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.

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

21 June, 2017 - 17:23

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

15 June, 2017 - 12:05

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.

Default 20 mph speed limit in residential streets and better public transport can help tackle the public health crisis that is air pollution

14 June, 2017 - 10:05

A default 20 mph speed limit in residential streets and better public transport can help tackle the public health crisis that is air pollution, according to Mark Ruskell MSP, Environment spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, who will today (14 June) lead a debate at Holyrood on National Clean Air Day.

Greens say policy change needed to stop emissions rise

13 June, 2017 - 16:19

Greenhouse gas emissions will continue to rise under the SNP if the party continues with its plans to cut Air Passenger Duty say the Scottish Greens.

The Greens called into question the Scottish Government policy after new figures published today revealed that transport has overtaken energy as Scotland’s most polluting sector.

Ruskell, a Mid Scotland and Fife MSP, said:

Ruskell hits out at SNP and Tory MSPs for supporting a return to amputating puppies' tails

13 June, 2017 - 14:07

Mark Ruskell MSP, Environment spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, today (13 June) hit out at SNP and Tory MSPs for supporting a return to amputating puppies' tails.

The Scottish Government brought its proposed relaxation of a ten-year ban on tail docking in working dogs to today's Environment Committee at Holyrood.

SNP and Tory MSPs voted in support of the move, with Green MSP Mark Ruskell and two Labour MSPs opposing it.

Mark Ruskell said:

Ruskell questions Environment Secretary on lack of support from vets for allowing puppies' tails to be amputated

7 June, 2017 - 15:54

Mark Ruskell MSP, Environment spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, today (7 June) used Question Time at Holyrood to quiz the Environment Secretary on the lack of support from vets for allowing healthy puppies' tails to be amputated.

A ban on tail docking in working dogs in Scotland has been in place for a decade.

The Scottish Government’s proposed relaxation of the ban will be voted on at the Environment Committee on Tuesday, with a full vote in the parliament chamber expected after.

Greens challenge First Minster to act on bird of prey killings

1 June, 2017 - 17:02

There is a “wall of silence” surrounding Scotland’s sporting estates say the Scottish Greens, who today (1 June) challenged the First Minister to take immediate action to stop a spate of illegal golden eagle killings.

Ruskell speaks up for Prison Service staff who feel left out of negotiations over pay

1 June, 2017 - 13:59

Mark Ruskell, Green MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, has today spoken out for Scottish Prison Service staff who say they are being left out of negotiations over pay and job roles.

Questioning the Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Michael Matheson, in the Holyrood chamber, he asked why prison officers had recently received a pay bonus which was not extended to other staff in the prison service.

Mr Ruskell, whose region includes Glenochil, Perth and Cornton Vale Prisons, said the unfair pay award has left staff feeling undervalued and undermined:

Ruskell brands Scottish Government plans on wildlife crime toothless

31 May, 2017 - 15:30

Mark Ruskell MSP, Environment spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, today (31 May) branded Scottish Government plans on wildlife crime as toothless.

Research published today shows a third of golden eagles being tracked by satellite died in suspicious circumstances, with the majority found where land is intensively managed for driven grouse shooting.