Scottish Greens unveil party spokespeople for Holyrood

The Scottish Greens have announced their party’s spokespeople following the Holyrood election.

Co-leader Patrick Harvie will continue to speak on finance and constitutional issues, which includes developing the Green Yes case.

Fellow co-leader, Lorna Slater, is to lead on the economic recovery from the pandemic and a green industrial strategy to lower Scotland’s carbon emissions.

Ariane Burgess, a newly-elected MSP for the Highlands and Islands, will be the party’s spokesperson on communities, land reform, housing and rural affairs.

Maggie Chapman, who was co-convener of the Scottish Greens between 2013 and 2019, and was elected as a North East Scotland MSP earlier this month, takes on the brief for equality, justice and human rights.

Ross Greer, an MSP for West Scotland since 2016, has been named as the party’s spokesperson for education, culture and external affairs.

Gillian Mackay, who has a masters degree in marine biodiversity and biotechnology from Heriot-Watt University, will be the party’s spokesperson for health and social care.

Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Mark Ruskell, who has been at Holyrood since 2016, is the spokesperson for environment, climate and transport.

Lorna Slater said: “The Scottish Greens will work constructively in this parliament for a green recovery that leaves no-one behind and tackles the urgent challenge of the climate emergency.

“We have our biggest mandate in the history of the Scottish Parliament, and a team with talent and expertise to speak on behalf of our movement and secure the pro-independence majority.”