Stevenson Welcomes Digital Packs for North-East Schools

Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson has welcomed a digital donation to help support secondary school pupils in the north-east.

It comes after supermarket Asda announced it was working with Dell Technologies to donate 7,000 laptops to partner schools across the UK to help tackle digital exclusion.

Fraserburgh North School and Peterhead Academy will both receive 10 laptop bundles each.

Each tech bundle includes a headset and dongle and laptops will include a one-year warranty and technical support.

According to Ofcom, around 9% of children in the UK - between 1.1million and 1.8million - do not have access to a laptop, desktop or tablet at home.

Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said:

“I welcome this funding from Asda to help support schools in the north-east which will help to close the gap in digital poverty.

“The coronavirus pandemic has emphasised the very real challenges and disparity across society in access to digital technologies. This support will go a long way to help pupils in their learning both in school and at home.”

Stevenson Welcomes Update on Place of Worship

Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson has welcomed a Scottish Government announcement on attending places of worship.

From Friday 26 March people living in all parts of Scotland will be able to attend places of worship in gatherings of up to 50 where there is space for physical distancing.

And the updated guidance will also allow people to travel between Level 4 areas to attend their usual place of worship.

Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said:

“I welcome the return of collective worship which I know is of great importance to many constituents. This is a positive change I know it will be especially welcome as we head towards religious festivals over the next few weeks.

“This has been an incredibly tough year for so many people and I am thankful to everyone in my constituency and across the north-east who have shown solidarity, compassion and love to one another by sticking to incredibly tough rules and restrictions.

“To lift restrictions in the future, we still need to suppress the virus just now, so please stay within the rules in the coming weeks – stay at home for now, unless for an allowed reason; do not meet people from other households indoors; and follow the FACTS advice when you are out and about.”

MSPs Welcome Funding for Green Jobs

North-east MSPs has welcomed funding to help support Scotland’s economic recovery and stimulate the creation of new green jobs following the coronavirus pandemic.

The £4million Green Jobs Call from Scottish Enterprise is part of a three-year £27million package of green funding and applications will go live in May.

The move has been welcomed by Aberdeenshire East MSP Gillian Martin and Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson.

Grants of between £50,000 to £500,000 will be awarded on a competitive basis.

Supported through the Scottish Government’s Green Jobs Fund, the funding call is part of Scottish Enterprise’s wider commitment to supporting Scotland’s net zero transition that delivers benefits for our environment, people and economic prosperity.

The call aims to support business to create jobs that produce goods or provide services that benefit the environment or conserve natural resources and jobs that help drive more environmentally friendly processes in Scottish businesses.

Picture taken pre-COVID and social distancing

Commenting, Gillian Martin MSP said:

“As we continue to tackle to Covid-19 crisis and support the economy both here in the north-east and across Scotland, it is also crucial we lay the foundations for a green recovery and I welcome the work of Scottish Enterprise in helping to support this.

“This first call for the new green jobs fund is a really positive step and will help us to rebuild a fairer, stronger and greener country.”

Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said:

“I would urge businesses to apply for this funding which will help support companies as we emerge from the coronavirus pandemic. Scotland’s net-zero ambitions are impressive and funding opportunities such as this from Scottish Enterprise help us to work solidly towards this.”

Stevenson Welcomes UN Rights of the Child Bill Becoming Law

Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson has welcomed Scotland becoming the first country in the UK to put the UN Conventions on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) into law.

It comes after MSPs vote unanimously to pass the Bill at Stage Three and the Bill will now commence six months from Royal Assent.

The move means public authorities will have to comply with children’s rights and Scotland is one of only a small number of nations who have directly incorporate the UNCRC into domestic law.

It sets out the specific rights that all children have to help fulfil their potential, including rights relating to health and education, leisure and play, fair and equal treatment, protection from exploitation and the right to be heard.

