Born in 1946 and brought up in Cupar, Fife, I was educated at the local school - 
Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson is backing this year’s Carers Rights Day on Friday 2nd December which will see the Peterhead-based Carers’ Centre organise a special ‘carers’ rights day’.
The event will take place at the Salvation Army Hall, Windmill Street, Peterhead and officials from the Department for Work & Pensions, Citizens Advice and Crossroads amongst others will be on hand to offer advice on a range of issues.
Commenting on the initiative, Mr Stevenson said:
“It is staggering to learn that between 40 - 60% of disability benefits go unclaimed, and with many carers unaware of how to access practical help, Carers' Rights Day is designed to make carers more aware of their entitlements. The 2005 campaign is centred around older carers and the take up of benefits.
“I am delighted that this event has been arranged and I am pleased to be taking part. Carers deserve our recognition for the work which they do and there will be a range of agencies present on the day to provide advice and assistance to ensure that carers are getting all the help which is rightfully theirs.
“Many people don’t get the support they need because they don’t recognise the caring role they have. If you regularly provide or intend to provide care, you need to find out about the help available. The benefits system is complicated and finding out what you are entitled to can be difficult. Claiming benefits usually involves filling out forms. Try not to let this put you off. A local Independent Citizens' Advice Bureau, disability organisation or an Age Concern branch should be able to help you with the forms. The Pension Service (Freephone: 0800 99 1234) should also be able to help you with more information about benefits and completing the claim forms.
“Remember, even if you’re not entitled to claim benefits there is a range of other ways in which you get help with being a carer, such as equipment, practical help and getting access to a break.”
Karen Adam is now the MSP for Banffshire and Buchan Coast
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30 November 2005
STEVENSON TO PRESENT TESCO COMPUTERS FOR SCHOOLS
Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson will officiate at the Tesco ‘Computers for Schools’ presentation on Friday 2 December at the Tesco Store, South Harbour Road, Fraserburgh at 2.00pm.
Mr Stevenson commented:
“I am delighted to be handing out computer equipement to local primary schools once again and I am particularly pleased that many of the schools involved this year are benefitting for the first time.
“This is the fourteenth year of ‘Computers for Schools’ and a lot of very welcome additional equipment has gone into Banff & Buchan schools during that time. I think it is important that large national chains recognise that they have a duty to put something back into the community and I congratulate Tesco on this excellent initiative.”
Mr Stevenson commented:
“I am delighted to be handing out computer equipement to local primary schools once again and I am particularly pleased that many of the schools involved this year are benefitting for the first time.
“This is the fourteenth year of ‘Computers for Schools’ and a lot of very welcome additional equipment has gone into Banff & Buchan schools during that time. I think it is important that large national chains recognise that they have a duty to put something back into the community and I congratulate Tesco on this excellent initiative.”
STEVENSON RAISES DIGITAL RECEPTION IN PARLIAMENT
Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson has raised the issue of lack of digital television reception in Parliament. Speaking in a debate on the subject, Mr Stevenson said that there was a “big difference between switch-over and analogue switch-off”.
Speaking after the debate, Mr Stevenson said:
“People who are lucky enough to live in the right place can already access digital television by picking up a set-top box for a reasonable, one-off cost. In Banff & Buchan however, for many people this is not an option and the increasing number of digital channels can only be accessed through cable or satellite, which are far more costly and disruptive to install.
“I note with concern the BBC’s desire to increase the licence fee by 2.3% above inflation. It is extremely frustrating that not all licence payers are able to receive the entire package of programmes from the BBC. I feel that taking this into account, it is simply wrong to expect them to pay the same level of licence fee and there is a very strong argument in favour of a ‘no see, no fee’ television licence.
“The BBC have said recently that they wish not only to see an increase in the licence fee, but an increase which is above inflation. It therefore cannot be right that my constituents are expected to subsidise the costs of channels such as BBC3 and News 24 when they cannot access those channels. It’s a bit like paying for a set meal in a restaurant but being told you can’t have your pudding because you have chosen to sit too far away from the kitchen.
“It is unfair, and the North of Scotland deserves better.”
Speaking after the debate, Mr Stevenson said:
“People who are lucky enough to live in the right place can already access digital television by picking up a set-top box for a reasonable, one-off cost. In Banff & Buchan however, for many people this is not an option and the increasing number of digital channels can only be accessed through cable or satellite, which are far more costly and disruptive to install.
“I note with concern the BBC’s desire to increase the licence fee by 2.3% above inflation. It is extremely frustrating that not all licence payers are able to receive the entire package of programmes from the BBC. I feel that taking this into account, it is simply wrong to expect them to pay the same level of licence fee and there is a very strong argument in favour of a ‘no see, no fee’ television licence.
“The BBC have said recently that they wish not only to see an increase in the licence fee, but an increase which is above inflation. It therefore cannot be right that my constituents are expected to subsidise the costs of channels such as BBC3 and News 24 when they cannot access those channels. It’s a bit like paying for a set meal in a restaurant but being told you can’t have your pudding because you have chosen to sit too far away from the kitchen.
“It is unfair, and the North of Scotland deserves better.”
28 November 2005
STEVENSON: WE MUST RAISE GAME IN TACKLING DRUG ADDICTION
Commenting today (Monday) on calls from the Scottish Drugs Forum for more specialist drugs services to cope with the rising number of drug addicts in Scotland, estimated at around 50,000, SNP Deputy Shadow Justice Minister, Stewart Stevenson, said:
“The figures speak for themselves and underline the fact that we must raise our game and ensure many more people are given the opportunity to kick the habit.
“We must also ensure that a range of options is available to suit the different needs of different addicts. We cannot allow another generation of Scots to fall into drug addiction.
“The figures speak for themselves and underline the fact that we must raise our game and ensure many more people are given the opportunity to kick the habit.
“We must also ensure that a range of options is available to suit the different needs of different addicts. We cannot allow another generation of Scots to fall into drug addiction.
