Stevenson Encourages Walking as Easiest Way to Get Active

Stewart Stevenson, SNP MSP for Banffshire & Buchan Coast, has encouraged people to use what is readily available to them and get on their feet if they want to become more active.

In a speech on active travel in the Scottish Parliament yesterday (Wednesday) Mr Stevenson said:

“We really have to invest in changing the hearts and minds of the people of Scotland. Almost everybody has the equipment to engage in walking and they have it right now.

“If we were to think about buying shoes that were suitable for walking for a million people in Scotland, how much would that cost? It would cost less than the annual active travel budget.

“One pound that is spent on walking buys a heck of a lot more than a pound that is spent on almost anything else in the area of active travel, and I would like to see us do something about that.”

Mr Stevenson added that it was important to invest in infrastructure and that this should continue but that attitudes of people in Scotland had to change before more people engaged in more active ways of travelling.

Stevenson Welcomes Decision to Double Specialist MND Nurses

Stewart Stevenson, SNP MSP for Banffshire & Buchan Coast, has welcomed the announcement today (Wednesday) that the number of specialist NHS nurses working for patients with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in Scotland is set to double.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced that an extra £2.5 million will be invested in specialist nursing and care, with the first allocation of £700,000 going towards nursing care and support for those with MND.

Mr Stevenson said:

“I am delighted at the announcement that NHS nurses working with MND patients are set to double. This will transform lives across Scotland - ensuring that people with MND receive the specialist nursing care they need – and will make a significant difference. It is a landmark decision that recognises the vital role that specialist nurses play in patient care.”

As part of the £2.5 million package of investment in improving specialist nursing provision, the number of specialist MND nurses in Scotland will increase from seven to fourteen to provide greater support to people with the condition.

The announcement has been welcomed by UK charity the MND Association and also by MND Scotland.

The Scottish Government will be engaging with patient groups through a short review of specialist nursing provision to determine where the remaining funding will be best targeted.

Latvian Presidency Of European Union Confirms Small Nations Punching Above Their Weight in 2015 - Stevenson

Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson has welcomed the beginning of the Latvian presidency of the Council of the European Union – and has described 2015 as the year in which small nations are set to punch above their weight in the EU.

Latvia will hold the presidency for the first six months of the year, before handing it over to Luxembourg for the final half of 2015 – meaning that the EU’s agenda for 2015 will be set by small nations with populations significantly less than Scotland’s.

Commenting, Stewart Stevenson said:

“I warmly welcome the presidency of Latvia, a nation with which this part of Scotland in particular has strong links.

“That two countries with populations which are significantly smaller than Scotland’s will be setting Europe’s agenda for the next twelve months only confirms the potential of the EU to allow small nations to punch well above their weight on the international stage.

“But while both Latvia and Luxembourg will be able to lead on issues of direct importance to them and will be able to represent their own national interests at the top table – Scotland finds itself represented by a UK Government more focused on playing to UKIP’s agenda than in playing a constructive role in Europe.

“That is exactly why the SNP has always been clear that the extensive new powers which Scotland was promised must give Scotland a stronger and clearer voice on the international stage – to allow us to stand up for our own interests at the top table as other small nations do, rather than leaving it up to a distant Westminster establishment.

“Only an SNP vote at the General Election will put real pressure on Westminster to deliver these powers – and to give Scotland the voice at the top table that we need to stand up for the national interest.”