The Bill makes it unlawful for public authorities and anyone undertaking functions or providing services to children with public money to act incompatibly with the incorporated UNCRC requirements

It also gives power to the Children’s Commissioner to take legal action in relation to children’s rights and requires Ministers to produce a Children’s Rights Scheme setting out how they comply with children’s rights and to report annually.

A £2.1 million programme over three years will help public authorities implement the legislation.

Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said:

“This is a landmark Bill which is the most significant piece of legislation since devolution, delivering a revolution in children’s rights. That is a major cause for celebration.

“The Bill will deliver the highest protection possible for children’s rights across the north-east and Scotland and within the powers of this Parliament.

“It will ensure that a rights-respecting approach is at the heart of our recovery from the pandemic.

“Parliament passing this Bill means that Scotland stands amongst a small number of nations like Norway, Belgium and Finland, and I am proud the Scottish Parliament’s work will encourage other countries to follow suit.

“But it does not represent the end of the journey in making children’s rights real. It is now incumbent upon us all to ensure the Bill’s ambitions are translated into real-life improvements which transform the lives and life chances of our children and young people.”

Children and Young People’s Commissioner for Scotland Bruce Adamson said: “Scotland has shown real human rights leadership in incorporating the UNCRC into Scots law. It is the most important thing we can do to protect and uphold the rights of children and young people.

“Exactly 18 years ago, the Scottish Parliament showed its commitment to children’s rights by creating the office of the Children’s Commissioner and today it has reinforced that commitment by passing the Scottish Government’s world-leading children’s human rights legislation. This will improve life for all children but children whose rights are most at risk will feel the biggest impact."

Stevenson Welcomes Funding for Ports and Harbours

Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson has welcomed funding from the Scottish Government for the fishing industry.

The move has been made to support up to 20 ports and harbours that have lost income from landing fees due to the disruption caused by Brexit.

They will receive share of a £1.8million fund including more than half a million pounds for repair works at Fraserburgh, Peterhead and Macduff.

The funding was announced by Fisheries Secretary Fergus Ewing ahead of the third meeting of the Scottish Seafood Exports Taskforce where he called on the UK Government to improve collaboration on border and customs process for the EU.

Limited, complex guidance and the requirement to use multiple systems for catch and export certification and customs controls is leading to a number of EU vessels choosing to land into other countries like Norway, Denmark and Ireland.

EU flagged vessels account for around 7% of all landings by value into Scottish ports in 2019 and were worth £35.5 million, however there is more of a reliance on them in smaller communities like Ullapool where around 13% of landings by value were estimated to be from EU vessels.

Funding has been allocated to Fraserburgh for numerous repairs, to Peterhead for various improvements ranging from collection and disposal of waste from fishing fleet to quay cleaning and to Macduff Aberdeenshire for additional improvements.

Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said:

“This is necessary investment to help mitigate against the very real impact of Brexit for the fishing communities across the north-east of Scotland.

“Many of which are losing key landing fees from vessels and as a result essential investment they need for business.

“I am grateful for the Scottish Government’s commitment to step in to help with this financial support.

“It is obvious there needs to be clearer guidance too for EU vessels and their agents so they can have confidence and continue to land in our ports and I support the Fisheries Secretary’s efforts to encourage this.”

Stevenson Delivers Final Address to Scottish Parliament

Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson has made his final speech to the Scottish Parliament after a career spanning two decades.

Mr Stevenson, who previously worked in Information Technology for the Bank of Scotland for 30 years before pursuing a career in politics, has been a campaigner for independence and a member of the SNP since 1961.

After standing as a candidate he became the constituency MSP for the Banff and Buchan from 2001 till 2011.

Following boundary changes he has been the MSP for Banffshire and Buchan Coast since 2011.

Mr Stevenson has also held Ministerial roles during his time in the Scottish Parliament including as the Minister for Environment and Climate Change and as Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change.

He announced his plans to retire last year and will now continue with a number of personal projects as well as the newly-elected National Secretary for the SNP following his election in October 2020.

