_2011.jpg|left|thumb|267x267px|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]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2008-09-22 |title=Harvie to become Green co-leader |language=en-GB |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/7613833.stm |access-date=2023-12-31}}</ref> The role of female co-convenor was won by Scott.<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 November 2008 |title=GREEN CO-CONVENORS |url=http://www.scottishgreens.org.uk/news/green-co-convenors/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140923230925/http://www.scottishgreens.org.uk/news/green-co-convenors/ |archive-date=23 September 2014 |access-date=31 December 2023 |website=Scottish Greens}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=23 November 2008 |title=Patrick Harvie to lead Scottish Greens |work=[[The Scotsman]] |url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/patrick-harvie-to-lead-scottish-greens-1-1148119 |url-status=dead |access-date=31 December 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160510081430/http://www.scotsman.com/news/patrick-harvie-to-lead-scottish-greens-1-1148119 |archive-date=10 May 2016}}</ref>

During the 2009 Scottish budget process, the Scottish Greens demanded an £1 billion home insulation programme over 10 years.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Carrell |first=Severin |date=2009-01-28 |title=Alex Salmond threatens to call election after Scottish parliament rejects SNP's budget |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2009/jan/28/scotland-snp |access-date=2023-12-31 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/7854417.stm |title=Scottish budget rejected by MSPs |work=BBC News |date=28 January 2009 |access-date=5 February 2009 |archive-date=31 January 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090131134644/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/7854417.stm |url-status=live}}</ref> The move surprised some commentators, whose leadership had until this point been marked with increased cooperation with the SNP government.<ref name=":8">{{Cite news |last=Dinwoodie |first=Robbie |date=29 January 2009 |title=Why Patrick Harvie felt he could not back the bill THE GREENS |work=The Herald |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=UKNB&req_dat=A1194290412D455C8584EB4D9AE76D7B&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F12649DFBA1380740 |access-date=31 December 2023}}</ref>

A slightly amended version of the budget was passed easily the following week with the support of other parties.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2008-01-23 |title=Scots budget clears first hurdle |language=en-GB |work=[[BBC News]] |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/7203100.stm |access-date=2023-12-31}}</ref>

==== 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]].<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=8 November 2010 |title=UK's first Green Parliamentarian to stand down at next election – edie |url=https://www.edie.net/uks-first-green-parliamentarian-to-stand-down-at-next-election/ |access-date=2024-01-01 |website=edie |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name=":12">{{Cite news |last=Kelbie |first=Paul |date=2008-09-13 |title=End of a green era as Harper steps down |language=en-GB |work=The Observer |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2008/sep/14/scotland.greenpolitics |access-date=2024-01-01 |issn=0029-7712}}</ref> The party's election campaign was launched with a focus on investment into public services paid for by tax raises.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dinwoodie |first=Robbie |date=20 April 2011 |title=2011 |work=The Herald |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=UKNB&req_dat=A1194290412D455C8584EB4D9AE76D7B&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F136C1CD998CBC740 |access-date=1 January 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2011-04-10 |title=What the Greens think about the SNP and insulation |url=https://theedinburghreporter.co.uk/2011/04/what-the-greens-think-about-the-snp-and-insulation/ |access-date=2024-01-01 |website=The Edinburgh Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref> In the end, the party only elected 2 MSPs in the 2011.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2011-05-07 |title=Scottish election: SNP majority for second term |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-13319936 |access-date=2024-01-01}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Dennison |first=James |title=The Greens in British politics: protest, anti-austerity and the divided left |date=2017 |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan |isbn=978-3-319-42672-3 |location=Cham |pages=50}}</ref>

