Improvements to north east transport networks as frozen weather continues

After some of the most severe weather to hit the north east at this time of year, transport links are slowly returning to normal Transport Scotland confirmed today.

The national transport agency stated that a limited number of rail services and replacement buses were in operation today while key road links remained open most of the day, news that will be welcomed by communities in the north east.

Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson said:

“It is encouraging to see some improvements to the transport service. The Scottish Government remains well placed to tackle winter head-on. We also continue to review salt stocks, ordering more when and if required, as the winter progresses.

“We are reassured that each local authority currently has adequate supplies and are managing their stocks well however following the lessons learned after the harsh weather last winter, we set up the Scottish Salt Group. Amongst other actions, this Group has procured an additional central salt supply for those in need. Part of a recent 25,000 tonne delivery is currently being delivered to the North.

“Recent days have also seen the delivery of strategic salt stocks to Aberdeen. This strategic salt supply is in addition almost 300,000 tonnes already available in Scottish Road Authority depots, and a further 145,000 tonnes on order.

“Careful journey planning is still essential however so we would urge everyone to make informed and up-to-the-minute decisions with all the available travel news.”

Journey planning information is available at Traffic Scotland and Traveline Scotland; I-phone users can download a free travel app that gives them access to all this information on the move. Rail passengers can also get up to the minute information on ScotRail’s journey check web pages: http://www.journeycheck.com/firstscotrail/

Drivers should follow four key steps for safe winter driving

• Check the weather forecast and road conditions,
• Consider if you need to travel at all or can wait until weather improves
• Consider alternative routes
• Consider alternative modes of Transport

The Scottish Government has activated its Ready Winter section of the website which contains practical advice and simple steps for people including weather and travel advice: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Justice/public-safety/ready-scotland/Winter

Travel with care

With the ongoing adverse winter weather still hitting large parts of the country, Transport Scotland is urging travellers that if they must travel, to make robust journey plans in advance.

Fleets of vehicles and armies of staff in local authorities and Transport Scotland's operating companies are working around the clock to keep roads as free from snow and ice as possible.

Those efforts are backed up by staff at Traffic Scotland and Traveline Scotland who are making every effort to keep travellers informed of any delays on public transport networks.

Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson said:

"Thousands of people are working across the country and around the clock to keep our transport networks open in often very difficult circumstances. We thank the public for their co-operation and ask that they continue to play their part too.

"Careful journey planning helps keep drivers and public transport users make informed and up-to-the-minute with all the available information. Follow police advice and if you must travel, then leave extra time to reach your destination."

Chief Constable Kevin Smith, Chair of the ACPOS Road Policing Business Area, added:

"During the winter months and in particular this cold spell, road conditions can be extremely difficult and dangerous. Motorists need to pay extra attention and be prepared to adapt to changing conditions. Even the most experienced motorists can find themselves getting into difficulties when the roads are icy or covered in snow. Our advice is to consider if your journey is absolutely necessary and if you must drive then ensure that you and your car are adequately prepared for the journey ahead.

"Police Forces throughout the country will be working closely with local authorities and Transport Scotland to provide members of the public with the most up to date information available. National and local radio, television and press should be checked for information and updates are also available on the Transport Scotland website."

Journey planning information is available at Traffic Scotland and Traveline Scotland; I-phone users can download a free travel app that gives them access to all this information.

Drivers should follow four key steps for safe winter driving:

• Check the weather forecast and road conditions
• Consider if you need to travel at all or can wait until weather improves
• Consider alternative routes
• Consider alternative modes of transport

Motorists can also check ACPOS site which has a dedicated page with winter driving advice: http://www.acpos.police.uk/roadsafety/

Stevenson Welcomes measures To Support Doric

"Doric is an important part of Banff & Buchan's heritage and culture" - MSP

Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson has today welcomed new proposals to promote the needs of, and enhance the status of, Doric and the Scots language across Scotland.

The proposals come from a group set up to advise Scottish Government Ministers on the future of the North-east language. It focused on sectors that have the potential to increase the use and status of Scots and Doric, including education, broadcasting, publishing, literature and the arts.

The report sets out practical and achievable recommendations in these key areas. Ministers will now consider the report and its recommendations before responding formally to the Group.

The Scots Language Working Group's recommendations include the development of a national Scots language policy, increased support for Doric in education, a greater profile for Doric in the media, and the establishment of a network of Scots and Doric coordinators.

Commenting, Mr Stevenson said:

“There is a strong Doric language heritage and culture in Banff & Buchan and across the North-east and it is important that we support that heritage and culture. There are opportunities in the classroom, in the arts community and through local products to promote Doric and find new ways of improving its status and use.

“Indeed, I have been very impressed by the work being done in Scots when I visited Buckie High School recently and I know that other schools, such as Inverallochy, are equally as enthusiastic about the language.

“Those campaigning for a greater status for the Gaelic language have been very successful over the years but it is also important that we don’t neglect Doric and Scots. There are practical recommendations from the report, particularly the proposal for local Doric co-ordinators.

“I am very keen to see the status of Scots language enhanced, keeping our local dialects alive and I am sure that these recommendations will lead to good progress in the protection of our language and culture.”