Posts Tagged ‘Scotland’

We Must “Spend to Save” to Tackle Fuel Poverty

Aug 6th, 10 / 1 Comment

The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) has today welcomed the report from Consumer Focus Scotland, “Turning Up the Heat,” which calls for more to be done to tackle fuel poverty in Scotland.

SFHA Policy & Strategy Manager David Stewart said:

“We welcome the fact that the report shows the housing association sector to be the most energy efficient housing sector in Scotland, but we recognise there is a lot of hard work ahead if we are to eradicate fuel poverty.

“Public purse”


“The report notes that most social landlords have met or exceeded the regulations contained in the Scottish Housing Quality Standard(1), which is a fine achievement.

“But rising fuel prices combined with public spending cuts mean the prospects of meeting the 2016 Fuel Poverty target look rather bleak. The report is right therefore to suggest targeting resources at those in greatest need and developing more area-based schemes. We support its conclusion that resources need to be set aside for tacking fuel poverty, but without compromising access to affordable housing.

“As the voice of Scotland’s housing associations on the Scottish Fuel Poverty Forum, the SFHA continues to push for radical action to address the ongoing plight of Scotland’s fuel poor.

“We believe that investing more in tackling fuel poverty now, whether that be rolling out advice and access to social tariffs or insulation for homes, is what will deliver real efficiency savings for the public purse.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

Automatic fishing cuts based on ‘uncertain data’ would devastate Scottish fleet

Jul 1st, 10 / 1 Comment

Following the release of the latest scientific advice on the status of fish stocks, the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation is urging for the adoption of a commonsense approach to fisheries management next year and recognition given to the huge conservation efforts made by the Scottish fleet.

“Unable to cope”

The annual analysis of one stock – North Sea Cod – has automatic consequences that will trigger changes in the number of days that fishing vessels can spend at sea.

The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) has assessed North Sea cod to have a spawning stock biomass (the volume of fish) that has increased since 2006 but which is still just short of the range desired.

The latest ICES advice states the amount of cod taken out of the sea (fishing mortality) has also declined over the period but again it may not be at the desired level. Scientists state that their conclusions are uncertain and are affected by incomplete information – for example required data on discards has not been received from French, Belgian and Dutch fisheries.

If the advice is not challenged, the automatic result will be a further cut in days at sea  - which sections of the Scottish fleet will be simply unable to cope with.

“Measures for 2011”

The uncertainty of the analysis aligns with reports from experienced fishermen that the abundance of fish found on the grounds simply does not match the conclusions drawn from ICES.  Also, the huge steps taken by the Scottish fleet to reduce fishing effort, combined with the development and use of selective gear and widespread fishing area closures means that the scientific analysis demands further careful examination, taking into account information from fishermen.

Bertie Armstrong, chief executive of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, says: “Scientists themselves say that this advice is based on uncertain data. It is entirely at odds with the experience of fishermen at sea and their own assessment of change.

“This uncertainly expressed by the scientists in the data is wholeheartedly shared by the fishing industry.An automatic reaction to cut fishing effort based on uncertain data must be urgently reviewed.

“Initial contact on this issue with the Scottish Government indicates a shared view that there needs to be an immediate analysis of the current situation taking into account the unique efforts and sacrifices that have been made by the Scottish fleet in recent years to conserve cod and other stocks, which in turn can be presented to the EC, resulting in the proposal for more realistic and sensible management measures for 2011.”

Slider

Western Isles MSP welcomes talks to devolve animal health budgets

Jun 24th, 10 / 1 Comment

Western Isles SNP MSP, Alasdair Allan, has today welcomed negotiations between Scottish Rural Affairs Secretary, Richard Lochhead, and the UK Government which could lead to animal health budgets being devolved to the Scottish Government from April 2011.

“Significant example”

Alasdair Allan commented:

“It is encouraging that constructive talks have now taken place regarding the devolution of animal health budgets. After the experience of foot and mouth, it is clear that Scotland is in a far better position to assess the needs of affected farmers and crofters than civil servants hundreds of miles away in Whitehall.

”It makes no sense for Scotland to be responsible for picking up the pieces after major incidents but not to have the responsibility for the budgets and money that goes with the responsibility.