=== Independence referendum and rapid growth (2014–2019) ===
[[File:Scottish_Green_Leadership_2016.jpg|thumb|240x240px|Harvie (left) with [[Maggie Chapman]], co-convenors of the party between 2014 and 2018.]]
==== 2014 Independence referendum ====
[[File:Tardis_(15205152331).jpg|left|thumb|"Green Yes" activists in [[Edinburgh]] campaigning for independence, 2014|227x227px]]In November 2013, [[City of Edinburgh Council|Edinburgh]] councillor [[Maggie Chapman]] succeeded [[Glasgow City Council|Glasgow]] councillor Martha Wardrop as the party's female co-convenor after she did not seek re-election, while [[Patrick Harvie]] was re-elected.<ref>{{cite news |date=25 November 2013 |title=Glasgow MSP retains Greens leader role |work=[[Evening Times]] |publisher=[[Newsquest]] |url=http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/u/glasgow-msp-retains-greens-leader-role.1385393124 |url-status=live |access-date=8 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210923014445/https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/13268416.glasgow-msp-retains-greens-leader-role/ |archive-date=23 September 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Stephen |first=Phyllis |date=2013-11-27 |title=Edinburgh councillor chosen to lead the Green Party in Scotland |url=https://theedinburghreporter.co.uk/2013/11/edinburgh-councillor-chosen-to-lead-the-green-party-in-scotland/ |access-date=2023-12-31 |website=The Edinburgh Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref> 

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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yesscotland.net/perspective_why_a_yes_voter_needn_t_be_a_nationalist|title=Perspective: Why a Yes voter needn't be a nationalist|date=2013-01-10|access-date=2013-04-03|archive-date=5 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130405001441/http://www.yesscotland.net/perspective_why_a_yes_voter_needn_t_be_a_nationalist|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-05-02 |title=From treaties to referendums: Scotland's political timeline |url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/13056487.treaties-referendums-scotlands-political-timeline/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101073511/https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/13056487.treaties-referendums-scotlands-political-timeline/ |archive-date=1 January 2024 |access-date=2024-01-01 |website=The Herald |language=en}}</ref> Briefly, the party withdrew from Yes Scotland.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-06-12 |title=Greens pull out of Yes Scotland referendum campaign |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/scotland/9326575/Greens-pull-out-of-Yes-Scotland-referendum-campaign.html |access-date=2024-01-01 |website=The Telegraph |language=en}}</ref> However, the party's 2012 conference overturned the decision.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Dennison |first=James |title=The Greens in British politics: protest, anti-austerity and the divided left |date=2017 |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan |isbn=978-3-319-42672-3 |location=Cham |pages=50–51}}</ref> The party also joined the [[Radical Independence Campaign]].<ref name=":13">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}}.</ref> 

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.<ref name=":13" /><ref>{{Citation |last=Dennison |first=James |title=The Rise of the Greens in British Politics |date=2017 |url=http://link.springer.com/10.1007/978-3-319-42673-0_1 |work=The Greens in British Politics |pages=2 |access-date=2024-01-01 |place=Cham |publisher=Springer International Publishing |language=en |doi=10.1007/978-3-319-42673-0_1 |isbn=978-3-319-42672-3}}</ref> He also argued that devolution did not go far enough to tackle issues important to Scots like austerity.<ref name="harviestatesman">{{Cite web |last=Chakelian |first=Anoosh |date=2014-08-15 |title=Leader of the Scottish Greens: "You don't need to like Alex Salmond to vote Yes" |url=https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2014/08/leader-scottish-greens-you-don-t-need-alex-salmond-vote-yes |access-date=2024-01-01 |website=New Statesman |language=en-US}}</ref>

