Editing Scottish Greens

{{Short description|Scottish political party}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2017}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2017}}
{{Infobox political party
| name             = Scottish Green Party
| logo             = [[File:ScottishGreensLogo Green.svg|200px]]
| colorcode        = {{party color|Scottish Greens}}
| foundation       = {{start date and age|1990}}
| predecessor      = [[Green Party (UK)]]
| ideology         = {{ubl|class=nowrap|
 |[[Green politics]]
 |[[Scottish independence]]
 |[[Scottish republicanism]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Scottish Independence|url=http://www.scottishgreens.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Scottish-Greens-Independence-Briefing-Nov-12.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328083816/http://www.scottishgreens.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Scottish-Greens-Independence-Briefing-Nov-12.pdf|archive-date=28 March 2014|website=Scottish Greens|date=November 2012|quote=A hereditary monarchy is incompatible with Green principles of democracy, equality and fairness. We favour an elected Head of State.|access-date=12 December 2019}}</ref>
 |[[Pro-Europeanism]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://greens.scot/blog/now-is-the-time-to-fight-to-stay-in-europe-and-to-reform-it-from-the-left-not-the-right-as|title=Now is the time to fight to stay in Europe ... and to reform it from the left, not the right as Cameron plans|last=Greer|first=Ross|date=February 2016|publisher=Scottish Greens|access-date=8 March 2021|archive-date=13 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413121334/https://greens.scot/blog/now-is-the-time-to-fight-to-stay-in-europe-and-to-reform-it-from-the-left-not-the-right-as|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
| headquarters     = 17b Graham Street<br />Edinburgh<br />EH6 5QN
| european         = [[European Green Party]]
| international    = [[Global Greens]]
| website          = {{Official URL}}
| country          = Scotland
| native_name      = {{native name|gd|Pàrtaidh Uaine na h-Alba}}<!-- No evidence that the party has a name in Scots: <br />{{native name|sco|Scots Green Pairtie}} -->
| leader1_title    = Co-Leaders
| leader1_name     = {{ubl|[[Patrick Harvie]]|[[Lorna Slater]]}}
| leader2_title    = Council Co-Convenors
| leader2_name     = {{ubl|Laura Moodie|Kate Nevens}}
| dissolution      = 
| newspaper        = 
| youth_wing       = [[Scottish Young Greens]]
| wing1_title      = LGBTQ+ wing
| wing1            = Rainbow Greens<ref>{{Cite web|title=Rainbow Greens Manifesto|url=https://greens.scot/ourfuture/rainbowgreens|access-date=2023-01-03|publisher=Scottish Greens|language=en|archive-date=2023-03-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324022403/https://greens.scot/ourfuture/rainbowgreens|url-status=live}}</ref>
| membership_year  = 2023
| womens_wing      = Scottish Greens Women's Network
| membership       = {{increase}} 7,646<ref name="Conor Matchett">{{Cite tweet |author=Conor Matchett |user=conor_matchett |number=1650490185350623235 |title=Scottish Greens state their membership stands at 7,646 |access-date=24 April 2023}}</ref>
| position         = {{Nowrap|[[Centre-left]]<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=mDZbcAlOZ3QC&dq=Scottish+Green+Party+centre-left&pg=PA29 ''Scotland Business Law Handbook: Strategic Information and Laws''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181221230408/https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=mDZbcAlOZ3QC&pg=PA29&dq=Scottish+Green+Party+centre-left&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi05MOZmKTWAhWSKVAKHevJB4sQ6AEIJjAA#v=onepage&q=Scottish%20Green%20Party%20centre-left&f=false |date=21 December 2018}}. International Business Publications, USA. Volume 1, 2013 edition (updated annually). Published in Washington DC, USA.</ref> to [[left-wing]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/green-party-set-to-take-10-seats-from-labour-in-next-years-scottish-parliament-election-10386915.html|title=Green Party set to take 10 seats from Labour in next year's Scottish Parliament election|work=The Independent|last=Stone|first=Jon|date=14 July 2015|access-date=14 September 2017|archive-date=31 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200131173019/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/green-party-set-to-take-10-seats-from-labour-in-next-years-scottish-parliament-election-10386915.html|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
| affiliation1_title = 
| affiliation1     = 
| colours          = {{Color box|{{party color|Scottish Greens}}|border=darkgray}} Green
| seats1_title     = [[List of MPs for constituencies in Scotland (2024–present)|Scottish seats in the House of Commons]]
| seats1           = {{Composition bar|0|57|hex={{party color|Scottish Greens}}}}
| seats2_title     = [[Scottish Parliament]]
| seats2           = {{Composition bar|7|129|hex={{party color|Scottish Greens}}}}
| seats3_title     = [[Local government in Scotland|Councillors in Scotland]]<ref name="localcouncil">{{cite web |title=Scottish Green Party |url=http://opencouncildata.co.uk/councillors.php?p=508&y=0 |website=Open Council Data UK |access-date=17 March 2025}}</ref>
| seats3           = {{Composition bar|35|1227|hex={{party color|Scottish Greens}}}}
| slogan           = For People. For Planet.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Scottish Greens – For People. For Planet. |url=https://greens.scot/home2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101045001/https://greens.scot/home2023 |archive-date=2024-01-01 |access-date=2024-01-01 |website=Scottish Greens |language=en}}</ref>
| symbol           = [[File:Scottish Greens ballot logo.png|120px]]
| flag             = [[File:Scottish Greens flag.svg|220px]]
| leader3_name     = {{ubl|Carolynn Scrimgeour}}
| leader3_title    = Executive Co-Chairs
}}
{{Green politics|sidebar|sp=uk}}
The '''Scottish Greens''' (also known as the '''Scottish Green Party'''; {{langx|gd|Pàrtaidh Uaine na h-Alba}} {{IPA|gd|ˈpʰaːrˠʃtʲi ˈuəɲə nə ˈhal̪ˠapə|}}<!-- No evidence that the party has a name in Scots: ; {{langx|sco|Scots Green Pairtie}}-->) are a [[green party|green]] [[List of political parties in Scotland|political party]] in [[Scotland]]. The party has 7 MSPs of 129 in the Scottish Parliament, the party holds 35 of the 1226 councillors at Scottish local Government level.

They held two ministerial posts in the [[first Yousaf government]] following [[Scottish National Party–Scottish Greens agreement|a power-sharing agreement with the SNP]] from August 2021 until the end of the [[Bute House Agreement]] in April 2024, marking the first time Green Party politicians formed part of a government in the UK.

