Mark Ruskell MSP

Mid Scotland and Fife

Climate, Energy, Environment, Food & Farming

Mark Ruskell was re-elected as an MSP in May 2016, having served Mid Scotland and Fife between 2003 and 2007, during which time he served on the environment committee, introduced legislative proposals on climate targets and GM crops. In this session he is a member of the Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform committee. He has been a councillor on Stirling Council since 2012. Outside of politics Mark has managed community development projects, worked in the renewables sector and for conservation bodies in Scotland. He lives near Doune with his young family.

Data gathered by Green MSPs shows councils failing to protect public from nuclear bomb convoys

Sun 20 Aug

A new report using data gathered by the Scottish Green MSPs says that local councils and the Scottish Government are failing in their duties to protect the public from the risk of accidents involving convoys of nuclear weapons.

Greens comment on sale of Green Investment Bank

Fri 18 Aug

The Scottish Greens have questioned the green credentials of the Green Investment Bank after it was sold to a company that has invested billions of pounds in fossil fuel projects.

On climate change, Scotland has a chance to continue powering ahead

Mark Ruskell MSP Fri 18 Aug

“The psychological message is that the train has left the station. The signal sent to investors, businesses, individuals and civil society is extraordinarily powerful.”

Scotland should be inspired by these words, from former US vice president Al Gore. At the launch earlier this month of his new film on climate change, An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power, the Nobel prize-winner said that the current occupant of the White House is isolated and unable to prevent global action on climate change.

Academic report adds weight to fracking ban calls say Greens

Thu 17 Aug

The case for fracking in Scotland has “all but vanished” say the Scottish Greens after an academic report published today demonstrated how unsuitable the practice would be in Britain’s terrain.

Expert analysis from Heriot-Watt University also states that the so-called ‘opportunity’ for fracking has been ‘overhyped’.

Mark Ruskell MSP, the Scottish Greens’ climate and energy spokesperson, said:

We challenge other parties to be bold on environment & say Climate Bill should include target of zero emissions by 2040

Wed 16 Aug

Scottish Green MSPs today (17 August) challenged Holyrood's four other parties to be bold on the environment by proposing that the forthcoming Climate Bill includes a target of zero emissions by 2040.

Current targets under the 2009 Climate Act are for greenhouse gas emissions to be reduced by 80 per cent by 2050. The Scottish Government proposes increasing this to 90 per cent but does not propose bringing forward the target date, despite the urgency of the situation.

Ruskell welcomes Holyrood inquiry into air pollution

Tue 4 Jul

Mark Ruskell MSP, Environment spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, today (4 July) welcomed news that Holyrood's Environment Committee is to conduct a major inquiry into air pollution, an issue he believes is a "public health crisis".

Mark led a Holyrood debate on the issue last month, highlighting the fact that the problem has worsened with the number of air quality management areas across Scotland rising to 38.

His member's bill which aims reduce the urban speed limit and cut air pollution is currently open to consultation.

Mark Ruskell MSP said:

Ruskell says Climate Change Bill is chance to set target for leaving oil & gas in the ground

Fri 30 Jun

Mark Ruskell MSP, Climate Change spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, responded to today's (30 June) launch of a government consultation on a new Climate Change Bill by calling for cross-party agreement to set a target for leaving oil and gas in the ground.

In the consultation, Scottish Ministers propose increasing Scotland's 2050 target of reducing climate change emissions by 90 per cent compared to 1990 levels, stretching the current target of 80 per cent.

Our values are in the dock over the issue of dogs' tails

Mark Ruskell MSP Fri 23 Jun

Gandhi once said that ‘The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.’

This quote has shone down the decades and even in times of bigger political questions, the needs of the smallest, voiceless creatures provide a reflection of our values and how we carry ourselves.

Since devolution there have been key moments where that reflection has taken place. The ban on fox hunting with dogs and the foot and mouth disease crisis caused us to think hard about our relationship and responsibilities to the animal world.

Ruskell hits out at "callous" SNP and Tory MSPs for allowing painful amputation of puppies' tails

Wed 21 Jun

Mark Ruskell MSP, Environment spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, tonight (21 June) hit out at "callous" SNP and Tory MSPs for voting to allow a return to the painful amputation of puppies' tails in breeds of dogs used on shooting estates.

The end of the ten-year ban on tail docking, brought by the Scottish Government, has been strongly opposed by the Greens, veterinary organisations and animal welfare charities.

Mark Ruskell MSP said:

Ruskell criticises Scot Gov "woeful" investment as progress report shows increase in air pollution zones

Thu 15 Jun

Mark Ruskell MSP, Environment spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, today (15 June) criticised the Scottish Government's "woeful" investment in walking and cycling as a progress report on its air pollution strategy shows an increase in air pollution zones.

Four new air quality management areas were declared last year, bringing the total across Scotland to 38.