Last chance to register to vote in time for the upcoming Scottish Parliament election!

The deadline is 11:59pm tonight ⏰

A to-do list is clipped to a pale yellow background. The list is titled "Scottish election" in cursive and includes five unchecked items: "Register to vote by 20th April," "Ask the local Greens for a poster to put up in the window," "Look up my local doorknocking on edinburgh.greens.scot," "On May 7th, demand better and vote Scottish Greens," and "... and tell friends living in the Edinburgh Central constituency to vote Lorna Slater too!" Promoted by Dave Owen on behalf of the Edinburgh Green Party, both at 19b Graham Street, Edinburgh EH6 5QN.

TODAY is the final deadline to register to vote!

To demand better on May 7th, you first need to register to vote. It only takes 5 minutes, and can be done on gov.uk/register-to-vote

Once you’re done, screenshot this post so you have our guide ready to support @scottishgreens.org in Edinburgh!

Start of spokes article #Holyrood2026 : Travelling Backwards The Holyrood election on 7 May is critical to active travel and wider transport policies and budgets for the next 5 years. Is there a local project being planned that you’re looking forward to? – in Edinburgh, say Meadows to George Street, or Portobello to Musselburgh? When and if such projects will happen depends largely on the existence and size of the Scottish Government active travel budget. Sadly and shockingly, in view of the climate crisis, the cost of living crisis, and the need for healthier lifestyles to help the NHS crisis this year’s manifestos mark a massive deterioration in active travel policies as compared to the 2021 election – or even 2016. This article includes an analysis of the various party manifestos, and lots of other relevant info. We will add more as it becomes available.

Table comparing AT investment promises in 2021 and 2026 manifestos. Sorry, tables don't come out well in ALT text! Key to tables below++Very good and/or best+good=mixed, unclear, or less good than other parties-poor (or unrealistic) - -very disappointing NNot in manifesto [N is generally disappointing, but depends on the issue, so think!] Page numbers shown are to pages of each party’s 2026 manifesto 2026 v 2021 comparison of AT Investment manifesto commitments Sadly and shockingly, in view of the climate crisis, the cost of living crisis, and the need for healthier lifestyles to help the NHS crisis the 2026 manifestos mark a massive deterioration in active travel policies as compared to the 2021 election – or even 2016. Only the Greens, and to a lesser extent the Lib Dems, retain positive approaches. Whilst this applies to many policies and promises, the astonishing contrast is seen clearly in this comparative table on the top issue, active travel investment AT Investment Conservative Green Labour LibDem Reform SNP 2021 manifestos [AT funding then was approx £116m, roughly 3.5% of total transport] + 10% by 2026 ++ £320m immediately [approx 10%] rising further + 10% [unclear if soon or by 2026] = “aim” to double existing [this would be approx 7%] N/A = 10% of “capital” bgt by 2026 [BUT this is less of the total transport bgt] 2026 manifestos [AT funding is now approx £163m, roughly 3.9% of total transport] - - p35; p75 cut the AT budget; end ring-fenced cash to councils ++ p26 at least 10%; multi-year funding N = p66 “Invest in active travel for the first and last mile” - - p11 End ring-fenced cash to councils = p64 £2.5m for bike repair; new fund for outdoor recreation paths

Table of party manifesto comparisons (page 1) 2026 manifesto overall comparisons Note that the manifestos include more transport policies/promises than are shown here, particularly on walk, bus and rail. We hope this table includes most of the items directly relevant to cycling, as well as some relevant wider transport issues. Also, note that if something is not in a manifesto, it doesn’t mean it won’t happen, though it is less likely to. Issue Conservative Green Labour LibDem Reform SNP AT Investment [from above table] - - ++ N = - - = Extent of cycle/AT routes/networks ambition - - p36 “End the obsession with cycle lanes” Cycle lanes only ok if not using road or pavement space ++ p26 “national blueprint of walking, cycle and wheeling networks“; faster Council AT project delivery N + p66 “Investing in active travel for the first and last mile” = p23 Rural Scotland: “support outdoor recreation ... cycling … with accessible paths” = p64 outdoor recreation paths fund; no Roseburn tram; support Powderhall AT path [see note 3 below] Is AT recognised and supported as a public health measure - p57 Only considers leisure centres & sport + p163 “space to walk, run, play, wheel and cycle is a right not a privilege” N ++ p33 & p61 “Supporting wellbeing by making it easier for people to use active travel” N N Neighbourhoods / Car-free lifestyles N + p118 “Support local living and 20-minute nbd approaches” N + p52 New towns “prioritising features such as rail links.. and 20-minute nbds” N N Disincentivise car use/ Demand management - - p35 “End the war on drivers”; No targets; stop any Workplace Parking levies or congestion charging ++ p22 Seek road-user taxation powers for Scotland ++ p33 Levy on out-oftown retail, to support towns + p89 Business rates replaced by a new levy favouring town centre retail & hospitality = p73 “Moving all forms of transport away from fossil fuels” – But carrotsonly approach - - p21 “End the war on the car“ N 20mph - p36 20mph only ok where locals…

