Local MSP Urges Retailers and Consumers to go Scottish on Poultry

Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson is backing efforts by Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead to promote the Scottish poultry sector with the new Scottish Poultry Plan.

Mr Lochhead is writing to major supermarkets, catering companies and fast food chains to find out where they currently source their chicken and what their future intentions are. Other work being taken forward includes examining the options for creating a premium brand for Scottish chicken, identifying opportunities for poultry farmers to work together to cut costs.

Local MSP Mr Stevenson is also urging consumers in the North-east to think Scottish when buying poultry and check labels on products to see where they are being sourced from.

Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said:

“The poultry sector has been under immense pressure of late with recent announcements by major processors adding to the uncertainty.

“I am therefore very pleased that the Scottish Government recognises the importance of this vital sector to the rural economy and is taking steps to support and promote Scottish-produced poultry.”

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Richard Lochhead said:

“In the wake of the horsemeat scandal, people are even more aware now than ever before of where their food comes from. For our local producers in Moray and for Scotland as a whole, where we have a reputation for high quality premium product this has the potential for significant benefit to our vital agricultural sector.

“People want to know what they are buying and Scottish produce has impeccable quality and provenance. The sooner we move to a position where the poultry consumed in Scotland is produced in Scotland, the better for us all – for consumers, for food companies, and, above all, for Scotland’s poultry sector.

“I have no doubt that when consumers are served chicken or purchase chicken at their local supermarket or in a fast food chain they would prefer it to be sourced as close to home as possible.

“Whether on poultry or other meat products the closer to home it is produced the more likely it is to support local farm jobs, hauliers, feed suppliers and other supply chain jobs.

“I am writing to major supermarkets, food service companies and fast food chains to ask where the currently source their chicken, including whole birds, chicken portions and the cooked ingredients used in their meals and sandwiches. Consumers need to know the facts and need transparency.

“Earlier this year Tesco made a very welcome commitment to source 100 per cent fresh Scottish chicken in its stores and I would like to see that replicated elsewhere.”

Scotland Food and Drink Chief Executive James Withers said:

“For any sector to have a future, it needs clear demand from customers. We know there is strong demand from shoppers in Scotland for high quality chicken. A number of supermarkets have a strong track record in sourcing their chicken from Scotland and, clearly, they will have a pivotal role in the future of the sector. We’ll need their support to underpin the poultry plan.

“When it comes to the catering industry though, the picture can be much more mixed. It will be hugely helpful to explore further how the big catering firms might source chicken in future. I’ve spoken to hotel chefs myself who would be interested in sourcing high quality Scottish poultry and switching away from imports. It is these kinds of opportunities we now need to grasp, at the same time as developing a more sustainable processing structure.”

Concessionary Travel Brings People Together for Christmas

PROGRESSIVE POLICY WILL BE MAINTAINED BY THE SNP

Scotland’s National Older and Disabled Persons Concessionary Travel Scheme runs year-round but is especially important over Christmas and New Year, helping bring families together from across Scotland at a special time.

The concessionary travel scheme - which has been rolled out for injured armed services veterans too – has been hailed as “a service Scotland can be proud of and one that will be protected and maintained by the gains of independence” by Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson.

The average saving per year is approximately £232 to each of the 1.27 million people holding a National Entitlement Card. 145 million journeys were made by card holders in 2012/13.

Labour’s Cuts Commission has raised the prospect of cuts across Scotland’s public spending, warning that “nothing is off the table”. In January 2013, Labour’s then Transport Spokesperson Elaine Murray raised the prospect of cuts to the current scheme, stating “we will be looking at the most effective way to provide support, including whether to raise the age to 65.”

Commenting, Mr Stevenson said:

“This progressive policy enables people to get across Scotland to be with their loved ones; it encourages well-being and helps strengthen family and community ties.

“Funding for concessionary travel has increased every year since its introduction and in the last year has benefited Scotland's older bus users by an average of around £232.

“With the scheme helping older and disabled people to make 145 million journeys last year, it is the height of irresponsibility for Labour leader Johann Lamont’s Cuts Commission to have the policy in their sights.

“All of the Westminster-led parties have threatened Scotland with billions of pounds of cuts to the money Scotland gets back from Westminster.

“This universal service is one of the gains of self-government – and an indication of the kind of country we want to be – and we can do so much more with a Yes vote.”

Stevenson Urges People to be 'Fire Safe' This Christmas

People are being urged to be extra vigilant over the festive season at the end of a big year of change for the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service.

Fire deaths reduced by 23 per cent last year, and fires in Scotland are also continuing to fall, with house fires dropping by 41% since Scottish Government records began and the lowest in a generation.

But in Scotland, most fatal fires are started by smoking and many are started by people who have also been drinking and are sleepy.

The Fire and Rescue Service recommend:

• Taking extra care if you’ve been drinking alcohol
• Never smoke in bed
• Don’t smoke in your chair if you’ve been drinking or you’re feeling sleepy
• If you do feel sleepy, smoke outside, standing up or at a window or outside door

Commenting, SNP MSP for Banffshire & Buchan Coast Stewart Stevenson said:

“This year the single Fire and Rescue Service was launched to ensure we reduce unnecessary duplication and cost and making sure maximum funding is channelled to the front line.

“We have seen fire deaths in Scotland continue to fall over the long term and we want to continue that trend but this can only be done if everyone takes the necessary precautions to keep their homes fire safe this Christmas.

“The success of our fire service underlines what Scotland can achieve when we are in control of our own affairs – just imagine what we can do with the full powers of independence that a Yes vote next year can deliver.”

“As we enter into the festive period I urge people to be extra vigilant and keep homes safe.

“One way we can do this is by taking extra precautions to ensure house fires are not started recklessly – many of which are caused by drinking.

“Our fire-fighters put their lives on the line every day and we must pay tribute to the outstanding contribution they make to our communities.”