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

Party membership increased dramatically following the [[2014 Scottish independence referendum]],<ref>{{cite web|title=SCOTTISH GREENS THANK OVER 3,000 NEW MEMBERS|url=http://www.scottishgreens.org.uk/news/scottish-greens-thank-over-3000-new-members/|access-date=22 September 2014|archive-date=1 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141001075104/http://www.scottishgreens.org.uk/news/scottish-greens-thank-over-3000-new-members/|url-status=live}}</ref> during which it supported [[Scottish independence|Scotland's independence from the United Kingdom]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-19858857/|title=Scottish independence: Greens join Yes Scotland campaign|date=6 October 2012|publisher=BBC News|access-date=1 November 2018|archive-date=30 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181130072516/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-19858857|url-status=live}}</ref>

==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>

==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]]; this partnership was suspended due to differences of opinion on [[Transgender rights in the United Kingdom|trans rights]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Scottish Greens 'suspend ties' with Green Party of England and Wales over trans views |url=https://www.thenational.scot/news/23053222.scottish-greens-formally-suspend-ties-green-party-england-wales-dundee-conference/ |access-date=2022-10-16 |website=The National |date=16 October 2022 |language=en}}</ref> It is a full member of the [[European Green Party]]. The party currently has seven MSPs and 36 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.<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> Launching its manifesto for the [[2015 UK general election]], the Scottish Greens stated a membership of over 8,500.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2015-scotland-32106132 |title=Manifesto launch: Scottish Green Party unveils 'bold vision' |work=BBC News |date=30 March 2015 |access-date=21 June 2018 |archive-date=2 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181102184603/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2015-scotland-32106132 |url-status=live }}</ref> By October 2015 the party were holding their biggest ever conference, with their membership standing at more than 9,000.<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> In mid-2021 it had fallen back somewhat, reported as standing at 7,500.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/aug/11/deal-between-scottish-greens-and-snp-delayed-as-deadline-looms/ |title=Deal between Scottish Greens and SNP delayed as deadline looms |last=Carrell |first=Severin |work=The Guardian |date=11 August 2021 |access-date=24 January 2022 |archive-date=11 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811173700/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/aug/11/deal-between-scottish-greens-and-snp-delayed-as-deadline-looms/|url-status=live }}</ref> In April 2023, the number of members had risen to 7,646.<ref name="Conor Matchett">{{Cite tweet |author=Conor Matchett |user=conor_matchett |number=1650490185350623235 |title=Scottish Greens state their membership stands at 7,646 |access-date=24 April 2023}}</ref>

===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.

The party has a Conduct and Complaints Committee. In May 2024, it expelled thirteen members after a disciplinary investigation.<ref name="Holyrood website">{{Cite web |date=16 May 2024 |title=Scottish Greens expel gender rebels deemed 'threat' to trans members |url=https://www.holyrood.com/news/view,scottish-greens-expel-gender-rebels-deemed-threat-to-trans-members |access-date=2024-05-18 |website=Holyrood Website |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Amery |first=Rachel |date=17 May 2024 |title=Scottish Green members expelled from party for saying 'sex is a biological reality' |url=https://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/scottish-green-members-expelled-sex-is-a-biological-reality-4631881 |access-date=18 May 2024 |work=The Scotsman}}</ref> Those expelled were accused of breaching the party's code of conduct by signing the eight-point Scottish Green Declaration For Women's Sex-Based Rights that asserted that "sex is a biological reality", of which it was complained made the party less safe for transgender and non-binary members.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Green Women's Declaration |url=https://greenwomensdeclaration.uk/ |access-date=2024-05-18 |website=greenwomensdeclaration.uk}}</ref><ref name="Holyrood website"/> The party has stated that "trans-exclusionary individuals of any kind are not welcome as members".<ref name="Holyrood website"/>

===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:<ref>{{cite web |url= https://members.greens.scot/civicrm/org/rep-groups |title= Representative Groups |website= greens.scot |publisher= Scottish Greens |access-date= 3 January 2023}}</ref>
* 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.

== Ideology ==
The Scottish Greens are a party whose ideology is shaped by [[green politics]], [[Scottish independence]], [[Scottish republicanism]] and [[pro-Europeanism]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Greer |first=Ross |date=February 2016 |title='Now is the time to fight to stay in Europe ... and to reform it from the left, not the right as Cameron plans |publisher=Scottish Greens |url=https://greens.scot/blog/now-is-the-time-to-fight-to-stay-in-europe-and-to-reform-it-from-the-left-not-the-right-as |url-status=live |access-date=8 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413121334/https://greens.scot/blog/now-is-the-time-to-fight-to-stay-in-europe-and-to-reform-it-from-the-left-not-the-right-as |archive-date=13 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=November 2012 |title=Scottish Independence |url=http://www.scottishgreens.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Scottish-Greens-Independence-Briefing-Nov-12.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328083816/http://www.scottishgreens.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Scottish-Greens-Independence-Briefing-Nov-12.pdf |archive-date=28 March 2014 |access-date=12 December 2019 |website=Scottish Greens |quote=A hereditary monarchy is incompatible with Green principles of democracy, equality and fairness. We favour an elected Head of State.}}</ref>

Co-leader Patrick Harvie has described the party's ideals as:<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harvie MSP |first=Patrick |date=28 October 2023 |title=Patrick Harvie autumn conference speech 2023 |url=https://greens.scot/blog/patrick-harvie-autumn-conference-speech-2023 |access-date=2023-12-31 |website=Scottish Greens |language=en}}</ref>

{{Blockquote|text=
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.|author=|source= |title=}}

=== Four principles ===
According to the party's website, the Scottish Greens are committed to forming a [[sustainable development in Scotland|sustainable society]] and are guided by four interconnected principles:
* [[Ecology]]: "Our [[Environment of Scotland|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".
* [[Egalitarianism|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 (classification of human beings)|race]], [[Sexual orientation|sexuality]], [[disability]], [[aging|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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Scottish Greens |url=https://greens.scot/ |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100412055649/http://www.scottishgreens.org.uk/site/4315 |archivedate=12 April 2010 |website=Scottish Greens}}</ref>

