Gillian Mackay MSP
@GillianMacMSP
Followers
7,242
Following
1,293
Media
815
Statuses
4,460
Scottish Green MSP for Central Scotland. Charity costumer. Star Wars enthusiast. Tweets sometimes by staff.
Falkirk, Scotland
Joined November 2013
Don't wanna be here?
Send us removal request.
Pinned Tweet
Promoted by Gillian Mackay MSP, Scottish Green Party, 19b Graham Street, Edinburgh, EH6 5QN.
10
0
4
These comments are dangerous and totally disrespectful. Abortion rights are human rights. We cannot allow them be threatened or eroded by reactionary politicians like Mogg.
I call on
@RishiSunak
to condemn these grotesque comments.
239
741
2K
When my Safe Access Zones bill passes stage one... 😀
🟢 Yes: 123 🔴No: 1
This was a moment of unity for our Parliament.
I am proud to have the support of MSPs from all parties.
Thank you everyone who has helped to get my bill to this stage.
134
208
1K
Tomorrow I will lodge proposals to introduce buffer zones outside medical facilities across Scotland.
Abortion rights are healthcare, and this is the first step in ensuring safe, appropriate and dignified services are available to everyone.
64
198
907
Oh my goodness! I'm overwhelmed and overjoyed. Thank you to everyone single activist, voter, supporter and friend who has helped during this campaign. My wonderful family have carried me through this after an awful person time. I can't wait to get started.
54
34
809
This evening I formally lodged my Safe Access Zones Bill.
It has taken an enormous effort to get it this far. I want to thank my team, campaigners and everyone who shared their stories with us. We would not be where we are without you.
The Bill will be published tomorrow.
44
230
746
Hugely pleased to announce that my wonderful other half and I got engaged.
Thanks to everyone who has already sent well wishes.
96
2
656
I'm delighted that we have now achieved cross-party support for my members bill.
The overwhelming support I have received from fellow MSPs has been truly humbling.
At long last we will be in a position to end the kind of disgraceful scenes we have witnessed once and for all.🧵
42
148
641
I've contacted
@PoliceScotland
to ask why such a noisy protest outside a healthcare facility was allowed to go on for so long.
The lack of action shows the urgent need for legislation to combat this harassment, that's why I'm bringing forward my Bill.
@backoffscotland
The police have turned up but they can't do anything even though this guy is shouting at the top of his voice.
28
24
199
29
121
630
Tonight, on free-to-air TV, I can watch France v New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup but I can't watch Steve Clarke's Scotland squad against Cyprus, as they aim to take one step closer to Euro 2024 qualification.
If we want children to be inspired, they need to see the team play!
269
120
628
For the 1st time ever, Scotland have started a qualifying campaign with 4 wins from 4 games!🏴
If we want the next generation to be inspired by this team, then they need to be able to see them play.
It's time our national games were free to view.
Sign⬇️
Good morning 🏴
Start your day off with the goals from last night’s 2-0 win over Georgia.
#SCOGEO
33
209
2K
145
153
602
In response to emails from constituents, and after seeing footage online, I will be contacting Neil Doncaster from
@spfl
,
@saintmirrenfc
,
@MotherwellFC
and
@PoliceScotland
to raise concerns about safety and the force used by stewards in relation to incidents at Sunday's fixture.
Disgraceful policing.
How many police and stewards do you need to lift a 15 year old Motherwell fan?
280
227
2K
57
59
546
We have to look at a ban on disposable vapes.
If we're serious about moving to a low-waste economy in a circular economy, this has potential to put us back on that journey.
It's a perfect storm for public health issues & a higher level of pollution.
58
80
540
The consultation on my Members Bill to introduce buffer zones is being finalised.
We need to make sure that those accessing healthcare can do so free from intimidation.
🚨🚨CURRENTLY OVER 100 ANTI-ABORTION PROTESTORS OUTSIDE THE MATERNITY WARD QEUH IN GLASGOW.
