Meet Ross Greer and Gillian Mackay, the Scottish Green leaders.

The Scottish Green Party begins a new chapter under co-leaders Ross Greer and Gillian Mackay, focusing on environmental sustainability, social equity, and progressive reforms that aim to shape a fairer and greener future for Scotland.

The Scottish Green Party, a prominent political force in Scotland, is currently led by Ross Greer and Gillian Mackay, who assumed leadership in 2025. Their leadership marks a new chapter for the party as they continue to advocate for environmental sustainability, social justice, and progressive reforms. Below is an overview of their backgrounds, political careers, and policy priorities.

Educational Backgrounds

Gillian Mackay holds a degree in marine biotechnology and biodiversity from Heriot-Watt University, where she focused on marine ecosystems and environmental sustainability. This academic foundation aligns with her ongoing commitment to the environment and public health.

Ross Greer, on the other hand, studied politics and psychology at Strathclyde University. Although he did not finish his degree, Greer chose to focus on his political career, which has shaped his path in public service.

Family and Personal Life

Gillian Mackay was raised in Grangemouth, Falkirk. She is married to Alex, and together they have a son named Callan. Outside of her professional life, she is known for her passion for the Star Wars franchise, and her personal connection to the series extends beyond fandom; she met her husband through a Star Wars-related costuming club.

Ross Greer grew up in Bearsden, East Dunbartonshire, alongside his brother. He is an active member of his local Church of Scotland congregation and remains involved in church activities, reflecting his ongoing commitment to community service and faith-based initiatives.

Political Careers

Gillian Mackay and Ross Greer both rose through the ranks of the Scottish Green Party, becoming co-leaders in 2025 after the previous leadership, Lorna Slater and Patrick Harvie, concluded their tenure. This transition followed a period of governance in partnership with the Scottish National Party (SNP), a coalition that ended in 2024.

Gillian Mackay's Political Achievements

Gillian Mackay made history in 2021 when she was elected as the first Green Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for Central Scotland at the age of 29. One of her key legislative accomplishments was introducing a member's bill that created buffer zones around abortion clinics. This legislation prohibits protests or vigils within 200 meters (656 feet) of such clinics, ensuring that women seeking healthcare are not harassed or intimidated.

Additionally, Mackay has been open about her battle with Menieres disease, an inner-ear condition that can lead to vertigo and hearing loss. She describes this condition as a "hidden disability" and continues to advocate for better support and awareness of chronic health issues.

Ross Greer's Political Path

Ross Greer entered the political scene in 2016 when he was elected as the youngest-ever MSP at just 21 years old. Throughout his career, he has held various roles within the Scottish Green Party, including positions as the party's spokesperson on education and finance. Prior to these roles, he was involved in areas such as culture, skills, and European affairs. Greer is also known for his active participation in church life, having previously run a youth club for young Christians and remaining involved in local church activities.

In his personal time, Greer enjoys playing Warhammer, a miniature-based fantasy wargame that has been a hobby of his for many years.

Routes into Politics

Gillian Mackay describes her entry into politics as somewhat "accidental." Initially, she was drawn to an internship with the Scottish Green Party due to limited career opportunities in the field of marine science. Her initial political involvement was minimal, and she had even voted "No" in the 2014 Scottish independence referendum. However, as her career progressed, she became a party staffer and eventually rose to become a leader of the Greens.

Ross Greer joined the Greens at the age of 15, motivated by his interest in the party's values. He was also an active participant in the Scottish Youth Parliament. Greer decided to leave university early in order to work with the "Yes Scotland" campaign during the 2014 independence referendum, marking the beginning of his deep engagement in Scottish politics.

Policy Priorities

Under the leadership of Mackay and Greer, the Scottish Green Party has laid out several key policy priorities, which they hope to implement in the coming years:

• Free Bus Travel: Provide free bus travel for all residents of Scotland, ensuring accessibility to public transportation for all.
• Extended Childcare: Expand funded childcare services to cover children as young as six months old.
• Wealth and Pollution Taxation: Introduce new taxes on wealth and polluting industries to fund public services and ensure a fairer distribution of resources.
• Net Zero Emissions: Achieve net zero climate emissions by 2045, committing to a sustainable and climate-conscious future.

Conclusion

The leadership of Ross Greer and Gillian Mackay marks a new phase in the Scottish Green Party's commitment to environmental sustainability, progressive social policies, and political reforms aimed at improving the quality of life for all residents of Scotland. Their policy agenda reflects a dedication to climate action, social equity, and a fairer, more sustainable future for the nation.

Sources:

• The Scotsman
• The Guardian
• BBC News
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