[12] Roger (aka Rory) Winter, representing the Highland Green Party (Known in Scottish Gaelic as Uainich na Gàidhealtachd), was elected in Nairn.

Co-convenor Robin Harper blamed the loss on spoiled ballot papers and the campaign focusing on larger parties.

[19][20] In return, the SNP backed a climate change bill as an early measure and promised to legislate against ship-to-ship oil transfers in the Firth of Forth.

The SNP also agreed to nominate Patrick Harvie, one of the Green MSPs, to convene the Scottish Parliament Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change.

Given the present situation that (the SNP) are going to be forming a minority government, it really didn't seem to make sense for us to tie ourselves closely into confidence and supply or into coalition, because we have serious reservations about many SNP policies, particularly their transport policiesDuring the election, co-convenor Shiona Baird lost her seat, and did not re-stand for election as co-convenor.

[29][30] The party's election campaign was launched with a focus on investment into public services paid for by tax raises.

And I think that the best way [...] of changing ScotlandHowever, some in the party were opposed to independence, including former convenor Robin Harper who said that he would "absolutely vote No".

[44] After the independence referendum, the Scottish Greens experienced a massive surge in membership, including future co-leader Lorna Slater.

[54] The election was notable as it was the first time an incumbent co-convenor faced a serious challenge, all to date had been re-elected as the sole nominees.

Chapman was re-elected.In the leadup to the 2016 Scottish Parliament election, the party campaigned with a focus on tax-rises for the rich, with co-convenor Patrick Harvie saying it would be "agenda item one" in any post-election talks with the SNP.

[55] [56] The party's selection process of co-convenor Maggie Chapman as lead candidate in the North East Scotland region for the 2016 election attracted controversy.

The 2017 Scottish local elections saw 'real progress' with the party returning 14 councillors across Scotland, with 8 in the City of Edinburgh Council.

[68] The Scottish Greens contested the 2019 European Parliament election in the United Kingdom, with co-convenor Maggie Chapman as lead candidate and rising stars Lorna Slater and Gillian Mackay also on the list.

[76][77][78] The agreement saw both parties pledge for a second referendum on Scottish independence, an increase investment in active travel and public transport, enhancing tenants rights, a ten-year £500m Just Transition and establishing a National Care Service.

[79][80] The agreement was approved by 83% of Scottish Green members, and secured a two-thirds majority vote of the party's National Council.

Academic Professor Nicola McEwen suggested that the agreement "sometimes pushes [the SNP] further" particularly on climate, social and fair work policy.

[93] In the central belt cities, the party also got closer to power, either supporting a minority administration or attempting to form a coalition with the SNP in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

[94][95][96][97][98] In March 2024, the party won its first ever by-election, electing Seonad Hoy as a councillor in Hillhead ward in Glasgow.

Until October 2022, it also cooperated with the Green Party of England and Wales; this partnership was suspended due to differences of opinion on trans rights.

[106][107] Those expelled were accused of breaching the party's code of conduct by signing the eight-point Scottish Green Declaration For Women's Sex-Based Rights that asserted that "sex is a biological reality", of which it was complained made the party less safe for transgender and non-binary members.

[121][122] The party's critics on the Labour left like Coll McCail and Finn Smyth claim that it has taken a neo-liberal turn in office and is simply maintaining the status-quo by reneging on commitments like the establishment of a government owned energy company.

[126][127][128] The party's 2019 manifesto included pledges to implement a green new deal to tackle climate change and for future investment, the introduction of a universal basic income, the phasing in of a four-day week, support for rent controls and treating drug use as a health issue rather than a crime.

[131] However, the BBC News journalist Philip Sim argued in 2021 that since then the party position has shifted to "hitting these [carbon emissions reduction targets] than stretching them".

[135] The Scottish Greens also supported the nationalisation of ScotRail and Caledonian Sleeper, and advocates for "the whole of Scotland's railways – both track and train – to be brought into public ownership".

[136][137][138] The party, as part of its co-operation agreement with the Scottish Government scrapped peak-time rail fares for at least one year.

[139] The party also supports a wider nationalisation of all rail, bus and ferry companies, alongside further investment in walking, wheeling and cycling.

Between conferences, the Party Council provides the forum for strategic decisions, policy discussions, oversight and branch coordination.

It is presently chaired by Ross Greer and Carolynn Scrimgeour, who was co-opted after the resignation of Ellie Gomersall in December 2023.

[71] However the party's representation was reduced to seven after Green MSP Alison Johnstone was elected as the Parliament's non-partisan Presiding Officer.

[171][172] In March 2024, the party won its first ever by-election, electing Seonad Hoy as a councillor in Hillhead ward in Glasgow.