History of the Scottish Greens

For information about the Scottish Greens, including its current composition and ideology, as well as a concise history of the party, see Scottish Greens.

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

The Scottish Greens is a centre-left ^[10] to left-wing ^[11] green political party in Scotland that was founded in 1990.

The party has its roots in the PEOPLE Party started in Coventry in 1972/3. That party then changed its name to the more descriptive Ecology Party in 1975, and to the Green Party ten years later. In its guise as the Ecology Party, a branch was founded in Edinburgh by Leslie Spoor, which was the party's beginning. ^[12]

In 1990, the Scottish and Northern Ireland wings of the Green Party in the United Kingdom decided to separate amicably from the party in England and Wales, to form the Scottish Green Party and the Green Party in Northern Ireland.

The party entered the country's devolved legislature since the 1999 Scottish parliament election with the election of Robin Harper as its first MSP. With the Bute House Agreement in 2021, the party entered government for the first time, with co-leaders Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater appointed government ministers. ^[13]

Origins in the Ecology Party (1978–1999)

Main article: Green Party (UK)

The Scottish Green Party originated as the Scottish branch of the Ecology Party, founded in 1978 by Leslie Spoor. ^[12] The Ecology Party became the UK Green Party and it remained a constituent party until 1990, when the Scottish Green Party became a separate entity.

The separation was entirely amicable, as part of the green commitment to decentralisation. The predecessor party opposed Britain's entry into the European Common Market in its 1989 European election manifesto, claiming that the Common Market would cause mass unemployment for Scottish workers, force Scotland to move towards a tourist-based economy, enable the destruction of local food markets and cause catastrophic environmental damage. ^[14] Instead, it campaigned for a Europe-wide confederation of individuals on global issues affecting the environment.

The 1990 Highland Regional Council election gave the Greens their first ever councillor in the UK. ^[15] 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.

In 1997, the Green parties of the United Kingdom were described as "stunningly unsuccessful" as despite the strength of the environmental movement, and their status as the oldest green parties in Europe, they had as yet no electoral success. ^{[16] [17]}

First electoral successes (1999–2007)

Robin Harper addresses party conference his final party conference as a MSP, 2010

The Scottish Green Party has its most prominent presence in the Scottish Parliament, which is elected using the additional member system of proportional representation. 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 (George MacLeod had previously represented the UK Green Party in the House of Lords).

In the 2003 Scottish Parliament election, the Scottish Greens added six new MSPs to their previous total. ^[18] The result was a surprise for the party, with newly elected MSP, and party election co-ordinator credited the 'Second Vote Green' message, lack of confidence in the SNP, and Harper's leadership. ^[19] However, the party was still small, with its 2001 conference attracting just 35 members. In the Scottish Parliament's post-election briefing, political scientist John Curtice warned that the focus on the 'Second Vote Green' strategy made the party's vote fragile, and depended on voters seeing the election as unimportant. ^[20]

Afterwards, Harper stood for election for First Minister, securing six votes. ^[21]

We had very little money, few activists outside Edinburgh and Glasgow, a tiny and damp national office, two paid staff members, and generally had to beg or borrow resources (including sometimes having to rely on the WiFi from the Pub across the road to send press releases)

— then MSP Mark Ballard, speaking about the party's 2003 election campaign

In the European Parliament election of 2004, it polled 6.8% of the vote and did not return any MEPs. ^[22]

In February 2005, the party announced plans to field candidates in 19 seats in the 2005 Westminster elections. ^[23] At the election, the party contested 19 seats and polled 25,760 votes, however they returned no MPs. Its highest share of the vote was 7.7% of the vote in Glasgow North.

At the party's 2005 conference, a motion passed to support Scottish independence. ^[24]

Increased influence of the Government (2007–2014)

2007 Scottish Parliament election

Heading into the election, the party felt confident. At its 2005 conference, then co-convenors Harper and Baird said the party had emerged as a "major new force in politics" and that they expected to hold the balance of power in the next Parliament, as well as elect councillors for the first time. ^[25]

At the start of 2007, polls indicated that the party would replicate its 2003 Scottish Parliament election result and re-elect 7 MSPs. ^[26] However, polls later narrowed, with one suggesting the party would only retain a single MSP. ^[27] Despite polls narrowing internally, Eddie Barnes suggested that the party remained confident, planning to be a king-maker and influence government from the outside. ^[27]

In the 2007 Scottish Parliament election, the party lost five seats in Holyrood, leaving the party with just 2 MSPs. 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. ^[28] This analysis was shared among the other smaller parties that lost out. Other commentators noted controversial policies in the manifesto such as integrating religious schools into nondenominational schools and the campaign's increased focus on Labour and the SNP. ^[29]

Supporters of the first SNP government

Despite the loss of MSPs, the party gained influence with the new SNP government. On 11 May, the Greens signed an agreement with the Scottish National Party (SNP), which meant that the Greens voted for Alex Salmond as First Minister and supported his initial Ministerial appointments. ^{[30] [31]} 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.

Johnstone, was female co-convenor between 2007-2008

Differences, primarily over transport policy, were cited for the limited nature of the agreement. ^[30] But they left open the door to further negotiations should the Scottish Liberal Democrats join the First Salmond government.

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

— then MSP Robin Harper, speaking to BBC Scotland. ^[30]

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. ^[32]

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. ^[33] The role of female co-convenor was won by Scott. ^{[34] [35]}

2009 Scottish budget negotiations

During the 2009 Scottish budget process, the Scottish Greens demanded an £1 billion home insulation programme over 10 years. ^[36] The SNP Scottish Government offered £22 million for a 'pilot' project. The party then demanded a £33 million pilot for their backing of the budget, which the SNP refused.

