Presiding Officer questioned over parliamentary seating plan as Ross Greer sits alongside SNP

Jackson Carlaw questioned the presiding officer regarding the Scottish Parliament’s policy on its seating plan. 

The point of order was raised as Green MSP Ross Greer, who is not a member of the government, sat alongside ministers.  

The Scottish Conservative MSP raised the point with Alison Johnstone and said he was “slightly confused” about the policy and whether it was advisory or if members are expected to observe the seating plan. 

He said: “If it is just advisory, I think it leaves open to question the possibility of political parties seeking to occupy different parts of the chamber.”  

While noting it was not strictly a point of order, Johnstone confirmed that the seating plan is advisory.  

She said: “It is the case that the seating plan is advisory, and it is a matter for political parties and individual members.” 

Each parliamentary session members are given a rough seating plan in the chamber. 

Under the Bute House Agreement, Scottish Green MSPs Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater hold ministerial roles in the government.

Posting to X, Greer wrote: "For the benefit of my colleague @Jackson_Carlaw, Parliament isn't a classroom and does not have a mandatory seating plan. I was not on 'the Government benches'. 

"Green MSPs have often sat in the second row when Green Ministers answer questions for the last 2.5yrs. Do keep up."