=== Factions ===

==== Eco-socialism ====
There are internal factions which seek to transform the party's ideology to be [[eco-socialist]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Space |first=Common |date=2020-04-09 |title=A party of eco-socialists? New group aims to push Scottish Greens to the left ahead of party elections |url=https://sourcenews.scot/a-party-of-eco-socialists-new-group-aims-to-push-scottish-greens-to-the-left-ahead-of-party-elections/ |access-date=2023-12-31 |website=Source |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Christie |first=Niall |date=2023-07-13 |title=Grassroots democracy will be central to the Scottish Green Party's future success |url=http://bright-green.org/2023/07/13/grassroots-democracy-will-be-central-to-the-scottish-green-partys-future-success/ |access-date=2023-12-31 |website=Bright Green |language=en-GB}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-06-30 |title=Greens grassroots mount challenge to Harvie's role |url=https://www.thenational.scot/news/17738989.greens-grassroots-mount-challenge-harvies-role/ |access-date=2023-12-31 |website=The National |language=en}}</ref> The group's candidates were all elected and hold key positions in the party as of 2019.<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1157249105401450496 |user=GreenFutureSGP |title=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. |date=2 August 2019 |access-date=31 December 2023}}</ref> 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".<ref name=":11" /> McColl argued that Chapman's election and subsequent role as lead candidate in the [[2014 European Parliament election in the United Kingdom|2014 European Parliament election]] marked an increased socialist influence on the party.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McColl |first=Peter |date=2015 |title=The Scottish Greens After The Referendum – Scottish Left Review |url=https://scottishleftreview.scot/the-scottish-greens-after-the-referendum/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220129024150/https://scottishleftreview.scot/the-scottish-greens-after-the-referendum/ |archive-date=2022-01-29 |access-date=2023-12-31 |website=Scottish Left Review |language=en-GB}}</ref> In 2023, the Scottish Green Party Trade Union Group called the party's parliamentary group a "group of ecosocialist MSPs in their own right."<ref name="thenational.scot">{{Cite web |date=2023-02-28 |title=Scottish Greens members call for special meeting to debate Bute House deal with SNP |url=https://www.thenational.scot/news/23352216.snp-leadership-greens-members-call-meeting-debate-bute-house-deal/ |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=The National |language=en}}</ref>

{{Quote box
| quote = 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…
| author = — then party co-convenor [[Maggie Chapman]]
| source = speaking to [[Common Weal]], 2014<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Space |first=Common |date=2020-04-08 |title=The Green Maggie: Greens co-convener Maggie Chapman on not being Patrick, #GE2015 and finding an identity |url=https://sourcenews.scot/the-green-maggie-greens-co-convener-maggie-chapman-on-not-being-patrick-ge2015-and-finding-an-identity/ |access-date=2023-12-30 |website=Source |language=en-GB}}</ref>
| width = 25em
| border = 
| salign = right
}}

In 2021, the party's conference backed a motion calling for the party to work "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.<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1447209748768645125 |user=scotyounggreens |title=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" |date=10 October 2021 |access-date=31 December 2023}}</ref><ref name=":10">{{Cite web |title=The Scottish Greens: The SNP's Gardening Wing |url=https://tribunemag.co.uk/2022/04/scottish-green-party-snp-climate-crisis |access-date=2023-12-31 |website=tribunemag.co.uk |language=en-GB}}</ref> 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.<ref name=":10" /> [[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".<ref>{{Cite web |title=How red can the greens be? – Scottish Left Review |url=https://scottishleftreview.scot/how-red-can-the-greens-be/ |access-date=2023-12-31 |language=en-US}}</ref>

McCail and Smyth's criticism was engaged with by the party. Green MSP [[Ross Greer]] who co-authored the party's [[Scottish National Party–Scottish Greens agreement|power-sharing agreement]] with the [[Scottish National Party|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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Greer MSP |first=Ross |date=2022-06-14 |title=The Scottish Greens in Government |url=https://bellacaledonia.org.uk/2022/06/14/the-scottish-greens-in-government/ |access-date=2023-12-31 |website=Bella Caledonia |language=en-GB}}</ref>

After the [[2021 Scottish Parliament election]], in which she was elected as an MSP, Chapman argued that the left had "won the Scottish Green Party".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chapman MSP |first=Maggie |date=May 2021 |title=How the left won the Scottish Green Party and how that will change Scottish politics – Scottish Left Review |url=https://scottishleftreview.scot/scottish-green-party/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614234622/https://scottishleftreview.scot/scottish-green-party/ |archive-date=2021-06-14 |access-date=2023-12-31 |website=Scottish Left Review |language=en-GB}}</ref> 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 [[Environmentalism|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]].<ref>[https://greens.scot/policy/energy Energy] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118100113/https://greens.scot/policy/energy |date=18 January 2017 }}. 'And we will not build new nuclear power plants because they can never be democratically-controlled, decentralised, delivered or decommissioned without massive subsidy'. [https://greens.scot/ Scottish Green Party (official website)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315185800/https://greens.scot/ |date=15 March 2016 }}. Retrieved 12 January 2017.</ref><ref>[http://www.lanarkshiregreens.org.uk/node/73 What is the Scottish Green Party's view on nuclear power?] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113141058/http://www.lanarkshiregreens.org.uk/node/73 |date=13 January 2017 }} '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'. [http://www.lanarkshiregreens.org.uk/ Lanarkshire Green Party] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113142129/http://www.lanarkshiregreens.org.uk/ |date=13 January 2017 }}. Retrieved 12 January 2017.</ref><ref>[https://greens.scot/scotland-can/be-a-global-citizen Scotland Can Be A Global Citizen] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118100805/https://greens.scot/scotland-can/be-a-global-citizen |date=18 January 2017 }}. ''''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'. [https://greens.scot/ Scottish Green Party (official website)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315185800/https://greens.scot/ |date=15 March 2016 }}. Retrieved 12 January 2017.</ref> The Scottish Greens opposed the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)|War in Afghanistan]], the [[Iraq War]], war in Libya, and oppose the ongoing the [[Syrian civil war]].<ref>{{cite web |last= Ramsay |first= Adam |date= 2 May 2016 |title= Eleven reasons socialists in Scotland are voting Green |url= https://bright-green.org/2016/05/02/eleven-reasons-socialists-in-scotland-are-voting-green/ |website= Bright Green |access-date= 28 March 2025}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite news |date=25 November 2019 |title=General election 2019: Scottish Greens manifesto at-a-glance |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2019-50544994?intlink_from_url=&link_location=live-reporting-story |url-status=live |access-date=20 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128111243/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2019-50544994?intlink_from_url=&link_location=live-reporting-story |archive-date=28 January 2021}}</ref>

=== 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.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2021-08-09 |title=What could the SNP-Green deal mean for Scotland? |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-58143753 |access-date=2024-01-02}}</ref> 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".<ref>{{Cite news |date=2019-09-25 |title=Climate change: MSPs approve beefed up emissions target |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-49819905 |access-date=2024-01-02}}</ref> 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".<ref name=":15">{{Cite news |date=2021-08-09 |title=What could the SNP-Green deal mean for Scotland? |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-58143753 |access-date=2024-01-02}}</ref>

The party is also against oil and gas developments in Scotland, such as the proposed [[Cambo oil field|Cambo]] and [[Rosebank oil and gas field]]s.<ref name=":15" />

In government, the party's ministers announced a ban on new waste incinerators and a new biodiversity strategy.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-06-16 |title=Moratorium on waste-to-energy incinerators |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-61825698 |access-date=2024-01-02}}</ref>

