Jenny Gilruth Scottish National Party (SNP)
Standing in Mid Fife and Glenrothes · Mid Scotland and Fife region
Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills since 2023 and MSP for Mid Fife and Glenrothes since 2016. A former secondary school teacher and head of department in Fife, Gilruth previously served as Minister for Culture (2020-2022) and Minister for Transport (2022-2023). She brings direct classroom experience to her education brief.
Policy Positions
Scotland's Future
Support independence. An SNP majority at this election is framed as a mandate for a referendum. Independence cited as essential to Scotland's future prosperity.
NHS & Health
Significant NHS investment. Expand GP walk-in clinics, shorten waiting times, deliver more operations and community diagnostics. NHS described as Scotland's most precious public service.
Housing
Build 110,000 affordable homes by 2032 (70% social rent), create a new housing agency, retain the rent control framework, and provide deposit support of up to £10,000 for first-time buyers.
Climate & Transport
Continue the transition to net zero by 2045 with a focus on Scotland's renewable energy wealth. Interim 2030 climate targets were dropped in 2024; emphasis is on energy costs and a just transition.
Tax & Public Spending
Keep Scotland's progressive income tax, the fairest and most progressive in the UK. Introduce a mansion tax on properties valued above £1m from 2028.
Economy & Jobs
Grow the economy while protecting public services. Unlock £20 billion of pension fund investment, back a just transition, and use Scotland's renewable energy wealth to cut costs for households and businesses.
Education & Childcare
A transformational national expansion of childcare from 9 months to the end of primary school, 52 weeks a year. Protect free university tuition and free school lunches.
Social Issues
Uphold and protect the human rights of trans people within devolved powers. Scotland is the first country in the world to incorporate LGBTQI+ education in schools. Strong commitment to equality across all groups.
Track Record
› Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills since 2023
› Former secondary school teacher and head of department in Fife
› Minister for Transport (2022-2023)
› Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development (2020-2022)
› Elected MSP in 2016 with a majority of over 8,000 votes