Projects being brought forward by Findochty Community Council and the Buckie Area Forum have benefitted from cash awards made as a result of a ‘participatory budgeting’ exercise held recently.
The funding for the event was provided by the Scottish Government and Moray Council.
Commenting,
Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson said:
“This event seems to have gone extremely well and I am delighted for Findochty Community Council and Buckie Area Forum who will be receiving funding for their projects as a result.
“Participatory Budgeting (PB) is recognised internationally as a way for local people to have a direct say in how, and where, public funds can be used to address local needs. It originated in Brazil in the late 1980s and has since spread to over 1,500 localities around the world. It was born from a desire to reallocate public money locally and democratically to where it was needed most.
“When PB is adopted its use can be very important in helping individuals feel connected to each other and to their communities and can instil a sense of ownership, trust and connectivity. I think this event and the subsequent awards have shown that to be the case.”
Banffshire & Buchan Coast SNP MSP Stewart Stevenson has challenged the Conservatives to acknowledge their incoherence on civil liberties.
Mr Stevenson delivered the challenge to Tory spokesperson Liz Smith MSP during a debate in Parliament on the Scottish Government’s “Named Person” policy this week.
Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said,
“It is disturbing that Conservatives seek to paint the ‘Named Person’ policy as having a significant impact on parents’ relationship with their children. The highest court in the land has stated that there is no effect on the legal, moral or social relationship within the family.
“The Named Person policy is there for when and if families need it. If they do, they have a statutory right to approach someone for answers and support for their children. Parents cannot be compelled to accept advice or support.
“If the Conservatives were really worried about civil liberties, they would have resolutely opposed the actions of the UK Tory Government to pass the ‘Investigatory Powers Bill’. This act will have far reaching consequences, the very least being that the UK Tory Government will be allowed to gather information on the medical records of everyone in the UK and on children’s activities.
“Their opposition appears more motivated by the ideological opposition to investing in public services rather than a concern for anything else. The fact that Ms Smith failed to answer my question shows the reality of the Conservative position.”
Banffshire & Buchan Coast SNP MSP Stewart Stevenson has given his support to the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC)’s Infant Mental Health Awareness Week 2016.
Mr Stevenson joined officials from the NSPCC in Parliament this week to promote the initiative which is aimed at giving all children the best start in life.
Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said,
“The work of the NSPCC and the Infant Mental Health Awareness Week campaign is vital. The NSPCC contributes greatly to our understanding of infant mental health and the cost of overlooking it.
“Research suggests that in early months the permanent architecture of the brain is being developed at a rate of 700 new connections per second. Trauma and neglect can disrupt and damage this process, putting mistreated children at greater risk of health problems and poor outcomes.
“As a society, we must continue to improve the lives of children. If we want a better quality of life and an improved society, it starts with infancy. I hope we can continue to encourage more people to support the work of such worthy campaigns.”
Born in 1946 and brought up in Cupar, Fife, I was educated at the local school - 
