Born in 1946 and brought up in Cupar, Fife, I was educated at the local school - 
Karen Adam is now the MSP for Banffshire and Buchan Coast
29 November 2018
MSP Pays Tribute to Former Buchan Councillor Norma Thomson
Stewart Stevenson MSP has paid tribute to former SNP councillor for South Buchan Norma Thomson who has sadly died.
Norma Thomson was elected to Aberdeenshire Council at the 1999 elections and re-elected in 2003, representing South Buchan, which covered the area around New Deer, Maud and Auchnagatt, until the Ward was abolished in 2007.
Prior to her election, Norma was a Day Care Supervisor for the Social Work Department of Aberdeenshire Council. Norma also served as Chair of Deer Community Council, as Convener of the New Deer Hall Committee, Convener of Central Buchan Dial-a-Bus Committee, and was a member of the Local Network Development Group, as well as being an office-bearer in the Scottish National Party at branch and constituency level.
During her time on Aberdeenshire Council, Norma pushed for road improvements at the then road bridge at Brucklay Station, supported the Maud Mart Project, the New Deer All Weather Project, and New Deer and Auchnagatt Hall and Park improvement projects.
Paying tribute to Norma Thomson, Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson, who also represented Norma’s South Buchan Ward prior to boundary changes in 2011, said:
Norma Thomson was elected to Aberdeenshire Council at the 1999 elections and re-elected in 2003, representing South Buchan, which covered the area around New Deer, Maud and Auchnagatt, until the Ward was abolished in 2007.
During her time on Aberdeenshire Council, Norma pushed for road improvements at the then road bridge at Brucklay Station, supported the Maud Mart Project, the New Deer All Weather Project, and New Deer and Auchnagatt Hall and Park improvement projects.
Paying tribute to Norma Thomson, Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson, who also represented Norma’s South Buchan Ward prior to boundary changes in 2011, said:
“I am greatly saddened at Norma’s passing and send my condolences to her family at this time.
“I very much enjoyed working with Norma when she was the local councillor for South Buchan. She had a tremendous energy and really got involved in various local projects and committees.
“Perhaps her greatest achievement was in working with the Buchan Community Enterprise Group who bought the bank building in New Deer when the Clydesdale Bank announced it was closing. Rather than see the village left without a bank, Norma and the group rolled-up their sleeves and sold the idea to Royal Bank of Scotland that they should open a branch in New Deer. That was quite an achievement back in 2006 when bank closures were almost as common as they are today.
“Norma was a faithful representative to her community, a hard-working councillor, and someone who after leaving office continued to be actively involved in the betterment of the local area. She will be missed.”
“I very much enjoyed working with Norma when she was the local councillor for South Buchan. She had a tremendous energy and really got involved in various local projects and committees.
“Perhaps her greatest achievement was in working with the Buchan Community Enterprise Group who bought the bank building in New Deer when the Clydesdale Bank announced it was closing. Rather than see the village left without a bank, Norma and the group rolled-up their sleeves and sold the idea to Royal Bank of Scotland that they should open a branch in New Deer. That was quite an achievement back in 2006 when bank closures were almost as common as they are today.
“Norma was a faithful representative to her community, a hard-working councillor, and someone who after leaving office continued to be actively involved in the betterment of the local area. She will be missed.”
28 November 2018
Stevenson Meets Peterhead Foodbank Staff
Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson paid a visit to the Peterhead Foodbank earlier this week to see the facility and meet with the staff.
Mr Stevenson was invited along by Aberdeenshire North Foodbanks and brought with him a donation for the foodbank.
Commenting after his visit, Mr Stevenson said:
Mr Stevenson continued:
Commenting after his visit, Mr Stevenson said:
“This was a very useful visit to meet the team of volunteers who staff the Peterhead Foodbank and hear from them at first hand of their experiences.
“The volunteers provide a very valuable service for the most vulnerable sectors of our society at their time of greatest need. Local supermarkets and businesses have been very receptive to these needs and have been very generous with their donations - as have local organisations and individuals.
“The selection of suitable products for distribution is another key factor, and the Foodbank can provide a list of these. Consideration must be given to the fact that some clients may have very limited cooking facilities, and many of their 'stock' items require simple heating or the addition of boiling water.”
“The volunteers provide a very valuable service for the most vulnerable sectors of our society at their time of greatest need. Local supermarkets and businesses have been very receptive to these needs and have been very generous with their donations - as have local organisations and individuals.
“The selection of suitable products for distribution is another key factor, and the Foodbank can provide a list of these. Consideration must be given to the fact that some clients may have very limited cooking facilities, and many of their 'stock' items require simple heating or the addition of boiling water.”
Mr Stevenson continued:
“Last week, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights visited the UK to investigate the impact of austerity, and has reported on the effects of the UK Government’s failing efforts to tackle poverty in the UK, the impact of austerity measures, welfare cuts, Universal Credit, and Brexit.
“The fact that foodbank use is growing across Scotland is a clearly damning indictment of UK Government cuts to welfare, and the botched roll-out of Universal Credit. In Scotland, it truly is a case of ‘poverty amongst plenty’.”
“The fact that foodbank use is growing across Scotland is a clearly damning indictment of UK Government cuts to welfare, and the botched roll-out of Universal Credit. In Scotland, it truly is a case of ‘poverty amongst plenty’.”
Stevenson Welcomes Moray Council Motion on Single Use Plastics
Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson has welcomed a motion to Moray Council calling for action to phase out Single Use Plastics.
It comes after a motion was put forward calling for the move to the local authority’s Policy and Resource Committee by SNP Councillor for Speyside Glenlivet, Louise Laing, and seconded by SNP Councillor for Fochabers Lhanbryde, Shona Morrison.
The motion congratulated local businesses which had already taken steps phase out the use of single use plastics and encouraged others to do the same.
It noted the ‘excellent work done by local groups to address the problem by carrying out litter picks and beach cleans’ and also calls on council officers to continue their efforts to ‘phase out the use of single use plastics unless no alternative can be found, in all council buildings, as soon as practically possible’.
Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said:
Cllr Louise Laing said:
Cllr Shona Morrison said:
It comes after a motion was put forward calling for the move to the local authority’s Policy and Resource Committee by SNP Councillor for Speyside Glenlivet, Louise Laing, and seconded by SNP Councillor for Fochabers Lhanbryde, Shona Morrison.
The motion congratulated local businesses which had already taken steps phase out the use of single use plastics and encouraged others to do the same.
It noted the ‘excellent work done by local groups to address the problem by carrying out litter picks and beach cleans’ and also calls on council officers to continue their efforts to ‘phase out the use of single use plastics unless no alternative can be found, in all council buildings, as soon as practically possible’.
Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said:
“We must all do what we can to take responsibility for the environment and how we protect it.
“I am delighted colleagues in Moray Council have taken the initiative to commend businesses already leading the way and has encouraged others to follow in their footsteps.
“The North-East of Scotland is home to some of the most beautiful and idyllic landscape and we must work hard to protect it and the waters surrounding from the harm caused by plastic.
“There are a number of simple steps we can take including reusing plastic bags, using reusable cups and using paper straws to name but a few.”
“I am delighted colleagues in Moray Council have taken the initiative to commend businesses already leading the way and has encouraged others to follow in their footsteps.
“The North-East of Scotland is home to some of the most beautiful and idyllic landscape and we must work hard to protect it and the waters surrounding from the harm caused by plastic.
“There are a number of simple steps we can take including reusing plastic bags, using reusable cups and using paper straws to name but a few.”
Cllr Louise Laing said:
“We have one planet and everyone needs to take what responsibility they can to protect it, both for ourselves and for future generations. The council is already making headway through switching from plastic to paper cups and there is a willingness in our departments to do as much as possible to tackle this issue."
Cllr Shona Morrison said:
“Like many others in Moray I have been involved in litter picks and beach cleans and the amount of single use plastics polluting the environment is deeply disturbing.
“It should be obvious to everyone that this is not something we can continue to do and everybody in a small way can help to prevent this type of pollution."
“It should be obvious to everyone that this is not something we can continue to do and everybody in a small way can help to prevent this type of pollution."
Stevenson Welcomes Price Cap on 118 Numbers
A price cap has been set on the cost of calling directory enquiries by regulator Ofcom in a bid to protect users from high prices.
The move has been welcomed by Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson who said the decision would help those who use the service frequently, particularly the elderly population.
Currently, some providers charge almost £20 for an average 90-second call.
Figures have revealed the price charged by 118 is around £11.
Although there are cheaper services available, research by Ofcom shows that consumers tend to call the numbers they most easily remember.
And while the number of calls being made to 118 services has been falling by around 40% every year, more than a million people in the UK, many of them elderly, still use these services.
Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said:
The move has been welcomed by Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson who said the decision would help those who use the service frequently, particularly the elderly population.
Currently, some providers charge almost £20 for an average 90-second call.
Figures have revealed the price charged by 118 is around £11.
Although there are cheaper services available, research by Ofcom shows that consumers tend to call the numbers they most easily remember.
And while the number of calls being made to 118 services has been falling by around 40% every year, more than a million people in the UK, many of them elderly, still use these services.
Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said:
“I welcome the measures taken by Ofcom to ensure there is a price cap on calling directory enquiries.
“Particularly amongst the elderly population there is a tendency to call recognisable numbers but unfortunately often people do not know the high costs of calling these numbers.
“By capping the maximum amount a 118 service can charge at £3.65 per 90 second, the price will be reduced to 2012 levels and a more realistic level of what people expect to pay.
“It’s an important step to make sure people don’t incur huge, unexpected charges simply by calling directory enquiries.”
“Particularly amongst the elderly population there is a tendency to call recognisable numbers but unfortunately often people do not know the high costs of calling these numbers.
“By capping the maximum amount a 118 service can charge at £3.65 per 90 second, the price will be reduced to 2012 levels and a more realistic level of what people expect to pay.
“It’s an important step to make sure people don’t incur huge, unexpected charges simply by calling directory enquiries.”
UK Government Urges to Make Peterhead Prime Site for CCS
The UK Government has been urged to make the North-East a main hub for Carbon Capture Storage (CCS) after an action plan was revealed to develop Britain’s first scheme to capture emissions.
It comes after Peterhead missed out on £1billion of funding in 2015 when plans were pulled by the UK Government for a CCS project which could have brought investment and hundreds of potential new jobs for the area.
Now, it has emerged the first project of its kind could be up and running as early as the mid-2020s, with an overarching ambition to roll out the technology at scale by the 2030s, if costs can be brought down.
The action plan will help develop the UK’s first scheme to capture emissions from power stations and heavy industry and use the carbon dioxide for processes such as making concrete or store it underground to cut climate pollution, ministers have announced.
Experts have said that CCS is key to cutting greenhouse gas emissions to tackle climate change.
Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said:
It comes after Peterhead missed out on £1billion of funding in 2015 when plans were pulled by the UK Government for a CCS project which could have brought investment and hundreds of potential new jobs for the area.
Now, it has emerged the first project of its kind could be up and running as early as the mid-2020s, with an overarching ambition to roll out the technology at scale by the 2030s, if costs can be brought down.
The action plan will help develop the UK’s first scheme to capture emissions from power stations and heavy industry and use the carbon dioxide for processes such as making concrete or store it underground to cut climate pollution, ministers have announced.
Experts have said that CCS is key to cutting greenhouse gas emissions to tackle climate change.
Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said:
“Since the plans for investment were axed by the Tory Government in 2015, we have campaigned for Peterhead to be reconsidered for investment which would create hundreds of jobs and boost the local economy.
“Investment should be made in CCS and it should be done so in the North-East of Scotland.
“There is a growing need for alternative energy storage and it’s high time the Tories got their finger out – invested in this technology to meet our climate change obligations, invested the billion they promised in the North East and delivered new jobs to boost the region.
“The potential for Peterhead as the UK’s prime site for carbon capture and storage is in absolutely no doubt. The UK government’s own report identifies its ‘unique potential’.
“Our waters in the North Seas provide access to vast carbon storage resources and coupled with our existing oil and gas capabilities, ready supply chain, and strategically important industrial clusters, Scotland is the best-placed country in Europe to realise CCUS on a commercial scale.”
“Investment should be made in CCS and it should be done so in the North-East of Scotland.
“There is a growing need for alternative energy storage and it’s high time the Tories got their finger out – invested in this technology to meet our climate change obligations, invested the billion they promised in the North East and delivered new jobs to boost the region.
“The potential for Peterhead as the UK’s prime site for carbon capture and storage is in absolutely no doubt. The UK government’s own report identifies its ‘unique potential’.
“Our waters in the North Seas provide access to vast carbon storage resources and coupled with our existing oil and gas capabilities, ready supply chain, and strategically important industrial clusters, Scotland is the best-placed country in Europe to realise CCUS on a commercial scale.”
24 November 2018
Anger as Tories Prepare to 'Sell-Out' Scottish Fishing Industry
Leaked text of an EU statement, due to be published this Sunday, has sparked anger across Scotland’s fishing communities by suggesting European fishing fleets will have continued access to Scottish and UK waters beyond 2020 under current terms.
The text suggests that the UK will have to agree to maintain current levels of access if it wants to secure a longer transition period.
Earlier this month, Scotland’s 13 Tory MPs, including Scottish Secretary David Mundell, penned a letter to the Prime Minister outlining that any agreement preventing the UK from independently negotiating access and quota shares would be unsupportable and a “betrayal of Scotland”.
Ruth Davidson has previously insisted this would be a “red line” issue for her.
Commenting, SNP MSP for Banffshire and Buchan Coast Stewart Stevenson said:
“Sunday’s crucial EU Brexit Summit is the moment of truth for Ruth Davidson, David Mundell and all the Tory MPs.
“Scotland’s Tory MPs could not have been any clearer - anything short of full control over access and quotas would be a complete ‘betrayal’ of Scotland’s fishing communities.
“Yet increasingly it looks like this bad withdrawal deal will do exactly that. Scotland’s fishing industry could end up with precisely no gains whatsoever from Brexit. Worse, we would still be in the CFP but without even having a voice or a say in negotiations during a transition period – which could of course be extended beyond 2020.
“It looks as though the Tories are preparing yet again to sell out Scotland’s fishing industry. That would simply be unforgiveable. It will be a disgrace if the Scottish Tories go along with any deal which does not deliver what they promised our fishing communities from Brexit."
“Scotland’s Tory MPs could not have been any clearer - anything short of full control over access and quotas would be a complete ‘betrayal’ of Scotland’s fishing communities.
“Yet increasingly it looks like this bad withdrawal deal will do exactly that. Scotland’s fishing industry could end up with precisely no gains whatsoever from Brexit. Worse, we would still be in the CFP but without even having a voice or a say in negotiations during a transition period – which could of course be extended beyond 2020.
“It looks as though the Tories are preparing yet again to sell out Scotland’s fishing industry. That would simply be unforgiveable. It will be a disgrace if the Scottish Tories go along with any deal which does not deliver what they promised our fishing communities from Brexit."
22 November 2018
Stevenson Backs Work of Housing Organisation to Help North-East Residents
Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson has met with an organisation which helps people access housing options throughout the North-East.
Housing Options Scotland works with older people, disabled people and members of the armed forces.
The organisation attended the Scottish Parliament to meet with MSPs and outline the work they carry out.
It provides people with access to a named housing broker who works with them to identify potential solutions to their housing issues.
Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said:
Housing Options Scotland works with older people, disabled people and members of the armed forces.
The organisation attended the Scottish Parliament to meet with MSPs and outline the work they carry out.
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| Stewart Stevenson MSP with Fraser Gilmore |
It provides people with access to a named housing broker who works with them to identify potential solutions to their housing issues.
Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said:
“Housing Options Scotland helps people sometimes for a few weeks and often for a number of years as they look to make improvement and changes to their housing arrangements.
“It is incredibly important work which helps many people in need. The process of changing living arrangements can be incredibly stressful and providing access to expertise and a support network is essential.
“I welcome the work of Housing Options Scotland and I look forward to finding out even more about how they operate in Banffshire and Buchan Coast.”
“It is incredibly important work which helps many people in need. The process of changing living arrangements can be incredibly stressful and providing access to expertise and a support network is essential.
“I welcome the work of Housing Options Scotland and I look forward to finding out even more about how they operate in Banffshire and Buchan Coast.”
21 November 2018
Stevenson Welcomes Boost to Maternity Services
A North-East hospital has received a significant boost after it was revealed further services are to be reintroduced.
Maternity & Children’s Services at Dr Gray’s Hospital will resume after NHS Grampian confirmed the staffing level had improved to a level where it is now safe to reopen the Special Care Baby Unit.
The Children’s Ward will also be restored to a seven say service ahead of schedule.
It comes after elective caesarean sections were reintroduced at the hospital two weeks ago.
Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said:
Dr Jamie Hogg, Clinical Director at Dr Gray’s, said:
Maternity & Children’s Services at Dr Gray’s Hospital will resume after NHS Grampian confirmed the staffing level had improved to a level where it is now safe to reopen the Special Care Baby Unit.
The Children’s Ward will also be restored to a seven say service ahead of schedule.
It comes after elective caesarean sections were reintroduced at the hospital two weeks ago.
Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said:
“It is great news that NHS Grampian is now in a position to build services back up at Dr Gray’s Hospital.
“The reopening of the Special Care Baby Unit and a seven day service being resumed in the Children’s Ward will undoubtedly be welcome news to people living in the area.
“It means more women will be able to deliver their babies in at the hospital and children who are unwell can be looked after closer to home.
“It is clear there is more work to be done to improve the gaps in staffing levels and I am confident that this recent progress is a step in the right direction.”
“The reopening of the Special Care Baby Unit and a seven day service being resumed in the Children’s Ward will undoubtedly be welcome news to people living in the area.
“It means more women will be able to deliver their babies in at the hospital and children who are unwell can be looked after closer to home.
“It is clear there is more work to be done to improve the gaps in staffing levels and I am confident that this recent progress is a step in the right direction.”
Dr Jamie Hogg, Clinical Director at Dr Gray’s, said:
“This is great news and the teams across the hospital - and across Grampian - have worked really hard to make it happen. Quite frankly, the progress that’s been made has exceeded all our expectations.
“If you’d said even 6 weeks ago that we’d have been able to safely restore elective caesarean sections, reopen the SCBU and move the children’s ward back to 7 days, it would have seemed a bit far-fetched.
“We do need to sound a note of caution though – there is still a lot of really hard work ahead and the staffing issues we continue to face at the hospital are extremely complex. It will still be some time before we are able to re-establish a full service."
“If you’d said even 6 weeks ago that we’d have been able to safely restore elective caesarean sections, reopen the SCBU and move the children’s ward back to 7 days, it would have seemed a bit far-fetched.
“We do need to sound a note of caution though – there is still a lot of really hard work ahead and the staffing issues we continue to face at the hospital are extremely complex. It will still be some time before we are able to re-establish a full service."
Stevenson Backs 'Respect for Shopworkers Week'
Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson showed his support for Respect for Shopworkers Week’ when he visited the Co-op store in Banff this week.
During his visit to the store on Bridge Road, Mr Stevenson discussed local community safety issues with store staff and heard about the Co-op’s operational programme to help tackle crime.
As part of its commitment to colleague safety and community well-being, the Co-op is backing the shopworkers’ union USDAW’s campaign and the Respect for Shopworkers Week.
Mr Stevenson said:
Paul Gerrard, Director of Campaigns at the Co-op, said:
During his visit to the store on Bridge Road, Mr Stevenson discussed local community safety issues with store staff and heard about the Co-op’s operational programme to help tackle crime.
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| Gordon McCabe, USDAW Area Organiser; Neil MacDonald, Shopworker; Michael Boylan, Area Manager; Stewart Stevenson MSP; Mariola Stanislawska, Shopworker; Kim MacDonald, Store Manager |
Mr Stevenson said:
“Shop workers are entitled to be safe at work and to be treated with respect. Too many face verbal abuse, threats and even assaults in the course of their daily work.
“Violent crime in shops often has a shocking, and lasting, impact on those working at the frontline. That is why I am backing this important initiative as we must all do everything we can to help reduce these attacks.”
“Violent crime in shops often has a shocking, and lasting, impact on those working at the frontline. That is why I am backing this important initiative as we must all do everything we can to help reduce these attacks.”
Paul Gerrard, Director of Campaigns at the Co-op, said:
“Retail crime is often considered to be victimless as people think it only involves a faceless business losing stock or money. However, it is not the shop that is left bruised, bleeding or traumatised. This type of crime has nothing to do with profit and everything to do with people.
“In the months ahead, we’ll be looking to work with local community groups and other neighbourhood leaders who are engaged in tackling the root causes of crime, to see if we can identify mutual solutions to shared concerns.”
“In the months ahead, we’ll be looking to work with local community groups and other neighbourhood leaders who are engaged in tackling the root causes of crime, to see if we can identify mutual solutions to shared concerns.”
20 November 2018
North-East MSPs Welcome Best Start Grant First Payments
North-East MSPs have welcomed the announcement that the first payments of the Best Start Grant will be delivered to families in time for Christmas.
The Best Start Grant – which provides low-income families with financial support during the early years of a child’s life – will see eligible applicants receive £600 for their first child.
The amount is £100 more than the UK Government’s equivalent in England.
Best Start Grants replace and expand on the UK Government’s Sure Start Maternity Grant by providing eligible families with £600 on the birth of their first child and £300 on the birth of any subsequent children.
Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP and Gillian Martin MSP, said:
The Best Start Grant – which provides low-income families with financial support during the early years of a child’s life – will see eligible applicants receive £600 for their first child.
The amount is £100 more than the UK Government’s equivalent in England.
Best Start Grants replace and expand on the UK Government’s Sure Start Maternity Grant by providing eligible families with £600 on the birth of their first child and £300 on the birth of any subsequent children.
Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP and Gillian Martin MSP, said:
“We are delighted that families in the North-East will be eligible for their first payments of the Best Start Grant in time for Christmas.
“These new payments will ensure that our under 5’s get the best possible start in life.
“It’s vital that the SNP government can provide help at a time when families in the North-East are seeing UK government social security support drastically reduced, and Universal Credit is causing hardship across Scotland.
“By reversing and mitigating the Tory cuts that have been so damaging to families in Aberdeenshire East and Banffshire and Buchan Coast, and ensuring that we support those on the lowest incomes, the SNP are building a social security system based on dignity and respect.”
“These new payments will ensure that our under 5’s get the best possible start in life.
“It’s vital that the SNP government can provide help at a time when families in the North-East are seeing UK government social security support drastically reduced, and Universal Credit is causing hardship across Scotland.
“By reversing and mitigating the Tory cuts that have been so damaging to families in Aberdeenshire East and Banffshire and Buchan Coast, and ensuring that we support those on the lowest incomes, the SNP are building a social security system based on dignity and respect.”
Stevenson Meets with Pharmacists Campaigning for Flu Jab Delivery
Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson has met with health campaigners calling for local pharmacies to be able to administer flu vaccinations for the NHS in Scotland.
Representatives from Community Pharmacy Scotland have been in the Scottish Parliament to meet with representatives about the issue.
In England, highly-qualified pharmacists can administer flu vaccinations currently.
The organisation is calling for the same to be allowed North of the border in a bid to lessen pressures on GP services.
According to Community Pharmacy Scotland, allowing pharmacists to administer the flu jab would help significantly in getting much closer to target levels amongst the most vulnerable populations who qualify for the vaccination such as the elderly, pregnant women and people with specific conditions.
Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said:
Chief Executive of Community Pharmacy Scotland, Harry McQuillan, said:
Representatives from Community Pharmacy Scotland have been in the Scottish Parliament to meet with representatives about the issue.
The organisation is calling for the same to be allowed North of the border in a bid to lessen pressures on GP services.
According to Community Pharmacy Scotland, allowing pharmacists to administer the flu jab would help significantly in getting much closer to target levels amongst the most vulnerable populations who qualify for the vaccination such as the elderly, pregnant women and people with specific conditions.
Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said:
“It was very informative to meet with representatives of Community Pharmacy Scotland to learn more about the impact of pharmacists delivering this service.
“The number of people suffering flu has doubled from the previous year, particularly in the older population.
“Allowing pharmacists to give flu jabs could very well lessen the pressure on GPs and encourage more people to ensure they get vaccinated this Winter.”
“The number of people suffering flu has doubled from the previous year, particularly in the older population.
“Allowing pharmacists to give flu jabs could very well lessen the pressure on GPs and encourage more people to ensure they get vaccinated this Winter.”
Chief Executive of Community Pharmacy Scotland, Harry McQuillan, said:
“We have a network of 1250 pharmacies staffed by qualified clinicians throughout our communities, often open six days a week.
“We need the required change in legislation to allow us to come into line with England, where pharmacists delivered 1.17 million flu vaccinations between September and January last winter.”
“We need the required change in legislation to allow us to come into line with England, where pharmacists delivered 1.17 million flu vaccinations between September and January last winter.”
16 November 2018
Stevenson: UK Government Brexit Draft Sells-Out Needs of Fishing Sector
The UK Government has been warned that its proposals for fisheries in the draft Brexit agreement risk another Tory sell-out of the fishing industry.
Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson said the draft Brexit deal fails to offer assurances on the future of the fishing industry.
As details of the Brexit deal were made public, concerns emerged regarding comments made by EU negotiator Michel Barnier about a future link between access for EU vessels to UK waters and tariff-free access for UK seafood suppliers to the EU market.
Commenting, SNP MSP Stewart Stevenson said:
Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson said the draft Brexit deal fails to offer assurances on the future of the fishing industry.
As details of the Brexit deal were made public, concerns emerged regarding comments made by EU negotiator Michel Barnier about a future link between access for EU vessels to UK waters and tariff-free access for UK seafood suppliers to the EU market.
Commenting, SNP MSP Stewart Stevenson said:
“The proposed Brexit deal’s provisions on fishing fall very far short of what was promised and expected. They fail to offer assurances on the future of the industry.
“There are ominous signs that under this deal, participation in the customs union for fish products would be linked to access to Scottish waters and quota shares for EU boats, and that, in effect, we will remain in the CFP in all-but-name. This would be a bad deal for the fishing and processing sectors.
“Far from ‘taking back control’, the UK Government has shown that it’s prepared to hand over access to our waters once we leave the EU. My message to the UK Government is blunt: Don’t sell out fisheries again.”
“There are ominous signs that under this deal, participation in the customs union for fish products would be linked to access to Scottish waters and quota shares for EU boats, and that, in effect, we will remain in the CFP in all-but-name. This would be a bad deal for the fishing and processing sectors.
“Far from ‘taking back control’, the UK Government has shown that it’s prepared to hand over access to our waters once we leave the EU. My message to the UK Government is blunt: Don’t sell out fisheries again.”
7 November 2018
UK Government Urged to Act on CCS After Leading Scientists Warn of "Weariness", MSP Warns
Plans for CCS (Carbon, Capture and Storage) must be given the opportunity they deserve after a leading scientist warned of “weariness” over a continued failure from the UK Government to sanction new projects.
It comes after the Conservatives pulled out of plans to invest in an alternative future for the North Sea by cancelling a £1 billion competition for development money at the last minute.
In a meeting before the Commons Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, MPs were warned there was a need for “real” projects.
Professor Stuart Haszeldine, of Scottish Carbon Capture and Storage, was asked how the cancelled investment three years ago had impacted on engagement and investment.
But Professor Haszeldine warned there was a “slight weariness” in academic circles that “we are running on the spot”, adding: “We now need real projects to get on with.”
He also told the committee that several large companies had laid out their own money and watched it be “burned in flames”.
And Luke Warren, Chief Executive of the Carbon Capture and Storage Association, said the experience had left parties feeling “somewhat bruised”.
In May this year, the UK Government announced £21.5million of investment to help reduce the cost of CCS technology suggesting it would make it more “commercially viable”.
Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said:
It comes after the Conservatives pulled out of plans to invest in an alternative future for the North Sea by cancelling a £1 billion competition for development money at the last minute.
In a meeting before the Commons Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, MPs were warned there was a need for “real” projects.
Professor Stuart Haszeldine, of Scottish Carbon Capture and Storage, was asked how the cancelled investment three years ago had impacted on engagement and investment.
But Professor Haszeldine warned there was a “slight weariness” in academic circles that “we are running on the spot”, adding: “We now need real projects to get on with.”
He also told the committee that several large companies had laid out their own money and watched it be “burned in flames”.
And Luke Warren, Chief Executive of the Carbon Capture and Storage Association, said the experience had left parties feeling “somewhat bruised”.
In May this year, the UK Government announced £21.5million of investment to help reduce the cost of CCS technology suggesting it would make it more “commercially viable”.
Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said:
“While there is still a huge appetite for CCS, time is running out for the UK Government as scientists and others capable of making it happen become fatigued by the lacklustre approach towards getting projects off the ground.
“It has been three years since £1billion of investment was earmarked and only six month ago have moves been made to look at how to bring down predicted costs of making it commercially viable.
“Time and time again, the Scottish Government have called on Westminster to honour its previous promises and look at investing in CCS in the North-East to no avail.
“The region was promised more jobs and investment which they have failed to deliver.
“How much longer will we have to wait before Westminster gets it act together?”
“It has been three years since £1billion of investment was earmarked and only six month ago have moves been made to look at how to bring down predicted costs of making it commercially viable.
“Time and time again, the Scottish Government have called on Westminster to honour its previous promises and look at investing in CCS in the North-East to no avail.
“The region was promised more jobs and investment which they have failed to deliver.
“How much longer will we have to wait before Westminster gets it act together?”
1 November 2018
North-East MSPs Have Urgent Meeting with Transport Minister over AWPR
North-East MSPs have met with Transport Minister Michael Matheson to emphasise the urgency of works to ensure the AWPR opening can be made as soon as possible.
It comes after Mr Matheson gave a ministerial statement on the opening of the bypass to the Chamber on Thursday afternoon.
Aberdeenshire East MSP Gillian Martin, Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson and Aberdeen South and Kincardine MSP Maureen Watt spoke with the Minister following FMQs.
During the discussions, Mr Matheson reiterated the Scottish Government was doing all it can to negotiate progress on the £745million project.
All three North-East MSPs stressed the economic benefits for commuters of getting the infrastructure project open and accessible to vehicles.
Mr Matheson has asked for an meeting with contractors to discuss the scope of works necessary to repair defects to the River Don crossing and to progress the new 31.5km section from Craibstone to Stonehaven and Charleston as soon as possible.
In a joint statement following the meeting, Gillian Martin MSP, Stewart Stevenson MSP and Maureen Watt MSP said:
It comes after Mr Matheson gave a ministerial statement on the opening of the bypass to the Chamber on Thursday afternoon.
During the discussions, Mr Matheson reiterated the Scottish Government was doing all it can to negotiate progress on the £745million project.
All three North-East MSPs stressed the economic benefits for commuters of getting the infrastructure project open and accessible to vehicles.
Mr Matheson has asked for an meeting with contractors to discuss the scope of works necessary to repair defects to the River Don crossing and to progress the new 31.5km section from Craibstone to Stonehaven and Charleston as soon as possible.
In a joint statement following the meeting, Gillian Martin MSP, Stewart Stevenson MSP and Maureen Watt MSP said:
“The AWPR has been needed in the North-East for decades and it is this SNP Scottish Government which is delivering it for people across the region.
“Both weather and the economic challenges of partner company Balfour Beatty have created unprecedented issues for the project but during the meeting we were keen to stress the impact and difference it will have for people once it is fully opened.
“The Minister was able to reaffirm his commitment to doing all he can to ensure the remaining work is completed as soon as possible.”
“Both weather and the economic challenges of partner company Balfour Beatty have created unprecedented issues for the project but during the meeting we were keen to stress the impact and difference it will have for people once it is fully opened.
“The Minister was able to reaffirm his commitment to doing all he can to ensure the remaining work is completed as soon as possible.”
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