Tag: Alison Johnstone

Former Holyrood Presiding Officer honoured by Edinburgh Napier University

Alison Johnstone receives an honorary doctorate

A former Lothian MSP and Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament has been recognised by Edinburgh Napier University for her commitment to democratic inclusivity.

Alison Johnstone was awarded an honorary doctorate during a graduation ceremony at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall yesterday [Tuesday 27 October 2026].

The award recognises a political career which began in 1999 as an assistant to Robin Harper, the first Green Party politician elected anywhere in the United Kingdom, and culminated in a five-year term as Holyrood’s figurehead.

Throughout her time in politics, Ms Johnstone also served as a City of Edinburgh Councillor and co-convener of the Scottish Green Party, before being elected as a Lothian region MSP from 2011 to May of this year.

During this period, she was instrumental in establishing the Scottish Parliament’s Women’s Caucus, which seeks to address barriers facing women in politics.

Ms Johnstone’s spell as Presiding Officer, the neutral speaker of the debating chamber, coincided with the unprecedented restrictions of the Covid pandemic.

Her stewardship ensured democratic participation remained accessible throughout, including remote engagement and consideration of those with caring responsibilities.

Receiving her honorary degree, Alison Johnstone said: “I’m delighted to be awarded an honorary doctorate from Edinburgh Napier University.

“It’s extremely special to be awarded alongside so many students celebrating the fulfilment of their hard work.

“The impact of Edinburgh Napier’s teaching and research is recognised globally and I am thrilled to be awarded such an honour by an institution that I hold in the highest regard, and which has such a significant influence on the life of the region I have lived in and represented throughout my working life.

“I first became actively involved in politics when I joined neighbours campaigning to save school playing fields, just a few minutes from ENU’s Craiglockhart Campus.

“I have been privileged to serve as a City of Edinburgh Councillor, as a Member of the Scottish Parliament and as Presiding Officer. I have greatly appreciated the opportunity to work with others determined to ensure that all voices are heard and that barriers to equal representation and participation are removed. A thriving democracy demands this.

“This honour will drive me on and I will continue to do what I can to help ensure that those who may struggle most to be heard, have that opportunity.”

Formally presenting Ms Johnstone with her award of Doctor of the University, ENU Strategic Advisor Thomas Feige said: “Throughout her career, Alison Johnstone has demonstrated a profound belief that democracy is strengthened when all voices can be heard.

“Her leadership has helped to foster respectful debate, support democratic accountability and promote a more inclusive political culture.

“In doing so, she has made a lasting contribution to Scottish public life and has become an inspiring role model for future generations, and particularly for women seeking leadership roles in public service.”

Alison Johnstone received her honorary doctorate during a graduation ceremony for students from Edinburgh Napier University’s School of Arts and Creative Industries and School of Computing, Engineering & the Built Environment.

ENU’s autumn graduation ceremonies are being held at the Usher Hall between 27-30October 2026.

Edinburgh MSPs unite to demand funding for new Edinburgh Eye Pavilion Hospital

A cross-party group of Edinburgh MSPs have come together to write to the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Michael Matheson, highlighting the urgent need to fund a new Eye Pavilion in Edinburgh.

MSPs representing Scottish Labour, Scottish Conservatives, the Scottish Liberal Democrats, Alba, and the Scottish National Party have all co-signed the letter, in the run up to the capital spending allocation.

This letter reflects the strength of feeling of residents, right across Edinburgh towards the need for a new Eye Hospital in the city.

MSPs request Michael Matheson set out a clear timetable for the construction of a new Edinburgh Eye Hospital, after the current Eye Pavilion was declared not fit for purpose in 2014.

The MSPs have also called on Michael Matheson to consult with patients, visual impairment charities and elected representatives to achieve the best outcomes possible for Edinburgh and Lothian Residents.

The joint-letter follows a meeting of Edinburgh MSPs, Sight Scotland, Visibility Scotland and RNIB, at the Scottish Parliament on Thursday 30th November, to discuss the situation in the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion.

