Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Reposted by Mark Ruskell

Mark Ruskell @markruskell.bsky.social · 1d

The Scottish Greens are having a massive impact, working everyday for people and planet.

Join us: greens.scot/join

4 7

Mark Ruskell @markruskell.bsky.social · 1d

The Scottish Greens are having a massive impact, working everyday for people and planet.

Join us: greens.scot/join

4 7

Mark Ruskell @markruskell.bsky.social · 3d

Public services in public hands

Scotland has a lower cancellation rate than every English region.

We must now invest in expanding the network, increasing capacity, and ensuring a reliable, affordable service is available for all

3 8

Mark Ruskell @markruskell.bsky.social · 4d

In the first half of 2025, globally:
🔆 Solar grew by 31%
💨 Wind grew by nearly 8%

💡 Renewable energy is the future, providing safe, clean and cheap power - in sharp contrast to the volatility of fossil fuels.

We must continue building on our success in this booming industry.

Renewables overtake coal as world's biggest source of electricity

Developing countries lead the historic clean energy charge but the US and EU rely more on fossil fuels than before, a think tank study shows.

www.bbc.co.uk

7

Mark Ruskell @markruskell.bsky.social · 4d

Joining the Scottish Greens is one of the most powerful ways to make a real difference

Every new member strengthens our voice in Parliament and across Scotland, pushing for climate action, social justice, and a fairer economy.

Add your voice today: members.greens.scot/join

1 6 9

Mark Ruskell @markruskell.bsky.social · 5d

🧵 2/2
is resolvable. The ferry route is a significant opportunity for the local community, the Scottish economy and our connection to Europe. Time is ticking away; we could lose the ferry route and the direct connection to Europe. We cannot afford to lose this opportunity.

2 3

Mark Ruskell @markruskell.bsky.social · 5d

🧵 1/2
Before the summer recess, the First Minister gave me assurances that his Government would “welcome the ferry route” and do “everything that we can to remove any obstacles that are in the way.”

Four months on, the biggest barrier remains the border control post designation. I believe that

1 1 3

Mark Ruskell @markruskell.bsky.social · 6d

prepared to prioritise public transport investment over road.

www.scotsman.com/news/transpo...

Re-opening rail line to St Andrews rejected by Scottish Government

Transport Scotland favours better bus connection with Leuchars instead

www.scotsman.com

1 1 7

Mark Ruskell @markruskell.bsky.social · 6d

I’m very disappointed that for now the option of a rail route has been closed off by the Scottish Government. Over many years improvements to bus services have failed to deliver the connectivity the town needs, the case for re-opening the station remains but it will need a government that is

1 4 12

Mark Ruskell @markruskell.bsky.social · 7d

I'm glad the Minister has agreed to come to meet with my constituents and hear directly from them.

Headline in the Alloa Advertiser reads: Minister set to hold long-awaited meeting with Tillicoultry residents

2

Mark Ruskell @markruskell.bsky.social · 7d

Last week I asked the Minister about the proposed cuts to the Alloa campus of Forth Valley College

3

Mark Ruskell @markruskell.bsky.social · 8d

Like what we do? Join us... greens.scot/join

Picture of green activists holding up signs and placards.

1 5 13

Mark Ruskell @markruskell.bsky.social · 12d

Happening this weekend: A Wee Day Oot at Lochore Meadows Country Park as part of the #FifeClimateFestival2025! A free, family-friendly day of activities and inspiration.

More info here: buff.ly/zQc7CrH

Wee day oot poster with highlights:
free bike repair
guided storytelling walks
yoga sessions
fresh apple juice
food truck
musical instrument library
any-wheeled races
face paint

1 2

Mark Ruskell @markruskell.bsky.social · 13d

The community at Dunkeld and Birnam remain cut off from their train station. I'm again calling for the A9 to enter a short underpass to allow the two to be fully connected.

2 6

Mark Ruskell @markruskell.bsky.social · 14d

🧵 4/4
everything that we can to remove any obstacles that are in the way.’

Operators tell us time is running out for this scheme to go ahead, it’s time for the Scottish Government to show leadership and take action before it’s too late.

Mark Ruskell @markruskell.bsky.social · 14d

🧵 3/4
exporters. All we need now is for the Scottish Government to commit and make progress.

I asked the First Minister at FMQs back in June about the lack of progress then and the First Minister offered assurances that the ‘that the Government would welcome the ferry route and that we will do

1

Mark Ruskell @markruskell.bsky.social · 14d

🧵 2/4
DFDS, the ferry operator, has to plan far in advance, and if this scheme didn't get the green light by the end of September, it is possible that they will look elsewhere and Scotland will lose out. The appetite is there from Fife communities, from industry, from Westminster and Scottish

1

Mark Ruskell @markruskell.bsky.social · 14d

🧵 1/4
I have been working with industry representatives to push for this much needed route to get off the ground next year. It’s really disappointing that since the intervention from the Secretary of State for Scotland the Scottish Government have not moved with the urgency needed.

Understandably,

News article from the Dunfermline Press with the headline 'clock is ticking on bid to secure ferry route'

1 3

Mark Ruskell @markruskell.bsky.social · 14d

call home, but many of the areas where rent is highest are also those with a frankly ridiculous number of second homes and empty properties.

This change, delivered by the Scottish Greens, will shift the balance away from second home ownership, help first time buyers and protect communities.

1 7

Mark Ruskell @markruskell.bsky.social · 14d

Clackmannanshire people are being priced out of the communities they’ve grown up in, all while thousands of homes sit empty for most of the year. They are being hoarded by a small number of wealthy people who clearly do not need them.

Everyone should have a safe, secure and affordable place to

1 1 5

Mark Ruskell @markruskell.bsky.social · 14d

This change will help us tackle the housing emergency while raising tens of millions of pounds for local services like schools and social care.

Raising taxes on second homes is a proven way to free up properties for people who actually need somewhere to live.

In Fife, Stirling, Perthshire and

Image of tenement flats with the text: rent controls passed! Homes are for living in, not for profiteering.

1 1 6

Mark Ruskell @markruskell.bsky.social · 16d

This is an intrusive and authoritarian scheme that will only increase mass surveillance and allow the government to target marginalised communities.

No money to support vital services, but Labour can find hundreds of millions for this, which appeared nowhere in their manifesto.

Infographic of a digital ID on a phone, with the text: ID cards are intrusive and unwanted

2 5

Mark Ruskell @markruskell.bsky.social · 16d

Please help my campaign to get re-elected to Holyrood!

We aren’t funded by millionaires, every donation helps to get two Green MSPs for the Mid-Scotland & Fife region💚💚

www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/qr/VyYXD05...

Re-elect Mark Ruskell for Mid Scotland and Fife!

Support Mark Ruskell to get re-elect and get a second Green MSP in Mid Scotland and Fife.

www.crowdfunder.co.uk

2 6

Mark Ruskell @markruskell.bsky.social · 16d

Great team of 22 @scottishgreens candidates and members out today in Scone. Knocking doors and listening to voters. We are building momentum, come and join us! 💚

5 18

Mark Ruskell @markruskell.bsky.social · 18d

To pay for an increase in quality of our public resources, which we all deserve, we need to raise tax for the super rich. They can afford it.

10 22