On 28 January 2009, the two Green MSPs were instrumental in the defeat of the Government's budget. ^[37] The party's co-convenor Patrick Harvie blamed this on the government's funding proposal for the pilot being "too vague" on whether it would be "new money" or from pre-existing local authority budgets. ^[38] The move surprised some commentators, whose leadership had until this point been marked with increased cooperation with the SNP government. ^[38]

A slightly amended version of the budget was passed easily the following week with the support of other parties ^[39]

Campaigning against Donald Trump

On 31 May 2009, Cllr Martin Ford, formerly a Liberal Democrat, joined the Scottish Green Party in protest against the plans by Donald Trump to develop on an important environmental site at Menie. ^[40]

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

On 13 October 2009, he was joined by fellow former Liberal Democrat Cllr Debra Storr. ^[41] Both Councillors continued to serve on Aberdeenshire Council as members of the Democratic Independent group. ^[42] At the 2012 Scottish local elections Councillor Debra Storr stood down to concentrate on her professional career. ^[43] Councillor Martin Ford was re-elected, this time standing as a Scottish Green Party candidate.

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. ^{[44] [45]} He was succeeded as Lothians lead candidate by Edinburgh councillor Alison Johnstone.

The party's election campaign was launched with a focus on investment into public services paid for by tax raises. ^[46] There was scepticism in reporting on whether the proposals had been 'fully costed' but Harvie and Johnstone were both considered to be "impressive" candidates ^[47] During the campaign, Johnstone launched pledges to maintain free tuition fees, invest in graduate jobs in low carbon industry and create a free universal insulation scheme. ^{[48] [49] [50]} The scheme was a revival of the party's proposal during the 2009 Scottish budget process. ^[51]

In the end, the party only elected 2 MSPs in 2011. ^[52] Some commentators argued that the party's "hard left economic agenda" had distracted from their environmental agenda, losing it votes. ^[53] Voices from within the party disagreed, considering the lack of gains to come from poor capacity, not policy.

James Dennison notes that, 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. ^[54]

Independence referendum and rapid growth (2014–2019)

2014 Independence referendum

In November 2013, Edinburgh councillor Maggie Chapman succeeded Glasgow councillor Martha Wardrop as the party's female co-convenor after she did not seek re-election, while Patrick Harvie was re-elected. ^{[55] [56]} Chapman had difficulty being recognised as equal to Harvie in the media, she commented to Common Weal's blog Source that "It’s galling when you hear mainstream media, who do know better, referring to Patrick as leader of the party.” ^[57] Influential party member Peter McColl argued that Chapman's election and subsequent role as lead candidate in the 2014 European Parliament election marked an increased socialist influence on the party. ^[58]

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

After the Scottish Government announced the referendum on Scottish independence, a campaign group called Yes Scotland was established to promote a vote for independence. Leading members of the Scottish Green Party actively supported and became involved with the campaign from its foundation, with Patrick Harvie among the members of Yes Scotland's advisory board. ^{[59] [60]}

Briefly, the party withdrew from Yes Scotland, due to concerns it was dominated by the SNP, and its acceptance of the pound, monarchy and NATO membership. ^[61] However, the party's 2012 conference overturned the decision, after the party was convinced that the campaign was no longer the 'puppet' of the SNP. ^[62] The party also joined the Radical Independence Campaign. ^[63]

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. ^[63] He also argued that devolution did not go far enough to tackle issues important to Scots like austerity. ^[64]

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

—  Patrick Harvie MSP, speaking about the party's vision of independence, New Statesman ^[64]

However, in December, former convenor Robin Harper said that he would "absolutely vote No" in the independence referendum and offered his backing to the Better Together campaign, putting himself at odds with official party policy and its present leadership. Going on to say that he would like to help the Better Together and that there was a "significant minority" of Greens who were opposed to independence. ^[65]

Uniquely amongst the parties in the Scottish Parliament, the Scottish Green Party is open about and comfortable with the differences of opinion in the party on the constitutional issue, with co-convenor Patrick Harvie pointing out that "even the very firm supporters of independence within the Greens tend to be more strongly motivated by other aspects of our political agenda." ^[66] Academic James Dennison argued that after the referendum, the party gained support from independence supporters who "supported independence not as an expression of nationalism but as a route to a fairer society." ^[67]

Impacts of the referendum

Membership before and after independence referendum ^{[68] [69]}

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

After the independence referendum, the Scottish Greens experienced a massive surge in membership, including future co-leader Lorna Slater. ^{[70] [71] [72]} The party claimed that, for a period in the day after the referendum, it gained a member every 15 seconds. ^[73] It led to the party's membership becoming younger, and significantly more female alongside being able to hire more paid staff than ever before. ^[74] The party's co-convenor Patrick Harvie, became a recognised figure on Scotland's political stage ^[75]

Public satisfaction with Patrick Harvie as co-convenor around referendum, Ipsos

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 with former Scottish Labour First Minister Henry McLeish arguing the party could make a 'a strong case' for more devolved powers on the commission. ^{[76] [77]} 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. ^[78]

Chapman's challenges

In 2015, Maggie Chapman was challenged as co-convenor by activist Zara Kitson in the party's internal elections. ^[79] Kitson was second on the party list for Glasgow in the 2016 Scottish Parliament election and was nominated by former MSP Mark Ruskell and endorsed by MSP and former convenor Alison Johnstone. 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.