25 November 2005
FURY OVER CLYDESDALE’S WRECKING TACTICS
Banff & Buchan representatives Alex Salmond MP and Stewart Stevenson MSP have reacted furiously to the revelation that the Clydesdale Bank has blocked moves by the Royal Bank of Scotland to look at the possibility of taking over some of its branches earmarked for closure. It is understood that New Deer is among the locations being considered by the Royal Bank.
The Royal Bank of Scotland – which announced it would be operating a lifeline mobile banking service to those communities abandoned by the Clydesdale from January – had approached the Australian-owned bank formally to survey a number of their closure-marked sites in the North-east. This request was refused. Now local MP Alex Salmond says that this goes against comments made by Clydesdale top brass at a meeting in Maud earlier this month.
Mr Salmond commented:
“The rejection of the Royal Bank approach is contrary to what we were told by Steve Reid, Head of Retail Banking for the Clydesdale, at a recent packed public meeting in Maud.
“This is an astounding revelation which will cause fury in all the communities around Scotland where the Clydesdale is pulling out, but especially in the North-east, where they now seem to be actively undermining efforts by others to keep banking facilities available in rural areas.
“To pull the plug on your branches is one thing, but to actively prevent another bank from taking your place is quite disgraceful.”
Local MSP Stewart Stevenson added:
“I am furious at this news. The Clydesdale Bank are shutting up and shipping out. Their branches are already on the property market. I find it incredible that not only are they adopting this “dog in the manger” attitude towards rural banking, but also, by implication, are quite prepared to see these branches lie empty.
“Frankly, I am appalled by this attitude and the Clydesdale Bank does not deserve to retain the loyalty of its rural customers because it has shown no loyalty whatsoever towards our rural communities and is now actively working to undermine the business base in places like New Deer.”
The Royal Bank of Scotland – which announced it would be operating a lifeline mobile banking service to those communities abandoned by the Clydesdale from January – had approached the Australian-owned bank formally to survey a number of their closure-marked sites in the North-east. This request was refused. Now local MP Alex Salmond says that this goes against comments made by Clydesdale top brass at a meeting in Maud earlier this month.
Mr Salmond commented:
“The rejection of the Royal Bank approach is contrary to what we were told by Steve Reid, Head of Retail Banking for the Clydesdale, at a recent packed public meeting in Maud.
“This is an astounding revelation which will cause fury in all the communities around Scotland where the Clydesdale is pulling out, but especially in the North-east, where they now seem to be actively undermining efforts by others to keep banking facilities available in rural areas.
“To pull the plug on your branches is one thing, but to actively prevent another bank from taking your place is quite disgraceful.”
Local MSP Stewart Stevenson added:
“I am furious at this news. The Clydesdale Bank are shutting up and shipping out. Their branches are already on the property market. I find it incredible that not only are they adopting this “dog in the manger” attitude towards rural banking, but also, by implication, are quite prepared to see these branches lie empty.
“Frankly, I am appalled by this attitude and the Clydesdale Bank does not deserve to retain the loyalty of its rural customers because it has shown no loyalty whatsoever towards our rural communities and is now actively working to undermine the business base in places like New Deer.”
24 November 2005
MSP TO SEE ‘SMART CARD’ TECHNOLOGY IN USE AT PETERHEAD ACADEMY
Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson will visit Peterhead Academy, Station Road, Peterhead on Monday 28 November.
Mr Stevenson will spend time with Modern Studies pupils answering questions about Parliament and politics before heading to the canteen to sample school dinners. Before doing so, Mr Stevenson will take part in a photo opportunity at 12.40pm in the canteen where he will serve pupils using the latest ‘smart card’ technology.
Next week will be the first full week of the new ‘smart cards’ which have been introduced by Peterhead Academy and which pupils can use, amongst other things, to pay for meals. The healthier the meal option chosen by the pupil, the more points they get added to their ‘smart card’ which they can save up towards the cost of various items on the “swapits” website, similar to e-bay.
Mr Stevenson will also meet with teaching staff and Academy Rector Susan Alley.
Commenting in advance of his visit, Mr Stevenson said:
“I hosted a visit to Parliament yesterday by Peterhead Academy pupils so I am delighted to be making the return visit so soon.
“The ‘smart card’ initiative sounds extremely useful and it is to be commended that the technology has been used in such a way to tie in with healthy eating for our youngsters, which is to be encouraged.”
Mr Stevenson will spend time with Modern Studies pupils answering questions about Parliament and politics before heading to the canteen to sample school dinners. Before doing so, Mr Stevenson will take part in a photo opportunity at 12.40pm in the canteen where he will serve pupils using the latest ‘smart card’ technology.
Next week will be the first full week of the new ‘smart cards’ which have been introduced by Peterhead Academy and which pupils can use, amongst other things, to pay for meals. The healthier the meal option chosen by the pupil, the more points they get added to their ‘smart card’ which they can save up towards the cost of various items on the “swapits” website, similar to e-bay.
Mr Stevenson will also meet with teaching staff and Academy Rector Susan Alley.
Commenting in advance of his visit, Mr Stevenson said:
“I hosted a visit to Parliament yesterday by Peterhead Academy pupils so I am delighted to be making the return visit so soon.
“The ‘smart card’ initiative sounds extremely useful and it is to be commended that the technology has been used in such a way to tie in with healthy eating for our youngsters, which is to be encouraged.”
23 November 2005
PETERHEAD ACADEMY PUPILS VISIT PARLIAMENT
Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson has today [Wednesday] welcomed teachers and pupils from Peterhead Academy to the Scottish Parliament. This was the latest in a series of local school visits to the heart of Scottish political life.
Mr Stevenson said of the visit:
“It is always a pleasure to receive visits from school pupils in my constituency to the Scottish Parliament. It is a useful way to show them how government works and what their elected representatives do when not in their constituencies.