”This is a small but significant example of the ongoing debate about the need for Scotland to have much greater control over her own affairs and I look forward to this debate in the coming months.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

Different time zone for Scotland?

Jun 21st, 10 / 1 Comment

By Gregg Adams

Double British Summer Time is a proposal being considered by coalition ministers – the move is designed to bring Britain into line with the continent – as well as boosting British tourism.

Liberal Democrat MP, Adrian Sanders who represents the Devon holiday resort of Torbay, has won cross-party backing for a three-year trial. The MP has said that if the Scottish Government did not like the new system, Holyrood should be allowed to opt out.

However this would leave Scotland one hour behind the rest of the UK, sparking confusion for banks and other cross-border trade. It is believed that the idea is winning political favour following heavy lobbying from environmental groups, tourism officials and road safety campaigners

”Highlands and Islands”

But any such change would spark safety fears north of the Border with darker mornings throughout much of the winter, forcing children to go to school before daylight and leaving commuting drivers facing additional danger on the roads.

Western Isles MP Angus MacNeil said he would be tabling a Commons parliamentary question to find out what is being considered.

Mr MacNeil said: “While the move would obviously be attractive for those in the south, in Scotland the majority would prefer the extra hour of daylight in the morning. Darker mornings would increase the volume of traffic on the school run, which, in turn, would have adverse effects on children’s safety, the environment and congestion.” The MP added that he would be interested to find out the Lib Dems’ view on such a change would be given the impact on their constituencies throughout the Highlands and Islands.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

News Archives

Tesco back minimum price on alcohol

May 23rd, 10 / 1 Comment

Supermarket Tesco has backed the SNP’s proposals for minimum pricing.

The SNP’s proposals for a minimum price on alcohol to tackle the problems and cost of alcohol to Scottish society are currently going through the Scottish Parliament.

Welcoming Tesco’s new position Scottish Health Secretary and SNP Depute Leader Nicola Sturgeon commented:

“Minimum pricing”

“Tesco is a big voice and will make a difference. What’s particularly encouraging is that Tesco are saying they’re making this shift in position as a result of the views of their customers – because I think there is a sea change under way in public opinion.

“People increasingly understand the damage that alcohol misuse is doing.”

SNP MSP Michael Matheson said he would be writing to other supermarkets urging them to reconsider their positions and to support minimum pricing;

“That Tesco continue to sell low cost alcohol is disappointing but emphasises the need for legislation to tackle this problem in a competitive market.  I will be writing to Asda, Sainsbury, Morrisons and Co-operative urging them to add their support to Tesco’s and to back the Scottish Government’s proposal for minimum pricing.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Slider

Highlands MSP made Shadow Environment Minister

May 21st, 10 / 0 Comments

Jamie McGrigor, Highlands & Islands Conservative MSP, has been appointed as the new Shadow Environment Minister by Scottish Conservative leader Annabel Goldie MSP as part of her reshuffle of Conservative Shadow portfolios at Holyrood.

Jamie will move from his Communities & Sport remit to shadow the SNP Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham. Over the last 3 years as Communities Spokesman with responsibility for housing Jamie has been a vocal supporter of local authority housing stock transfer and has argued against further restrictions on the right to buy; he has also pressed the Scottish Government to improve the Rural Empty Properties Grant scheme so that empty and derelict buildings in the countryside can be utilised as affordable homes.

“Good rapport”

Speaking today at Holyrood Jamie, who has also previously served as Fisheries and Culture Spokesman said:

“ I am delighted with my new role and the Environment brief which covers farming, crofting, fishing, aquaculture, country sports and forestry. These are all of huge importance to my region of the Highlands & Islands and I have much experience of all these vital primary industries.

“ The Crofting Bill is an obvious priority and I will continue to work with the SCF and others to improve the Bill to ensure crofting is given practical support. Food security is another major issue, along with our rural infrastructure.

“ I am looking forward to working with John Scott MSP with whom I have a very good rapport.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

Scotlands offshore energy potential

May 19th, 10 / 1 Comment

“206 Gigawatts”

Scotland’s seas could supply domestic electricity needs many times over by 2050, according to a new report out today.

The Offshore Valuation Study – a UK led report launched at All Energy in Aberdeen – finds the value of that electricity could be £14 billion by 2050.