Table of party manifestos (page 2) Potholes - - p33 Fund pothole filling by cutting (scrapping?) the AT budget N + (or - -) p49 £350m fund [see note 1 below] + p64 “fair funding” for councils; use of new technology + p21 “Fix potholes” + p72 “up to £350m” for potholes & resurfacing Air pollution including Low Emission Zones - - p36 Halt more LEZs and reduce fines in existing ++ p118 expand LEZs, plus stronger monitoring N - - p21 Abolish LEZs N Transport integration, with respect to active travel = p38 Rail, bus & tram integration; no mention of walk/ bike + p22, p26 Better AT links to public transport; All new rail, bus, tram to carry bikes N N N N Road building - - p34 New law to fasttrack trunk road upgrades; dual A9 by 2031; many other trunk projects + p22 Future-proof roads like A83 vulnerable to climate change; no mention of expansion - - p49 Dual A9 by 2035, look into dualling A77 and A75, & create National Roads Plan - - p64 Dual A9 & A96; - - p21 “plan to upgrade major trunk roads” [see note 2 below] - - p71 Dual A9 by 2035, also parts of A96; and consider A75, A77 Air travel taxation ADT= Air departure tax - - p39 oppose any new taxes; reduce long-haul tax ++ p34 frequent flyer levy; private jet tax; more.. N + p66 Higher tax for private jet passengers N + p27 private jet tax; including for ‘ghost’ flights USP – unique selling points (good and bad!) picked out by Spokes - - p33 1. AT schemes are “ideological projects” 2. ban bikes in all pedestrian areas + p16, p156 Universal rail card; £2 max bus fares + p122 Council powers to enforce traffic contraventions + p55 “Crush illegal e-bikes, using drones to track & trace unlicensed bikes” + p64 ”Dangerous Roads Programme“ - - p21 “End the war on the car“ + p38 £2 bus fare cap [1] Labour £350m pothole fund. The manifesto does not say where the money would come from. In early campaign speeches Anas Sarwar had said it would be from cutting Active Travel funding. On our estimate this would mean a 40% cut on curre…

#Holyrood2026 #SP26

Our #manifesto analysis
--> www.spokes.org.uk/2026/04/holy...

We looked at #activetravel, mainly 🚲, and some related transport/environment, but not at 🚌🚆

1 Greens, excellent
2 LibDem, positive in a fairly modest way
3= Labour & SNP, poor
5 Reform, bad
6 Conservative, terrible

The "Ridiculous" Traffic Plan That Actually Worked YouTube video by Streetscapes

If you are a Councillor, please watch this.

It happened nearly 50 years ago in the Netherlands. The arguments against restricting traffic were the same as those made today and were proven to be wrong.

Many cities would greatly benefit from a circulation plan.

youtu.be/bgKokpZMFnU?...

Register to vote Register to vote to take part in elections in the UK. Includes how to get on the electoral register and how to update your address on the register.

Registration to vote closes 11.59 tomorrow night ⚠️

Many 16/17 years olds olds in 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 are not registered even though they can vote.

www.gov.uk/register-to-...

Scottish Greens Holyrood 2026 Sunday 19th April 10:15 Mussleburgh- Door knocking meet at Company Bakery 6 Station Road Eskmills 11.00 City Centre- Door-knocking with Green New Deal Rising Volunteers meet in Pleasance Cafe Bar, Pleasance 14.00 Craigmillar- Door knocking- meet at East Neighbourhood Centre, Craigmillar Library 14.00 Leith Walk- Door-knocking- meet at the bike racks opposite 23 Rossie Place More info: edinburgh.greens.scot/events-calendar/ Promoted by Dave Owens on behalf of the Edinburgh Green Party, both at 19b Graham Street, Edinburgh EH6 5QN

Campaigning on Sunday including City Centre session with Green New Deal Rising! 💚

Residents urged to register to vote in the Scottish Parliament Election before deadline next week Residents urged to register to vote in the Scottish Parliament Election before deadline next week

Full details and guidance is available on our website: www.edinburgh.gov.uk/news/article...