“As usual, there was a high level of knowledge about the Parliament and about politics in general. I hope that this will ensure that they continue to take an interest in politics in the future.
“The pupils were able to see all aspects of the Parliament, including the debating chamber, the various lobbies and the committee rooms. They were also able to watch some of the afternoon’s debates and see politics in action.
“The interest in the Parliament building has been huge since the move to Holyrood and I look forward to welcoming more groups to the Parliament in the future.”
Mr Stevenson said of the visit:
“It is always a pleasure to receive visits from school pupils in my constituency to the Scottish Parliament. It is a useful way to show them how government works and what their elected representatives do when not in their constituencies.
“As usual, there was a high level of knowledge about the Parliament and about politics in general. I hope that this will ensure that they continue to take an interest in politics in the future.
“The pupils were able to see all aspects of the Parliament, including the debating chamber, the various lobbies and the committee rooms. They were also able to watch some of the afternoon’s debates and see politics in action.
“The interest in the Parliament building has been huge since the move to Holyrood and I look forward to welcoming more groups to the Parliament in the future.”
16 November 2005
MSP SEEKS NOMINATIONS FOR ‘EPILEPSY SCOTLAND EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR’ AWARD
Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson is seeking nominations for Epilepsy Scotland’s Best Practice Certificate and Employer of the Year Award which is being supported by the Scottish Executive Health Department.
Mr Stevenson – a member of the Parliament’s Cross-Party Group on Epilepsy – met recently with representatives from Epilepsy Scotland in the Scottish Parliament.
Commenting, Mr Stevenson said:
“I recently attended the launch of the Best Practice Certificate and Employer of the Year Award. Epilepsy is far more common than most of us realise with approximately 1 in 130 adults being affected. This equates to almost 40,000 Scots.
“Epilepsy Scotland is on the look out for organisations that are ready to help someone with epilepsy at work and whose workplace is prepared to do the right things to assist an employee who either has or develops epilepsy.
“Epilepsy-friendly practice can take many forms such as the provision of extra training, offering alternative duties, arranging transport and generally offering the option of flexibility for those affected by epilepsy.
“Nominations for the awards can be made by either employees or employers, so if you believe that your organisation is an example of good epilepsy-friendly practice then get nominating.
“Organisations that make the short-list will be notified by mid February and succesful organisations will be presented with their award at a presentation ceremony on 20 April 2006 in Glasgow. Best of luck to all entries.”
Mr Stevenson – a member of the Parliament’s Cross-Party Group on Epilepsy – met recently with representatives from Epilepsy Scotland in the Scottish Parliament.
Commenting, Mr Stevenson said:
“I recently attended the launch of the Best Practice Certificate and Employer of the Year Award. Epilepsy is far more common than most of us realise with approximately 1 in 130 adults being affected. This equates to almost 40,000 Scots.
“Epilepsy Scotland is on the look out for organisations that are ready to help someone with epilepsy at work and whose workplace is prepared to do the right things to assist an employee who either has or develops epilepsy.
“Epilepsy-friendly practice can take many forms such as the provision of extra training, offering alternative duties, arranging transport and generally offering the option of flexibility for those affected by epilepsy.
“Nominations for the awards can be made by either employees or employers, so if you believe that your organisation is an example of good epilepsy-friendly practice then get nominating.
“Organisations that make the short-list will be notified by mid February and succesful organisations will be presented with their award at a presentation ceremony on 20 April 2006 in Glasgow. Best of luck to all entries.”
15 November 2005
LOCAL MSP WELCOMES BEEF LABELLING PROPOSALS
Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson has welcomed the announcement from the Scottish Executive Rural Affairs Department (SEERAD) that it is consulting on proposals to require beef sold in restaurants and other food outlets to have its country of origin labelled.
Mr Stevenson – whose Banff & Buchan Constituency is one of the prime meat-producing areas of the country – commented:
“This is a move in the right direction and I know that it will be welcomed by local farmers who have consistently pressed for clearer labelling of beef so that the consumer can make an informed choice.
“This follows the direct action taken by local farmers during the summer in response to the major supermarkets importing cheap Brazilian beef when they did an excellent job of promoting Scottish beef direct to supermarket customers.
“It is entirely right and proper that customers of restaurants should also know where their beef comes from. Many establishments in the North-east already proudly state on their menus where their beef is from and I have always viewed that as a very strong selling point for those places that do so.
“I strongly believe that such a move will not only boost the Scottish beef sector but will also give a boost to those establishments which have local beef on their menu.”
Mr Stevenson – whose Banff & Buchan Constituency is one of the prime meat-producing areas of the country – commented:
“This is a move in the right direction and I know that it will be welcomed by local farmers who have consistently pressed for clearer labelling of beef so that the consumer can make an informed choice.
“This follows the direct action taken by local farmers during the summer in response to the major supermarkets importing cheap Brazilian beef when they did an excellent job of promoting Scottish beef direct to supermarket customers.
“It is entirely right and proper that customers of restaurants should also know where their beef comes from. Many establishments in the North-east already proudly state on their menus where their beef is from and I have always viewed that as a very strong selling point for those places that do so.
“I strongly believe that such a move will not only boost the Scottish beef sector but will also give a boost to those establishments which have local beef on their menu.”
14 November 2005
STEVENSON ON TORY METHADONE CLAIMS
Commenting today (Monday) on claims by Scottish Conservative leader Annabel Goldie that the Scottish Executive “is spending £11 million a year on publicly-funded drug addiction” through its methadone prescription initiative, SNP Deputy Shadow Justice Minister, Stewart Stevenson MSP said:
“Any contribution to the debate on drugs use in Scotland is to be welcomed. Methadone can be used an entry door to treatment and rehabilitation for dug users, but the latest figures show there are 51,000 heroin users in Scotland and the methadone use figures suggest that less than half of these addicts are getting the support they need.
