Stevenson Welcomes Budget for Jobs, Growth & Fairness

John Swinney MSP
Finance Secretary

GOVERNMENT WORKING FOR THE PEOPLE – NOT AGAINST THEM

Today’s budget highlights the totally contrasting approaches of the Scottish and UK Governments, said local MSP Stewart Stevenson, after a raft of announcements put jobs, growth and fairness at the heart of the Scottish Government’s spending priorities.

Following a week in which the human cost of Tory/Lib Dem cuts to the welfare state were laid bare, and in which Nick Clegg was finally forced into a humiliating apology for breaking the Lib Dem promise on tuition fees, the Scottish Government has today outlined a number of measures designed to boost jobs and protect those on the lowest incomes, including:

• £180m over two years for investment in construction, skills and the green economy
• £80m brought forward for the Schools for the Future programme
• £40m additional investment in affordable housing
• £18m for skills training
• A modest wage increase for most public sector employees, and a commitment to uprate the living wage in line with the Living Wage campaign recommendations.

Commenting, Mr Stevenson said:

“The contrast between the Scottish and UK Governments could not be clearer.  We are living in incredibly tough financial times, and while the UK Government stifles growth and takes money from the most vulnerable in society, the Scottish budget has growth and fairness at its heart.

“The Scottish Government, along with the other devolved administrations across the UK, recognises the paramount importance of capital investment to support economic recovery.  That’s why the hundreds of millions of pounds being poured into vital projects such as the new prison for Peterhead – supporting thousands of jobs in the process - is particularly welcome.

“And of course the living wage, the council tax freeze, free prescriptions, concessionary travel and free university tuition are all helping to put money back into families’ pockets.

“Above all, this budget helps explain why people in Scotland overwhelmingly trust the Scottish Government to make the right decisions for Scotland, while fewer than one in five trust the Westminster Government.”

SNP Representatives Welcome Jags SFA License Success

The success of Buckie Thistle FC, known as the Jags, in obtaining SFA National Club License status has been welcomed by Stewart Stevenson MSP and and Angus Robertson MP, and also by Buckie SNP Councillor and lifelong Jags fan, Gordon McDonald.

Stewart Stevenson MSP said:

“This is another great result for Buckie Thistle demonstrating success off as well as on the pitch! SFA Licensing criteria assesses a wide range of club activities from ground safety to boardroom governance and this is a significant step in the club’s development.

Well done to everyone involved in the club.”

Angus Robertson MP said:

“Moray has seen some fantastic club successes from our local football teams in recent years. Not least of which with Buckie winning a back to back league double to the delight of their fans. Their development as a club continues with this important licensing step and those involved deserve recognition for ensuring the club continues to win behind the scenes as well as in front of the Jags.”

Councillor Gordon McDonald said:

“SFA accreditation for Buckie will provide a significant additional resource for the club to draw upon to help develop community activities, develop the ground and, of course, the first team. Like other fans I have enjoyed the recent big successes at the club and this is another step to help ensure the long-term performance of the club. Congratulations to the club.”

Note: Stewart Stevenson MSP has tabled a Motion in Parliament congratulating the club as follows:

That the Parliament congratulates Buckie Thistle FC on obtaining SFA National Club License status; understands that National Club License is an official endorsement of high quality facilities, safety and club governance; notes that this accreditation allows application to the SFA Cup competition as well as being necessary for eligibility for SFA development grants and is therefore an important step in the development of an ambitious club; notes that BuckieThistle FC are the most recent of a number of Highland League clubs to achieve the SFA National Club License; wishes Buckie Thistle well for the remainder of the season and for the future.

MSP Congratulates Broch on Dramatic Cup Win

Local MSP Stewart Stevenson has tabled a motion in the Scottish Parliament in recognition of Fraserburgh FC’s dramatic win in the final of the Evening Express Aberdeenshire Cup on Saturday.

After going 2-0 down to fellow finalists Formartine United, Fraserburgh recovered to equalise in dramatic fashion in the 85^th minute, and ultimately took the game to a penalty shoot-out in which they held their nerve.

Man of the match was awarded to Fraserburgh’s Graham Johnston, whose late leveller kept his team in the game.

Commenting, Mr Stevenson said:

“Such a thrilling conclusion to the Aberdeenshire Cup will no doubt ensure that the memory stays with players and fans alike for years to come.

“Every credit is due to Fraserburgh for showing the resolve to come back from 2-0 down to win the game. However, that is not to do a disservice to Formartine, who battled until the end, ultimately losing very narrowly, and were gracious in defeat.

“This game also underlines the talent that is on show in the Highland League every week and it is my hope that attendances continue to grow as more people choose to spend their weekends supporting their local team.”

Stevenson Slams Cost to Public Purse of Alcohol Abuse

Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson has voiced his concern over new figures which indicate total estimated cost of alcohol-related harm in the Aberdeenshire Council area stands at £64.31 million or £262 per person for the period 2010-11.

For the first time ever, Alcohol Focus Scotland has produced a regional breakdown showing costs for each local authority area.  The research was conducted using the same methods as a Scottish Government study from 2010 which reported the overall cost of alcohol misuse across Scotland was £3.6 billion a year.

Highlighting the figures Mr Stevenson said:

“This is a very serious problem for our nation and our communities.  The drastic real terms reduction in the cost of off sales alcohol is holding many people in our communities back.

“Discount and loss leading supermarket promotions, which aim to make alcohol prices so cheap, are costing our country dear in terms of NHS, Police and lost production costs.  The Scottish Government’s minimum pricing policy will have a positive impact but it will not on its own fix the entire issue.

“Reverting to traditional behaviours of social drinking in the local pub with friends, neighbours and colleagues offers a more sustainable prospect.  Supporting your local pub is about community, peer networks and local business creating employment.  This contrasts with discount off sales of vodka or white cider consumed at home, which is about creating and maintaining alcohol dependency in our people.

“We need to be alive to the scale of the threat and act now to modify our perceptions of what is, and what is no longer, acceptable in our relationships with alcohol.

“The continuing extent of Scotland's alcohol misuse problem costs Scotland £3.6 billion per year, this is totally unsustainable in both human and economic terms.”

Stevenson Congratulates Blue Toon's McInally on Manager Award

Stewart Stevenson, SNP MSP for Banffshire & Buchan Coast has tabled a motion in the Scottish Parliament in recognition of the achievements of Peterhead FC manager Jim McInally, who was awarded the Irn Bru Scottish Division Three manager of the Month award for August. With 10 points from 4 games the Blue Toon currently sit top of the table after stellar performances against rivals at home and away, including an impressive 2-2 draw with Newco Rangers.
Commenting, Mr Stevenson said:

“It has been a pleasure to follow Jim’s, and the team’s, success and this award is deserved recognition for what has been an incredible start to the campaign. With a great run of results home and away, as well as running Dundee F.C. close in the league cup, expectations are rising fast.

“Hopefully the team can maintain this good form throughout the season, and that we see attendances swell as a result.”

The Motion reads: That the Parliament congratulates Peterhead F.C. Manager Jim McInally and his team on achieving the Irn Bru Scottish Division Three Manager of the Month award for August; notes that Peterhead currently sit atop the third division with 10 points from 4 games, having put in what it considers to be outstanding performances against their rivals including Newco Rangers; wishes the team well for the coming season.

Stevenson Focuses on National Eye Week

Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson is highlighting the importance of National Eye Health Week, which takes place from 17^th – 23^rd September.

Commenting, Mr Stevenson said:

“It’s important that those in the industry join forces to promote the importance of eye health and echo the need for people to go for regular eye tests, especially when you consider that at least 50% of sight loss is avoidable if identified early enough.

“This is an excellent initiative and people wishing further information should visit: www.visionmatters.org.uk“