Exterior of a polling place in Edinburgh (Getty).

We're urging everyone who is eligible to register to vote before the deadline at 11:59pm on Monday 20 April 🗳️

You can also apply to vote by post or proxy instead of going to a polling place📮

Scotland's buses in public hands. Let's Demand better. On May 7th vote Scottish Greens.

✅ Keep fares down
✅ Routes that serve communities
✅ Put passengers first

Public transport should serve people, not profit.

It's time to bring Scotland's bus network back into public ownership.

The National. Greens peldge to bring Scotland's buses under publiccontrols.

Four decades of privatised bus services have left us paying more and getting less, with companies putting profit before people.

It's time to bring our bus network back under public ownership.

Only a few days left to register to vote!

In Scottish elections: Students CAN vote. International students CAN vote. Migrants CAN vote. Refugees CAN vote. Homeless people CAN vote.

Register by 11:59pm on 20 April 2026

www.mygov.scot/vote-electio...

#VoteScottishGreens

Register to vote. Elections Thursday 7 May. Scottish Parliament Welsh Senedd, English local government London borough councils

🚨 Get ready for the elections on 7 May

✍🏼 Register to vote by 20 April
📮 Apply for a postal vote by 20 April 
🪪 Apply for Voter ID by 28 April - if you don't have a passport or driving licence (England only)
🔗 unsn.uk/4dvY3b5

We can do this! 💚

Can the Scottish Greens win Edinburgh Central? Four reasons why Lorna Slater is the candidate to beat in Edinburgh Central.

We are in a strong position to win the Edinburgh Central constituency in the 2026 Holyrood election, a historic first-ever constituency win. But what makes a win likely?

Find out in this explainer: edinburgh.greens.scot/blog/can-the...

A campaign graphic for Lorna Slater of the Scottish Green Party in Edinburgh Central. The headline states she is the bookies' favourite, followed by Ladbrokes betting odds as of April 15th: Lorna Slater (Scottish Greens) 11/10, Angus Robertson (SNP) 5/4, James Dalgeish (Labour) 7/2, Gary Neill (Reform) 66/1, and Jo Mowat (Conservative) 100/1. The footer reads: "ON MAY 7th BOTH VOTES SCOTTISH GREENS." Content Promoted by Dave Owen on behalf of Lorna Slater, both at 19b Graham Street, Edinburgh EH6 5QN."

It’s official: @lornaslater.bsky.social is the bookies favourite in Edinburgh Central - and the Tories are out of the race.

💚 On May 7th, vote Lorna Slater and the Scottish Greens to demand better!

Scottish Green candidates, including co-leaders Ross Greer and GIllian Mackay, hold up the manifesto on stage.

A pile of 2026 Scottihs Green manifestos. The front page says Let's Demand Better.

Scottish Green co-leaders Gillian Mackay and Ross Greer hold the manifesto. The front page says Let's Demand Better.

Scottish Green co-leader Gillian Mackay speaking on stage in front of an audience. Several TV cameras are pointed at her.

Today we launched our 2026 manifesto!

🟢 Want free bus travel for everyone?
🟢 Want accessible and affordable childcare?
🟢 Want to tackle the climate emergency?
🟢 Want to tax the rich?

We've got you covered.

Read the manifesto at:
www.greens.scot/LetsDemandBetter

Scottish Greens manifesto is out, compare and contrast

🚨 Spoiler alert 🚨

You have ONE WEEK to register to vote - register before 20 April

🗳️ www.gov.uk/register-to-vote 🗳️

Edinburgh Greens Holyrood 2026 Support Edinburgh Greens to elect 3 MSPs in Edinburgh and Lothians East

You can also donate to our fundraiser 🙏
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/edinburgh-...