“The major challenge in drugs is to tackle the dealers and suppliers of drugs. Until we do, the number of drug addicts in Scotland will continue to be a problem. The best way to tackle the Mr and Mrs Bigs of Scotland’s drugs trade is to go for their assets and ensure that the trade in illegal drugs in not a profitable one.
“Moves to increase resources available to SDEA are the most important single measure that can be taken to tackle the scourge of drugs in our society.”
Commenting on the provision of treatment for drug addicts, Mr Stevenson added:
“The important thing is to ensure that services are available across Scotland to help those who are addicted to drugs. The present piece-meal provision, which leaves addicts waiting for up to 12 months for treatment in many areas of Scotland, is clearly unacceptable.
“We must ensure that drug addicts get the help they need as soon as possible to give them the best possible chance of beating their addiction.”
“Any contribution to the debate on drugs use in Scotland is to be welcomed. Methadone can be used an entry door to treatment and rehabilitation for dug users, but the latest figures show there are 51,000 heroin users in Scotland and the methadone use figures suggest that less than half of these addicts are getting the support they need.
“The major challenge in drugs is to tackle the dealers and suppliers of drugs. Until we do, the number of drug addicts in Scotland will continue to be a problem. The best way to tackle the Mr and Mrs Bigs of Scotland’s drugs trade is to go for their assets and ensure that the trade in illegal drugs in not a profitable one.
“Moves to increase resources available to SDEA are the most important single measure that can be taken to tackle the scourge of drugs in our society.”
Commenting on the provision of treatment for drug addicts, Mr Stevenson added:
“The important thing is to ensure that services are available across Scotland to help those who are addicted to drugs. The present piece-meal provision, which leaves addicts waiting for up to 12 months for treatment in many areas of Scotland, is clearly unacceptable.
“We must ensure that drug addicts get the help they need as soon as possible to give them the best possible chance of beating their addiction.”
10 November 2005
DON'T MAKE HISTORY HISTORY
LOCAL MSP URGES EXECUTIVE NOT TO REMOVE HISTORY FROM SCHOOL CURRICULUM
Local MSP Stewart Stevenson has backed a motion urging the Executive not to make history history, after Education Minister Peter Peacock suggested that history will be removed from S1 and S2 in Scottish schools as part of an ongoing review of the curriculum.
Mr Stevenson said:
"This is extremely alarming. There have been indications that history generally - and Scottish history in particular - is not being valued by the Executive, but we now see that there is a proposal to remove history altogether from the first two years of secondary school.
"Scottish history should not be treated as a luxury, it must be recognised as a vital part of the curriculum.
"History helps Scotland's pupils understand their country, and for many this is an interesting and exciting part of their school experience.
"The Minister is bending over backwards to be an apologist for the British world view so dominant in schools throughout the UK. Such a move would not even be countenanced in other countries who have a pride in promoting their nation's history, as we should also.
"The current review of the national curriculum must ensure that Scottish history and culture are embedded in the curriculum. Scotland's children deserve to know and understand their own heritage."
Local MSP Stewart Stevenson has backed a motion urging the Executive not to make history history, after Education Minister Peter Peacock suggested that history will be removed from S1 and S2 in Scottish schools as part of an ongoing review of the curriculum.
Mr Stevenson said:
"This is extremely alarming. There have been indications that history generally - and Scottish history in particular - is not being valued by the Executive, but we now see that there is a proposal to remove history altogether from the first two years of secondary school.
"Scottish history should not be treated as a luxury, it must be recognised as a vital part of the curriculum.
"History helps Scotland's pupils understand their country, and for many this is an interesting and exciting part of their school experience.
"The Minister is bending over backwards to be an apologist for the British world view so dominant in schools throughout the UK. Such a move would not even be countenanced in other countries who have a pride in promoting their nation's history, as we should also.
"The current review of the national curriculum must ensure that Scottish history and culture are embedded in the curriculum. Scotland's children deserve to know and understand their own heritage."
9 November 2005
MSP WELCOMES RORA ROAD SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS
Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson has welcomed a commitment from Aberdeenshire Council to introduce new road safety improvements at Rora.
The move comes after Mr Stevenson was contacted by local community groups and took the matter up with the council, supporting their request that improvements be carried out. The road at Rora is a busy cross-country route used by many to travel to the St Fergus Gas Terminal.
Following a traffic survey of the area which confirmed that there was a problem with speeding, the council have brought forward proposals which have the support of local community groups. These include new road signs, improved visibility roadmarkings and an electronic speed warning sign.
Commenting, Mr Stevenson said:
“The community have fought long and hard for these measures so I was pleased to be able to support their case help push things along.
“The traffic survey was crucial to establishing that there was indeed a problem in this area and I am grateful to the council for listening to the concerns expressed by myself and others.
“I hope that these measures can now be completed soon and that we shall see an improvement in road safety for local residents and road users alike.”
The move comes after Mr Stevenson was contacted by local community groups and took the matter up with the council, supporting their request that improvements be carried out. The road at Rora is a busy cross-country route used by many to travel to the St Fergus Gas Terminal.
Following a traffic survey of the area which confirmed that there was a problem with speeding, the council have brought forward proposals which have the support of local community groups. These include new road signs, improved visibility roadmarkings and an electronic speed warning sign.
Commenting, Mr Stevenson said:
“The community have fought long and hard for these measures so I was pleased to be able to support their case help push things along.
“The traffic survey was crucial to establishing that there was indeed a problem in this area and I am grateful to the council for listening to the concerns expressed by myself and others.
“I hope that these measures can now be completed soon and that we shall see an improvement in road safety for local residents and road users alike.”
MSP BACKS ROAD SAFETY WEEK
Banff and Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson has highlighted the importance of Road Safety Week, which runs from the 7th - 13th November.
Commenting on the initiative, Mr Stevenson said:
“It is astonishing to learn that every day, ten people are killed and ten times as many are seriously injured on Britain's roads alone. We need to raise consciousness of road safety.