{{Blockquote|text=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|author=[[Patrick Harvie]]  [[Member of the Scottish Parliament|MSP]]|title=speaking about the party's vision of independence|source=[[New Statesman]]<ref name="harviestatesman"/>}}However, some in the party were opposed to independence, including former convenor [[Robin Harper]] who said that he would "absolutely vote No".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/scottish-independence-robin-harper-to-vote-no-1-3218200 |title=Robin Harper to vote No |work=[[Edinburgh News]] |publisher=[[Johnston Press]] |date=3 December 2013 |access-date=3 December 2013 |archive-date=6 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131206043859/http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/scottish-independence-robin-harper-to-vote-no-1-3218200 |url-status=live }}</ref>{{Bar chart|title=Membership before and after independence referendum<ref name="BBC News">{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-29311147 |title=Scottish referendum: 'Yes' parties see surge in members |work=BBC News |date=22 September 2014 |access-date=21 June 2018 |archive-date=23 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181023090449/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-29311147 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="The Herald">{{cite news |url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/13839262.Scottish_public__should_have_power_to_propose_independence_referendum_/ |title=Scottish public 'should have power to propose independence referendum' |work=The Herald |date=10 October 2015 |access-date=28 March 2016 |archive-date=11 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160411202259/http://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/13839262.Scottish_public__should_have_power_to_propose_independence_referendum_/ |url-status=live }}</ref>|label_type=Year|data_type=Membership|bar_width=35|width_units=em|data_max=9001|label1=2013|label2=2014|label3=2015|data1=1,178|data2=7,800|data3=9,000|float=right}}
After the independence referendum, the Scottish Greens experienced a massive surge in membership, including future co-leader [[Lorna Slater]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-11-11 |title=Scottish politics has turned upside down since the independence referendum |url=https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/politicsandpolicy/scottish-politics-turned-upside-down/ |access-date=2023-12-30 |website=British Politics and Policy at LSE}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Slater |first1=Lorna |author1-link=Lorna Slater |date=2 May 2021 |title=Green Because... Lorna's Story |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wRENuLb504 |website=youtube.com |publisher=Scottish Greens |language=en |format=video}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Brooks |first=Libby |date=2014-10-12 |title=Scottish Greens look to the future |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/scotland-blog/2014/oct/12/scottish-greens-look-to-the-future |access-date=2023-12-31 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> The party claimed that, for a period in the day after the referendum, it gained a member every 15 seconds.<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=513275485095477248 |user=scottishgreens |title=Since yesterday morning, we've gained 1,200 new members. At one point folks were signing up one every 15 seconds! |date=20 September 2014 |access-date=1 January 2024}}</ref>  
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]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2014-10-06 |title=Henry McLeish backs Greens to win devolved powers |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-29507197 |access-date=2023-12-30}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2014-09-29 |title=Scottish referendum: Iain Gray to join powers commission |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-29417162 |access-date=2023-12-30}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2014-10-10 |title=What are the parties' proposals to the Smith Commission? |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-29570658 |access-date=2023-12-30}}</ref>
==== 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.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |date=2015-10-27 |title=Activist challenges co-convenor of Greens for top post ahead of biggest election campaign |url=https://www.thenational.scot/politics/14889387.activist-challenges-co-convenor-of-greens-for-top-post-ahead-of-biggest-election-campaign/ |access-date=2023-12-31 |website=The National |language=en}}</ref>  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.[[File:Green-Group-in-Chamber-May-2012_(13337649444).jpg|left|thumb|262x262px|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.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Carrell |first=Severin |date=2016-04-12 |title=Scottish Greens to press Nicola Sturgeon to tax rich after election |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/apr/12/scottish-green-party-nicola-sturgeon-tax-rich-holyrood-election |access-date=2024-01-01 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2016 |title=Scotland Can {{!}} Scottish Greens |url=https://greens.scot/scotland-can |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408051306/https://greens.scot/scotland-can |archive-date=2016-04-08 |access-date=1 January 2024 |website=Scottish Greens}}</ref> The party's selection process of co-convenor Maggie Chapman as lead candidate in the [[North East Scotland (Scottish Parliament electoral region)|North East Scotland]] region for the 2016 election attracted controversy.<ref name=":11">{{Cite news |last=Hutcheson |first=Paul |date=4 July 2015 |title=Scottish Greens in civil war over Holyrood ballot |url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/13415735.scottish-greens-civil-war-holyrood-ballot-irregularity/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231231044302/https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/13415735.scottish-greens-civil-war-holyrood-ballot-irregularity/ |archive-date=31 December 2023 |access-date=31 December 2023 |work=The Herald}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-02-17 |title=Scottish Greens in turmoil after three Holyrood candidates quit |url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/14281188.scottish-greens-turmoil-three-holyrood-candidates-quit-row-co-leader-maggie-chapman/ |access-date=2023-12-31 |website=The Herald |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Storr |first=Debra |title=Rather belatedly : Why I resigned from the Scottish Greens |url=https://www.debrastorr.org/2016/07/rather-belatedly-why-i-resigned-from.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161210192245/http://www.debrastorr.org/2016/07/rather-belatedly-why-i-resigned-from.html |url-status=usurped |archive-date=10 December 2016 |access-date=2023-12-31 |language=en-GB}}</ref> 