The study is the first comprehensive economic valuation of the UK’s offshore renewable energy resources to 2050. Key findings of the report suggest:

Scotland’s total practical offshore resource is estimated at 206 Gigawatts (GW)

By harnessing around a third of that resource, installed offshore renewables capacity could reach 68 GW in Scotland by 2050. This compares to Scotland’s current installed renewable capacity of 3.7 GW and could generate many times annual domestic demand

“Continental Europe”

Of the 68 GW capacity by 2050, 46 GW could come from fixed wind, 11 GW from floating wind, 4 GW from wave energy, 5 GW from tidal stream and 2 GW from tidal range

The net value of Scotland’s 68 GW of offshore resource in terms of electricity sales is estimated at £14 billion by 2050. Equivalent to £2,700 per person, this is significantly higher than in England (£400 per person) or in Wales (£1,000 per person)

Energy Minister Jim Mather said:

“We have long known the huge scale of the low carbon opportunities in our seas. This independently produced report now validates our energy policy that favours our comparative advantage and further strengthens our view that Scotland should have better grid connections to continental Europe.

“Low carbon”

“The report is an extremely useful contribution to quantifying the possible scale of the emerging green energy industry. It finds that offshore wind, wave and tidal energy have the potential to meet our electricity needs seven times over, creating a vast export surplus while making a significant contribution to meeting domestic and European renewable energy targets.

“The report finds up to 145,000 jobs could be created, UK wide, in installation, operation and maintenance. With a high share of the UK’s offshore green energy potential, I would expect a large number of the sustainable, low carbon jobs to come here.

“The report may even underestimate the scale of wave and tidal activity. We know it is a young sector but through the Saltire Prize, our £12 million WATERS fund and the work of the marine energy group, we expect wave and tidal to mature much earlier than this report suggests.

“These findings strengthen our arguments for developing our offshore renewable potential, for greater interconnection to the rest of the UK and Europe and for the development of offshore grids to connect and export offshore renewable energy from Scotland direct to continental Europe. We must seize these opportunities and will continue to work to make the transition to a low carbon economy a reality.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Slider

Coastguard now has 40,000 emergency beacons on its register

May 19th, 10 / 1 Comment

“SAR world”

The UK 406 EPIRB Registry based at MRCC Falmouth reached a new milestone this month by registering their 40,000th beacon, meaning the database has doubled in size in three years. The team has worked tirelessly to provide good customer service and maintain operationally valid records and as such the Registry is well respected throughout the SAR world.

“Saving of lives”

The importance of the 406 MHZ beacon was highlighted by the safe rescue of four people from the Yacht Hollinsclough in the deep Southern Atlantic recently. The vessel had two correctly registered beacons which supplied key data to both national and international search and rescue authorities.

Steve Huxley, SAR Communications Manager said:

If you are a boat owner, consider buying an emergency beacon as part of the life- saving equipment fit to your vessel.

Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons have proved many times that they have contributed to the saving of lives.

Do not be without one.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Slider

Fair fuel for rural areas

May 18th, 10 / 1 Comment

“Rural Scotland “

A fresh campaign to bring fair fuel prices to rural Scotland are today seizing the opportunity to present to the new government the public’s opposition to extreme fuel prices.

The new Conservative / Lib Dem government are due to present an emergency budget on June 22.  The campaign has a strong base on Facebook – with over 800 supporters all calling for a fuel duty regulator or otherwise to give rural Scotland a level playing field with the mainland.

“Scotland’s concerns”

Fair fuel in the budget with be a huge test in Scotland for the new administration.

The campaign launched a petition for presentation to the government online (http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/fairfuelbudget/signatures)  which attracted 42 signatures within 30minutes of launch.  Due to the change of administration the Downing Street petition service is unavailable at present.  A paper copy will soon be available in outlets to compliment the online petition.

Campaigner Erica Macdonald said “it is really important that we all sign this petition and show the new government that we are really suffering from extreme fuel prices”.

“We can hope that they will implement fair fuel as part of their emergency budget.  They need to understand that in rural Scotland we need to use our cars more, and that we cannot keep being penalised for no good reason especially when they can fix it incredibly easily.”

“Lets hope, that this UK government listens to Scotland’s concerns on this issue”.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

Firefighter radio system goes live

May 13th, 10 / 1 Comment

“Major emergencies”

Scotland’s eight fire and rescue services have become the first in Great Britain to begin operating a new state-of-the-art digital communication system.