Edinburgh Green councillors, including Maggie Chapman (top middle)

The party's selection process of co-convenor Maggie Chapman as lead candidate in the North East Scotland region for the 2016 election attracted controversy. After she won selection by local members in late 2015, some members started a petition calling for her de-selection and replacement with a local candidate, whose signatures included fellow list candidates Green councillor Martin Ford and former Green councillor Debra Storr, as well as former Green MSP Shiona Baird. ^[80] Then, allegations emerged of ballot irregularities in the selection process, although they were dismissed by the party's Elections and Campaigns Committee. ^[81] There was also controversy around claims Chapman had pretended to have a doctorate, although the party claimed it was an administrative error. ^[82]

The party's national council ruled that the ballot result was the "settled will of the party" and told Ford and Storr to cease contesting it or resign as candidates. ^{[83] [84]} Both chose to resign both as candidates and party members.

Brexit and 2016 Scottish Parliament election

In the leadup to the 2016 Scottish Parliament election, the party campaigned with a focus on tax-rises for the rich, with co-convneor Patrick Harvie saying it would be “agenda item one” in any post-election talks with the SNP. ^[85] The party's key message was that "a better Scotland needs a bolder Holyrood" and the party aimed to elect 7 MSPs ^{[86] [87]} In the next parliament, Greens set out to be the SNP's "constructive opposition".

In the 2016 Scottish Parliament election, the party won 6 more seats, its best result since 2003. ^[88] The result pushed the party ahead of the Scottish Liberal Democrats in seat numbers, making it the fourth-largest party for the first time. ^[89] The Scottish Greens also elected the youngest MSP ever, Ross Greer at the age of 21. ^[90]

A collection of Green activists with co-leader Patrick Harvie

In the 2016 United Kingdom European Union membership referendum, the party called for a 'Remain' vote. After the vote to Leave, co-leader Patrick Harvie argued that Scotland "must keep open every option for protecting ourselves from this threat" ^[91] Subsequently, the party began more strongly advocating for a second Scottish independence referendum. ^{[92] [93]}

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. ^[94] In 2017 the party generated some controversy by standing only 3 candidates at the general election. ^[95] In the 2019 general election they contested significantly more seats in 22 constituencies. They failed to win any seats and lost their deposit in every contest.

The 2017 Scottish local elections saw 'real progress' with the party returning 14 councillors across Scotland, with 8 in the City of Edinburgh Council. ^[96]

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

Leadup to the 2021 Scottish Parliament election

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. ^[97] The party campaigned on a message of a "just and welcoming Scotland at the heart of Europe" but 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.^{[ citation needed ]}

2021 Scottish Parliament election and power-sharing agreement

In the 2021 Scottish Parliament election the party won a record eight Holyrood seats. ^[98] Alison Johnstone was one of the eight MSPs elected for the Scottish Greens in the election, however on 13 May 2021 she gave up her party affiliation in order to become Holyrood's Presiding Officer as the position is a politically neutral role. ^[99] Thus the party's number of elected representatives in the Scottish Parliament was reduced from 8 MSPs to 7.

After two months of negotiations, on 20 August 2021, the Scottish Greens announced a new power-sharing agreement with the SNP Scottish Government. ^{[13] [100] [101]} While not an official coalition, for the first time in Scottish and UK history it offered the Greens two ministerial posts. ^{[102] [103] [104]} The agreement will see both parties pledge for a second referendum on Scottish independence, an increase investment in active travel and public transport, enhancing tenants rights, a ten-year £500m Just Transition and establishing a National Care Service. ^{[105] [106]}

Some commentators on the left praised the agreement for its commitments to railway decarbonisation, rent controls and a just transition fund for the North East of Scotland. ^[107]

The agreement faced some criticism inside the party for not being radical enough. In openDemocracy, member Adam Ramsay argued that "beyond rent controls and tenants’ rights, few of the proposed ideas [in the agreement] mean picking real fights with people with much power." but also noted that due to the party's more radical membership having greater power than most political parties, that could make the government more radical. ^[108] Outside the party, some commentators thought the agreement was too radical and thought the party was a "dangerous, extremist influence on [the] government" and it was condemned by the Scottish Conservatives and Scottish Labour ^{[109] [110] [111]} Academic Professor Nicola McEwen suggested that the agreement "sometimes pushes [the SNP] further" particularly on climate, social and fair work policy. ^[112] She also argues that the two parties had already converged on many issues over the preceding decade. However, critics and supporters of the party agree that the agreement has allowed the party to have a lot of influence on the Scottish government. ^{[113] [114]}

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

The deal was subject to Scottish Green Party members approving the deal as "its constitution requires a power-sharing deal at Holyrood to be put to a full vote of the membership, and a two-thirds majority vote by its ruling council". ^[115] On 28 August 2021, it was announced that Scottish Green members had backed the deal, with 83% of members who took part in an extraordinary general meeting voting in favour of the deal with some proxy votes still to be counted. The deal then passed the required two-thirds majority of the party's National Council, meaning the deal was then formally ratified. ^[116]

Success in local government

The 2022 Scottish local elections saw a record result for the party, doubling its seat count to 35. ^[117] The party elected councillors for the first time in North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire, Argyll and Bute, Clackmannanshire, Shetland, East Lothian, Moray and the Scottish Borders. The party committed to introduce policies in local government based on climate and social justice. ^[118]

In the central belt cities, the party also got closer to power, either supporting a minority administration or attempting to form a coalition with the SNP in Glasgow and Edinburgh:

• In Glasgow City Council, the party agreed a 'co-operation' deal with the SNP to support their minority administration. ^[119] While it does not bind the party to support the administration long-term, it gave the party a greater say on the development of the council's strategic plan and the chair in the Net Zero Committee in return for voting in favour of the SNP forming the administration. ^{[120] [121]} The party in Glasgow also secured first place in several council wards for the first time, in Hillhead and Langside.
• In Edinburgh, the party attempted to form a coalition with the SNP, but their effort was defeated after Labour won Conservative support to form a minority administration. ^{[122] [123]} Later, the two parties also proposed a joint budget, which was also defeated. ^[124] The party key aims included reducing the number of short term lets in the city, introducing a levy on carparking spaces to be paid by big employers and doubling the number of council homes in the city. ^[125]
• In North Lanarkshire, sole Green councillor Claire Williams was part of the balance of power, and supported the formation of a SNP minority administration. However, after a scandal in the SNP caused defections to Labour, the administration fell. ^{[126] [127]}

Entry into Government

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

At their national conference in October 2022, the Scottish Greens voted to suspend the clause of their constitution which gave members of the Green Party of England and Wales automatic rights to attend meetings of the Scottish Greens, over the issue of transphobia. ^[128]

After the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the party chose not to attend any of the events surrounding her death, bar a service of thanksgiving at St Giles' Cathedral, or around the Coronation of Charles III and Camilla, stating that many viewed the monarchy as a 'tiresome spectacle'. ^{[129] [130]} Co-leader Patrick Harvie called for a 'national debate' on the future of the monarchy ^[131]

On 15 February 2023, Nicola Sturgeon resigned as First Minister of Scotland and leader of the Scottish National Party, pending a leadership election. ^[132] The party praised her leadership, calling her the "most significant figure of the devolution era". ^[133] Green MSP for the Highlands and Islands Ariane Burgess said she had left a "solid foundation" to respond to the climate emergency and deliver independence. ^[134]

A key issue in the following leadership campaign became around the continuation of the power-sharing agreement with the Scottish Greens, with Humza Yousaf backing it, but Kate Forbes and Ash Regan criticising it. At the party's spring conference, co-leaders Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater declared that while they had "so much more to deliver" in government, they would not do so at "any cost". ^{[135] [136] [137]} These comments were widely interpreted as meaning that the Scottish Greens would not support a government led by Forbes or Regan. ^{[138] [139]} This speculation was later confirmed by Harvie, stating that due to Forbes positions "[the power-sharing agreement] would need to be ended". ^[140]

We will only vote for the SNP’s new Leader to become First Minister if they are committed to the politics of cooperation. If they respect and share our values of equality and environmentalism. [...] These are fundamental issues for us. They are non-negotiable.

—  Lorna Slater, speaking at the party's 2023 Spring Conference ^[141]

Inside the party, the Scottish Green Party Trade Union Group called for a 'debate' at an extraordinary general meeting on the future of the agreement. ^[142] However, elements in the party doubted they had the support to secure the calling of an EGM.

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. ^{[143] [144]} The party's co-leaders continue to serve as ministers in the Yousaf government.

Successes and challenges in government

In government, the party introduced the first government bill from a Green Minister, with the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act 2022 to freeze rents and ban evictions in response to the cost of living crisis. ^[145] In 2023, the two Green ministers introduced proposals to creating two new national parks, introducing rent controls, a new draft biodiversity strategy and consulted on home heating legislation. ^{[146] [147] [148] [149]} The party also had impact in areas outwith its ministers' control, with the end of peak-time rail fares, increased funding for active travel and additional income tax bands for higher earners. ^[150]

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

However, the party also faced significant challenges with some of its key policies. ^[151] Scotland's Deposit Return Scheme, which was spearheaded by co-leader and circularity minister Lorna Slater, was delayed until at least 2025 as a result of the UK Government blocking the inclusion of glass bottles in the scheme. ^{[152] [153]} A commitment to protect 10% of Scotland's seas as Highly Protected Marine Areas was also dropped, and the party had concerns with SNP's pledging a council tax freeze. ^{[154] [155] [156]}

The party also suffered from some internal issues, with a co-chair and co-convenor of both its National Council and Executive resigning prematurely and both co-leaders commenting that the party had experienced "an an increase in factionalism and hostile behaviour". ^[157] On 3 August 2023, Robin Harper, the party's first MSP resigned claiming the party had 'lost the plot' and announced he would vote Labour in the next UK general election. ^[158]

In an interview at the party's 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. ^[159]

Nonetheless, the party also enjoyed an unprecedented level of support. ^[160] Some within the party commentators lauded the party's role in government for raising income tax and securing better representation for trades unions in the public sector. ^{[161] [113]}

