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Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs)

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Sarah Boyack

Scottish Labour

MSP for Lothian (Region) 2019 - present day

Former MSP for Lothian (Region) 2011 - 2016

Former MSP for Edinburgh Central (Constituency) 1999 - 2011

About Sarah Boyack

Contact details

Contact online

Contact at the Scottish Parliament

The Scottish Parliament
Edinburgh
EH99 1SP

Phone: 0131 348 6994
Text relay calls welcome.

Committees

Cross-party groups

Sarah is a member of 16 cross-party groups

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Bangladesh

Member

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Circular Economy

Member

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Co-Operatives

Member

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Culture and Communities

Member

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Europe

Member

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Fair Trade

Member

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Human Trafficking

Member

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on India

Member

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on International Development

Convener

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Malawi

Deputy Convener

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Palestine

Member

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency

Deputy Convener

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Sustainable Transport

Deputy Convener

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Taiwan

Member

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Visual Impairment

Member

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Wellbeing Economy

Member

Parliamentary and Government Roles

Sarah has 1 parliamentary and government role

Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Branch Executive

Member

Party Roles

Sarah has 3 party roles

Party Spokesperson on Energy

Scottish Labour

Party Spokesperson on Just Transition

Scottish Labour

Party Spokesperson on Net Zero

Scottish Labour

Previous roles

Sarah has had 39 previous roles

Previous roles in cross-party groups are not included in this list.

17 June 2021 - 25 April 2023

Constitution Europe External Affairs and Culture Committee

Member

22 September 2021 - 25 April 2023

Local Government Housing and Planning Committee

Substitute Member

31 May 2021 - 10 April 2023

Party Spokesperson on the Constitution

Scottish Labour

31 May 2021 - 10 April 2023

Party Spokesperson on External Affairs

Scottish Labour

31 May 2021 - 10 April 2023

Party Spokesperson on Culture

Scottish Labour

01 March 2021 - 04 May 2021

Party Spokesperson on Environment

Scottish Labour

01 March 2021 - 04 May 2021

Party Spokesperson on Climate Change

Scottish Labour

01 March 2021 - 04 May 2021

Party Spokesperson on Land Reform

Scottish Labour

25 September 2019 - 04 May 2021

Standards Procedures and Public Appointments Committee

Substitute Member

11 September 2019 - 04 May 2021

Local Government and Communities Committee

Deputy Convener

02 September 2019 - 01 March 2021

Party Spokesperson on Local Government

Scottish Labour

05 February 2020 - 25 February 2020

Finance and Constitution Committee

Substitute Member

10 September 2019 - 11 September 2019

Local Government and Communities Committee

Member

06 January 2015 - 23 March 2016

Policy Forum/Manifesto Co-ordinator

Scottish Labour

19 August 2015 - 23 March 2016

Party Spokesperson on Environmental Justice

Scottish Labour

08 January 2015 - 23 March 2016

Rural Affairs Climate Change and Environment Committee

Member

16 December 2014 - 19 August 2015

Party Spokesperson on Rural Development

Scottish Labour

16 December 2014 - 19 August 2015

Party Spokesperson on the Environment

Scottish Labour

03 September 2013 - 08 January 2015

Local Government and Regeneration Committee

Substitute Member

19 December 2011 - 16 December 2014

Party Spokesperson on Local Government

Scottish Labour

19 December 2011 - 16 December 2014

Party Spokesperson on Planning

Scottish Labour

20 May 2011 - 19 December 2011

Party Spokesperson on Rural Development

Scottish Labour

20 May 2011 - 19 December 2011

Party Spokesperson on the Environment

Scottish Labour

17 September 2007 - 22 March 2011

Party Spokesperson on Rural Development

Scottish Labour

17 September 2007 - 22 March 2011

Party Spokesperson on the Environment

Scottish Labour

13 June 2007 - 20 September 2007

Rural Affairs and Environment Committee

Member

18 May 2007 - 17 September 2007

Party Spokesperson on the Environment

Scottish Labour

11 January 2007 - 17 May 2007

Deputy Minister for Environment and Rural Development

Scottish Government

10 June 2003 - 15 January 2007

Environment and Rural Development Committee

Convener

10 June 2003 - 15 January 2007

conveners group

Member

04 June 2003 - 10 June 2003

Environment and Rural Development Committee

Member

31 October 2002 - 31 March 2003

Audit Committee

Member

26 September 2002 - 31 March 2003

Social Justice Committee

Substitute Member

06 March 2003 - 31 March 2003

European and External Relations Committee

Member

29 November 2001 - 05 March 2003

European Committee

Member

07 March 2002 - 27 June 2002

Scottish Parliamentary Standards Commissioner Bill Committee

Member

21 March 2001 - 28 November 2001

Minister for Transport and Planning

Scottish Government

02 November 2000 - 21 March 2001

Minister for Transport and Telecommunications

Scottish Government

19 May 1999 - 01 November 2000

Minister for Transport and the Environment

Scottish Government

Register of interests

Sarah's register of interests

MSPs must provide details of their financial interests in the Register of Interests. They make an initial statement on becoming or being returned as an MSP. This is then updated with any changes they provide.

