Ruth was born in Inverness in 1976 and was educated at Millburn Academy and Sabhal Mor Ostaig.  A lifelong supporter of Scottish Independence Ruth held the positions of Branch Organiser and Branch Women’s Officer within her local party prior to selection as a council candidate.

In 2012 Ruth was elected to North Ayrshire Council, representing the Irvine West Ward as a councillor. In addition to this role she was North Ayrshire Youth Champion, Chaired the North Ayrshire Violence Against Women Partnership and served as Cabinet Member for Finance within the SNP administration.

On 5th May 2016 Ruth was elected to represent the constituency of Cunninghame South within the Scottish Parliament.  Through her work as an MSP she has been privileged to represent and advocate for residents, groups and businesses on a variety of issues, both at Holyrood and within the constituency.

During the last parliamentary term Ruth Convened the Equalities and Human Rights Committee, having previously served on the Local Government Committee, Social Security and Education and Skills Committees, and as a party whip for the SNP.  

Ruth was also Co-convener of the Cross-Party Group on Commercial Sexual Exploitation and Co-Convener of the Cross-Party Group on Kurdistan.

On May 6th 2021 The electorate of Cunninghame South re-elected the SNP’s Ruth Maguire with a majority of to represent them as MSP in the Scottish Parliament. Ruth attended Holyrood on Thursday 13 May and was sworn in by taking the oath.  Ruth currently serves on the Children, Young People and Education committee, Co-convenes the Cross-Party group on Commercial Sexual Exploitation and is a member of the Cross-Party Group on Nuclear Disarmament

Ruth lives in Irvine, with her family.

You can keep up to date with Ruth’s activity at the links below: