Stevenson On The Look Out For Banff & Buchan's 'Green Champion'

Local SNP MSP Stewart Stevenson is encouraging constituents to nominate an inspiring individual who is passionate about all things green to be Scotland’s next ‘Young Green Champion’.

The judging panel is looking for examples of volunteering, community action, education, campaigning or from business. Nominees will be judged on the basis of their work, not on the number of nominations they receive. The nominee must be aged between 11 and 25 years old on 9 March 2011.

The Young Scottish Green List winners will be invited, along with friends and family, to celebrate their achievements at a vibrant award ceremony. The ceremony will take place on Wednesday 9 March at Edinburgh University Students’ Association.

Commenting, Mr Stevenson said:

“The North-east is a beautiful place to live and work, so it’s no surprise that folk here are passionate about promoting our environment. I know of some great work going on in Banff & Buchan to look after the environment and raise awareness of environmental issues.

“The Young Scottish Green List are look for someone exceptional in promoting green issues and working for a greener Scotland. I know they’ll find many fine candidates in the North-east. It’s great to see young, passionate activists being recognised in this way.

“The SNP Government has put green policies front and centre in our programme for Scotland, and I know from speaking to constituents and community groups that folk here in Banff & Buchan share that enthusiasm.”

Note:

To make a nomination visit www.youngscottishgreenlist.org/nominate before midnight on Friday 14th January 2011.

Stevenson Calls For 'Urgent Action' On Old Deer Bridge

Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson has called for ‘urgent action’ from Aberdeenshire Council to bring to completion the works which have closed a Buchan road since October.

The access road from the main A950 into Old Deer and Stuartfield has been closed while contractors carry out works on the road bridge which spans the former railway line at Old Deer. Local people are becoming increasingly frustrated at the long detour this involves as the work has slipped from the original 11 week planned closure.

The MSP has told Aberdeenshire Council Chief Executive Colin Mackenzie that contractors carrying out the works must be instructed to “redouble their efforts” and complete the works as soon as possible.

Mr Stevenson said:

“I understand that repairs were necessary and had to be carried out. However, even making an allowance for the recent period of inclement weather, the delay in the completion of these works is now completely unacceptable.

“This is causing extreme inconvenience and frustration to my constituents in that area and disrupting bus routes. In addition, the closure of a number of local minor roads simply adds to the feeling of frustration and isolation.

“The situation is now urgent and the contractors carrying out these works on behalf of the council simply must be instructed to redouble their efforts and complete these works as soon as possible.

“I hope that Aberdeenshire Council can give local residents some hope that this situation will not be allowed to persist for much longer.”

Local MSP Comments On Les Taylor Group

Commenting following the news that Mintlaw-based Les Taylor Contractors and JG Fowlie Demolition have gone into receivership with the loss of 164 jobs, Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson said:

“It’s very disappointing indeed that a major local employer has found itself in such difficulties.

“Obviously, we knew that there had been a downturn in the business over the last year or so but this has come very much out of the blue.

“I certainly will be seeking to make contact with the company to see if there is any assistance I can provide the workforce in these very difficult times and hope to meet with the receivers and the workers later this week.”