During the meeting, MSPs heard moving testimonies from patients and staff about the dire state of current facilities and why a new hospital is so vital going forward.

All parties involved emphasised that continuing to rely on the current Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion is not sustainable and will lead to deteriorating outcomes for patients and staff.

The MSPs who signed the joint letter are Sarah Boyack, Daniel Johnson, Foysol Choudhury, Miles Briggs, Jeremy Balfour, Ben Macpherson, Sue Webber, Alex Cole-Hamilton and Ash Regan.

The MSPs in attendance at the breakfast briefing were Sarah Boyack, Daniel Johnson, Miles Briggs, Ben Macpherson, Sue Webber. Alison Johnstone and Jeremy Balfour sent staff members, as they had previous engagements.

Commenting on the letter, Sarah Boyack said: “I am glad that MSPs across Edinburgh were able to come together to campaign for such a vital project.

“None of our constituents deserve to be relying on facilities that have been designated not fit for purpose, for over a decade.

“Michael Matheson needs to take note of the strength of feeling for this project – delivering the new Eye Pavilion is a priority for Edinburgh Residents 

“As Edinburgh MSPs, we will continue to work together to ensure the best outcome for our constituents, and the city.”

Lothian-Joint-Letter-regarding-Edinburgh-Eye-PavilionDownload

Alison Johnstone elected as Holyrood Presiding Officer

Alison Johnstone MSP has been elected as the Scottish Parliament’s sixth Presiding Officer.  Ms Johnstone is the first Green MSP to be elected to the role.

In her acceptance speech the new Presiding Officer thanked her colleagues for electing her to the position in what she called an “opportunity and a privilege”.

She later added: “I am so proud to have been elected as the Parliament’s sixth Presiding Officer.

“This is an incredibly important time for the country and I want to ensure that the Parliament is a place of open debate but we do that in an environment of mutual tolerance and respect.

“The Parliament is such an important place for not just me, but for people across Scotland. This is our most diverse Parliament yet, but there is still more to do, and I want to make sure that the Parliament is representative of all the people it serves.

“There is no doubt that we face some major challenges ahead including the pandemic and of course climate change.  I want to ensure this Parliament and all its Members have the opportunity to work together to address these vital issues.”

The election took place following a secret ballot of newly elected Members. Ms Johnstone was the only nomination for the post.

Alison Johnstone was first elected to represent the Lothians Region in 2011, and was a Councillor on City of Edinburgh Council before her election as an MSP.

She is a qualified athletics coach and previously held the East of Scotland titles for the 800m and 1500m.

Edinburgh Green branch has  congratulated Alison Johnstone MSP on her election as the Scottish Parliament’s first Green Presiding Officer.

Although Alison will now have to suspend party affiliation for the parliamentary term, she will continue to represent people throughout Lothian and manage casework.

Her election comes on top of a record result for the Greens in both Scotland and Lothian last week and is a further sign of how central Green politics now is to Scottish political debate.

Newly-elected Green MSP for Lothian Lorna Slater said: “I congratulate Alison on her election, and I know that she will be an even-handed moderator as Parliament addresses the pressing challenges that Scotland faces over the next five years.

“As only the second woman Presiding Officer, Alison is also well-placed to break new ground in defining the role of a PO in this more diverse parliament. I am confident that she will use it to increase the reach of Parliament and make it even more welcoming for people of all backgrounds.

“With the COP26 global climate summit coming to Scotland later in the year it will be good to have someone with strong Green credentials representing our parliament. Throw into the mix the forthcoming independence referendum and it’s clearly going to be a challenging role at a challenging time.”

Green MSP flushed with success following committee decision

SNP MSPs move to block toilet (plans)

Councils could soon be obliged to consider how the provision of public toilets and water fountains could be improved after a Green MSP’s amendments to the planning bill were backed by a Holyrood committee today. Continue reading Green MSP flushed with success following committee decision