Local MSP Urges North-East to Act Now - ‘Use the Hotline & Keep Warm’

Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson is encouraging his constituents to prepare for the fast approaching cold weather by making use of  the Scottish Government’s Home Energy Hotline.

This call follows a new survey finding that almost 80 per cent of Scotland is concerned about the cost of their energy bills this winter. Though many people in Scotland use, or would be interested in using, loft (45%) or wall (32%) insulation to help warm their homes, only 29 per cent of people said they have claimed the free home insulation they are eligible for.

Commenting, Mr Stevenson said:

“Living in the North-east, we are subject to severe weather and low temperatures every winter. I would encourage everyone to take advantage of the excellent energy advice and support offered by a phone call to the Home Energy Hotline.

“People can simply make one call in order to discover what services they are eligible for. The Home Energy Hotline advisors can offer information on free offers, discounts, and eligibility in order to help everyone stay warm this winter.

“I would also encourage everyone to check their home’s insulation levels. The cold months are upon us, and proper planning will ensure a warmer, affordable, and greener home. Act now, use the hotline and keep warm.”

The Scottish Government’s Home Energy Scotland Hotline (0800 512 012) is free to call and energy advice is available now for everyone across Scotland.

For more advice and information go to www.homeenergyscotland.org.uk.

Local MSP Comments on Vion Sale

Following Vion UK's announcement this evening that it is to sell its UK Food Operations, including the plant at Brydock, near Alvah, Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson said:

"The news that Vion intend to sell their UK business will be a worry for the employees of the company at Brydock and for the wider agricultural economy.

“Colleagues in the Scottish Government have been involved in detailed discussions with Vion for some months regarding their plant at Broxburn, and despite continued asking about the future of the Group, this is the first time the company has said anything about this sale.

“I will be contacting the company as a matter of urgency in order to seek clarification on their disposal intentions for the Brydock plant and its dedicated workforce.

“I am confident that a positive future remains for this extremely important rural Banffshire employer." 

MSP Welcomes Boddam Group's Funding Award

Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson has today welcomed the news that a funding award has been made to a local community group from the Communities & Families Fund.

Boddam Playgroup is the beneficiary and has commendable plans for the money.  They plan to purchase equipment to encourage and allow the children to spend more time playing and growing food in their community garden.

The Communities and Families Fund is supported by the Scottish Government and the Big Lottery Fund and awards grants of between £250 and £10,000 to grass-roots community projects which focus on improving learning, health, and wellbeing for children under eight years old by supporting them, their families, and their community.  Today, the program announced it would be awarding £182,595 to 20 deserving organisations across Scotland.

Mr Stevenson has written to the Boddam Playgroup within his constituency who were successful in their application and is hopeful that this funding will support them, and allow them to develop their activities which are of great importance to the local community.

Commenting, Mr Stevenson said:

“I am delighted to see that the local Boddam Playgroup was successful in applying for and securing the available funding in order to further support and develop their goals.

“The Boddam Playgroup is a deserving community organisation, and I hope that the funding will allow the children to fully enjoy the community garden. I am glad to see the funding go to such an enriching cause.

 “I would encourage any and all eligible groups in the area to apply to the Communities and Families Fund and enter the running for a grant to help them in continuing their activities, whatever they may be.”  

More information on eligibility and the application process for funding can be found at: 

www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/prog_communities_and_families_fund