THE WOMENS HEALTH MINISTER
@MareeToddMSP
NEEDS TO RESIGN - THIS IS HAPPENING UNCHALLENGED ON HER WATCH.
99
117
415
24
87
509
Still very angry about the announcement of a section 35 being used on the GRR Bill.
We are of course seeing the usual 'rushed through' arguments but 2 consultations across 2 Parliamentary sessions and over 20 hours of consideration at Stage 3 alone proves this isn't true. 🧵
369
107
490
I thank the First Minister for meeting with me during his first full week in office to discuss my members bill and for pledging his full support to ensure Safe Access Zones are introduced ASAP.
Nobody should be intimidated when accessing healthcare.
56
112
476
Just finished a brilliant first day. Met some of my new colleagues. Big thank you to all the Parliament staff who came to say well done.
7
14
472
I have no words. I'm just so excited.
12
7
460
Amazing turn out in Glasgow today to oppose the use of a section 35 order and to support trans rights.
0
35
402
Today would've been my lovely mammy's birthday. Last year she didn't get the 60th she deserved. We said she would get a do-over, today we went to Portobello and had a day she would've loved.
Grief is wild. I miss her lots.
21
1
384
A wee thread from me on the last few days:
Firstly I wanted to address my Drive Time appearance.
I am upset after the last few days, overly tired and care deeply about everything we are doing and my colleagues. That came across last night and I'm not sorry for that.
1
33
377
I grew up less than 200 yards from the plant and I can tell you that workers at the plant are bewildered, betrayed and furious at finding out about this on the internet long after shareholders were made aware.
I am calling for an urgent summit to be held!
558
96
345
Yesterday was extremely emotional. For those of you who don't know. We lost mum in December, her name is Audrey. It made me think about how she wouldn't be watching. To anyone else doing significant life things with absent loved ones, take a second, breathe, they are proud.
12
10
341
These so called 'vigils' are harrasement. We won't tolerate them.
Legislation is on it's way and the consultation will launch soon.
Please ask your MSPs to support.
Everyone should be able to access healthcare unimpeded - free of harassment or intimidation.
That's why Scottish Green MSP
@GillianMacMSP
is bringing a bill to the Scottish Parliament to create buffer zones around abortion clinics.
3
34
161
8
71
326
Countries like Portugal have shown that decrim of personal possession and a health-led approach to drug policy can reduce the stigma associated with addiction.
The war on drugs has failed and in Scotland we are clear a health based approach that puts recovery first is essential.
Decriminalisation of all drugs for personal supply is one of a number of polices which the Scottish Government is calling on the UK Government to implement in a new paper on drug law reform.
#DrugLawReform
Read more:
222
187
579
149
94
300
This is a key stage for my bill.
Today MSPs will have the opportunity to vote on its principles ahead of amendments.
This can and must be a moment of unity for our Parliament.
I am proud to have the support of MSPs from all parties.
24
68
308
Health is devolved to the Scottish Parliament and powers over drugs legislation should clearly also be devolved so we can abandon the failed war on drugs and focus on harm reduction.
Every one of these deaths is a preventable tragedy!
16
54
295
This is a really important bill and I am proud to have the support of the First Minister and the Scottish Government.
Abortion rights are human rights, and far too many people have been targeted and intimidated by these appalling protests. My bill will stop them for good.
43
80
299
These protests are an appalling attempt to scare people out of accessing the healthcare they are entitled to.
It will be 40 days of intimidation, and has no place in a modern and progressive Scotland.
My bill will stop these protests for good!
24
71
295
Safe Access Zones will end the shocking intimidation we have seen outside hospitals and other health providers across Scotland.
I am really grateful for all of the support I have received from MSPs across the chamber.
Please contact your MSPs and ask them to support my Bill.
124
67
293
Earlier today, alongside local activists and trade unionists, I attended the North Lanarkshire No Pasaran Committee annual commemoration to remember the brave volunteers who fought against fascism in the Spanish Civil War!