In the [[2016 Scottish Parliament election]], the party won 6 more seats, its best result since 2003.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2016-05-04 |title=Holyrood 2016: SNP claims 'historic' win but no majority |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/election-2016-scotland-36205187 |access-date=2023-12-30}}</ref> The result pushed the party ahead of the [[Scottish Liberal Democrats]] in seat numbers, making it the fourth-largest party for the first time.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2016-05-06 |title=Scottish Greens push Lib Dems into fifth place |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/election-2016-scotland-36224348 |access-date=2023-12-30}}</ref> The Scottish Greens also elected the youngest MSP ever, [[Ross Greer]] at the age of 21.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2016-05-06 |title=Greens' Ross Greer becomes youngest MSP |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/election-2016-scotland-36223801 |access-date=2023-12-30}}</ref>
[[File:Dunfermline_Youngish_Greens_(13337812223).jpg|thumb|255x255px|A collection of Green activists with co-leader [[Patrick Harvie]] in 2014]]
In the [[2016 United Kingdom European Union membership referendum]], the party called for a '[[Remain campaign|Remain]]' vote.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2016-06-22 |title=EU referendum: Scotland backs Remain as UK votes Leave |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-36599102 |access-date=2023-12-26}}</ref> Subsequently, the party began more strongly advocating for a [[second Scottish independence referendum]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Greens could back indyref2 court fight against Tories, Patrick Harvie suggests |url=https://www.thenational.scot/news/19218107.patrick-harvie-greens-back-indyref2-court-challenge/ |access-date=2021-09-02 |website=The National |date=8 April 2021 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Whitaker |first=Andrew |date=8 January 2017 |title=Senior SNP figures back Sturgeon on 'parking' indyref2 |work=The Herald |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=UKNB&req_dat=A1194290412D455C8584EB4D9AE76D7B&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F161C630E2A728038 |access-date=26 December 2023}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/scottish-politics/scottish-greens-set-to-field-candidates-in-32-seats.1424597966 |title=Scottish Greens set to field candidates in 32 seats |work=[[Sunday Herald]] |publisher=[[Newsquest]] |date=22 February 2015 |access-date=22 February 2015 |archive-date=23 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210923014505/https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/13202792.scottish-greens-set-field-candidates-32-seats/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2017 the party generated some controversy by standing only 3 candidates at the [[2017 United Kingdom general election|general election]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-39873325|title=General election 2017: Scottish Greens to field three candidates|publisher=BBC|date=10 May 2017|access-date=21 June 2018|archive-date=10 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181010052157/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-39873325|url-status=live}}</ref> In the 2019 [[2019 United Kingdom general election|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]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2017-05-04 |title=Council election results: Sturgeon hails victory despite Tory surge |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-39806664 |access-date=2023-12-30}}</ref>

=== Inaugural co-leaders and first Green ministers (2019–present) ===
[[File:Lorna_Slater_and_Patrick_Harvie,_minsterial_portraits_2023.jpg|left|thumb|235x235px|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.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2019-04-25 |title=Scottish Greens candidates for European Elections unveiled |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-48043857 |access-date=2023-12-30}}</ref> 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.<ref name=":2" />

==== 2021 Scottish Parliament election and power-sharing agreement ====
{{Main|Bute House Agreement}}
In the [[2021 Scottish Parliament election]], the party won a record eight Holyrood seats.<ref name=":0">{{cite news |date= 8 May 2021 |title= Scottish election 2021: Scottish Greens win record eight Holyrood seats in 'best ever' result |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-57043738 |work= BBC News |access-date= 27 May 2021 |archive-date= 27 May 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210527071313/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-57043738 |url-status= live }}</ref> [[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 [[Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament|Holyrood's Presiding Officer]] as the position is a politically neutral role.<ref>{{cite news |last= Grant |first= Alistair |date= 13 May 2021 |title= Green MSP Alison Johnstone elected Holyrood's new Presiding Officer |url= https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/19300517.green-msp-alison-johnstone-set-elected-holyroods-new-presiding-officer/?ref=rss |work= The Herald |access-date= 27 May 2021 |archive-date= 27 May 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210527071316/https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/19300517.green-msp-alison-johnstone-set-elected-holyroods-new-presiding-officer/?ref=rss |url-status= live }}</ref> [[File:Agreement_with_Scottish_Green_Party_(51390529191).jpg|thumb|267x267px|Harvie (left) and Slater (right) with [[Nicola Sturgeon]] announcing the SNP-Green [[Scottish National Party–Scottish Greens agreement|power-sharing deal]].]]