In his final speech to the Scottish Parliament Mr Stevenson spoke in the Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee Debate on the Scottish Government’s Climate Change plan.

Mr Stevenson paid tribute to a number of colleagues including former Scottish Conservatives MSPs Alex Fergusson and Alex Johnstone who “departed before their time”.

In his final speech – which was his 853rd since becoming an MSP – Mr Stevenson said he would continue to remain passionate about climate change and called for work to ensure a transition from oil and gas which would ensure an equal jobs market.

He also called for support for other countries across the globe who would be impacted by the western world’s use of fossil fuels and its global impact on climate change.

And Mr Stevenson, who has been a keen genealogist for six decades, revealed he and Scottish Government Minister Jenny Gilruth are distantly related after making the discovery during research.

Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said:

“It has been the greatest honour of my life to serve as the MSP for Banff and Buchan and latterly Banffshire and Buchan Coast.

“My time in the Scottish Parliament has never had a dull moment and I have been honoured to represent the Scottish Government as both the Minister for Environment and Climate Change and the Minister for Transport.

“I would like to pay tribute to my colleagues past and present - both those who have gone on to other things and those who are sadly no longer with us.

“The role of an MSP is to challenge and change and represent the people of your constituency with determination to improve their lives for the better.

“We should encourage more people from all walks of life to pursue a role in politics including the continued encouragement of women, ethnic minorities and people with disabilities so that the Parliament is one which represents us all.

“I know I leave the Scottish Parliament in good hands in the pursuit of a fairer, more equal society for all and one that we can be proud to leave for the future generations to come.

“To the people of Banffshire and Buchan Coast who have made this job what it is I would like to say thank you and farewell for now.”

Stevenson Welcomes Review into COVID-19 Impact on Deposit Return Scheme

Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson has welcomed plans for an independent gateway review to assess the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the roll-out of Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS).

The DRS had been expected to launch in July next year and will make it easier for everyone to recycle their used bottles and cans.

People pay a small deposit of 20p when they buy a drink in a single-use container and then get the deposit back when they return the empty bottle or can.

Mr Stevenson had called on the Scottish Government to ask what progress there has been in implementing it deposit return scheme.

Minister for Rural Affairs and the Environment Ben Macpherson said the Scottish Government was aware of the “unique and significant pressures that COVID-19 and EU Exit have placed on industry over the past year.”

He said this included the businesses which would be responsible for implementing the scheme.

Mr Macpherson said:

“Despite this, industry has made good progress towards implementing the scheme, including the recent establishment of Circularity Scotland Ltd as a not-for-profit industry body seeking to operate as a DRS scheme administrator. This is a significant step forward, which demonstrates the industry’s collective commitment to move ahead with the scheme.

“At the time that the DRS Regulations were passed, the Scottish Government committed to closely monitor the impact of the pandemic on implementation of DRS. Given the significant disruption caused to relevant sectors over the past year, we have decided to commission an independent gateway review to assess the impact of the pandemic on the go-live date for the scheme.”

Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said:

“I welcome the Scottish Government’s review to assess the impact of the pandemic on the deposit return scheme.

“Despite Covid-19 and the impact it is had on all aspects of life, it is clear the government is determined to meet its target for the launch of the scheme next year.

“It is important we continue to look at ways we can reduce litter, protect our environment and tackle throwaway culture.”

Stevenson Congratulates North-East Business for Vaccination Support

Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson has congratulated a north-east business for its actions to support local people during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Regency Car Sales in Buckie has made more than 50 cars available to help assist people from the area getting to the Fiona Elcock Vaccination Centre in Elgin to be vaccinated.

Mr Stevenson has commended the support in a motion to the Scottish Parliament.

The generous move has meant many people eligible for their vaccine have been able to get to their appointments reducing the stress of those who are required to travel farther distances.

Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said:

“Regency Car Sales has shown the kind of incredible community spirit and generosity which is exemplary of care which has been shown across the north-east during the coronavirus pandemic.

