NUMEROUS Scottish Government ministers and politicians have been barred from Russia in response to aid given to Ukraine following the invasion. 

In a statement on Monday, the Russian foreign ministry said the additions to the country’s “stop list” were due to “continued application by the UK Government of the mechanism of sanctions” against Russians.

Holyrood Finance Secretary Kate Forbes, Constitution Secretary Angus Robertson and Ukraine minister Neil Gray were all placed on the list.

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Lorna Slater, Scottish Greens MSP and Scottish Government minister, also made it on to the list alongside her MSP colleague Ross Greer and SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford. 

Fiona Hyslop, SNP MSP, was also sanctioned but was mistakenly described as “Scottish cabinet secretary for economic, labour and cultural affairs” – Hyslop was economy, fair work and culture secretary until last year's reshuffle.

Constitution Secretary Robertson reacted on social media, writing: "The Russian Foreign Ministry clearly doesn’t like criticism of Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine and dislikes those who support Ukrainian freedom. #SlavaUkraini."

Greer reacted to the news with a tongue-in-cheek Tweet, writing: "I've just been banned from Russia. Please send thoughts and prayers at this difficult time."

Slater meanwhile retweeted the list with a link to a video of her at a pro-Ukraine rally, adding #SlavaUkraini.

She later told The National: “Vladimir Putin’s outrageous and illegal invasion of Ukraine has resulted in thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions more people. If the cost of speaking out against Putin’s war crimes is a ban on visiting Russia then I will live with these consequences but I will not stop supporting Ukraine.”

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While Greer added: “Watching the bravery of the Ukrainian people in recent months has been absolutely inspiring. If the cost of speaking up for the rights of Ukraine, and condemning Putin’s war, is a ban from visiting Russia then I think I’ll be able to cope.”

SNP MP Blackford later said: "The Russian regime's brutal invasion of Ukraine must be challenged and the war crimes it is committing in the country must be held to account. 

"The SNP will continue to stand up and oppose Russia's illegal actions in Ukraine and we welcome the sanctions that have been imposed so far.

"However, it must not stop there and we will continue to urge the UK Government to take the steps it can to go further against individuals and institutions of key economic and strategic interest to the Russian government. 

The National: Slater, left, and politicians across the Scottish political spectrum have vocally opposed Russia's invasion of UkraineSlater, left, and politicians across the Scottish political spectrum have vocally opposed Russia's invasion of Ukraine

"The SNP Scottish Government is proud to play its part in supporting our Ukrainian friends, including through aid and the resettlement of Ukrainian refugees. We must be united in the face of President Putin's aggression and the coordinated solidarity shown for Ukraine must and cannot waver.”

The Russian Foreign Ministery claimed those named had all been sanctioned as they "contribute to London's hostile course aimed at the demonisation of our country and its international isolation".

There were 39 UK citizens in total who are now longer able to enter the Russian Federation. 

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Cole-Hamilton said he would wear the ban as a “badge of honour”.

He added: “One day, after Putin’s army has been defeated and his government swept away by the tides of history, I hope that I will have the chance to visit and meet with those who have bravely stood up against the Russian regime.

“Until that happens, I will wear this ban as a badge of honour.

“The UK must redouble its efforts to help Ukraine achieve victory on the battlefield, while here in Scotland, our Government must get serious about patching the holes in the refugee scheme and helping those who have fled to our shores.”

The SNP and Scottish Greens have been contacted for comment. 

The National: Neil Gray, minister for international aid and refugees with an HGV fully loaded at NHS Supply depot in Bellshill and ready to leave with more than 500,000 pieces of medical supplies and equipment to Ukraine.Neil Gray, minister for international aid and refugees with an HGV fully loaded at NHS Supply depot in Bellshill and ready to leave with more than 500,000 pieces of medical supplies and equipment to Ukraine.

Nicola Sturgeon was similarly sanctioned earlier this year.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, shadow foreign secretary David Lammy, shadow levelling up secretary Lisa Nandy and former Nato secretary general George Robertson were also among those banned from entering Russia.

A number of journalists were included in Monday’s sanctions, including Piers Morgan, BBC newsreader Huw Edwards and ITV journalist Robert Peston.