=== Transport ===
The Greens are against plans to dual the [[A9 road (Scotland)|A9]] and the [[A96 road|A96]], arguing that the plans are incompatible with climate commitments.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Malik|first=Paul|title=Scottish Government told continuing to dual the A9 and A96 is at odds with its 'green' budget claims|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/politics/scottish-politics/1140622/scottish-government-told-continuing-to-dual-the-a9-and-a96-is-at-odds-with-its-green-budget-claims/|date=12 February 2020|access-date=4 February 2021|website=The Courier|language=en-GB|archive-date=23 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201223173342/https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/politics/scottish-politics/1140622/scottish-government-told-continuing-to-dual-the-a9-and-a96-is-at-odds-with-its-green-budget-claims/|url-status=live}}</ref> Instead, the party advocates for the expansion of Scotland's railway network, such as  a [[History of the Forth Crossing|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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Scottish Greens calls for Forth rail tunnel |url=https://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/scottish-greens-calls-for-forth-rail-tunnel |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121024518/https://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/scottish-greens-calls-for-forth-rail-tunnel |archive-date=21 January 2021 |access-date=2021-02-01 |website=www.theconstructionindex.co.uk |language=en}}</ref>

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".<ref>{{cite news |last= Jarvis |first= Chris |date= 8 February 2021 |title= Wales Green Party welcomes renationalisation of Welsh railway |url= http://bright-green.org/2021/02/08/wales-green-party-welcomes-renationalisation-of-welsh-railway/ |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210212055556/https://bright-green.org/2021/02/08/wales-green-party-welcomes-renationalisation-of-welsh-railway/ |archive-date=12 February 2021 |work= Bright Green |access-date= 5 January 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2021-03-17 |title=Scotland's train operator ScotRail to be nationalised |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-56432919 |access-date=2024-01-02}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Dalton |first=Alastair |date=25 February 2023 |title=Caledonian Sleeper expected to be nationalised by SNP Scottish Government |work=[[The Scotsman]] |url=https://www.scotsman.com/news/transport/caledonian-sleeper-expected-to-be-nationalised-by-snp-scottish-government-4041296 |access-date=2 January 2023}}</ref> The party, as part of its co-operation agreement with the [[Scottish Government]] scrapped peak-time rail fares for at least one year.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-02-08 |title=Transport Scotland rebuke Scottish Greens over ScotRail peak fare confusion |url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/23306220.scottish-greens-spark-confusion-plan-scrap-scotrail-peak-fares/ |access-date=2024-01-02 |website=The Herald |language=en}}</ref>

The party also supports a wider nationalisation of all rail, bus and ferry companies, alongside further investment in walking, wheeling and cycling.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2021-04-14 |title=Scottish election 2021: Scottish Greens manifesto at-a-glance |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-56744857 |access-date=2024-01-02}}</ref>

=== Scottish independence ===
It is the second largest party 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]].<ref>{{cite news |date=30 July 2005 |title=Greens show their colours to back vote for independence |url=https://www.scotsman.com/news/greens-show-their-colours-to-back-vote-for-independence-1-1063139 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111133834/https://www.scotsman.com/news/greens-show-their-colours-to-back-vote-for-independence-1-1063139 |archive-date=11 November 2018 |access-date=11 November 2018 |work=The Scotsman}}</ref>

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]].<ref>[https://greens.scot/news/own-currency-fundamental-to-independent-scotland Own currency fundamental to independent Scotland] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171025185739/https://greens.scot/news/own-currency-fundamental-to-independent-scotland|date=25 October 2017}}. Scottish Green Party (official website). Published 30 August 2016. Retrieved 25 October 2017.</ref><ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-24947122 Scottish independence: Scottish Green Party launches 'Yes' campaign] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201101626/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-24947122|date=1 December 2017}}. ''BBC NEWS''. Published 15 November 2013. Retrieved 25 October 2017.</ref><ref>[http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/scottish-independence-greens-back-scots-currency-1-3128371 Scottish independence: Greens back Scots currency] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171025185649/http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/scottish-independence-greens-back-scots-currency-1-3128371|date=25 October 2017}}. ''The Scotsman''. Author – Tom Peterkin. Published 6 October 2013. Retrieved 25 October 2017.</ref>

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.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-10-19 |title=Are we really one year away from a Scottish referendum? |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-63312363 |access-date=2024-01-02}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-31 |title=John Curtice: Greens' independence 'red line' comment 'risks' Yes support |url=https://www.thenational.scot/news/23892698.polling-expert-john-curtice-lorna-slater-independence-comment-risk/ |access-date=2023-12-30 |website=The National |language=en}}</ref>

=== LGBT+ rights ===
The party has campaigned strongly for LGBT rights, with the party publishing a specific LGBT+ manifesto co-produced with its LGBT wing.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wakefield |first=Lily |date=2021-04-28 |title=Scottish Green Party reveals plan to tackle 'resurgence of homophobia and transphobia' |url=https://www.thepinknews.com/2021/04/28/scottish-green-party-lgbt-manifesto-rainbow-greens-patrick-harvie/ |access-date=2024-01-02 |work=PinkNews}}</ref> The party supports gender self-identification, banning [[conversion therapy]], improving LGBT+ inclusive education and improving transgender healthcare.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 April 2021 |title=Scottish Parliament election: what the manifestos say on LGBTI equality |url=https://www.stonewallscotland.org.uk/scottish-parliament-election-what-manifestos-say-lgbti-equality |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117175447/https://www.stonewallscotland.org.uk/scottish-parliament-election-what-manifestos-say-lgbti-equality |archive-date=17 January 2023 |access-date=2 January 2023 |website=[[Stonewall (charity)|Stonewall]] Scotland}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Parsons |first=Vic |date=2019-08-02 |title=Scottish Greens launch campaign to get more non-binary people into politics |url=https://www.thepinknews.com/2019/08/02/scottish-greens-campaign-more-non-binary-people-politics/ |access-date=2024-01-02 |work=PinkNews}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Healey |first1=Derek |last2=Amery |first2=Rachel |date=2022-10-16 |title=Scottish Greens vote to 'suspend ties' with Green Party of England and Wales |url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/politics/scottish-politics/3789970/scottish-greens-suspend-ties/ |access-date=2022-10-16 |website=The Courier}}</ref>

{{Quote box
| quote = 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.
| author = Co-leader [[Lorna Slater]]
| source = speaking at the party's 2023 Spring Conference.<ref name="Slater">{{Cite web |last=Slater |first=Lorna |date=25 March 2023 |title=Equality and environmentalism non-negotiable |url=https://greens.scot/news/equality-and-environmentalism-non-negotiable |access-date=2023-12-30 |website=Scottish Greens |language=en}}</ref>
| width = 25em
| border = 
| salign = right
}}