“Many people eligible for the vaccine could have trouble travelling to their nearest vaccination centre without access to transport which can be particularly difficult for those living in rural areas.

“This has allowed many people to not have the additional stress or worry about getting to their appointment.

“I would like to say a very big thank you to Regency Car Sales for hard work.”

Stevenson Welcomes Suspension of Scotch Whisky Tarriff

Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson has welcomed a suspension on tariffs on Scotch whisky and other goods by the new US administration.

The move – which will last for four months – comes after repeated calls for the UK Government to put pressure on the US to seek a new long-term agreement.

Former US President Donald Trump had imposed a 25 percent tariff in October 2019 on imports of single malt Scotch whisky.

It is understood the UK and US governments will seek to reach an agreement during the four-month suspension period.

Earlier this year it was revealed the UK’s Scotch whisky export has been reduced by a staggering 22.6% in 2020 – with losses exceeding £500million.

Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said:

“This is very welcome news for the sector which employs more than 11,000 people including 7,000 people in rural areas.

“The financial loss that our whisky exports have faced is eye-watering and simply not sustainable and I am glad there will be time now to look at this in more detail.

“Real damage has been caused by this 16-month long tariff on Scotch whisky causing a detrimental impact on the industry.

“I hope this announcement today will bring some relief and I hope moving forward there will be a resolution that is reasonable and fair.”

Stevenson Welcomes New Heating Payment to Help People with Bills

Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson has welcomed a new home heating support fund launched to help people struggling with their energy bills as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

The £4million Scottish Government scheme – which will be administered by national advice service Advice Direct Scotland – is designed to prevent households falling into fuel poverty.

The Home Heating Support Fund is open until March 31 and applications can only be made on behalf of individuals by referral partners.

This includes local authorities and third sector organisations, with payments then made directly to energy suppliers on behalf of their customers.

Eligibility is based on households which have been faced with rationing their energy usage, meaning those who are deliberately limiting their energy use so that they can afford to spend money on other goods or services.

In 2019, an estimated 24.6 percent of all households were in fuel poverty - around 613,000 households – and the pandemic has increased financial hardship for many.

Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said:

“I welcome this funding which will help families who have had additional financial costs due to the increased bills from being at home because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“This fund will help to assist in helping support households from the impact of fuel poverty which is a reality for many families just now.

“It is important the Scottish Government is able to support people by tackling inequality and ensuring people are not left making choices between different household costs.”

Commenting, Chief Executive of Advice Direct Scotland Andrew Bartlett said:

“No household should suffer in fuel poverty or have to ration fuel to get by.

“The Covid pandemic has increased financial hardship and many Scots have been left struggling as a result of increased energy costs while working from home or home-schooling.

“We are working hard to administer this new fund from the Scottish Government to ensure that fewer Scots are struggling with their energy bills.

“As well as working closely with partner organisations, our own expert debt advisers can also directly help individuals who have financial worries.”

More information on the Home Heating Support Fund is available here: https://homeheatingadvice.scot/

Stevenson Backs Scot Gov Calls on Green Ports

Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson has backed a call by the Scottish Government to ensure green ports have access to the same level of set-up of funding as freeports in England.

Trade Minister Ivan McKee has written to the UK Government calling for two green ports to be focused on fair and sustainable economic development to be established in Scotland.

The green port model will adapt the UK government’s freeport proposals, offering a package of tax and customs reliefs.

Earlier this year, proposals were put forward by the Scottish Government to establish green ports which would be more sustainable and require operators and businesses to pay the real living wage, adopt the Scottish Business Pledge and commit to supporting sustainable and inclusive growth in local communities.

Operators and beneficiaries will be required to commit to adopting Fair Work First criteria and contribute to Scotland’s just transition to net zero.

Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said:

“I welcome the Scottish Government’s call to the UK Government regarding green ports having access to the same level of seed funding which is being offered to freeports in England.