References

1. "Rainbow Greens Manifesto". Scottish Greens. Archived from the original on 24 March 2023. Retrieved 3 January 2023.
2. Conor Matchett [@conor_matchett] (24 April 2023). "Scottish Greens state their membership stands at 7,646" (Tweet). Retrieved 24 April 2023– via Twitter.
3. Nordsieck, Wolfram (2016). "Scotland/UK". Archived from the original on 23 October 2018. Retrieved 1 October 2018.
4. "Scottish Independence" (PDF). Scottish Greens. November 2012. Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 March 2014. Retrieved 12 December 2019. A hereditary monarchy is incompatible with Green principles of democracy, equality and fairness. We favour an elected Head of State.
5. Greer, Ross (February 2016). "Now is the time to fight to stay in Europe ... and to reform it from the left, not the right as Cameron plans". Scottish Greens. Archived from the original on 13 April 2021. Retrieved 8 March 2021.
6. Scotland Business Law Handbook: Strategic Information and Laws Archived 21 December 2018 at the Wayback Machine . International Business Publications, USA. Volume 1, 2013 edition (updated annually). Published in Washington DC, USA.
7. Stone, Jon (14 July 2015). "Green Party set to take 10 seats from Labour in next year's Scottish Parliament election". The Independent. Archived from the original on 31 January 2020. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
8. "Scottish Greens - For People. For Planet". Scottish Greens. Archived from the original on 1 January 2024. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
9. "Local Council Political Compositions". Open Council Date UK. 7 January 2018. Archived from the original on 30 September 2017. Retrieved 7 January 2018.
10. Scotland Business Law Handbook: Strategic Information and Laws Archived 21 December 2018 at the Wayback Machine . International Business Publications, USA. Volume 1, 2013 edition (updated annually). Published in Washington DC, USA.
11. Stone, Jon (14 July 2015). "Green Party set to take 10 seats from Labour in next year's Scottish Parliament election". The Independent. Archived from the original on 31 January 2020. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
12. Paul Cockburn, "Leslie Spoor", The Herald , 30 March 2011
13. "SNP-Greens deal pledges indyref2 within five years". BBC News. 20 August 2021. Archived from the original on 20 August 2021. Retrieved 20 August 2021.
14. Smith, Ken (19 May 1989). "Greens oppose the single market". The Glasgow Herald . p. 15. Archived from the original on 1 April 2021. Retrieved 9 November 2015.
15. Bochel, JM; Denver, DT. "Scottish Regional Elections, 1990" (PDF). The Elections Centre. p. 3. Retrieved 22 April 2020.
16. P. Byrne, Social Movements in Britain, Routldege, 1997.
17. W. Rüdig, ‘The Greens in Europe: Ecological Parties and the European Elections of 1984’, Parliamentary Affairs, 38, 1985, 56–72, at p. 67.
18. Tempest, Matthew (2 May 2003). "Scottish Labour retains power - just". The Guardian. ISSN   0261-3077 . Retrieved 1 January 2024.
19. Ballard, Mark (22 March 2012). "Great Green Campaigns: Scotland 2003". Bright Green. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
20. Burnside, R., Herbert, S., and Curtis, S. (2003) ‘Election 2003’, p.12-13, SPICe Briefing
21. "Second term for McConnell". 15 May 2003. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
22. "BBC NEWS | In Depth | Vote 2004 | Scotland European Election Result". news.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
23. "Greens to contest 19 seats in bid to gain historic first MP". The Scotsman. 28 February 2005. Archived from the original on 22 November 2016. Retrieved 22 November 2016.
24. "Greens show their colours to back vote for independence". The Scotsman. 30 July 2005. Archived from the original on 11 November 2018. Retrieved 11 November 2018.
25. "Greens enjoying political climate". 5 November 2005. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
26. Fraser, Douglas (10 January 2007). "Poll predicts 3-party coalition Survey puts SNP in front of Labour months before Holyrood election". The Herald. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
27. Barnes, Eddie (4 March 2023). "Greens face recycle bin as big parties wise up". The Scotsman . Retrieved 30 December 2023.
28. "Election 2007: The Others: Battle of big two leaves small parties in the cold". The Scotsman . 4 May 2007. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
29. "Profile: Scottish Green Party". 5 April 2010. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
30. "SNP and Greens sign working deal". BBC News. 11 May 2007. Archived from the original on 9 October 2007. Retrieved 6 January 2010.
31. "Text of Scottish National Party and Scottish Green Party Cooperation Agreement (60Kb pdf), accessed 6 January 2010" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 23 September 2021. Retrieved 12 August 2008.
32. "New co-leader for Scottish Greens". 24 September 2007. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
33. "Harvie to become Green co-leader". 22 September 2008. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
34. "GREEN CO-CONVENORS". Scottish Greens. 27 November 2008. Archived from the original on 23 September 2014. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
35. "Patrick Harvie to lead Scottish Greens". The Scotsman . 23 November 2008. Archived from the original on 10 May 2016. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
36. Carrell, Severin (28 January 2009). "Alex Salmond threatens to call election after Scottish parliament rejects SNP's budget". The Guardian. ISSN   0261-3077 . Retrieved 31 December 2023.
37. "Scottish budget rejected by MSPs". BBC News. 28 January 2009. Archived from the original on 31 January 2009. Retrieved 5 February 2009.
38. Dinwoodie, Robbie (29 January 2009). "Why Patrick Harvie felt he could not back the bill THE GREENS". The Herald. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
39. "Scots budget clears first hurdle". BBC News . 23 January 2008. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
40. Gordon, Green. "Welcoming Martin Ford to the Greens". Two Doctors. Archived from the original on 28 July 2011. Retrieved 30 December 2011.
41. Glenn, Stephen. "Welcoming Debra Storr to the Greens". Two Doctors. Archived from the original on 21 October 2009. Retrieved 30 December 2011.
42. "Aberdeenshire Council – Councillor Political Affiliation". Aberdeenshire.gov.uk. Archived from the original on 3 November 2011.