The party was the only party to support same-sex civil partnerships upon its entry to the  [[Scottish Parliament]] in 1999.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mackenzie |first=James |date=2013-06-27 |title=When civil partnership was radical |url=http://www.betternation.org/2013/06/when-civil-partnership-was-radical/ |access-date=2024-01-02 |website=Better Nation}}</ref> In 2003, the party's MSP [[Patrick Harvie]] introduced a bill to allow civil partnerships in Scotland.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Partners in Law |url=https://www.gmh.org.uk/core/15/law.shtml |access-date=2024-01-02 |website=www.gmh.org.uk}}</ref> The bill failed, but was key to creating the debate on the topic which let to its passing at Westminster.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reporter |first=Record |date=2016-05-02 |title=Patrick Harvie: Five quick questions for the Scottish Green Party co-convenor |url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/politics/patrick-harvie-everything-you-need-7854618 |access-date=2024-01-02 |website=Daily Record |language=en}}</ref>

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.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Milton |first=Josh |date=2020-12-18 |title=Scottish Greens MSP resigns over his own party's 'alienating and confrontational' support for trans rights |url=https://www.thepinknews.com/2020/12/18/scottish-greens-msp-resignation-andy-wightman-trans-rights-forensic-medical-services-bill/ |access-date=2024-01-02 |work=PinkNews}}</ref> 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]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kelleher |first=Patrick |date=2023-01-13 |title=Tories could trigger constitutional crisis by blocking Scotland gender reform |url=https://www.thepinknews.com/2023/01/13/scotland-gender-bill-tory-government-independence/ |access-date=2024-01-02 |work=PinkNews}}</ref>

==Leadership==
{{Further|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."<ref name=":1">{{Cite book |last1=Harper |first1=Robin |title=Dear Mr Harper |last2=Bridgland |first2=Fred |publisher=Birlinn |year=2011 |isbn=978-1-84158-934-3 |location=Edinburgh |pages=79}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite news |date=2010-04-05 |title=Profile: Scottish Green Party |language=en-GB |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/election_2010/scotland/8593411.stm |access-date=2023-12-31}}</ref><ref name=":12" /> 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.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Space |first=Common |date=2020-04-08 |title=The Green Maggie: Greens co-convener Maggie Chapman on not being Patrick, #GE2015 and finding an identity |url=https://sourcenews.scot/the-green-maggie-greens-co-convener-maggie-chapman-on-not-being-patrick-ge2015-and-finding-an-identity/ |access-date=2023-12-30 |website=Source |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-05-16 |title=Scottish Greens laugh off rumours Patrick Harvie could be next English party leader |url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/14495836.scottish-greens-laugh-off-rumours-patrick-harvie-next-english-party-leader/ |access-date=2023-12-31 |website=The Herald |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Ross |first=Peter |date=2023-12-31 |title=Harvie suits the political stage |newspaper=[[The Times]] |language=en |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/scotland/article/harvie-suits-the-political-stage-0gvxff3tk |access-date=2023-12-31 |issn=0140-0460}}</ref> 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.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |date=2019-08-01 |title=Scottish Greens elect Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater as co-leaders |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-49193767 |access-date=2023-12-28}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-07-04 |title=Slater to be re-elected Greens co-leader weeks after Holyrood no confidence vote |url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/23633179.lorna-slater-set-re-elected-scottish-greens-co-leader-month/ |access-date=2024-01-04 |website=The Herald |language=en}}</ref> Generally, incumbents are returned without opposition, but the inaugural [[2019 Scottish Greens co-leadership election|co-leadership election]],{{Efn|The office of co-leader succeeded that of co-convenor, and Harvie was the incumbent male co-convenor}} and 2015 co-convenorship election were contested.<ref name=":9" />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="4" |Co-leaders
! rowspan="2" |Term start
! rowspan="2" |Term end
|-
!Portrait
!Name
!Portrait
!Name
|-
|[[File:Minister_for_Zero_Carbon_Buildings,_Active_Travel_and_Tenants’_Rights_Patrick_Harvie_(cropped).jpg|96x96px]]
|'''[[Patrick Harvie]]'''
<small>[[Member of the Scottish Parliament|MSP]] for [[Glasgow (Scottish Parliament electoral region)|Glasgow]] (2003–present)</small>

|[[File:Minister_for_Green_Skills,_Circular_Economy_and_Biodiversity_Lorna_Slater_(cropped).jpg|113x113px]]
|'''[[Lorna Slater]]'''
<small>[[Member of the Scottish Parliament|MSP]] for [[Lothian (Scottish Parliament electoral region)|Lothian]] (2021–present)</small>

|[[2019 Scottish Greens co-leadership election|1 August 2019]]
|''[[Incumbent]]''
|}

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

==== 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.

The party executive also oversees the work of the elected National Committees; Finance & Fundraising, Elections & Campaigns, Policy, Membership and International. 

It is presently chaired by Carolynn Scrimgeour, previously a lead candidate for West Region in the [[2021 Scottish Parliament election]].


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="8" | National Executive Co-Chairs
|-
! '''Portrait'''
! '''Name'''
! '''Took Office'''
! '''Left Office'''
! '''Portrait'''
! '''Name'''
! '''Took Office'''
! '''Left Office'''
|-
| 
| '''Vacant'''
| March 2025
| ''Present''
| rowspan="3" | <!--Do not use placeholder images per WP:IPH-->
| rowspan="3" | '''Carolynn Scrimgeour'''
<small>Lead candidate for [[West of Scotland (Scottish Parliament electoral region)|West of Scotland]] (2021)</small>
| rowspan="3" | March 2024
| rowspan="3" | ''[[Incumbent]]''
|-
| <!--Do not use placeholder images per WP:IPH-->
| '''Jen Bell'''
| August 2024
| March 2025
|-
| rowspan="5" | [[File:Ross Greer, October 2022.jpg|111x111px]]
| rowspan="5" | '''Ross Greer'''
<small>[[Member of the Scottish Parliament|MSP]] for [[West of Scotland (Scottish Parliament electoral region)|West of Scotland]] (2016–present)</small>
| rowspan="5" | August 2019
| rowspan="5" | August 2024
|-
| <!--Do not use placeholder images per WP:IPH-->
| '''Vacant'''
| December 2023
| March 2024
|-
| <!--Do not use placeholder images per WP:IPH-->
| '''Ellie Gomersall'''
<small>[[NUS Scotland]] President (2022–24)</small>
| August 2022
| December 2023<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-05 |title=Scottish Greens co-chair resigns from NEC over 'increased hostility' within party |url=https://www.thenational.scot/news/23970667.scottish-greens-co-chair-resigns-executive-committee/ |access-date=2024-04-07 |website=The National |language=en}}</ref>
|-
| <!--Do not use placeholder images per WP:IPH-->
| '''Rachel Shanks'''
| August 2021
| July 2022
|-
| <!--Do not use placeholder images per WP:IPH-->
| '''Vacant'''
| August 2019
| August 2021
|}

==== Timeline ====
{{#tag:timeline|
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Period     = from:01/06/2019 till:{{#time:d/m/Y}}
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PlotArea  = top:10 bottom:20 right:130 left:20
ScaleMajor = unit:year increment:1 start:01/06/2019
ScaleMinor = unit:year increment:1 start:01/06/2019