After two months of negotiations, on 20 August 2021, the Scottish Greens announced a new [[Scottish National Party–Scottish Greens agreement|power-sharing agreement]] with the [[Scottish National Party|SNP]] [[Scottish Government]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=2021-08-20|title=SNP-Greens deal pledges indyref2 within five years|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-58272209|access-date=2021-08-20|archive-date=20 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820214628/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-58272209|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Davidson|first=Peter|date=2021-08-20|title=SNP and Greens negotiate deal to form power-sharing government at Holyrood|url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/politics/snp-greens-negotiate-deal-form-24800309|access-date=2021-08-20|website=Daily Record|language=en|archive-date=20 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820152445/https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/politics/snp-greens-negotiate-deal-form-24800309|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Stephen |first=Phyllis |date=2021-08-28 |title=SNP and Greens strike a deal |url=https://theedinburghreporter.co.uk/2021/08/snp-and-greens-strike-a-deal/ |access-date=2024-01-01 |website=The Edinburgh Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref> While not an [[Coalition government|official coalition]], for the first time in Scottish and UK history it offered the Greens two ministerial posts.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Co-operation deal between SNP and Greens to be revealed this week|url=https://www.thenational.scot/news/19514400.holyrood-deal-snp-greens-detailed-week/|access-date=2021-08-20|website=The National|date=15 August 2021 |language=en|archive-date=20 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820152447/https://www.thenational.scot/news/19514400.holyrood-deal-snp-greens-detailed-week/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Scotland: SNP and Scottish Greens' power-sharing agreement is 'groundbreaking', Nicola Sturgeon says|url=https://news.sky.com/story/sctland-snp-and-scottish-greens-power-sharing-agreement-is-groundbreaking-nicola-sturgeon-says-12386058|access-date=2021-08-20|website=Sky News|language=en|archive-date=20 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820190959/http://news.sky.com/story/sctland-snp-and-scottish-greens-power-sharing-agreement-is-groundbreaking-nicola-sturgeon-says-12386058|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-08-20|title=Scottish Greens enter government as deal done with SNP|url=https://news.stv.tv/politics/scottish-greens-enter-government-as-deal-done-with-snp|access-date=2021-08-20|website=STV News|language=en-GB|archive-date=20 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820152447/https://news.stv.tv/politics/scottish-greens-enter-government-as-deal-done-with-snp|url-status=live}}</ref> The agreement saw 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.<ref>{{Cite web|title=What does the SNP-Green deal mean for Scotland?|url=https://www.largsandmillportnews.com/news/trendingacrossscotland/19526477.snp-green-deal-coalition-mean-scotland/|access-date=2021-08-20|website=Largs and Millport Weekly News|date=20 August 2021 |language=en|archive-date=20 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820152455/https://www.largsandmillportnews.com/news/trendingacrossscotland/19526477.snp-green-deal-coalition-mean-scotland/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=20 August 2021|title=Working Together to Build A Greener, Fairer, Independent Scotland|url=https://www.gov.scot/binaries/content/documents/govscot/publications/agreement/2021/08/scottish-government-and-scottish-green-party-shared-policy-programme/documents/scottish-government-and-scottish-green-party-draft-shared-policy-programme/scottish-government-and-scottish-green-party-draft-shared-policy-programme/govscot%3Adocument/SG%2BSGP%2BTalks%2B-%2BDraft%2BPolicy%2BProgramme%2B-%2BFINAL%2B-%2BOFFSEN.pdf|url-status=live|access-date=20 