43. Urquhart, Frank (4 May 2012). "Scottish council elections: Fight is on for Aberdeenshire as Anne Robertson steps down". The Scotsman. Archived from the original on 20 November 2016. Retrieved 20 November 2016.
44. "UK's first Green Parliamentarian to stand down at next election - edie". edie. 8 November 2010. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
45. Kelbie, Paul (13 September 2008). "End of a green era as Harper steps down". The Observer. ISSN   0029-7712 . Retrieved 1 January 2024.
46. Dinwoodie, Robbie (20 April 2011). "2011". The Herald. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
47. Gordon, Tom (20 April 2011). "Tom Gordon". The Herald. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
48. "Greens in student election pledge". Blairgowrie Advertiser. 4 May 2011. Retrieved 1 January 2023.
49. "Green for go on insulation". The Daily Record. 12 April 2011. Retrieved 1 January 2023.
50. Guttenplan, D. d (24 April 2011). "Scotland Wrestles With Question of Tuition Fees". The New York Times. ISSN   0362-4331 . Retrieved 1 January 2024.
51. "What the Greens think about the SNP and insulation". The Edinburgh Reporter. 10 April 2011. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
52. "Scottish election: SNP majority for second term". BBC News. 7 May 2011. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
53. MacNab, Scott (24 August 2011). "Inside Politics : Greens need a policy rethink if they are to ripen into a political force and build on their early promise". The Scotsman . p. 34. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
54. Dennison, James (2017). The Greens in British politics: protest, anti-austerity and the divided left. Cham: Palgrave Macmillan. p. 50. ISBN   978-3-319-42672-3.
55. "Glasgow MSP retains Greens leader role". Evening Times . Newsquest. 25 November 2013. Archived from the original on 23 September 2021. Retrieved 8 December 2013.
56. Stephen, Phyllis (27 November 2013). "Edinburgh councillor chosen to lead the Green Party in Scotland". The Edinburgh Reporter. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
57. Space, Common (8 April 2020). "The Green Maggie: Greens co-convener Maggie Chapman on not being Patrick, #GE2015 and finding an identity". Source. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
58. McColl, Peter (2015). "The Scottish Greens After The Referendum – Scottish Left Review". Scottish Left Review. Archived from the original on 29 January 2022. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
59. "Perspective: Why a Yes voter needn't be a nationalist". 10 January 2013. Archived from the original on 5 April 2013. Retrieved 3 April 2013.
60. "From treaties to referendums: Scotland's political timeline". The Herald. 2 May 2012. Archived from the original on 1 January 2024. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
61. "Greens pull out of Yes Scotland referendum campaign". The Telegraph. 12 June 2012. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
62. Dennison, James (2017). The Greens in British politics: protest, anti-austerity and the divided left. Cham: Palgrave Macmillan. pp. 50–51. ISBN   978-3-319-42672-3.
63. 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.
64. Chakelian, Anoosh (15 August 2014). "Leader of the Scottish Greens: "You don't need to like Alex Salmond to vote Yes"". New Statesman. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
65. "Robin Harper to vote No". Edinburgh News . Johnston Press. 3 December 2013. Archived from the original on 6 December 2013. Retrieved 3 December 2013.
66. "Patrick Harvie MSP". Archived from the original on 16 March 2016. Retrieved 13 October 2016.
67. Dennison, James (2017), "The Rise of the Greens in British Politics", The Greens in British Politics, Cham: Springer International Publishing, p. 2, doi:10.1007/978-3-319-42673-0_1, ISBN   978-3-319-42672-3 , retrieved 1 January 2024
68. "Scottish referendum: 'Yes' parties see surge in members". BBC News. 22 September 2014. Archived from the original on 23 October 2018. Retrieved 21 June 2018.
69. "Scottish public 'should have power to propose independence referendum'". The Herald. 10 October 2015. Archived from the original on 11 April 2016. Retrieved 28 March 2016.
70. "Scottish politics has turned upside down since the independence referendum". British Politics and Policy at LSE. 11 November 2014. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
71. Slater, Lorna (2 May 2021). "Green Because... Lorna's Story" (video). youtube.com. Scottish Greens.
72. Brooks, Libby (12 October 2014). "Scottish Greens look to the future". The Guardian. ISSN   0261-3077 . Retrieved 31 December 2023.
73. @scottishgreens (20 September 2014). "Since yesterday morning, we've gained 1,200 new members. At one point folks were signing up one every 15 seconds!" (Tweet). Retrieved 1 January 2024– via Twitter.
74. Mitchell, James; Bennie, Lynn; Johns, Rob (December 2017). "Referendum as platform: the SNP and Scottish Green membership surge". Political Insight. 8 (3): 16–19. doi:10.1177/2041905817744629. ISSN   2041-9058. S2CID   148947954.
75. Dennison, James (2017), "'Green Spike': European Elections to Independence Referendum", The Greens in British Politics, Cham: Springer International Publishing, p. 52, doi:10.1007/978-3-319-42673-0_3, ISBN   978-3-319-42672-3 , retrieved 1 January 2024
76. "Henry McLeish backs Greens to win devolved powers". BBC News. 6 October 2014. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
77. "Scottish referendum: Iain Gray to join powers commission". BBC News. 29 September 2014. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
78. "What are the parties' proposals to the Smith Commission?". BBC News. 10 October 2014. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
79. "Activist challenges co-convenor of Greens for top post ahead of biggest election campaign". The National. 27 October 2015. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
80. Brooks, Cameron (11 June 2015). "Greens plot campaign to oust Aberdeen University rector as Holyrood candidate". The Press and Journal. Archived from the original on 31 December 2023. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
81. Hutcheson, Paul (4 July 2015). "Scottish Greens in civil war over Holyrood ballot". The Herald. Archived from the original on 31 December 2023. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
82. "Green party rifts over co-convenor Chapman's 'PhD lie' threaten to overshadow Holyood campaign". The National. 7 December 2015. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