#NoPasaran
6
34
271
Yet another FMQs where it's been almost impossible for me to hear what is going on. Despite several attempts by the
@POScotParl
to keep noise to a minimum, the volume was still exclusionary. I will be writing to the PO to see what else we can do to ensure everyone can participate
69
47
265
Safe Access Zones will ensure that people can access reproductive healthcare safely and without intimidation.
I am grateful to everyone who has helped us to get this far.
Please contact your MSPs and ask them to support my Bill.
150
56
279
The amount of waste disposable vapes produce is staggering.
We are in a climate emergency yet this multi-million pound industry is using damaging single-use products.
This review is a very welcome step.
71
45
268
Despite what a certain elected rep thinks, there will be a complete ban on conversion therapy.
Any conversion therapy is abuse.
Solidarity with all trans pals continuing to speak up. 🏳️⚧️
We reject absolutely and unequivocally any suggestion that Transgender people can be "cured", or that the abusive and harmful practice of Conversion Therapy has any validity.
Conversion practices are dangerous, they cause nothing but suffering to those subjected to them.
40
401
2K
7
34
266
Absolutely terrible bunch wanting kids not to go hungry, the planet to survive, 4-day working weeks and a universal basic income.
Awful, non-cuddly things.
"Scratch under the surface of the Scottish Green Party and you find not a cuddly group of promoters of cycling, recycling and protecting wildlife, but a group of hard-left extremists," writes Murdo Fraser.
164
150
477
4
31
271
This morning I was at
@WeAreSTV
discussing the opportunities of putting Scotland national team matches on free-to-air TV, and how we can work with broadcasters and fans to achieve this.⚽️
If we want children to be inspired then they need to be able to see the team in action!🏴
65
32
274
The consultation on my bill which would introduce buffer zones outside facilities that provide abortion services closed last night with over 12,000 responses.
My team are analysing the responses and I will work with officials and MSPs across parliament to progress proposals ASAP.
6
44
266
I've sat looking at this open tweet for so long trying to organise my thoughts. As a business manager I've fought to get everything done we could for our constituents. 1/4
2
27
266
This is a disgraceful and disgusting new low from an increasingly extreme group that masquerades as a political party.
They are showing total contempt for the safety and wellbeing of service users and staff.
It is harassment and it needs to be stopped.
15
84
264
The intimidation and harassment we saw at the Sandyford Clinic in Glasgow yesterday was unacceptable.
The fear and alarm caused to patients and staff should not be tolerated.
My Members Bill will launch shortly.
3
68
263
It’s long past time
@JohnMasonMSP
came to recognise that 82% of Scots want to end these ‘vigils’
Most people recognise women have a right to access healthcare services without being harassed, intimidated or made to feel like their morals are in question!
13
50
255
I'm delighted that today I recieved the formal right to introduce my Bill. I will be bringing this forward on return from summer recess. I want to thank the orgs who have supported the Bill. 4 of 5 party leaders signed the final proposal with 62 MSPs signing the final proposal
10
41
256
These protests are a disgraceful attempt to intimidate people out of accessing healthcare.
It has no place in a modern and progressive Scotland.
This is why my bill is so vital. Buffer zones will be a watershed moment for reproductive rights in Scotland.
23
64
252
The Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Scotland) Bill has been published.
The zones will consist of the protected premises, any public land that form part of the grounds of the premises and 200m from the perimeter of those public grounds.
14
66
252
This is a milestone moment for my bill and for protecting reproductive rights in Scotland.
This has only been possible because of the cross party consensus that has been built.
Please contact your MSPs and ask them to support my Bill.
31
63
249
Today I'm launching a consultation on my proposed members bill to introduce protest-free buffer zones outside of clinics that provide abortion services.
Please go to or to share your views on the draft proposal.
7
117
241
This is the level of childish rubbish we need to get rid of in this session of Parliament.
