MSP's 'Democracy Dividend' For King Edward School

Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson visited King Edward School, near Banff, on Monday 15 January to present the school with a cheque for £400 to support the school’s sporting activities.

Mr Stevenson received the funds for visiting the former Soviet state of Georgia at the request of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) and wanted to use the money in his constituency. The WFD exists to help foster the democratic process in countries where there previously were no elections and to encourage civic participation.

Commenting, Mr Stevenson said:

“The idea behind the Westminster Foundation for Democracy is to arrange visits from Parliamentarians to the ‘emerging democracies’ of Eastern Europe and Africa to advise and assist Parliamentarians there in the democratic process.

“For doing so, WFD sent me a payment of £400. I didn’t seek any payment for doing so and wanted to put this sum to good use in assisting local children in their sporting activities.

“King Edward School was suggested to me as a worthy recipient. The parents and children have voted on what they would like to do with the funds, which is very appropriate given the source of the money.

“I enjoyed visiting the school and hearing that the children have decided to invest in playground equipment.”