83. "Scottish Greens in turmoil after three Holyrood candidates quit". The Herald. 17 February 2016. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
84. Storr, Debra. "Rather belatedly : Why I resigned from the Scottish Greens" . Retrieved 31 December 2023.
85. Carrell, Severin (12 April 2016). "Scottish Greens to press Nicola Sturgeon to tax rich after election". The Guardian. ISSN   0261-3077 . Retrieved 1 January 2024.
86. Carrell, Severin (8 February 2016). "Scottish Greens target record number of MSPs in Scottish elections". The Guardian. ISSN   0261-3077 . Retrieved 1 January 2024.
87. "Scotland Can | Scottish Greens". Scottish Greens. 2016. Archived from the original on 8 April 2016. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
88. "Holyrood 2016: SNP claims 'historic' win but no majority". BBC News. 4 May 2016. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
89. "Scottish Greens push Lib Dems into fifth place". BBC News. 6 May 2016. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
90. "Greens' Ross Greer becomes youngest MSP". BBC News. 6 May 2016. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
91. "EU referendum: Scotland backs Remain as UK votes Leave". BBC News. 22 June 2016. Retrieved 26 December 2023.
92. "Greens could back indyref2 court fight against Tories, Patrick Harvie suggests". The National. 8 April 2021. Retrieved 2 September 2021.
93. Whitaker, Andrew (8 January 2017). "Senior SNP figures back Sturgeon on 'parking' indyref2". The Herald. Retrieved 26 December 2023.
94. "Scottish Greens set to field candidates in 32 seats". Sunday Herald . Newsquest. 22 February 2015. Archived from the original on 23 September 2021. Retrieved 22 February 2015.
95. "General election 2017: Scottish Greens to field three candidates". BBC. 10 May 2017. Archived from the original on 10 October 2018. Retrieved 21 June 2018.
96. "Council election results: Sturgeon hails victory despite Tory surge". BBC News. 4 May 2017. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
97. "Scottish Greens candidates for European Elections unveiled". BBC News. 25 April 2019. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
98. "Scottish election 2021: Scottish Greens win record eight Holyrood seats in 'best ever' result". BBC News. 8 May 2021. Archived from the original on 27 May 2021. Retrieved 27 May 2021.
99. Grant, Alistair (13 May 2021). "Green MSP Alison Johnstone elected Holyrood's new Presiding Officer". The Herald. Archived from the original on 27 May 2021. Retrieved 27 May 2021.
100. Davidson, Peter (20 August 2021). "SNP and Greens negotiate deal to form power-sharing government at Holyrood". Daily Record. Archived from the original on 20 August 2021. Retrieved 20 August 2021.
101. Stephen, Phyllis (28 August 2021). "SNP and Greens strike a deal". The Edinburgh Reporter. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
102. "Co-operation deal between SNP and Greens to be revealed this week". The National. 15 August 2021. Archived from the original on 20 August 2021. Retrieved 20 August 2021.
103. "Scotland: SNP and Scottish Greens' power-sharing agreement is 'groundbreaking', Nicola Sturgeon says". Sky News. Archived from the original on 20 August 2021. Retrieved 20 August 2021.
104. "Scottish Greens enter government as deal done with SNP". STV News. 20 August 2021. Archived from the original on 20 August 2021. Retrieved 20 August 2021.
105. "What does the SNP-Green deal mean for Scotland?". Largs and Millport Weekly News. 20 August 2021. Archived from the original on 20 August 2021. Retrieved 20 August 2021.
106. "Working Together to Build A Greener, Fairer, Independent Scotland" (PDF). Scottish Government and Scottish Green Party. 20 August 2021. Archived (PDF) from the original on 20 August 2021. Retrieved 20 August 2021.
107. Rooney, Stella (14 March 2022). "A marriage not made in heaven: marking the SNP-Scottish Greens coalition scorecard – Scottish Left Review". Scottish Left Review. Archived from the original on 16 March 2022. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
108. Ramsay, Adam (23 August 2021). "Opinion: Scottish Green members hold unprecedented power. How will they use it?". OpenDemocracy . Retrieved 30 December 2023.
109. Scothorne, Rory (19 August 2021). "What will an SNP-Green deal mean for the future of Scottish politics?". The Guardian. ISSN   0261-3077 . Retrieved 30 December 2023.
110. Brooks, Libby; correspondent, Libby Brooks Scotland (20 August 2021). "SNP and Scottish Greens confirm power-sharing deal in historic moment for Greens". The Guardian. ISSN   0261-3077 . Retrieved 30 December 2023.
111. Johnson, Simon (24 August 2021). "Nicola Sturgeon's deal with Scottish Greens a 'political wasps' nest', says ex-SNP deputy leader". The Telegraph. ISSN   0307-1235 . Retrieved 30 December 2023.
112. McEwen, Professor Nicola (2 September 2021). "Scotland's Green Party and National Party: a new agreement". UK in a changing Europe. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
113. Anderson, Blair (17 July 2023). "Four steps we can take to grow the Scottish Green Party's success". Bright Green. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
114. Maciver, Andy (31 July 2023). "How did the Scottish Greens end up with so much influence?". The Spectator. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
115. Carrell, Severin (11 August 2021). "Deal between Scottish Greens and SNP delayed as deadline looms". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 25 August 2021. Retrieved 26 August 2021.
116. "Scottish Greens back historic government deal". BBC News. 28 August 2021. Archived from the original on 31 August 2021. Retrieved 2 September 2021.
117. "Scottish council elections 2022: SNP finishes as biggest party". BBC News. 5 May 2022. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
118. "Scottish Greens to campaign on climate and social justice". BBC News. 12 April 2022. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
119. "Greens pave the way for another minority SNP administration in Glasgow". Holyrood Website. 17 May 2022. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
120. "SNP and Greens strike Glasgow city council deal". The Herald. 17 May 2022. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
121. "Greens back SNP to form Glasgow council administration". BBC News. 17 May 2022. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
122. "Labour wins Tory backing to oust the SNP from City of Edinburgh Council". Holyrood Website. 26 May 2022. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