Define $today = {{#time:d/m/Y}}

Colors =
     id:leader value:rgb(0.20,0.75,0.10)
     id:vacant value:rgb(0.500, 0.500, 0.500)

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  bar:Greer
  bar:Vacant
  bar:Shanks
  bar:Gommersall
  bar:Scrimgeour
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PlotData=
  width:5 align:left fontsize:S shift:(5,-4) anchor:till

 bar:Greer
  from: 01/08/2019 till: 01/08/2024 color:leader text:"[[Ross Greer]]"

 bar:Vacant
  from: 01/08/2019 till: 01/07/2021 color:Vacant
  from: 01/12/2023 till: 01/03/2024 color:Vacant
  from: 01/03/2025 till: end color:Vacant text:''"Vacant"''

 bar:Shanks
  from: 01/07/2021 till: 01/08/2022 color:leader text:"Rachel Shanks"

 bar:Gommersall
  from: 01/08/2022 till: 01/12/2023 color:leader text:"Ellie Gommersall"

 bar:Scrimgeour
  from: 01/03/2024 till: end color:leader text:"Carolynn Scrimgeour"

 bar:Bell
  from: 01/08/2024 till: 01/03/2025 color:leader text:"Jen Bell"
}}

==== Party Council ====
[[File:Welcome_to_Spring_Conference_2015_(16720668976).jpg|thumb|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.


{| class="wikitable"style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="8" | National Council Co-Chairs
|-
! '''Portrait'''
! '''Name'''
! '''Took Office'''
! '''Left Office'''
! '''Portrait'''
! '''Name'''
! '''Took Office'''
! '''Left Office'''
|-
| rowspan="2" | <!--Do not use placeholder images per WP:IPH-->
| rowspan="2" | '''Laura Moodie'''
<small>Lead candidate for [[South Scotland]] (2021)</small>
| rowspan="2" | July 2022
| rowspan="2" | ''[[Incumbent]]''
| <!--Do not use placeholder images per WP:IPH-->
| '''Kate Nevans'''
<small>Lead candidate for [[Lothian (Scottish Parliament electoral region)|Lothian]] (2021)</small>
| March 2023
| ''[[Incumbent]]''
|-
| rowspan="2" | <!--Do not use placeholder images per WP:IPH-->
| rowspan="2" | '''James Puchowski'''
| rowspan="2" | July 2021
| rowspan="2" | March 2023
|-
| rowspan="2" | <!--Do not use placeholder images per WP:IPH-->
| rowspan="2" | '''Mags Hall'''
<small>Lead candidate for [[Mid Scotland and Fife (Scottish Parliament electoral region)|Mid Scotland and Fife]] (2021)</small>
| rowspan="2" | August 2019
| rowspan="2" | July 2022
|-
| [[File:Chris Ballance (13338189044).jpg|center|101x101px]]
| '''Chris Ballance'''
[[Member of the Scottish Parliament|<small>MSP</small>]] <small>for [[South Scotland]] (2003–07)</small>
| August 2019
| July 2021
|}

==== Timeline ====
{{#tag:timeline|
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Period     = from:01/06/2019 till:{{#time:d/m/Y}}
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ScaleMinor = unit:year increment:1 start:01/06/2019

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Colors =
     id:leader value:rgb(0.20,0.75,0.10)

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  bar:Hall
  bar:Ballance
  bar:Puchowski
  bar:Moodie
  bar:Nevans

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  width:5 align:left fontsize:S shift:(5,-4) anchor:till

 bar:Hall
  from: 01/08/2019 till: 01/07/2022 color:leader text:"Mags Hall"

 bar:Ballance
  from: 01/08/2019 till: 01/07/2021 color:leader text:"[[Chris Ballance]]"

 bar:Puchowski
  from: 01/07/2021 till:01/03/2023 color:leader text:"James Puchowski"

 bar:Moodie
  from: 01/07/2022 till: end color:leader text:"Laura Moodie"

 bar:Nevans
  from: 01/03/2023 till: end color:leader text:"Kate Nevans"
}}

==Elected representatives==
The Scottish Greens have representation in the [[Scottish Parliament]] and several Scottish [[Local government in Scotland|councils]]. It does not have any representation in the [[House of Commons of the United Kingdom|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 [[Additional-member system|list]] in the Scottish Parliament.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Green MSPs' blog |url=http://greenmsps.org |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816045134/http://www.greenmsps.org/ |archive-date=16 August 2016 |access-date=13 October 2016 |work=greenmsps.org}}</ref> The party elected a record eight MSPs in the [[2021 Scottish Parliament election]].<ref name=":0" /> However the party's representation was reduced to seven after Green MSP [[Alison Johnstone]] was elected as the Parliament's [[non-partisan]] [[Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament|Presiding Officer]].
{| class="wikitable"
|+Green MSPs in 2024
!Portrait
!Name
!Region
!Portfolio
|-
|[[File:Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity Lorna Slater (cropped).jpg|alt=A white woman with curly blonde hair. She has glasses on. Behind her is a Scottish flag.|frameless|141x141px]]
|[[Lorna Slater]] [[Member of the Scottish Parliament|MSP]]
|[[Lothian (Scottish Parliament electoral region)|Lothian]] (2021–present)
|[[Co-leader of the Scottish Greens|Co-leader]] of the Scottish Greens (2019–present)
Spokesperson for [[Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic|Economy and Fair Work]].
|-
|[[File:Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Active Travel and Tenants’ Rights Patrick Harvie (cropped).jpg|alt=A bald white man with glasses. He is wearing a shirt and tie. There is a Scottish flag behind him.|frameless|120x120px]]
|[[Patrick Harvie]] [[Member of the Scottish Parliament|MSP]]
|[[Glasgow (Scottish Parliament electoral region)|Glasgow]] (2003–present)
|[[Co-leader of the Scottish Greens|Co-leader]]{{Efn|The office was known as co-convenor of the Scottish Greens until 2019.}} of the Scottish Greens (2008–present)
Spokesperson for [[Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Net Zero and Just Transition|Net Zero]], [[Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture|Constitution and External Affairs]].
|-
|[[File:Maggie Chapman MSP.jpg|alt=|133x133px]]
|[[Maggie Chapman]] [[Member of the Scottish Parliament|MSP]]
|[[North East Scotland (Scottish Parliament electoral region)|North East Scotland]] (2021–present)
|Spokesperson for [[Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs|Justice]], [[Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice|Equality and Human Rights]] 
Member of the [[Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body]]
|-
|[[File:MarkRuskellMSP-May2016.jpg|alt=|118x118px]]
|[[Mark Ruskell]] [[Member of the Scottish Parliament|MSP]]
|[[Mid Scotland and Fife (Scottish Parliament electoral region)|Mid Scotland and Fife]] (2016–present, 2003–2007)
|Spokesperson for [[Cabinet Secretary for Transport (Scotland)|Transport]] and the [[Minister for Climate Action (Scotland)|Environment]]
|-
|[[File:Gillian Mackay 2021 (cropped).jpg|120x120px]]
|[[Gillian Mackay]] [[Member of the Scottish Parliament|MSP]]
|[[Central Scotland (Scottish Parliament electoral region)|Central Scotland]] (2021–present)
|Spokesperson for [[Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care (Scotland)|Health, Social Care and Sport]]
Member of the Parliamentary Bureau
|-
|[[File:Ariane Burgess MSP.jpg|alt=|133x133px]]
|[[Ariane Burgess]] [[Member of the Scottish Parliament|MSP]]
|[[Highlands and Islands (Scottish Parliament electoral region)|Highlands and Islands]] (2021–present)
|Spokesperson for [[Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government|Communities]], [[Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice|Housing]] and [[Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands|Rural Affairs]]
|-
|[[File:Official Portrait of Ross Greer MSP.jpg|alt=|132x132px]]
|[[Ross Greer]] [[Member of the Scottish Parliament|MSP]]
|[[West of Scotland (Scottish Parliament electoral region)|West of Scotland]] (2016–present)
|Spokesperson for [[Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills|Education]] and [[Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government|Finance]]
|}
[[File:Line_chart,_number_of_Scottish_Green_MSPs_per_election_year.svg|thumb|345x345px|Line chart showing the number of Scottish Green MSPs elected at each Scottish Parliament election]]

