The Scottish Greens have confirmed that they will contest three constituencies in Edinburgh as well as aiming to return at least three MSPs on the wider regional list at the Holyrood elections on 7 May.
In the last two Holyrood elections (2016 and 2021) the Greens have elected two MSPs on the wider Lothians region (now redrawn and renamed as Edinburgh and Lothians East). In 2026 they are also contesting individual constituencies as follows:
- Edinburgh Northern – with current city councillor Kayleigh Kinross-O’Neill
- Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith – with seasoned activist and campaigner Kate Nevens
- Edinburgh Central – with current MSP Lorna Slater
While the Greens say they are confident of electing 3 MSPs in the region they also believe that 2026 will see their best ever constituency showing, with independent pollster Ballot Box Scotland projecting a Green win in Edinburgh Central. However, the party is ls also mounting strong campaigns in other constituencies.
In Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith, Kate Nevens is up against sitting MSP Ben MacPherson. Kate said:
“If elected as an MSP, I would bring my passion for radical change right to the heart of Scottish politics. I would stand up against the unequal, oppressive systems that are so harmful to marginalised communities in Scotland, helping to address the cost of living crisis and ensure that everyone has access to safe and secure housing and healthcare. I would work to build an economy based on equality, peace and wellbeing rather than growth, and I would fight to tackle the climate emergency – the defining issue of my generation and beyond.”
In Edinburgh Northern Kayleigh Kinross-O’Neill said:
“As a councillor, I have been vocal on issues of pavement parking, dropped kerb access, and other barriers that disabled and older people face in their daily life. As an MSP I’d bring my experience of representing people who are struggling with housing issues, health problems, financial difficulties, access needs, and barriers to multiple areas of society. I am standing in this election in order to push further against the rise of the far right and the divisive politics they represent.”