Here is the register for Sarah Boyack. The date of their initial statement was 08 June 2021.

Remuneration and related undertaking

I worked as Head of Public Affairs for the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations, Sutherland House, 149 St Vincent St, Glasgow G2 5NW, part time for the first three weeks from February 2017, then full time from March 2017. I left the post on 12 July 2019 and was returned to Parliament on 15 July 2019. On 26 July 2019, I received a final salary payment of between £1,001 and £2,000 representing the outstanding salary owed to me.

Gifts

No registrable interests

Overseas visits

From 16 to 18 October 2024, I visited Stuttgart, Germany to meet with representatives of the energy company, EnBW (Energie Baden-Württemberg AG, Durlacher Allee 93, 76131, Karlsruhe). The purpose of the visit was to find out more about the work done by EnBW in Germany and across the UK to learn lessons for GB Energy, and encourage more investment in Scotland. The programme also included meeting other political parties to discuss resetting and strengthening relationships with the EU. The cost of my accommodation, transport and meals during my time in Germany was £721.50, and was met by EnBW. [Registered 15 November 2024]

No registrable interests

Controlled transactions

No registrable interests

Heritable property

No registrable interests

Interest in shares

No registrable interests

Voluntary

I worked as a temporary and part time lecturer at Heriot Watt University teaching Planning and Environmental Studies from September 2016 until March 2017.

I am a member of the Edinburgh Solar COOP.

I am a Vice President of the European Movement in Scotland.

On 5 December 2023 I received a gift of a food hamper valued at approximately £150 from Community Windpower Ltd (Godscroft Lane, Frodsham, Cheshire, WA6 6XU). The gift was to me as an individual. [Registered 21 December 2023]

I am a member of The Cooperative Party.

On 9 August 2024 I attended the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo as a guest of Jason Barrett, CEO of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (1-3 Cockburn Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1QB). The cost of the ticket was £445.00. [Registered 3 October 2024]

I am a member of Friends of the Earth Scotland.

I am a member of Spokes - The Lothian Cycle Campaign.

I am a member of both Unison and Community Trade Unions.

Recent Activity

What was said

What Sarah Boyack has said in Parliament

These are the official transcripts of what was said by this MSP in the chamber and at committee meetings. You'll find the topic discussed and how many times this MSP has contributed to the discussion.

Energy Projects (Community Engagement)

Chamber meeting date: 5 February 2026

Sarah Boyack (Lothian) (Lab): "Given that Berwick Bank has now been approved, what is the Scottish Government doing to work with the developer and local communities to reduce the project’s impact on seabirds, to deliver local manufacturing and job opportunities, and to enable links to community heat networks? I am happy to get a written update, but those are practical things…

Fife to Edinburgh Trains

Chamber meeting date: 5 February 2026

Sarah Boyack (Lothian) (Lab): "Does the cabinet secretary accept that commuting by train is critical if we are to give people the choice not to use their cars…

Fife to Edinburgh Trains

Chamber meeting date: 5 February 2026

Sarah Boyack (Lothian) (Lab): "Does the cabinet secretary accept that commuting by train is critical if we are to give people the choice not to use their cars…

Energy Projects (Community Engagement)

Chamber meeting date: 5 February 2026

Sarah Boyack (Lothian) (Lab): "Given that Berwick Bank has now been approved, what is the Scottish Government doing to work with the developer and local communities to reduce the project’s impact on seabirds, to deliver local manufacturing and job opportunities, and to enable links to community heat networks? I am happy to get a written update, but those are practical things…

Fife to Edinburgh Trains

Chamber meeting date: 5 February 2026

Sarah Boyack (Lothian) (Lab): "Does the cabinet secretary accept that commuting by train is critical if we are to give people the choice not to use their cars…

Votes

How Sarah Boyack has voted in Parliament

Find out how Sarah Boyack has voted recently.