“It is clear there is support from businesses for green ports and it is important the UK Government supports the development of these ports right across the country and I look forward to the UK Government’s response on this issue.

“The Scottish Government’s proposals to take the freeport model and apply this country’s priorities from a green recovery from the coronavirus pandemic is one I wholeheartedly support.

“By diverging from the wider UK proposals, we can use a different freeport model to meet out net zero ambition and a wellbeing economy which upholds the highest standards of environmental protections and fair work practices.”

Stevenson Backs Calls for Clear Timetable on Alcohol Duty

Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson has backed calls for a clear timetable to be set out on alcohol duty.

The issue has been raised repeatedly with the UK Government following a devastating financial year for the industry – due to high US tariffs as a result of Brexit.

It comes after the issue was raised again to the UK government in Westminster by Mr Stevenson’s colleague Brendan O’Hara MP, chair of Westminster’s APPG on Scotch whisky.

The UK’s Scotch whisky export has been reduced by a staggering 22.6% in 2020 – with losses exceeding £500million.

Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said:

“The whisky industry employs 11,000 people in Scotland - with over 7,000 of those from rural areas. This clearly highlights the importance of the industry to Scotland.

“The financial loss that our whisky exports has faced is eye-watering and simply not sustainable. It is of vital importance that the UK government take action immediately.

“Sadly, this is just the latest in a long line of issues that has been created as a result of Brexit. The Tories dragged Scotland out of a major trading bloc - against our will - making our position weaker. It would seem the UK government is wilfully ignoring the fact that industries like the Scottish whisky industry are on their knees.

“Boris Johnson assured us that he would find a solution to this crisis – his government even claimed that it was their ‘top priority’. By failing to act, they have reaffirmed their position that Scotland and its industries aren’t a priority.

“If the Tories are serious about protecting our whisky industry, they must deliver a clear timetable of completion of the review on alcohol duty.”

North-East MSPs Urge Food and Drink Sector to Apply for Funding

North-East MSPs are urging food and drink projects to apply for a new Scottish Government fund launched to celebrate locally sourced produce food and drink.

It comes after the Scotland Food & Drink Partnership was launched to help the sector with its recovery from COVID as well as to prepare for Brexit.

It is supported by £5million from Scottish Government and in the following year an additional £50 million will be provided.

Aberdeenshire East MSP Gillian Martin and Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson have both welcomed the funding.

Grants of up to £5000 are available to applicants and the deadline to apply is the March 15th.

Commenting, Gillian Martin MSP said:

“Our world-class food and drink sector has faced an extremely challenging year, so this funding - which will contribute to its recovery from Covid-19 - comes at an important time.

“Between Brexit and COVID-19, there are very few food and drink businesses which haven’t been seriously affected - but it’s vital our food and drink industry keeps growing and bringing benefits to Scotland and the north-east.”

Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said:

“This money will play an important role in promoting food and drink in local communities and delivering benefits to Scotland’s local food and drink sector over the long-term.

“I’d encourage all eligible groups and businesses in Aberdeenshire to apply before the deadline on 15th March.”

Stevenson Backs Social Security Survey

Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson has welcomed the findings of a new survey which show that more than four in five clients feel Scotland’s social security agency treats them with dignity, fairness and respect.

More than 3,000 people took part in Social Security Scotland’s client survey – with 90% of people rating their overall experience as ‘very good’ or ‘good’.

Some of the feedback included clients describing their experience as “compassionate”, “1st class” and an “accessible and professional service.”

Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said:

“The results of this survey clearly show those using the service provided by Social Security Scotland feel respected and that they are being treated with compassion.

“The system has been built on the lived-experience of those who need it following engagement with communities.

“We have already seen the impact of game-changing policies to tackle poverty and support some of the most vulnerable families, including the Scottish Child Payment, the Best Start Grant and the Job Start Payment.

“This is in stark contrast to Tory welfare cuts which are driving more and more people into poverty with a system based on a punitive, mean-spirited and often callous approach.”