“Traffic is the biggest killer of 12-16 year-olds in Britain. Last year alone, deaths of 12-19 year-olds on foot rose by 26% from the previous year (from 87 in 2002 to 110 in 2003). Each and every one of us should make certain that we do all that we can to encourage drivers to slow down, especially around schools and in residential areas.
“If a child on foot is hit by a vehicle travelling at 35mph, they are more than twice as likely to die than if they were hit at 30mph. Staying well within speed limits is therefore essential for the safety of children who are walking and cycling.
“All road users should carry that thought uppermost in their minds when driving and be wary of road safety and especially the dangers that exist for children.”
Commenting on the initiative, Mr Stevenson said:
“It is astonishing to learn that every day, ten people are killed and ten times as many are seriously injured on Britain's roads alone. We need to raise consciousness of road safety.
“Traffic is the biggest killer of 12-16 year-olds in Britain. Last year alone, deaths of 12-19 year-olds on foot rose by 26% from the previous year (from 87 in 2002 to 110 in 2003). Each and every one of us should make certain that we do all that we can to encourage drivers to slow down, especially around schools and in residential areas.
“If a child on foot is hit by a vehicle travelling at 35mph, they are more than twice as likely to die than if they were hit at 30mph. Staying well within speed limits is therefore essential for the safety of children who are walking and cycling.
“All road users should carry that thought uppermost in their minds when driving and be wary of road safety and especially the dangers that exist for children.”
STEVENSON WELCOMES LOCAL LOTTERY CASH
Banff & Buchan MP Stewart Stevenson has welcomed the latest lottery pay-outs made by Awards For All. The local beneficiaries are engaged in a wide variety of sport, arts, heritage, health, environmental, educational and community activities.
Commenting on the good news, Mr Stevenson said:
“My warm congratulations go to the six local groups that were successful in receiving these latest lottery awards. I am certain that these awards shall prove most beneficial and will ensure that the groups continue in their existence providing a valuable service within their communities.
“It is amazing the difference a lottery award can do for a group The awards in question are substantial sums and I know that they will be valued immensely by the groups and their members and supporters.
“Once again I am pleased for the successful local groups this time round and have my fingers crossed for those who await to learn of any outstanding application in this regard. For my part, I shall endeavour to continue to press for a fair distribution of lottery cash to the North-east.”
Commenting on the good news, Mr Stevenson said:
“My warm congratulations go to the six local groups that were successful in receiving these latest lottery awards. I am certain that these awards shall prove most beneficial and will ensure that the groups continue in their existence providing a valuable service within their communities.
“It is amazing the difference a lottery award can do for a group The awards in question are substantial sums and I know that they will be valued immensely by the groups and their members and supporters.
“Once again I am pleased for the successful local groups this time round and have my fingers crossed for those who await to learn of any outstanding application in this regard. For my part, I shall endeavour to continue to press for a fair distribution of lottery cash to the North-east.”
Dental waiting list hits 15 months - The Scotsman
by LOUISE GRAY, the Scotsman
PATIENTS are having to wait a 15 months for specialist orthodontic work in Glasgow as waiting lists lengthen amid the nation's "crisis in dentistry".
Scotland's largest dental school also had a waiting time of almost a year for restorative surgery. All specialities had an overall waiting time of six months, a rise of 40 per cent since last year.
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Opposition MSPs said the problem was indicative of a dental crisis, as fewer dentists provide national health services and hospitals struggle to recruit consultants.
However, the Glasgow Dental Hospital said the problem was under control after investing in more staff and putting on extra clinics.
The figures were revealed in a parliamentary question from Stewart Stevenson, the Scottish National Party's MSP for Banff and Buchan. The answer from Andy Kerr, the health minister, revealed that the waiting time for orthodontics - usually the fitting of braces - was 64 weeks in June 2005, compared with 30 weeks in the previous year.
Patients waiting for restorative surgery had a median wait of 46 weeks, down from 52 weeks a year before. Overall, the median waiting time for all specialities was 26 weeks, compared with 18 weeks in June 2004.
The Executive pointed out that waiting lists have fallen to 1,492 patients waiting more than 26 weeks for a first outpatient appointment at the hospital in June 2005, a reduction of 64 per cent since 31 December, 2004. A spokesman said: "We are committed to reducing waiting times across Scotland, with particular priority being given to seeing and treating those patients who have waited longest."
But Mr Stevenson said the possibility of speedy treatment in Scotland was "remote indeed", with distressed patients contacting MSPs every day to report that they were unable to get access to treatment.
He said: "It is quite clear that dental services at all levels are facing crisis levels of delays of services." Mr Stevenson said that patients across Scotland are not only waiting longer for secondary care but also finding it difficult to access a dentist in the first place. The average Scot now has to wait more than a month for an NHS dental appointment and travel 24.5 miles to reach the clinic.
He said: "If dental care in the community is ineffective, one of the immediate consequences are that problems escalate and become ones that require hospital care.
"The statistics that we see in Glasgow Dental Hospital is an indication of the failure in general dental care and it shows how if you do not get a grip on a problem when it first manifests itself, it begins to get away from you."
Professor David Wray, the clinical director of the Glasgow Dental Hospital, said there has been an "unacceptable" delay for secondary dental care across Scotland in recent years.
But, he insisted that significant investment of more than £500,000 in Glasgow has turned around the problem. The hospital has taken on a new consultant orthodontist, a new children's dentist, an extra dental hygienist and two part-time restorative dentists. Consultants have also been asked to put on extra clinics, mostly in the evenings.
"We have got the problem cracked and I think it is because of significant investment by health services and because we have very successful in getting consultant staff to respond by doing evening clinics and extra clinics," he said.
"By December, there will not be a single patient in the dental school waiting for more than 26 weeks in any department. We will have completely eliminated our waiting list problems."
However, Prof Wray said that there would be problems treating people in the future unless the Executive invests in dental schools, academia and training up more consultants. Categories [Media] [Health and Community Care]
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to read the original story click on:
http://news.scotsman.com
PATIENTS are having to wait a 15 months for specialist orthodontic work in Glasgow as waiting lists lengthen amid the nation's "crisis in dentistry".
