Scottish Greens Win First Holyrood Constituencies, Unseat SNP's Angus Robertson

Context The Greens entered the 2024 Holyrood election hoping to translate their regional list success into direct constituency wins. Prior to this election, all Green MSPs had been elected through the party‑list system, with no constituency victories recorded.

Edinburgh Central, formerly held by the SNP’s Nicola Sturgeon, and Glasgow Southside, a traditionally Labour‑held seat, were identified as key battlegrounds where progressive voters could shift allegiance. Turnout in Edinburgh Central rose to 62 %, up five points from the previous election, indicating heightened engagement.

Key Facts Lorna Slater, former Green co‑leader and ex‑minister in the SNP‑Green government, won Edinburgh Central with 12,680 votes, a majority of 4,582 over the Labour candidate, which amounts to a 13 % lead. She defeated Angus Robertson, who received 7,702 votes and fell to third place.

In Glasgow Southside, Green councillor Holly Bruce captured the seat with 3,101 votes more than former SNP minister Kaukab Stewart, an 8.1 % margin. Slater described winning two constituencies as “amazing for us,” noting the progressive agenda’s appeal, especially among younger voters.

What It Means The constituency wins break the Greens’ reliance on list seats and give them a direct mandate to influence legislation on climate, housing and public services. Robertson’s loss removes a senior SNP figure from the parliamentary benches, though he remains a candidate on the Edinburgh and Lothians East regional list where his low ranking makes re‑election unlikely.

The results suggest growing voter appetite for progressive policies beyond the traditional SNP‑Labour divide. Analysts note that the Greens’ performance could pressure larger parties to adopt stronger climate targets to retain progressive voters.

Watch for how the Greens’ two new MSPs shape committee work and whether their success inspires further constituency challenges in future elections.