Bombshell Evidence as Fishing Chiefs Slam Tory Brexit Deal

Tory Brexit Deal "Falls Very Far Short"of UK Government Commitment
Scottish fishing chiefs have slammed the Brexit deal negotiated by Boris Johnson, describing it as an “extremely disappointing” deal which “falls far short of what the UK government had committed” to the industry.

Giving evidence to Holyrood’s Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Affairs Committee, Elspeth Macdonald, Chief Executive of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, said Boris Johnson’s claims on a visit to Scotland in January that there would be a 25% increase in overall quota was “misleading” and “for some of these species, we will have less fishing opportunity than we had previously” and will “leave us worse off.”

Asked whether the fishing industry feels “betrayed” by the UK government, she said “we feel very badly let down. We feel that the government made repeated commitments and promises to the industry, and these were not met."

Chief Executive Officer of the Scottish Seafood Association, Jimmy Buchan warned that "we've ended up with the worst of the worst of the worst" and said the UK government's compensation scheme doesn't go far enough.

Stewart Stevenson MSP at Peterhead Fish Market in Better Times

Stewart Stevenson MSP, a member of the committee, said:

“This was a significant intervention from fishing chiefs, who have every right to be livid about the broken promises, utter incompetence and outright lies coming from the very heart of Boris Johnson's government.

"Since the EU referendum, the Tories have made exaggerated promises that they knew they couldn’t keep, and shown complete contempt towards our vital fishing industry.

“It's clear that the Tory Brexiteers never had any intention of keeping their word to fishermen - they've betrayed a vital part of our economy, and an industry which is crucial to the livelihoods of communities and families across the country.

“For over 40 years, Westminster has treated Scotland’s fishing industry as an irrelevance and a pawn to be traded away, and that doesn’t look likely to change any time soon.

“The Tories simply can’t be trusted when it comes to standing up for our interests. The only way to escape the Tory Brexit disaster, protect Scotland's interests is to become an independent country."

SNP Council Tax Freeze Offers Financial relief for Local Householders

Banffshire & Buchan Coast SNP MSP Stewart Stevenson has said the SNP Government’s Council Tax freeze will provide financial relief to thousands of local households during tough times.

Last month, Scotland’s Finance Secretary Kate Forbes MSP announced a £90 million fund to compensate local authorities who choose to scrap planned rises in Council Tax.

Mr Stevenson has welcomed today’s decision by Aberdeenshire councillors not to raise the Council Tax level this year.

Under the draft budget plans, a majority of taxpayers will also continue to pay less income tax than they would in the rest of the UK.

Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said:

“We all know the financial impact that this global pandemic has had locally.

“So it’s great news that this SNP Government has sought to provide relief to households by supporting local authorities to freeze the Council Tax for the coming year.

“In these tough times, the SNP Government has proven that where Scotland has the powers, we will take a different approach to give people in Scotland the fairest deal in the UK.”

Stevenson Welcomes Council Commitment to Replace Bridge of Fortrie

Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson has welcomed confirmation he has received from Aberdeenshire Council that it intends to replace the Bridge of Fortrie.

The structure is one of the six bridges in the King Edward area damaged by flooding in late September 2019. Bridge of Fortrie carries the C9S Road from Mains of Fisherie westward to join the A947 at Keilhill.

Bridge of Fortrie has been prioritised for replacement as it has been assessed that it makes the most effective contribution to re-establishing connectivity within the local community.

Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said:

“This confirmation is good news indeed and will be welcomed by local residents in the area.

“Subject to any further restrictions owing to the current pandemic, I understand from council officials that it is envisaged construction of the new crossing will be completed by the end of this summer.

“The replacement will cost around £100,000 and I look forward to further progress being made with work towards replacing the other bridges which were lost in 2019.”