Ecocide (Scotland) Bill

Motion ref. S6M-20606

Submitted by: Monica Lennon, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour. Date lodged: Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Thursday, February 5, 2026

Result 90 for, 26 against, 4 abstained, 9 did not vote

MSP voted for

Agreed

Opposing the Scottish Government's Proposed Council Tax Rises

Motion ref. S6M-20654.1

Submitted by: Michael Marra, North East Scotland, Scottish Labour. Date lodged: Tuesday, February 3, 2026

Supported by: Mark Griffin
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Result 23 for, 94 against, 1 abstained, 11 did not vote

MSP voted for

Disagreed

Opposing the Scottish Government's Proposed Council Tax Rises

Motion ref. S6M-20654

Submitted by: Craig Hoy, South Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party. Date lodged: Monday, February 2, 2026

Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Result 59 for, 58 against, 0 abstained, 12 did not vote

MSP voted against

Agreed

Approval of SI

Motion ref. S6M-20670

Submitted by: Graeme Dey, Angus South, Scottish National Party. Date lodged: Tuesday, February 3, 2026

Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Result 93 for, 3 against, 17 abstained, 16 did not vote

MSP voted for

Agreed

Saving Scottish Hospitality

Motion ref. S6M-20653

Submitted by: Murdo Fraser, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party. Date lodged: Monday, February 2, 2026

Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Result 59 for, 59 against, 0 abstained, 11 did not vote

MSP voted against

Disagreed

Motions

Questions

Questions Sarah Boyack has asked

These are the questions that this MSP has asked in Parliament. It also includes any answer to those questions.

Question reference: S6W-43600

Asked by: Sarah Boyack, Lothian, Scottish Labour

Date lodged: 5 February 2026

Current Status: Answer expected on 19 February 2026

"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason, in its draft Budget 2026-27, the (a) funding for Energy Transitions has been significantly reduced, and (b) Just Transition Fund has been held at a flat cash level, despite the stated commitment to deliver £500 million over 10 years, which current allocations would not allow to meet."

Question reference: S6W-43599

Asked by: Sarah Boyack, Lothian, Scottish Labour

Date lodged: 5 February 2026

Current Status: Answer expected on 19 February 2026

"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of indications that the capital funding allocation for climate action lies in the local government budget, whether it will set out what (a) funding is in place for flood defence projects across Scotland, and (b) the total amount being provided for this purpose is."

Question reference: S6W-43605

Asked by: Sarah Boyack, Lothian, Scottish Labour

Date lodged: 5 February 2026

Current Status: Answer expected on 19 February 2026

"To ask the Scottish Government how many projects it estimates will be supported by Recovery funding from the Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES), following the reported 27% reduction in the fund’s budget."

Question reference: S6W-43603

Asked by: Sarah Boyack, Lothian, Scottish Labour

Date lodged: 5 February 2026

Current Status: Answer expected on 19 February 2026

"To ask the Scottish Government how many projects have been delivered or supported through Recovery funding from the Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) to date."

Question reference: S6W-43604

Asked by: Sarah Boyack, Lothian, Scottish Labour

Date lodged: 5 February 2026

Current Status: Answer expected on 19 February 2026

"To ask the Scottish Government for what reason the Recovery budget of the Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) has been reduced."

Question reference: S6W-43601

Asked by: Sarah Boyack, Lothian, Scottish Labour

Date lodged: 5 February 2026

Current Status: Answer expected on 19 February 2026

"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the reported urgent need for enhanced environmental monitoring, water quality management and regulatory capacity, for what reason it has reduced funding for Scottish Water and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency in its draft Budget 2026-27."

Question reference: S6W-43602

Asked by: Sarah Boyack, Lothian, Scottish Labour

Date lodged: 5 February 2026

Current Status: Answer expected on 19 February 2026

"To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to meet its commitment to spend £500 million on the offshore wind supply chain in the current parliamentary session, in light of Scottish budgets over the course of the session indicating that less than £375 million will be spent."

Question reference: S6W-43269

Asked by: Sarah Boyack, Lothian, Scottish Labour

Date lodged: 22 January 2026

Current Status: Answered by Shona Robison on 5 February 2026

"To ask the Scottish Government, regarding its draft Budget 2026-27, whether it will provide a breakdown of the specific lines that set out how the £286 million of ScotWind funding earmarked to support resource spending in 2026-27 and 2027-28 will be allocated."

Question reference: S6W-43549

Asked by: Sarah Boyack, Lothian, Scottish Labour

Date lodged: 3 February 2026

Current Status: Answer expected on 17 February 2026

"To ask the Scottish Government what specialist deaf services are currently in place to prevent crisis and high costs for the deaf community in Scotland."

Question reference: S6W-43550

Asked by: Sarah Boyack, Lothian, Scottish Labour

Date lodged: 3 February 2026

Current Status: Answer expected on 17 February 2026

"To ask the Scottish Government how it is ensuring that local authorities uphold the spirit of the British Sign Language (Scotland) Act 2015, including by raising awareness and making Scotland a better place for BSL users to live, work, and visit."

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