Scotland's largest dental school also had a waiting time of almost a year for restorative surgery. All specialities had an overall waiting time of six months, a rise of 40 per cent since last year.
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Opposition MSPs said the problem was indicative of a dental crisis, as fewer dentists provide national health services and hospitals struggle to recruit consultants.
However, the Glasgow Dental Hospital said the problem was under control after investing in more staff and putting on extra clinics.
The figures were revealed in a parliamentary question from Stewart Stevenson, the Scottish National Party's MSP for Banff and Buchan. The answer from Andy Kerr, the health minister, revealed that the waiting time for orthodontics - usually the fitting of braces - was 64 weeks in June 2005, compared with 30 weeks in the previous year.
Patients waiting for restorative surgery had a median wait of 46 weeks, down from 52 weeks a year before. Overall, the median waiting time for all specialities was 26 weeks, compared with 18 weeks in June 2004.
The Executive pointed out that waiting lists have fallen to 1,492 patients waiting more than 26 weeks for a first outpatient appointment at the hospital in June 2005, a reduction of 64 per cent since 31 December, 2004. A spokesman said: "We are committed to reducing waiting times across Scotland, with particular priority being given to seeing and treating those patients who have waited longest."
But Mr Stevenson said the possibility of speedy treatment in Scotland was "remote indeed", with distressed patients contacting MSPs every day to report that they were unable to get access to treatment.
He said: "It is quite clear that dental services at all levels are facing crisis levels of delays of services." Mr Stevenson said that patients across Scotland are not only waiting longer for secondary care but also finding it difficult to access a dentist in the first place. The average Scot now has to wait more than a month for an NHS dental appointment and travel 24.5 miles to reach the clinic.
He said: "If dental care in the community is ineffective, one of the immediate consequences are that problems escalate and become ones that require hospital care.
"The statistics that we see in Glasgow Dental Hospital is an indication of the failure in general dental care and it shows how if you do not get a grip on a problem when it first manifests itself, it begins to get away from you."
Professor David Wray, the clinical director of the Glasgow Dental Hospital, said there has been an "unacceptable" delay for secondary dental care across Scotland in recent years.
But, he insisted that significant investment of more than £500,000 in Glasgow has turned around the problem. The hospital has taken on a new consultant orthodontist, a new children's dentist, an extra dental hygienist and two part-time restorative dentists. Consultants have also been asked to put on extra clinics, mostly in the evenings.
"We have got the problem cracked and I think it is because of significant investment by health services and because we have very successful in getting consultant staff to respond by doing evening clinics and extra clinics," he said.
"By December, there will not be a single patient in the dental school waiting for more than 26 weeks in any department. We will have completely eliminated our waiting list problems."
However, Prof Wray said that there would be problems treating people in the future unless the Executive invests in dental schools, academia and training up more consultants. Categories [Media] [Health and Community Care]
--- --- ---
to read the original story click on:
http://news.scotsman.com
8 November 2005
SALMOND WELCOMES NEW MOBILE BANKING SERVICE FOR BUCHAN
ROYAL BANK STEPS IN TO GAP LEFT BY CLYDESDALE CLOSURES
Banff & Buchan MP Alex Salmond has warmly welcomed the announcement from the Royal Bank of Scotland that it is to commence a mobile banking service for the Buchan area.
The new service will start in January and will serve the communities of Cruden Bay, Strichen, Maud and New Deer which have all either lost or are about to lose their Clydesdale Bank branches.
Commenting, Mr Salmond – a former economist with the Royal Bank of Scotland - said:
“This is tremendous news for the communities concerned and will go a very long way to address the problems caused by the wholesale withdrawal of the Clydesdale Bank from most of the rural North-east.
“This new service will be a lifeline for those local businesses which have been abandoned by the Clydesdale as well as those personal customers who may be elderly or have their employment within the village.
“I am delighted that the Royal Bank have listened to the approaches which were made to the other Scottish banks and have decided that rural Buchan is worthy of a banking service.”
Local MSP Stewart Stevenson added:
“While the Clydesdale may have taken a commercial decision to close a quarter of their branches and open new outlets in the south of England, at least one of their competitors feels that rural banking has a future and I am thrilled by today’s announcement.
“Aside from the loss of a valuable service, one of the main fears expressed to me by constituents was the knock-on effect that the bank closures would have on local shops as people are forced to bank elsewhere.
“Now however, with the new mobile banking service, there is still every incentive for people to carry on banking in their own community and, importantly, keep spending their money locally.”
Banff & Buchan MP Alex Salmond has warmly welcomed the announcement from the Royal Bank of Scotland that it is to commence a mobile banking service for the Buchan area.
The new service will start in January and will serve the communities of Cruden Bay, Strichen, Maud and New Deer which have all either lost or are about to lose their Clydesdale Bank branches.
Commenting, Mr Salmond – a former economist with the Royal Bank of Scotland - said:
“This is tremendous news for the communities concerned and will go a very long way to address the problems caused by the wholesale withdrawal of the Clydesdale Bank from most of the rural North-east.
“This new service will be a lifeline for those local businesses which have been abandoned by the Clydesdale as well as those personal customers who may be elderly or have their employment within the village.
“I am delighted that the Royal Bank have listened to the approaches which were made to the other Scottish banks and have decided that rural Buchan is worthy of a banking service.”
Local MSP Stewart Stevenson added:
“While the Clydesdale may have taken a commercial decision to close a quarter of their branches and open new outlets in the south of England, at least one of their competitors feels that rural banking has a future and I am thrilled by today’s announcement.
“Aside from the loss of a valuable service, one of the main fears expressed to me by constituents was the knock-on effect that the bank closures would have on local shops as people are forced to bank elsewhere.