August 2021|publisher=Scottish Government and Scottish Green Party|archive-date=20 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820133736/https://www.gov.scot/binaries/content/documents/govscot/publications/agreement/2021/08/scottish-government-and-scottish-green-party-shared-policy-programme/documents/scottish-government-and-scottish-green-party-draft-shared-policy-programme/scottish-government-and-scottish-green-party-draft-shared-policy-programme/govscot%3Adocument/SG%2BSGP%2BTalks%2B-%2BDraft%2BPolicy%2BProgramme%2B-%2BFINAL%2B-%2BOFFSEN.pdf}}</ref> The agreement was approved by 83% of Scottish Green members, and secured a two-thirds majority vote of the party's National Council.<ref>{{cite news |date=28 August 2021 |title=Scottish Greens back historic government deal |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-58360337 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831165251/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-58360337 |archive-date=31 August 2021 |access-date=2 September 2021 |work=BBC News}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McEwen |first=Professor Nicola |date=2021-09-02 |title=Scotland's Green Party and National Party: a new agreement |url=https://ukandeu.ac.uk/scottish-green-party-agreement/ |access-date=2023-12-30 |website=UK in a changing Europe |language=en-GB}}</ref> She also argues that the two parties had already converged on many issues over the preceding decade. However, critics and supporters of the party agreed that the agreement had allowed the party to have a lot of influence on the Scottish government.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Blair |date=2023-07-17 |title=Four steps we can take to grow the Scottish Green Party's success |url=https://bright-green.org/2023/07/17/four-steps-we-can-take-to-grow-the-scottish-green-partys-success/ |access-date=2023-12-30 |website=Bright Green |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Maciver |first=Andy |date=2023-07-31 |title=How did the Scottish Greens end up with so much influence? |url=https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/how-did-the-scottish-greens-end-up-with-so-much-influence/ |access-date=2023-12-30 |website=The Spectator |language=en-US}}</ref>[[File:Heat in Buildings visit to Western Villages.jpg|left|thumb|270x270px|Patrick Harvie visits a housing development notable for its use of [[heat pump]]s, 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.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-27 |title=Scottish Greens unanimously back Humza Yousaf for first minister |url=https://www.holyrood.com/news/view,scottish-greens-unanimously-back-humza-yousaf-for-first-minister |access-date=2023-12-30 |website=Holyrood Website |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Stephen |first=Phyllis |date=2023-03-27 |title=Greens Council vote to support the Bute House Agreement |url=https://theedinburghreporter.co.uk/2023/03/greens-council-vote-to-support-the-bute-house-agreement/ |access-date=2024-01-01 |website=The Edinburgh Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref> During the leadership campaign, the party had suggested it would not support a government led by the other candidates.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Slater |first=Lorna |date=25 March 2023 |title=Lorna Slater spring conference speech 2023 |url=https://greens.scot/blog/lorna-slater-spring-conference-speech-2023 |access-date=2023-12-30 |website=Scottish Greens |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Harvie |first=Patrick |date=25 March 2023 |title=Patrick Harvie spring conference speech 2023 |url=https://greens.scot/blog/patrick-harvie-spring-conference-speech-2023 |access-date=2023-12-30 |website=Scottish Greens |language=en}}</ref> The party's co-leaders served as ministers in the [[first Yousaf government]] from August 2021 to April 2024.

