Summer road safety campaign

Police forces across Scotland have combined in a summer road safety campaign targeted on the 'persistent miniority' of motorists who think they can ignore the drink drive limit.

Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson said:

"We have all seen the devastating effects caused by those who drink and drive. Every day it seems people are prepared to take a risk in the misguided assumption that it either won't happen to them or that they won't be caught."

Tayside Chief Constable John Vine, chairman of the road policing unit of the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS), said:

"There is still a persistent minority of drivers who believe they can have a few drinks and be fit to drive. It seems people who drink and drive believe the risks of killing, being killed or getting caught are low.

"The evidence clearly points to the contrary. One in seven road deaths in Scotland is a result of drink driving.

"Police forces across Scotland are always vigilant to drink driving, but this campaign means you're more likely than ever to be stopped, breathalysed and prosecuted."

Launch of new Forth hovercraft crossing

A new trial hovercraft crossing of the Firth of Forth was officially launched today.

The Stagecoach service between Kirkcaldy in Fife and Portobello in Edinburgh will carry up to 130 passengers at a time, starting from Monday July 16.

Officially launching the two-week trial, Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson said:

"This is an innovative trial which has the potential to change the way people travel between Fife and Edinburgh. If we are to tackle congestion on Scotland's roads and encourage people out of their cars, we must give people a wide range of public transport choices.

"This trial gives people that added choice. I hope as many people as possible take advantage of the hovercraft service and make this trial a success."

The £300,000 trial has been part-funded by the South East of Scotland Transport Partnership (SEStran). It will offer a 20 minute crossing time, using a 28-metre BHT130 hovercraft, incorporating the latest diesel engine technology.

A total of 22 services a day - 11 in each direction - will operate on the route, with peak-time services and integrated bus links.

Brian Souter, Stagecoach Group Chief Executive, said:

"Public transport has clear environmental benefits over the car and we are very excited by the potential of the hovercraft service. The hovercraft can help shorten journey times for commuters and we also believe it will appeal to leisure travelers based in Scotland and tourists visiting from overseas.

"We have had huge support from statutory organisations and the local community for the service and we will be working closely with a range of partners to study the results of the trial in due course."

SEStran Chair Councillor Russell Imrie said:

"SEStran is supporting this trail with £92,000 of funding because we believe the service can make a useful contribution towards our objectives of cutting single occupancy car journeys and reducing pollution."

To prepare for the trial, temporary landing facilities have been put in place on the beachheads at Kirkcaldy and Portobello. A special plastic landing surface, security fencing and screens have been constructed at the sites, and further work will be carried out at the end of the trial to restore the beachheads to their original condition.

Scottish Natural Heritage has approved the pilot project and Stagecoach will be carrying out ongoing environmental impact studies, particularly in relation to bird life, Fife and City of Edinburgh Councils have also given support to the project.

Stevenson And Webster Celebrate Official Opening Of The Parliament

Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson and his 'local hero', Andrew Webster of Little Whitefield, Forglen, Banff, Secretary of Friends of Forglen Community Hall, enjoyed a day of celebration at the official opening ceremony of Parliament on Saturday, 30th June. Mr. Stevenson and Mr. Webster took part in the traditional riding procession to the Scottish Parliament alongside other MSPs and their guests. Her Majesty The Queen, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, Presiding Officers and the First Minister greeted the arrival of the riding procession in front of the Scottish Parliament building to welcome in the new session of Parliament.

Speaking after the ceremonies, Mr. Stevenson said;

"The whole day was a spectacular celebration of the Scottish Parliament's third term and fitted the atmosphere extremely well. All aspects of Scottish culture and life were represented at the ceremonies and it was a particularly memorable occasion for all the local heroes involved and the public who came along to witness the event.

"I was delighted to have Andrew with me as my local hero, as through his work with the Friends of Forglen Community Hall he has contributed hugely to the community of Forglen. His dedication is highly commendable and very deserving of this tribute.

"I personally thoroughly enjoyed the experience and I am looking forward to a third term where cooperation and effective decision making will be the defining features of Scottish politics."