==== Previous MSPs ====
* [[John Finnie]] for [[Highlands and Islands (Scottish Parliament electoral region)|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 (Scottish Parliament electoral region)|North East Scotland]]. Baird served as party co-convener from 2004 to 2007.
* [[Chris Ballance]] for the [[South of Scotland (Scottish Parliament electoral region)|South of Scotland]].
* [[Mark Ballard]] for the [[Lothians (Scottish Parliament electoral region)|Lothians]].
* [[Robin Harper]] for the [[Lothians (Scottish Parliament electoral region)|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 (Scottish Parliament electoral region)|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 (Scottish Parliament electoral region)|Lothian]] region 2016 to 2021. He was elected for the party in the [[2016 Scottish Parliament election|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.<ref>{{cite web|date=2020-12-18|title=Resignation from the Scottish Green Party|url=https://andywightman.scot/resignation-from-the-scottish-green-party|access-date=2020-12-18|website=Andy Wightman MSP|language=en-US|archive-date=27 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127203230/https://andywightman.scot/resignation-from-the-scottish-green-party|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Andy Wightman MSP resigns from Scottish Greens over trans stance|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/18955044.andy-wightman-msp-resigns-scottish-greens-trans-stance/|date=18 December 2020|last=Rodger|first=Hannah|access-date=18 December 2020|website=[[The Herald (Scotland)|The Herald]]|language=en|archive-date=18 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201218140131/https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/18955044.andy-wightman-msp-resigns-scottish-greens-trans-stance/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[John Wilson (Scottish Green politician)|John Wilson]], a member of the Greens, sat as an independent MSP in the [[4th Scottish Parliament]], having left the [[Scottish National Party|SNP]] in September 2014 because of its [[NATO debate in the Scottish National Party|change in policy on NATO membership]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=2014-09-23|title=SNP MSP John Wilson quits party over Nato row|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-29335767|access-date=2021-01-21|archive-date=23 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210923014435/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-29335767|url-status=live}}</ref> He stood for the Greens in the 2016 election,<ref>{{Cite news|date=2015-10-12|title=Former SNP MSP John Wilson to stand for Greens|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-34506691|access-date=2021-01-21|archive-date=1 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210401132547/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-34506691|url-status=live}}</ref> but was unsuccessful.
* [[Alison Johnstone]] is an MSP for the [[Lothian (Scottish Parliament electoral region)|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.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2021-05-13|title=Scottish Greens MSP Alison Johnstone to be new presiding officer|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-57087382|access-date=2021-05-13|archive-date=13 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513175603/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-57087382|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Councillors ===
Prior to the [[2007 Scottish local elections|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 eight councillors between Glasgow City and the City of Edinburgh Councils.

In the [[2012 Scottish local elections|2012]] local elections, this was increased to 14. The party elected councillors for the first time to Aberdeenshire, Stirling & [[Midlothian Council]]s.

At the [[2017 Scottish local elections|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 Scottish local elections|2022]] local elections saw another record number of Green councillors elected. Thirty five candidates gained seats across 13 local authorities, an increase of 16.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thenational.scot/news/20134017.inside-scottish-greens-best-ever-local-election-comes-next-party/|title=Inside the Scottish Greens' best ever local election|last=Richards|first=Xander|date=12 May 2022|website=The National}}</ref> This included the first ever Green councillors in North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire, Argyll & Bute, Clackmannanshire, Shetland, East Lothian, Moray and the Scottish Borders.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/in-your-area/lanarkshire/south-lanarkshires-first-ever-green-26927936|title=South Lanarkshire's first ever Green councillor has been elected|first=Shannon|last=Milmine|date=11 May 2022|website=Daily Record}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thesouthernreporter.co.uk/news/people/first-green-party-councillor-looks-to-the-future-3693602|title=First Green Party councillor looks to the future|last=Kelly|first=Paul|date=13 May 2022|website=The Southern Reporter}}</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" />

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

===House of Commons===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:right"
|-
! rowspan=2| Election
! colspan=2| Scotland
! rowspan=2| +/–
|-
! %
! Seats
|-
! [[1992 United Kingdom general election in Scotland|1992]]
| 0.3
| {{Composition bar|0|72|hex={{party color|Scottish Green Party}}}}
| {{steady}}
|-
! [[1997 United Kingdom general election in Scotland|1997]]
| 0.1
| {{Composition bar|0|72|hex={{party color|Scottish Green Party}}}}
| {{steady}}
|-
! [[2001 United Kingdom general election in Scotland|2001]]
| 0.2
| {{Composition bar|0|72|hex={{party color|Scottish Green Party}}}}
| {{steady}}
|-
! [[2005 United Kingdom general election in Scotland|2005]]
| 1.1
| {{Composition bar|0|59|hex={{party color|Scottish Green Party}}}}
| {{steady}}
|-
! [[2010 United Kingdom general election in Scotland|2010]]
| 0.7
| {{Composition bar|0|59|hex={{party color|Scottish Green Party}}}}
| {{steady}}
|-
! [[2015 United Kingdom general election in Scotland|2015]]
| 1.3
| {{Composition bar|0|59|hex={{party color|Scottish Green Party}}}}
| {{steady}}
|-
! [[2017 United Kingdom general election in Scotland|2017]]
| 0.2
| {{Composition bar|0|59|hex={{party color|Scottish Green Party}}}}
| {{steady}}
|-
! [[2019 United Kingdom general election in Scotland|2019]]
| 1.0
| {{Composition bar|0|59|hex={{party color|Scottish Green Party}}}}
| {{steady}}
|-
! [[2024 United Kingdom general election in Scotland|2024]]
| 3.8
| {{Composition bar|0|57|hex={{party color|Scottish Green Party}}}}
| {{steady}}
|}

