Green MSP’s claims are highest in region
Total expenses bill for area’s parly reps is £145,374
MSPs serving Perth and Kinross claimed back £145,374 in expenses last year.
In total, MSPs across Scotland claimed £16.1 million in 2017/18.
The highest claim from politicians covering Perth and Kinross was Scottish Green Party Mid Scotland and Fife MSP, Mark Ruskell.
His claim of £34,492 was almost £15,000 more than any of the region’s other eight MSPs.
Mr Ruskell defended his claims, putting it down to his bill for a mandatory 20mph speed limit on most urban streets.
He said: “I am the sole representative of my party in a large region and don’t have the option of dividing costs, as parties with multiple MSPs are able to do.
“I have also incurred research costs working on my Safer Streets Bill, which if passed will save lives, reduce accidents, and save councils millions annually.”
Showing his green credentials, Mr Ruskell’s total included claiming back for 30 bike rides at a cost of £51.40.
Perthshire’s two SNP constituency MSPs claimed just under £33,000 between them.
Perthshire North MSP John Swinney, who is also deputy first minister, claimed for £19,928 while Roseanna Cunnignham, MSP for Perthshire South and Kinross-shire, claimed back £12,791.
The lowest claim of the region’s MSPs was £9854, claimed back by Scottish Labour’s Claire Baker.
Across Scotland, those representing isolated constituencies claimed the most. Orkney’s Lib Dem MSP Tavish Scott was the highest, claiming £62,221.
The lowest was Scottish Green member for Lothian Andy Wightman, who claimed just £1947.
Last year marked the first time MSPs expenses have been over £16m, but the Scottish Parliament said the rise from 2017/16 is under the rate of inflation. Ruskell MSP claimed more than any other MSP covering Perth and Kinross