THE first ever Scottish Greens MSP has said he will vote for the party’s co-operation deal with the SNP with his “fingers crossed” despite his concerns.

Robin Harper, 81, served as an MSP for the Lothians region between 1999 and 2011, and was co-convener of the party between 2004 and 2008.

A vote will be held among Scottish Green members this Saturday to determine whether the party will press ahead with its proposed power-sharing agreement with the SNP. The plans have already been approved by the Cabinet.

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The deal would see the Greens given two ministerial roles. Both parties have pledged their commitment to holding an independence referendum in this parliamentary term, while they made a variety of commitments including an increase in active travel and public transport investment, more support for renewables and a 10-year Just Transition Fund.

Harper told the Daily Record that he wasn’t too impressed by the draft deal, saying reading it wasn’t an “exciting experience”.

“We haven’t managed to push the SNP into a position where they really are putting the environment first,” he told the newspaper. “It is still a tag on.”

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The former MSP said the “one thing” the SNP want is indyref2, adding: “If they think they can get a few extra votes on the environment between now and the election, that’s why they are doing it. It’s not because they actually believe in the environment.”

Asked if he will support the deal, Harper said: “With my fingers crossed.”

The Greens are now set to hold Q&A sessions for members ahead of Saturday’s vote. Sessions will be held across the regions with a high turnout expected.