Aw, diddums 🤦
Your sheer entitlement is on full display here, please reflect on this tweet for the benefit of your constituents 👇
919
135
679
1
17
231
This is a blatant attack on democracy and on the Scottish Parliament.
MSPs of every party voted for this.
Solidarity with all our trans siblings.
The UK Government has decided to block gender reform legislation in Scotland
963
472
4K
0
35
229
Abortion can be deeply polarising. I don’t expect or intend to change that.
My Bill is not about the rights or wrongs of abortion.
It is about the right and ability of patients to access care without running a gauntlet of disapproval and judgement.
23
32
232
May the 4th be with you.
Usually I'd be out and about in costume today but unfortunately these boots are not made for leafletting.
On Thursday turn to the light side and
#VoteScottishGreens
#MayThe4thBeWithYou
12
34
224
It's not often that you see politicians from all parties putting their differences to one side and coming together.
Yet that is exactly what happened when MSPs from across Parliament came together to sign the final proposal for my Safe Access Zones Bill.
34
44
222
Had a lovely day at the official opening of
@ScotParl
, really pleased to be able to take dad with me. Thank you to my wonderful local champion
@PeteKrykant_OPC
for being my local champion.
11
10
221
What a day!
Very grateful to
@NicolaSturgeon
and
@MareeToddMSP
for committing to work collaboratively on my Members Bill. A huge day for all the campaigners including
@backoffscotland
and
@BPAS1968
.
I'll be on
@BBCScotNine
shortly to discuss my proposal.
6
41
216
Good luck to
@ScotlandNT
tonight in their match against Spain🏴
The game isn't free to watch on TV, but it should be!
If we want children to be inspired by our athletes, they need to be able to see them in action.
Sign the petition now!⬇️
23
56
217
I am delighted that
@scotgov
has committed to this review.
Disposable vapes are littering our local high streets and damaging our environment.
The amount of waste they produce is staggering.
We need to consider all options to reduce the harmful impact these products are having.
114
33
209
None of what has happened today has diluted my resolve to get this Bill finished tomorrow. This is far more than political games in the chamber, it has a real world impact. 4/4
Turned replies off in the hope of a wee rest till later this morning.
0
5
211
This is the opposite of a just transition.
My solidarity is with the workers, their families and the community in Grangemouth who will be concerned about what this means for the future.
I have reached out to trade unions to offer my support.
BREAKING: Scotland's last remaining oil refinery is set to close by spring 2025.
The facility at Grangemouth is a joint venture between Ineos and PetroChina and will be converted into an import terminal - hundreds of jobs could be at risk.
Story follows.
33
66
74
312
54
204
I've been in Health Committee this morning and came out to see protestors have returned to Sandyford.
I will now contact
@PoliceScotland
to seek urgent support for staff and patients.
As always if you want to share your experience my email is: Gillian.Mackay.MSP
@Parliament
.scot
SANDYFORD PROTESTORS BACK WITH LOUDSPEAKER SYSTEM. PATIENTS INSIDE DISTRESSED.
159
143
481
16
46
205
Worse than that they call me unstable for showing emotion.
I didn't realise we still had so far to go on stigma around mental health and healthy displays of emotion.
There is no shame in being upset. There should be huge shame in saying it makes people unable to do their job.
1
9
207
I decided on my wedding dress today. I'm now away for a lie down.
36
0
205
I want to thank everyone who has helped to get my Bill to this stage.
It has been a team effort with MSPs, campaigners & everyone who took part in my consultation.
I particularly want to thank those who have shared very harrowing stories and experiences.
14
31
201
Earlier today I asked the First Minister at
#FMQs
if she would stand with me in support of trans people and their organisations and commit to improving trans and LGBTQI+ healthcare. Happy Pride to 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ You can watch my contribution here:
12
40
199
The
@RMTunion
have done a fantastic job over the last few weeks supporting not only their own workers, but workers rights across the country.
On behalf of the
@scottishgreens
I want to send our full solidarity to all of those on the picket lines tomorrow!