===Scottish Parliament===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:right"
|-
! rowspan="2"| Election
! colspan="3"| Constituency
! colspan="3"| Regional
! rowspan="2"| Total seats
! rowspan="2"| +/–
! rowspan="2"| Rank
! rowspan="2"| Government
|-
! Votes
! %
! Seats
! Votes
! %
! Seats
|-
! [[1999 Scottish Parliament election|1999]]
| colspan=3 bgcolor="lightgrey"|
| 84,023
| 3.6
| {{Composition bar|1|56|hex={{party color|Scottish Greens}}}} 
| {{Composition bar|1|129|hex={{party color|Scottish Greens}}}} 
| bgcolor="lightgrey"|
| 5th 
| {{no2|Opposition}}
|-
! [[2003 Scottish Parliament election|2003]]
| colspan=3 bgcolor="lightgrey"|
| 132,138
| 6.9
| {{Composition bar|7|56|hex={{party color|Scottish Greens}}}} 
| {{Composition bar|7|129|hex={{party color|Scottish Greens}}}} 
| {{increase}} 6
| 5th 
| {{no2|Opposition}}
|-
! [[2007 Scottish Parliament election|2007]]
| 2,971
| 0.1
| {{Composition bar|0|73|hex={{party color|Scottish Greens}}}} 
| 82,584
| 4.0
| {{Composition bar|2|56|hex={{party color|Scottish Greens}}}} 
| {{Composition bar|2|129|hex={{party color|Scottish Greens}}}} 
| {{decrease}} 5
| 5th 
| {{no2|Opposition}}
|-
! [[2011 Scottish Parliament election|2011]]
| colspan=3 bgcolor="lightgrey"|
| 87,060
| 4.4
| {{Composition bar|2|56|hex={{party color|Scottish Greens}}}} 
| {{Composition bar|2|129|hex={{party color|Scottish Greens}}}} 
| {{steady}}
| 5th 
| {{no2|Opposition}}
|-
! [[2016 Scottish Parliament election|2016]]
| 13,172
| 0.6
| {{Composition bar|0|73|hex={{party color|Scottish Greens}}}} 
| 150,426
| 6.6
| {{Composition bar|6|56|hex={{party color|Scottish Greens}}}} 
| {{Composition bar|6|129|hex={{party color|Scottish Greens}}}} 
| {{increase}} 4
| 4th 
| {{no2|Opposition}}
|-
! rowspan="2"| [[2021 Scottish Parliament election|2021]]
| rowspan="2"| 34,990
| rowspan="2"| 1.3
| rowspan="2"| {{Composition bar|0|73|hex={{party color|Scottish Greens}}}} 
| rowspan="2"| 220,324
| rowspan="2"| 8.1
| rowspan="2"| {{Composition bar|8|56|hex={{party color|Scottish Greens}}}} 
| rowspan="2"| {{Composition bar|8|129|hex={{party color|Scottish Greens}}}}
| rowspan="2"| {{increase}} 2
| rowspan="2"| 4th
| {{yes2|[[Scottish National Party–Scottish Greens agreement|Cooperation agreement]]}} {{small|(2021–2024)}}
|-
| {{no2|Opposition}} {{small|(2024–)}}
|}

===Local councils===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:right"
|-
! Election
! 1st pref<br />votes
! %
! Councillors
! +/–
|-
! [[2007 Scottish local elections|2007]]
| 45,290 
| 2.1
| {{Composition bar|8|1222|hex={{party color|Scottish Greens}}}}
| {{increase}} 8
|-
! [[2012 Scottish local elections|2012]]
| 36,000
| 2.3
| {{Composition bar|14|1223|hex={{party color|Scottish Greens}}}}
| {{increase}} 6
|-
! [[2017 Scottish local elections|2017]]
| 77,682
| 4.1
| {{Composition bar|19|1227|hex={{party color|Scottish Greens}}}}
| {{increase}} 5
|-
! [[2022 Scottish local elections|2022]]
| 110,791
| 6.0
|{{Composition bar|35|1227|hex={{party color|Scottish Greens}}}}
|{{increase}} 16
|-
|}

===European Parliament===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:right"
|-
! rowspan=2| Election
! colspan=3| Scotland
! rowspan=2| +/–
|-
! Votes
! %
! Seats
|-
! [[1994 European Parliament election in the United Kingdom|1994]]
| 23,304
| 1.6
| {{Composition bar|0|8|hex={{party color|Scottish Green Party}}}}
| colspan=3 bgcolor="lightgrey"|
|-
! [[1999 European Parliament election in the United Kingdom|1999]]
| 57,142
| 5.8
| {{Composition bar|0|8|hex={{party color|Scottish Green Party}}}}
| {{steady}}
|-
! [[2004 European Parliament election in the United Kingdom|2004]]
| 79,695
| 6.8
| {{Composition bar|0|7|hex={{party color|Scottish Green Party}}}}
| {{steady}}
|-
! [[2009 European Parliament election in the United Kingdom|2009]]
| 80,442
| 7.3
| {{Composition bar|0|6|hex={{party color|Scottish Green Party}}}}
| {{steady}}
|-
! [[2014 European Parliament election in the United Kingdom|2014]]
| 108,305
| 8.1
| {{Composition bar|0|6|hex={{party color|Scottish Green Party}}}}
| {{steady}}
|-
! [[2019 European Parliament election in the United Kingdom|2019]]
| 129,603
| 8.2
| {{Composition bar|0|6|hex={{party color|Scottish Green Party}}}}
| {{steady}}
|}

==See also==
{{Portal|Ecology|Environment|Politics|Renewable energy}}
* [[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]]

== Notes ==
{{Notelist}}

==Footnotes==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website}}
<!-- per [[WP:ELMINOFFICIAL]], choose one official website only -->

{{Scottish Green Party}}
{{Green parties}}
{{Scottish parliamentary parties}}
{{British political parties}}
{{United Kingdom Alternative Vote referendum, 2011}}
{{Sustainable development in Scotland}}
{{Anti-nuclear movement}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Scottish Greens| ]]
[[Category:1990 establishments in Scotland]]
[[Category:Constitution of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:European Green Party]]
[[Category:Organisations based in Edinburgh]]
[[Category:Political parties established in 1990]]
[[Category:Political parties supporting universal basic income]]
[[Category:Scottish independence]]
[[Category:Global Greens member parties]]