In government, the party introduced the [[Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act 2022|first government bill]] from a Green Minister.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-10-04 |title=Rent freeze strikes right balance between tenants and landlords – minister |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/bill-patrick-harvie-scottish-government-government-scottish-b2195124.html |access-date=2023-12-30 |website=The Independent |language=en}}</ref> 
[[File:New_legal_targets_proposed_for_nature_recovery_(cropped).jpg|thumb|233x233px|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'. Harper announced he would vote Labour in the [[2024 UK general election]].<ref name=":14">{{Cite news |date=2023-08-02 |title=Robin Harper quits Scottish Greens as party has 'lost the plot' |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-66389816 |access-date=2023-12-30}}</ref>  Nonetheless, the party also enjoyed an unprecedented level of support.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Swanson |first=Ian |date=22 August 2023 |title=Greens in government: Party accused of 'dragging down' SNP but Greens' own poll ratings are looking good – Ian Swanson |work=Edinburgh Evening News |url=https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/opinion/columnists/greens-in-government-party-accused-of-dragging-down-snp-but-greens-own-poll-ratings-are-looking-good-ian-swanson-4262733 |access-date=30 December 2023}}</ref>

==== Success in local government ====
The [[2022 Scottish local elections]] saw a record result for the party, doubling its seat count to 35.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-05-05 |title=Scottish council elections 2022: SNP finishes as biggest party |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-61341059 |access-date=2023-12-31 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref> The party elected councillors for the first time in [[North Lanarkshire]], [[South Lanarkshire]], [[Argyll and Bute]], [[Clackmannanshire]], [[Shetland Islands Council|Shetland]], [[East Lothian]], [[Moray]] and the [[Scottish Borders]]. The party committed to introduce policies in local government based on climate and social justice.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-04-12 |title=Scottish Greens to campaign on climate and social justice |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-61070710 |access-date=2024-01-02 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref>

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 City Council|Glasgow]] and [[City of Edinburgh Council|Edinburgh]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-05-17 |title=Greens pave the way for another minority SNP administration in Glasgow |url=https://www.holyrood.com/news/view,greens-pave-the-way-for-another-minority-snp-administration-in-glasgow |access-date=2023-12-31 |website=Holyrood Website |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-05-17 |title=SNP and Greens strike Glasgow city council deal |url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/20144147.snp-greens-strike-glasgow-city-council-deal/ |access-date=2023-12-31 |website=The Herald |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-05-17 |title=Greens back SNP to form Glasgow council administration |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-61482892 |access-date=2024-01-02 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-05-26 |title=Labour wins Tory backing to oust the SNP from City of Edinburgh Council |url=https://www.holyrood.com/news/view,labour-wins-tory-backing-to-oust-the-snp-from-city-of-edinburgh-council |access-date=2023-12-31 |website=Holyrood Website |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Turvill |first=Donald |date=2022-05-17 |title=Council elections 2022 – SNP and Greens ready to form a minority administration? |url=https://theedinburghreporter.co.uk/2022/05/council-elections-2022-snp-and-greens-ready-to-form-a-minority-administration/ |access-date=2024-01-01 |website=The Edinburgh Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref> In March 2024, the [[Hillhead (ward)#2024 by-election|party won its first ever by-election]], electing Seonad Hoy as a councillor in [[Hillhead (ward)|Hillhead]] ward in Glasgow.<ref name=":16">{{Cite web |date=2024-03-08 |title=Glasgow Greens win 'first-ever Scottish by-election' in Hillhead vote |url=https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/scottish-news/24171099.glasgow-greens-candidate-elected-represent-hillhead/ |access-date=2024-04-07 |website=Glasgow Times |language=en}}</ref>

==== End of the Bute House agreement ====
{{See also|2024 Scottish government crisis}}
Following the announcement by [[Màiri McAllan]] that the Scottish Government's legally binding target to see a 75% percent reduction in emissions by 2030 would not be achieved and was to be scrapped,  an extraordinary general meeting was called by Scottish Green Party members to discuss the future of the agreement. On the 25th April 2024, following a meeting at Bute House, it was decided that the power sharing agreement would come to an end.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-25 |title= SNP breaks off power-share agreement with Scottish Greens |url= https://news.stv.tv/politics/snp-set-to-break-off-power-sharing-bute-house-agreement-with-scottish-greens#:~:text=The%20SNP%20has%20broken%20off,and%20Lorna%20Slater%20leaving%20government.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-19 |title=Scottish Greens to vote on SNP power-sharing agreement after climate target ditched |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cekl2v3124go |access-date=2024-04-20 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref>

The Scottish Greens intend to contest the [[2024 United Kingdom general election in Scotland]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Amery |first=Rachel |date=28 May 2024 |title=Will the Scottish Greens standing a record number of candidates in the general election hurt the SNP? |url=https://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/general-election-2024-will-the-scottish-greens-standing-a-record-number-of-candidates-in-the-general-election-hurt-the-snp-4643744 |website=The Scotsman}}</ref>