“Now however, with the new mobile banking service, there is still every incentive for people to carry on banking in their own community and, importantly, keep spending their money locally.”
4 November 2005
STEVENSON CONDEMNS EXECUTIVE'S ‘STAGGERING INABILITY’ IN DRUGS FIGHT
SNP Deputy Shadow Justice Minister Stewart Stevenson MSP today (Friday) condemned the Scottish Executive’s ‘staggering inability’ get to grips with Scotland’s illegal drugs trade.
Mr Stevenson was commenting after an answer to a parliamentary question he tabled revealed that, from 1999-2005, only £5.6 million in assets were seized from drug dealers in Scotland.
The answer to a further question also revealed that, despite the total value of Scotland’s drug trade being commonly accepted as between £3bn and £5 billion, the Executive “does not hold the information necessary to enable a reliable estimate [of the current value of the drugs trade] to be reached”.
Mr Stevenson said:
“These answers show the staggering inability of this Executive to get to grips with the drugs crisis gripping Scotland.
“This is a sorry indictment of the Executive’s justice strategy. It has been accepted in the Chamber that the value of Scotland's drug trade is between £3bn and £5bn, yet in the last six years, less than one per cent of this has been seized, massive sums of money are still flowing into dealers' pockets.
“If the Justice Minister really wants to say that crime doesn't pay then she should set targets that aim to dismantle the profit from drugs.
“This scourge of society must be contained and nullified, however this can only happen with data and facts and at present the Executive are operating in a knowledge vacuum. It is an absolute disgrace that the Justice Minister does not even have the tools to put a figure on the value of the illegal drugs trade.
“The Minister hasn’t got a clue when it comes to knowing how much money Scottish drug dealers are raking in. I therefore urge her to set up a commission to examine the worth of the illegal drug trade in Scotland.”
And, calling on Ms Jamieson to ensure additional support for the Scottish Drug Enforcement Agency (SDEA), Mr Stevenson added:
“The SDEA have taken a substantial amount of drugs off our streets. However, a note of caution must be raised as many people believe that the amount of drugs shipments seized only equates for ten per cent of the overall amount of drugs being shipped into the country.
“It is clear to me that the officers of the SDEA are dedicated to fighting the menace of Scotland’s drug dealers. However, the Minister needs to pin her colours to the mast by wholeheartedly supporting the SDEA.
“Real resources are needed so that the officers have the right tools to do their job. We need to hit the dealers where it hurts; in their pockets. The SDEA needs strong guidance and firm financial backing from the Justice Minister. The SNP is committed to this, but is Ms Jamieson?”
NOTE:
The full text of Mr Stevenson’s questions, and the answers, are given below:
3 November 2005
Stewart Stevenson (Banff and Buchan) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive what its estimate is of the current value of the drugs trade. (S2W-19763)
Cathy Jamieson: The Scottish Executive does not hold the information necessary to enable a reliable estimate to be reached.
1 November 2005
Stewart Stevenson (Banff and Buchan) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive what the most common assets recovered from drug dealers have been since 1999, showing the monetary value and broken down by (a) local authority area and (b) parliamentary constituency. (S2W-19762)
Colin Boyd, QC: Since April 1999, there have been 248 Confiscation Orders made in criminal cases where an accused person has been convicted of drugs offences. A Confiscation order is an order for payment of a sum of money by the accused.
The most common assets realised to make payment of Confiscation Orders are houses and flats, bank accounts, insurance policies and investments, motor vehicles and sums of cash seized by the police at the time of arrest for the original offence.
The monetary value of the Confiscation Orders made since 1999 is listed in the table below. The information is not held in the format requested, but is recorded by individual police force reporting the drugs case and is shown in that format:
Year (1 April to 31 March) /Number of Orders /Monetary value /Reporting Police Force
1999-2000 15 £807,283.13 Information not held
2000-2001 12 £117,284.75 Information not held
2001-2002 32 £532,812.96 Information not held
2002-2003 30 £560,248.89 Information not held
2003-2004
1 £1,500.00 Central Scotland Police
2 £18,205.47 Dumfries & Galloway Constabulary
1 £11,098.97 Fife Constabulary
5 £166,873.40 Grampian Police
8 £320,695.15 Lothian & Borders Police
5 £64,699.62 Northern Constabulary
7 £270,692.05 Scottish Drugs Enforcement Agency
22 £349,312.22 Strathclyde Police
2 £51,438.16 Tayside Police
Total for 2003-2004 53 Orders £1,254,515.04
2004-2005
1 £10,040.00 Central Scotland Police
2 £54,687.79 Dumfries & Galloway Constabulary
6 £104,831.44 Fife Constabulary
4 £319,059.58 Grampian Police
10 £107,916.84 Lothian & Borders Police
3 £17,545.84 Northern Constabulary
7 £187,174.55 Scottish Drugs Enforcement Agency
21 £383,420.23 Strathclyde Police
3 £37,029.80 Tayside Police
Total for 2004-2005 56 Orders £1,221,706.07
2005-2006 (Orders up to 20-10-05)
1 £10,000.00 Central Scotland Police
2 £17,300.00 Dumfries & Galloway Constabulary
3 £83,350.43 Fife Constabulary
6 £275,566.59 Grampian Police
9 £283,357.21 Lothian & Borders Police
3 £41,354.39 Northern Constabulary
3 £154,510.34 Scottish Drugs Enforcement Agency
20 £217,490.89 Strathclyde Police
2 £55,701.10 Tayside Police
Total to date for 2005-2006 49 Orders £1,138,630.95
Totals from
1999 – 2005
248 Orders £5,632,481.79
Property obtained through unlawful conduct can, without the need initially to secure a criminal conviction, be recovered by the Scottish Ministers through their powers of civil recovery under part 5 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. Civil recovery does not proceed on the basis of a person having been convicted for a particular offence and it is not necessary for the Civil Recovery Unit to specify the particular unlawful conduct which gave rise to the acquisition of an asset.
