Born in 1946 and brought up in Cupar, Fife, I was educated at the local school - 
Banff and Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson has welcomed the announcement of record capital funding for NHS Grampian.
Figures revealed by the Scottish Government show that the budget for capital spending on equipment, and facilities for the health board will be £29.33 million in 2008/09, with funding of £29.78 million and £30.24 million provisionally allocated for 2009/10 and 2010/11 respectively. This funding will also allow work to start on a new Emergency Care Centre for Aberdeen.
The announcement by Cabinet Secretary for Health, Nicola Sturgeon amounts to £525 million across Scotland in 2008/09 for new and upgraded health facilities, and specific projects in areas such as e-health, primary care and primary and community care premises. The total investment over the three-year period is £1.6 billion pounds. Also included is a £25 million funding boost for the Scottish Ambulance Service which will be used to buy new ambulances and defibrillators.
Commenting Mr. Stevenson said;
"This funding will allow NHS Grampian to continue its building programmes and to start work on a new Emergency Care Centre for Aberdeen. This is great news for Aberdeen and the surrounding areas and will ensure that we have a health service infrastructure in the North East that is fit for the 21st Century.
"Improving the provision of Health Services in Scotland is a key priority of The SNP Government and one which is reflected by the record amounts we have allocated to NHS Grampian. The benefits of improved capital investment packages such as these will be felt by patients and staff across Banff & Buchan.
"People in Banff & Buchan can look forward to investment in hospitals and NHS facilities across the region.
"The money allocated to NHS Grampian is expected to rise over the next three years, which is more good news from the SNP Government for the people of Banff & Buchan."
Karen Adam is now the MSP for Banffshire and Buchan Coast