Stevenson Hits Out at UK Gov Over Whisky Tariff Cost

Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson has hit out at the UK Government for its “failure to act” on Scotch whisky tariffs imposed by the US.

The US introduced crippling tariffs on the sector more than a year ago, costing the industry £176million in the first part of 2020, according to figures previously release by the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe).

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has now estimated that losses from exports have reached £500million.

In December it was reported that UK Government Tory ministers were planning to extend an olive branch to the new Biden administration in Washington in an attempt to have the tariffs lifted.

The Department of International Trade had said lifting the tariffs would be it’s ‘top priority’ but more than a year later the issue has continued to rumble on.

Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said:

“The losses to Scotch Whisky exports are eye-watering and are simply unsustainable for this vitally important industry.

"For more than a year the Tories assured us that finding a solution to this crisis was their top priority.

“Their strategy of pandering to the disgraced Trump administration, however, entirely failed to deliver any resolution to this deeply damaging dispute, proving that Tories promises to Scotch Whisky industry ring just as hollow

as the promises they made to Scotland’s fishing and agriculture sectors.

“Scotch whisky plays a crucial role in the success of our global food and drinks sector and our economy but has been dealt a triple whammy with the economic impacts of the tariffs, Brexit and the pandemic.

“If the Tory government is serious about protecting our vital industries then it will take every step it can to oppose and end these punitive US-imposed tariffs."

Stevenson Welcomes Funding to Help Tourism Sector

Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson has welcomed a significant cash-boost to help support Moray’s tourism sector.

The project, by destination management organisation Visit Moray and Speyside (VMS), will deliver a series of initiatives aimed at inspiring, enabling and delivering destination recovery.

Now VMS has secured £350,000 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) to encourage collaboration among businesses, communities, public and third sector partners.

The funding will create two new full-time equivalent jobs in VMS and the group will provide support, advice and signposting to communities looking to improve conditions for visitors.

VMS said it will also use the funding to help tourism businesses to make sure they have the skills and knowledge to rebuild their operations, access new markets and embed resilience in their approach.

There will be specific engagement with food and drink producers to work with operators in showcasing Moray’s natural larder to a worldwide audience.

The HIE funding is from £3m approved by the agency in September 2020 to support strategically important tourism destination management organisations (DMOs) over the next three years, as part of wider support for the tourism sector’s recovery.

Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said:

“This funding is very welcome to help support the vital work of VMS.

“Tourism is central to the economy across my constituency and has been severely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Stevenson Welcomes Awareness on Changes to Organ and Tissue Donation

Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson has backed a campaign launching this month to make households aware of changes to the law around organ and tissue donation in Scotland.

The move means that from March 26th the law around organ and tissue donation will change to an opt out system.

This means that most adults who die in circumstances where they are able to donate will be considered as having agreed to be a donor unless they record a decision not to – what’s known as ‘opt out’.

People will still have a choice. If you don’t want to be a donor you can choose to opt out on the NHS Organ Donor Register at any time, before or after the law changes.

If you support donation, you can still choose to actively record your decision to be a donor on the NHS Organ Donor Register. You can also choose which organs or tissue you would want to donate on the register.

The leaflet contains detailed information about law change and it clearly explains the choices people have. Everyone aged 16 or over in the household should read it in order to understand why it’s important to make their donation decision, record it and share it with family and friends.

The new law will add to the package of measures already in place which have led to significant increases in donation and transplantation over the last decade.

Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said:

“I welcome this campaign to highlight, once again, the changes which will take place regarding organ and tissue donation.

“It is important everyone is aware of how the law is changing to help save and improve more of the lives of those on the waiting list.

“Only 1% of people die in circumstances where they might become an organ donor. This means every opportunity for donation is very precious.

“We want everyone in the north-east to understand what this change means for them and to have the right information so that they can make their choice and I would urge all members of the household aged 16 or over to take the time to read the leaflet.

“Donation remains a personal decision and we’re encouraging people to make the choice that’s right for them – whether that’s to be a donor or not.”