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Members of the Scottish Parliament (³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ)

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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 14 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 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 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

³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ 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 am a member of The Cooperative Party.

I am a member of Friends of the Earth Scotland.

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 Spokes - The Lothian Cycle Campaign.

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 both Unison and Community Trade Unions.

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]

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.

Chamber meeting date: 24 April 2025

Higher Education (Edinburgh)

6. Sarah Boyack (Lothian) (Lab): "To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on what steps it is taking to protect Edinburgh’s higher education sector, in light of reports of potential job losses. (S6O-04573)"

Chamber meeting date: 24 April 2025

Higher Education (Edinburgh)

6. Sarah Boyack (Lothian) (Lab): "To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on what steps it is taking to protect Edinburgh’s higher education sector, in light of reports of potential job losses. (S6O-04573)"

Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee meeting date: 22 April 2025

Environmental Protection (Disposal of Polychlorinated Biphenyls and other Dangerous Substances) (Scotland) Amendment (No 2) Regulations 2020 (SSI 2025/78)

Sarah Boyack (Lothian) (Lab): "I very much agree with you. It feels very odd that there were so few consultation responses and that one of them was not considered…

Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee meeting date: 22 April 2025

Train and Bus Services

Sarah Boyack: "I am thinking about the impact on the choices that people have. We have 18 million fewer trips because there are reduced services, and 20 million fewer trips because of increased journey times due to congestion…

Chamber meeting date: 3 April 2025

Project Willow

Sarah Boyack (Lothian) (Lab): "I thank the Deputy First Minister for advance sight of her statement…

Votes

How Sarah Boyack has voted in Parliament

Find out how Sarah Boyack has voted recently.

Motion ref. S6M-17242

UK Government Welfare Reforms

Submitted by: Shirley-Anne Somerville, Dunfermline, Scottish National Party. Date lodged: Thursday, April 17, 2025

Supported by: Paul McLennan, Kaukab Stewart
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Result 73 for, 40 against, 0 abstained, 15 did not vote

MSP voted against

Vote Passed

Motion ref. S6M-17242.1

UK Government Welfare Reforms

Submitted by: Paul O'Kane, West Scotland, Scottish Labour. Date lodged: Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Result 14 for, 100 against, 0 abstained, 14 did not vote

MSP voted for

Vote Defeated

Motion ref. S6M-17242.3

UK Government Welfare Reforms

Submitted by: Liz Smith, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party. Date lodged: Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Supported by: Roz McCall
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Result 27 for, 82 against, 5 abstained, 14 did not vote

MSP voted against

Vote Defeated

Motion ref. S6M-17267

Substitution on Committees

Submitted by: Jamie Hepburn, Cumbernauld and Kilsyth, Scottish National Party. Date lodged: Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Result 108 for, 1 against, 0 abstained, 19 did not vote

MSP voted for

Vote Passed

Motion ref. S6M-17266

Committee Membership

Submitted by: Jamie Hepburn, Cumbernauld and Kilsyth, Scottish National Party. Date lodged: Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Result 109 for, 1 against, 0 abstained, 18 did not vote

MSP voted for

Vote Passed

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 ref. S6W-36162

Asked by: Boyack, Sarah, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 1 April 2025

"To ask the Scottish Government what support it can provide to homeowners of traditionally built homes to maintain energy efficiency in the transition to renewable energy, and what impact Edinburgh College withdrawing its stonemasonry apprenticeship might have on this."

Answered by Alasdair Allan on 22 April 2025

Question ref. S6W-36160

Asked by: Boyack, Sarah, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 27 March 2025

"To ask the Scottish Government what action is being taken to preserve traditionally built homes and to make them wind and weathertight in an energy-efficient manner, in light of the need to reduce carbon emissions across all housing stock."

Answered by Alasdair Allan on 22 April 2025

Question ref. S6W-36161

Asked by: Boyack, Sarah, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 27 March 2025

"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that Scotland will remain at net zero emissions, should it achieve its legal target by 2045, in light of reports of inefficient heating measures in traditionally built homes."

Answered by Alasdair Allan on 17 April 2025

Question ref. S6O-04573

Asked by: Boyack, Sarah, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 16 April 2025

"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on what steps it is taking to protect Edinburgh’s higher education sector, in light of reports of potential job losses."

Taken in the Chamber on 24 April 2025

Question ref. S6W-35514

Asked by: Boyack, Sarah, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 7 March 2025

"To ask the Scottish Government what guidance or direction it has offered to its agencies and departments in relation to prioritising community-owned enterprises in arrangements for the generation of electricity on land in their ownership or management."

Answered by Gillian Martin on 20 March 2025

Question ref. S6W-35518

Asked by: Boyack, Sarah, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 7 March 2025

"To ask the Scottish Government what arrangements Scottish Water has in place with community-owned providers for wind, hydro and solar electricity generation on land in its ownership or management; what the current capacity in megawatts is of any generation installed; what the most recently recorded annual income was for Scottish Water from any such…

Answered by Gillian Martin on 20 March 2025

Question ref. S6W-35517

Asked by: Boyack, Sarah, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 7 March 2025

"To ask the Scottish Government what arrangements Scottish Water has in place with private sector providers for wind, hydro and solar electricity generation on land in its ownership or management; what the current capacity in megawatts is of any generation installed; what the most recently recorded annual income was for Scottish Water from any such…

Answered by Gillian Martin on 20 March 2025

Question ref. S6W-35523

Asked by: Boyack, Sarah, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 7 March 2025

"To ask the Scottish Government what installed electricity generating capacity Scottish Water directly owns in relation to wind, hydro and solar electricity generation, and what the current estimated annual revenue value is of any such capacity in (a) cash terms and (b) savings from the use of the grid."

Answered by Gillian Martin on 20 March 2025

Question ref. S6W-35516

Asked by: Boyack, Sarah, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 7 March 2025

"To ask the Scottish Government what arrangements the national forest estate has in place with community-owned organisations for wind, hydro and solar electricity generation on land in its ownership or management; what the current capacity in megawatts is of any generation installed; what the most recently recorded annual income was for the national…

Answered by Gillian Martin on 14 March 2025

Question ref. S6W-35515

Asked by: Boyack, Sarah, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 7 March 2025

"To ask the Scottish Government what arrangements the national forest estate has in place with private sector providers for wind, hydro and solar electricity generation on land in its ownership or management; what the current capacity in megawatts is of any generation installed; what the most recently recorded annual income was for the national…

Answered by Gillian Martin on 14 March 2025

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