Scotland has a new generation of political leaders, and they’re here to shake things up — whether the country is ready or not. Ross Greer and Gillian Mackay, the freshly minted co-leaders of the Scottish Green Party, are both born in the 1990s.
For some, that’s exciting; for others, it’s enough to provoke existential dread. After all, they’re younger than many of the voters they now hope to inspire — and younger than the previous generation of party leaders.
Their rise isn’t just a generational story. It’s also a reflection of how small the Green Party’s active base has become.
Only 13 percent of party members participated in the leadership vote, a turnout comparable to a quiet Wednesday night bingo session.
The Challenge of Low Engagement
Low turnout in the Green leadership contest highlights a wider problem: the party has many dormant members.
Unlike larger parties such as the SNP or Labour, Greens often attract supporters more for moral signaling than political activism.
People join to feel ethically virtuous rather than to actively debate policy, which makes the party less participatory and more performative.
This phenomenon explains why Greens tend to focus on taxing a vaguely defined “super-rich” rather than discussing Scotland’s broader tax structure and revenue needs.
By targeting wealthier households, the party secures a safe base of socially conscious voters while avoiding tougher questions about funding their ambitious promises.
Fiscal Reality vs. Rhetoric
Greer himself has acknowledged the limits of idealistic spending.
In referencing Scottish social programs like the Child Payment and free school meals, he admitted, “We need to be honest about the fact all needs paid for.”
Put simply, public services cost money, and someone has to pay — there’s no magic money tree.
He’s also called for a council tax revaluation, noting that taxing properties based on 34-year-old valuations is outdated.
While a fair point, raising taxes on the wealthy is easier than having a broader conversation about public services, fiscal responsibility, and whether some of these services could be partially privatized.
Brave Talk or Safe Slogans?
Greer and Mackay’s approach often relies on catchy slogans and easy answers: “Tax the super-rich” or “The Greens are coming for that wealth.”
But these pledges risk misleading voters into thinking that solving one issue can magically resolve Scotland’s complex economic and social challenges.
True fiscal honesty requires discussing trade-offs with the public: if you want more services, you’ll need higher taxes; if you want lower taxes, you’ll accept fewer services.
By focusing on statements rather than structural debate, the Greens avoid these uncomfortable but necessary conversations.
Policy Focus or Political Theater?
The new leaders’ priorities seem far removed from everyday Scottish concerns.
Greer focuses on gender issues and Gaza, while Mackay has championed bans on disposable vapes and protested small-scale religious demonstrations.
Their record suggests more interest in signaling political virtue than tackling pressing economic or infrastructural challenges.
Even when faced with industrial closures, Mackay expressed concern for the optics rather than offering practical solutions for affected workers, illustrating the Greens’ tendency toward statement-making over substantive policymaking.
The Political Implications
Despite their relative inexperience, polls suggest the Greens could still hold the balance of power in the next Holyrood parliament.
If they gain ministerial influence again, there’s a risk that rhetoric-driven policies could worsen rather than improve Scotland’s economic and political situation.
The Greens are eager to spend but show little interest in fostering economic growth.
Their focus on taxing the wealthy without creating incentives for wealth generation could leave the country with higher costs and no corresponding increase in prosperity.
Looking Ahead
Ross Greer and Gillian Mackay represent a youthful and ambitious leadership for the Scottish Greens. But ambition alone isn’t enough.
Without a serious commitment to economic realism and public accountability, their tenure could accelerate Scotland’s political and fiscal dysfunction rather than solving it.
Voters who prioritize tangible economic results over symbolic statements may need to think carefully before handing them the keys to power.