A little goes a long way for us - we don't have the billionaire backers like other parties do, we rely on small donations from ordinary folk 💚

Image of the Scottish Greens logo and our 12 candidate for Edinburgh and Lothians East. Text says: 24 days ledt for the HOlyrood elections. What can you do to elect a socialist alternative Promoted by Dave Owen on behalf of Scottish Green Party, both at 19b Graham Street, Ed, EH6 5QN

Image outlining four ways to help - Ask your friends and family to register to vote - Put up a 'Vote Green' poster in your window - Join us for doorknocking sessions - Talk, write, post about the Greens! Promoted by Dave Owen on behalf of Scottish Green Party, both at 19b Graham Street, Ed, EH6 5QN

Text on a green background that says "And mostly vote Scottish Greens on 7th May" Together with an image of how the Scottish Green Party will appear on the peach ballot papers Promoted by Dave Owen on behalf of Scottish Green Party, both at 19b Graham Street, Ed, EH6 5QN

Excited about the prospect of electing more socialist, feminist and climate-conscious voices to Scottish Parliament next month?!

There are loads of ways to help...

@edinburghgreens.bsky.social
@qmanivannan.bsky.social
@lornaslater.bsky.social

One week left to register to vote in the Scottish Parliament election on 7 May. Deadline is 20 April.

Remember 16 and 17 year olds can vote too. If you're on holiday or not able to vote in person, apply for a postal vote.

Register at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

10 days left to register to vote. Register to vote by April 20th. Don't let someone else decide your future. www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. Let's demand better. On May 7th vote Scottish Greens.

It only takes a few minutes to register to vote. But the consequences of next month's election could last a lifetime.

Take your future into your own hands. Register today.

👉 www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

here is what happens when you give people 10k towards buying a house:

1) everyone suddenly has 10k more to spend on buying a house
2) house sellers notice this
3) they increase the price by 10k

Green GAIN from Reform UK. Changes w/ 2025

Hang it in the Louvre.

Promotional graphic for "Door Knocking Green Weekend with Mal O’Hara," Leader of the Green Party Northern Ireland. The top lists three meet-up locations: Shandon (Sat, 10:30am at 1 Harrison Gardens), Southside (Sat, 12pm at Tesco, Nicolson St), and Tollcross (Sun, 11am at Cameo Bar, Lochrin Pl). Imprint: Promoted by Dave Owen on behalf of the Edinburgh Green Party, both at 19b Graham Street, Edinburgh EH6 5QN

@greenpartyni.org leader Mal O'Hara will be joining our action days this weekend.

Come along to be part of the movement bringing hope back to Scottish politics. More info at: edinburgh.greens.scot/events-calen...

I'm sorry but government subsidising energy companies is so completely stupid I'm struggling to grasp why so many are advocating for it.

ALL YOU ARE DOING IS LINING THE POCKETS OF THE WEALTHY, YOU ARE NOT ADDRESSING THE PROBLEM.

Nationalise critical industries.

Thanks for reading.

I'm disappointed- in fact angry - to read in today's #herald that @anassarwar.bsky.social is still planning to cut #ActiveTravel funding l in this way. A backward move, which is likely to cost @scottishlabour.bsky.social votes in some key seats, in Glasgow and Edinburgh in particular @spokes.org.uk

The head and neck of a roe deer obscured by a bush. But most of the frame is filled with an out-of-focus classic red telephone box. I did get clearer shots of the deer but was very happy to get this background.

This roe deer was very unexpected this morning. It was at the bottom of the slope of Calton Hill and seeming to be considering jumping down to Regent Road.

#UrbanWildlife #CaltonHill #Edinburgh

Candidates Kate, Q, Kayleigh and Lorna pose for a photo in the meadows, Q holds a Vote Green sign

BallotBox Scotland Map of projected seats. Constituencies are 63 SNP, 1 Conservative, 2 Labour, 5 Lib Dem, 2 Green, 0 Alba, 0 Reform. Regional list seats are 0 SNP, 11 Conservative, 12 Labour, 3 Lib Dem, 15 Green, 0 Alba, 15 Reform. Lead party per region is Central and Lothians West SNP, Edinburgh and Lothians East Green, Glasgow SNP, Highlands and Islands SNP, Mid and Fife SNP, North East SNP, South SNP, West SNP. Gallagher Index is 15.2 - a lower index means a more proportional result.

New polling predicts that all four of us will win seats in the Edinburgh and Lothians East region! I could not be more excited about our prospective MSP team, & the potential we'd have to make real change together.

@qmanivannan.bsky.social @lornaslater.bsky.social

Vote Scottish Greens on 7th May!

A veggie sausage roll has had a bite taken out of it, and is nestled in front of an iPad and a notebook

I’m enjoying the hospitality at The Crannie during a quick break from helping people at their drop in today