123. Turvill, Donald (17 May 2022). "Council elections 2022 – SNP and Greens ready to form a minority administration?". The Edinburgh Reporter. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
124. Stephen, Phyllis (22 February 2023). "SNP and Greens coalesce around budget proposals in Edinburgh". The Edinburgh Reporter. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
125. Stephen, Phyllis (25 May 2022). "Council elections 2022 – SNP and Greens publish their coalition deal in full". The Edinburgh Reporter. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
126. "Labour regain control of North Lanarkshire Council from SNP". Holyrood Website. 11 August 2022. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
127. "SNP lose control of Scots council as British Unionist Party casts deciding vote". The National. 11 August 2022. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
128. Healey, Derek; Amery, Rachel (16 October 2022). "Scottish Greens vote to 'suspend ties' with Green Party of England and Wales". The Courier. Retrieved 16 October 2022.
129. "Scottish Green leaders to snub King's cathedral ceremony". BBC News. 4 July 2023. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
130. "Scottish Greens Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater decline invitation to Scotland's coronation celebration in Edinburgh". Sky News. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
131. Stephen, Phyllis (21 April 2023). "Greens say it is time for a national debate on the monarchy". The Edinburgh Reporter. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
132. "Nicola Sturgeon says time is right to resign as Scotland's first minister". BBC News. 15 February 2023. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
133. Stephen, Phyllis (15 February 2023). "Greens co-leaders praise Nicola Sturgeon for her leadership". The Edinburgh Reporter. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
134. "Highland Green MSP praises 'compassion' of resigning First Minister". Strathspey Herald. 15 February 2023. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
135. Slater, Lorna (25 March 2023). "Lorna Slater spring conference speech 2023". Scottish Greens. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
136. Harvie, Patrick (25 March 2023). "Patrick Harvie spring conference speech 2023". Scottish Greens. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
137. "Greens: New FM must have 'progressive values'". BBC News. 25 March 2023. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
138. Brooks, Libby; correspondent, Libby Brooks Scotland (25 March 2023). "Greens indicate deal will end if new SNP leader rejects 'progressive values'". The Guardian. ISSN   0261-3077 . Retrieved 30 December 2023.
139. Sim, Philip (24 March 2023). "Will the Greens want to stay in government with the SNP?". BBC News. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
140. "Patrick Harvie on Kate Forbes, SNP chaos, Israel, trans rights and achieving net zero". The Herald. 15 October 2023. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
141. Slater, Lorna (25 March 2023). "Equality and environmentalism non-negotiable". Scottish Greens. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
142. "Scottish Greens members call for special meeting to debate Bute House deal with SNP". The National. 28 February 2023. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
143. "Scottish Greens unanimously back Humza Yousaf for first minister". Holyrood Website. 27 March 2023. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
144. Stephen, Phyllis (27 March 2023). "Greens Council vote to support the Bute House Agreement". The Edinburgh Reporter. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
145. "Rent freeze strikes right balance between tenants and landlords – minister". The Independent. 4 October 2022. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
146. "Explained: What Patrick Harvie's heat pumps strategy means for you". The Herald. 28 November 2023. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
147. "Nominations for Scotland's next national park officially open". The National. 12 October 2023. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
148. "Scottish government seeks views on long-term rent controls". Inside Housing. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
149. "Lorna Slater told to be 'ambitious' with delayed biodiversity strategy". The Herald. 7 September 2023. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
150. "How green is the Scottish Budget ... and will it help us reach net zero targets?". The National. 18 December 2022. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
151. "Scottish Greens: A year of coalition friction and binned policies". The Herald. 29 December 2023. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
152. "Why has Scotland's deposit return scheme been delayed?". BBC News. 13 February 2023. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
153. Stephen, Phyllis (7 June 2023). "Greens say the UK government has "ripped up" devolution settlement". The Edinburgh Reporter. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
154. Harper, Rachael (14 November 2023). "Scottish Highly Protected Marine Areas plans scrapped". Fishing News. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
155. "Scottish Greens: Council tax freeze broke Bute House Agreement". The National. 29 October 2023. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
156. "Slater: SNP's lack of council tax freeze consultation 'frustrating'". STV News. PA Media. 27 October 2023. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
157. "Scottish Greens co-chair resigns from NEC over 'increased hostility' within party". The National. 5 December 2023. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
158. "Robin Harper quits Scottish Greens as party has 'lost the plot'". BBC News. 2 August 2023. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
159. "John Curtice: Greens' independence 'red line' comment 'risks' Yes support". The National. 31 October 2023. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
160. Swanson, Ian (22 August 2023). "Greens in government: Party accused of 'dragging down' SNP but Greens' own poll ratings are looking good - Ian Swanson". Edinburgh Evening News. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
161. Christie, Niall (13 July 2023). "Grassroots democracy will be central to the Scottish Green Party's future success". Bright Green. Retrieved 30 December 2023.