SCOTTISH PUBLIC Health Minister and Dundee East MSP Shona Robison has defended her green credentials after it was revealed she had used public transport only three times in her official duties as a government minister.

Ms Robison has declared the three journeys—all by air—since being appointed Scotland’s minister for public health following the SNP’s victory in May’s Holyrood elections.

The information was gleaned by Labour MSP George Foulkes in a parliamentary question to Finance Secretary John Swinney.

It also showed Ms Robison had not used a train, ferry, bus or taxi to carry out her official duties, but failed to say how often she had used a car to commute to an engagement.

Ms Robison said yesterday she understood many people would view government ministers travelling by chauffeur-driven car as being anti-green.

She defended her actions, saying the car was her “mobile office” and her commute to Edinburgh allowed her to deal with paperwork.

She said, “The ministerial car comes for me at half past six in the morning, which is when I start my working day. It is a mobile office from my front door to the government offices and as soon as I get there my meetings start for the day.

“I use that time in the car to do my ministerial box, which is usually bursting at the seams. That is very precious time for me to keep on top of the paperwork, which comes in vast volumes.

“It (the public health minister post) is a big job. It is a job I really enjoy doing but it requires that time. It is hard to see how you could do it practically if you weren’t using a ministerial car.

“I don’t think that changes the message that we all need to do what we can in any aspect of our lives to be greener.”

Alex Salmond has made 16 official journeys by public transport since becoming First Minister, all by plane.

His deputy Nicola Sturgeon has taken six flights and hailed five cabs.

North Tayside MSP John Swinney has caught seven flights, made two rail journeys and jumped in five taxis whilst carrying out his role.

Transport minister Stewart Stevenson—who lists flying as one of his private interests and whose remit includes encouraging people to use public transport services—took to the skies three times, made eight rail journeys and took 12 taxis.

He was the only one of his 18 ministerial colleagues who used a bus to get to an appointment.

A spokesperson for the Scottish Government added, “Wherever practicable, cabinet secretaries and ministers use public transport and walk to their engagements.

“However, when this is not possible the government car service arranges transport for them.

“Arrangements for travel are always made to support the efficient conduct of government business and provide a safe and secure working environment for the minister.”