9
41
195
First question session and 3 disabled women ask their first questions. Well done to
@GlasgowPam
and
@Emma_Roddick
. If this is day 1 we are going to smash this session.
5
12
194
I'm frustrated and angry at the conduct of colleagues trying to argue there is not enough time for scrutiny while trying to talk the debate out.
I'm hugely grateful and very sorry to Parliament staff who have had to be in the building to support us. 2/4
1
19
188
The Stage 1 Debate of my bill - Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Scotland) is starting now.
I am proud to have the support of MSPs from all parties, and hope that we can all stand together to send the strongest possible message.
12
32
189
This legislation is coming forward.
Scottish Greens are unequivocal, abortion is healthcare and everyone should be able to access services without harrasement.
I look forward to hearing support for my Bill from other parties across the Chamber.
Amazing to hear
@GillianMacMSP
discussing her buffer zones bill on
@SkyNews
this afternoon.
👏👏👏
0
6
38
5
48
176
LGBTQ+ people are not trying to turn your children gay or trans. They're trying to build a world where gay and trans children are safe, loved and accepted. 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
1
43
170
I love the
@DailyGael
. It feels like I've made it.
Absolute scenes at the Central Scotland count. Gillian MacKay (Green) pops a wheelie on a BMX she snuck past security. Richard Leonard is eating a toblerone.
3
20
250
2
4
175
This is utterly ridiculous.
We need furlough urgently to ensure we can deal with the public health emergency effectively.
Lack of movement on this has the potential to cost lives.
New: Boris Johnson rejects Nicola Sturgeon's call for emergency Omicron meeting
306
388
757
26
60
176
The next few days are going to be equally difficult.
I'm taking the rest of the weekend off here as much as I can.
Thanks again to everyone who has shown support and checked in.
5
2
177
I'm lost for words as to how stupid this is.
All this will achieve is to further entrench stigma and ensure those most vulnerable won't seek help.
We need a public health approach to support those with addiction issues to recover. This ain't it.
A Labour government would look at introducing a scheme ‘naming and shaming’ those who are convicted of buying illegal drugs, a shadow minister has suggested
339
26
75
6
31
172
Young people deserve this care, my solidarity is with all of those who are angry and disappointed by this decision. I am actively working with colleagues to resolve the current issues.
0
50
176
Raging that once again noise in the Chamber means that I'm struggling to hear. When challenging a nearby colleague I said 'I can't hear if you are shouting'
The response?
'If she won't take interventions' followed by a shrug
Culture still needs to change.
7
15
172
Just about to head back in to Parliament. Today we pass the Bill (finally!!!!!) 🏳️⚧️
Left the building at 1.51am. All amendments are done, just the final vote on the whole thing tomorrow. We are going to pass this bill 💚🏳️⚧️
78
18
323
0
3
169
Polling suggests we are on target to elect a first
@scotgp
MSP in Central Scotland!
Scottish Parliament seat projection (changes vs 1 - 6 June / vs 2016)
SNP - 74 (+1 / +11)
Conservative - 23 (-1 / -8)
Labour - 17 (-2 / -7)
Green - 10 (+5 / +4)
Lib Dem - 5 (-3 / nc)
13
63
160
1
11
164
Nobody should have to face down a sea of graphic placards and banners in order to get to a hospital.
My bill will ensure that the appalling and distressing scenes we have witnessed outside hospitals and abortion clinics are stopped.
26
36
167
Many young people will be concerned about the effect of the decision to pause puberty blockers on their healthcare journey.
I asked the Minister what steps
@scotgov
is taking to resolve the situation and how we ensure lived experience is at the heart of any action going forward?
755
51
166
I'm really pleased to be taking this forward. Thank you to all of those who signed my motion and in particular all of those who spoke so passionately in the debate.