I can, however, confirm that since part 5 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 came into force, £988,581.99 has been realised through the powers of civil recovery. A further £1,800,854.61 has been forfeited to the Scottish Ministers through the cash seizure powers contained in the Act.
Mr Stevenson was commenting after an answer to a parliamentary question he tabled revealed that, from 1999-2005, only £5.6 million in assets were seized from drug dealers in Scotland.
The answer to a further question also revealed that, despite the total value of Scotland’s drug trade being commonly accepted as between £3bn and £5 billion, the Executive “does not hold the information necessary to enable a reliable estimate [of the current value of the drugs trade] to be reached”.
Mr Stevenson said:
“These answers show the staggering inability of this Executive to get to grips with the drugs crisis gripping Scotland.
“This is a sorry indictment of the Executive’s justice strategy. It has been accepted in the Chamber that the value of Scotland's drug trade is between £3bn and £5bn, yet in the last six years, less than one per cent of this has been seized, massive sums of money are still flowing into dealers' pockets.
“If the Justice Minister really wants to say that crime doesn't pay then she should set targets that aim to dismantle the profit from drugs.
“This scourge of society must be contained and nullified, however this can only happen with data and facts and at present the Executive are operating in a knowledge vacuum. It is an absolute disgrace that the Justice Minister does not even have the tools to put a figure on the value of the illegal drugs trade.
“The Minister hasn’t got a clue when it comes to knowing how much money Scottish drug dealers are raking in. I therefore urge her to set up a commission to examine the worth of the illegal drug trade in Scotland.”
And, calling on Ms Jamieson to ensure additional support for the Scottish Drug Enforcement Agency (SDEA), Mr Stevenson added:
“The SDEA have taken a substantial amount of drugs off our streets. However, a note of caution must be raised as many people believe that the amount of drugs shipments seized only equates for ten per cent of the overall amount of drugs being shipped into the country.
“It is clear to me that the officers of the SDEA are dedicated to fighting the menace of Scotland’s drug dealers. However, the Minister needs to pin her colours to the mast by wholeheartedly supporting the SDEA.
“Real resources are needed so that the officers have the right tools to do their job. We need to hit the dealers where it hurts; in their pockets. The SDEA needs strong guidance and firm financial backing from the Justice Minister. The SNP is committed to this, but is Ms Jamieson?”
NOTE:
The full text of Mr Stevenson’s questions, and the answers, are given below:
3 November 2005
Stewart Stevenson (Banff and Buchan) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive what its estimate is of the current value of the drugs trade. (S2W-19763)
Cathy Jamieson: The Scottish Executive does not hold the information necessary to enable a reliable estimate to be reached.
1 November 2005
Stewart Stevenson (Banff and Buchan) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive what the most common assets recovered from drug dealers have been since 1999, showing the monetary value and broken down by (a) local authority area and (b) parliamentary constituency. (S2W-19762)
Colin Boyd, QC: Since April 1999, there have been 248 Confiscation Orders made in criminal cases where an accused person has been convicted of drugs offences. A Confiscation order is an order for payment of a sum of money by the accused.
The most common assets realised to make payment of Confiscation Orders are houses and flats, bank accounts, insurance policies and investments, motor vehicles and sums of cash seized by the police at the time of arrest for the original offence.
The monetary value of the Confiscation Orders made since 1999 is listed in the table below. The information is not held in the format requested, but is recorded by individual police force reporting the drugs case and is shown in that format:
Year (1 April to 31 March) /Number of Orders /Monetary value /Reporting Police Force
1999-2000 15 £807,283.13 Information not held
2000-2001 12 £117,284.75 Information not held
2001-2002 32 £532,812.96 Information not held
2002-2003 30 £560,248.89 Information not held
2003-2004
1 £1,500.00 Central Scotland Police
2 £18,205.47 Dumfries & Galloway Constabulary
1 £11,098.97 Fife Constabulary
5 £166,873.40 Grampian Police
8 £320,695.15 Lothian & Borders Police
5 £64,699.62 Northern Constabulary
7 £270,692.05 Scottish Drugs Enforcement Agency
22 £349,312.22 Strathclyde Police
2 £51,438.16 Tayside Police
Total for 2003-2004 53 Orders £1,254,515.04
2004-2005
1 £10,040.00 Central Scotland Police
2 £54,687.79 Dumfries & Galloway Constabulary
6 £104,831.44 Fife Constabulary
4 £319,059.58 Grampian Police
10 £107,916.84 Lothian & Borders Police
3 £17,545.84 Northern Constabulary
7 £187,174.55 Scottish Drugs Enforcement Agency
21 £383,420.23 Strathclyde Police
3 £37,029.80 Tayside Police
Total for 2004-2005 56 Orders £1,221,706.07
2005-2006 (Orders up to 20-10-05)
1 £10,000.00 Central Scotland Police
2 £17,300.00 Dumfries & Galloway Constabulary
3 £83,350.43 Fife Constabulary
6 £275,566.59 Grampian Police
9 £283,357.21 Lothian & Borders Police
3 £41,354.39 Northern Constabulary
3 £154,510.34 Scottish Drugs Enforcement Agency
20 £217,490.89 Strathclyde Police
2 £55,701.10 Tayside Police
Total to date for 2005-2006 49 Orders £1,138,630.95
Totals from
1999 – 2005
248 Orders £5,632,481.79
Property obtained through unlawful conduct can, without the need initially to secure a criminal conviction, be recovered by the Scottish Ministers through their powers of civil recovery under part 5 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. Civil recovery does not proceed on the basis of a person having been convicted for a particular offence and it is not necessary for the Civil Recovery Unit to specify the particular unlawful conduct which gave rise to the acquisition of an asset.
I can, however, confirm that since part 5 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 came into force, £988,581.99 has been realised through the powers of civil recovery. A further £1,800,854.61 has been forfeited to the Scottish Ministers through the cash seizure powers contained in the Act.
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