The hard work on this Bill starts now and I look forward to engaging with parties across the Chamber. 1/2
BREAKING:
@GillianMacMSP
has just announced she will be bringing forward a Member’s Bill to bring in buffer zones around abortion clinics across Scotland 👩⚕️
This will protect those getting abortions from being targeted by protestors as they access essential healthcare 💚
10
65
252
4
25
161
End of day 2, having a wee sit in my 'thinking pod' before heading to
#DebateNight
. Wish me luck!
#NewMSP
8
1
158
A year ago today we lost mum. Time has gone so fast and so much has happened since. It's been an incredibly hard year without her. So often I go to pick the phone up to tell her what I've been up to and everything hits home again.
31
0
159
I had great fun today with the Green block thanks to all those who joined in the chanting and singing and persevered through the rain. So good to have the global green family in Glasgow.
Now it's time for some dry socks.
3
23
160
I have lodged a parliamentary motion that congratulates
@FalkirkFC
on becoming League One champions.
John McGlynn's team has gone 31 league games unbeaten.
Under fan-ownership, the club continues to go from strength to strength, and I wish them all the best for next season! 🏆
20
12
160
I am delighted to have the support of the First Minister and the Scottish Government.
All around the world we are seeing disgraceful attacks on the right to choose. Abortion rights are human rights, and we must do everything we can to protect them.
Congratulations
@ClurBailey
26
39
154
I'm so aware of how inaccessible nights like this make Parliament. I'm one of the Members with a disability and I'm already paying the price for the time and stress tonight has taken.
I saw colleagues taking calls with their kids. None of us take this lightly. 3/4
1
5
151
The intimidation and harassment we have seen outside abortion service providers have no place in a progressive Scotland.
I am determined that we end them for good, and look forward to working with
@NicolaSturgeon
to deliver my bill.
44
37
147
Government support of my bill will bring institutional support & expertise. It means that we will hopefully be able to put it into effect ASAP.
I look forward to the day nobody has to worry about intimidation, harassment or abuse when accessing healthcare!
14
42
147
This will only stop safe abortions + put lives at risk.
Solidarity to all those in the US.
Here we need to continue to fight for progress. That means buffer zones, telemedical abortion + services safe + accessible for all.
Please fill in the consultation
Millions of women in US set to lose legal right to abortion as Supreme Court reverses landmark Roe v Wade ruling
971
2K
4K
6
64
146
Hugely grateful for the continued use of remote participation
@ScotParl
. After hurting my back on Tuesday I've been able to participate in debates and represent my constituents. It makes Parliament more accessible and is an adaption I will work to ensure we keep post Covid.
10
16
146
Just one more Star Wars post for today.
On May the 4th I'd normally be out with others raising money for charity in costume.
I'm in Parliament today so I naturally I had to try to take influences of my X-wing costume to Parliament.
#Maythe4thbewithyou
20
10
146
Thanks to
@STVNews
for chatting to me about my Bill.
Abortion rights are human rights.
Unfortunately, some of the comments that have been made to the committee today show exactly why Safe Access Zones are so vital.
53
31
146
What a brilliant day. Thank you to everyone who came.
37
2
142
You are not broken, you are not sick, you are not wrong.
You do not need fixed or cured or converted because who you are is perfect.
We will protect you from those who would try and change you! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
12
45
135
Thanks to
@scotonsunday
for giving me some space to write about
@backoffscotland
ahead of my
@ScotParl
debate this week. Those who require an abortion must be able to access healthcare without facing abuse or intimidation.
1
35
139
So pleased to nominate
@PeteKrykant_OPC
as my local hero.
He's doing amazing work with the overdose prevention service and raised drug issues during the election.
Can't wait to see you both in a wee while.
Big thanks
@GillianMacMSP
for inviting me 2 the opening of
@ScotParl
today, my son is so excited although sorry Gillian he has only spoken abt meeting
@NicolaSturgeon
face 2 face rather than online, told him the FM may be a bit busy 2day 😂
Tough 18 months so this is really nice
6
9
246
0
13
134