The Firelink system is now operational in over 1,100 fire service vehicles and 368 fire stations nationwide with Scotland being first to coordinate emergency responses using both voice and data communication.

The £38 million Scottish Government funded system is part of a UK-wide project to provide the fire and rescue service with the equipment needed to respond to major emergencies including terrorism

“Emergency in Scotland”

Fergus Ewing, Minister for Community Safety said:

“Firelink represents a significant commitment to the safety and security of Scotland’s communities. Scotland’s fire and rescue services now have the most advanced communication system in the UK.

“The Scottish Government’s investment in greater functionality has given Scottish frontline firefighters an unrivalled ability to coordinate their emergency response. The successful delivery of this programme is testament to the excellent partnership working between the eight fire and rescue services, Scottish Government and Airwave.”

Brian Sweeney of the Chief Fire Officers Association Scotland said:

“The fire and rescue service is at the forefront of Scotland’s emergency response capability where fast and reliable information is critical. Firelink gives us a step-change in capability and for the first time allows crews to communicate and coordinate directly with other blue light colleagues.

“Any major emergency in Scotland could see services from all parts the country and even England working together, so the role of Firelink in coordinating these crews cannot be underestimated.”

“Global Positioning System”

The decision to introduce Firelink was taken following the September 11th and July 7th terrorist attacks, which highlighted the need for a single, reliable communications system linking all emergency services.

As well as enabling emergency services to better coordinate their response to major incidents the new digital system will also provide Scotland’s firefighters with a step change in sound quality, reliability and functionality.

Firelink will deliver a geographical coverage of some 90,000 square miles from urban to the most remote rural communities. It is also being introduced throughout England and Wales ensuring one common system for every emergency response vehicle in Great Britain.

The data capability in Scotland will enable priority mobilisation messages to be sent directly to appliances while a Global Positioning System enhances both service operations and firefighter safety by tracking every resource.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

Scottish fishermen lay down challenge to new government

May 12th, 10 / 1 Comment

The Scottish Fishermen Federation has issued a stark warning to the new incoming UK Government and the current Scottish Government that the very survival of the fishing industry is at stake unless urgent remedial action is taken – otherwise large sections of the fleet will be forced out of business.

“London and Edinburgh”

Bertie Armstrong, chief executive of the SFF, says the overwhelming message from fishermen on the quayside is that much of the fleet is fighting for survival under a blanket of unbearably restrictive management measures, which has pushed many in the industry to the brink of breaking point.

“For an alarmingly wide proportion of the industry just now, survival is the key issue,” he said. “The single most important issue for a fisherman is whether his boat or business survives and makes a profit.  If that doesn’t happen, then nothing else matters.

“A fisherman will try to make the best of his opportunities, but survival depends on fishing opportunity and that lies in the hands of fisheries managers.  Whilst the health and abundance of stocks inescapably govern that opportunity, how it is negotiated and managed is in the hands of the Commission in Brussels and fisheries managers in the UK and Scottish Governments.  In the first instance, we depend on London and Edinburgh to act in the best interests of the industr

“Noise from fishermen”

“And here is the challenge for the new UK Government and for the current Scottish Government.  Given the way that life in the industry has unfolded in the first quarter of 2010, opinion at the quayside is saying in the strongest possible terms that much, much more needs to be done – and done now.  The recovery of stocks and their abundance on the fishing grounds are not matched by the management measures constraining the fleet.

“Every sector of the industry has its own set of difficulties, but we must look together, government and industry, at what can be done immediately to make the best of what opportunities we have and can claim. For the whitefish fleet, effort control – days at sea – and quota are both critically tight.  The details of effort control are in the hands of the home governments and must be addressed again in the light of experience so far this year.

“For the short and medium term, sustainability and selectivity projects abound and some of these will form part of the solution.  For the immediate future, now that the election with its inevitable diversion and distortion is past, the imperative for government is to listen carefully to the noise from fishermen on the quayside and reinvigorate their efforts to make a difference right now.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Slider

Western Isles MSP meets regulator over Uist community turbine delay

May 12th, 10 / 1 Comment

“National Grid”

Western Isles SNP MSP, Alasdair Allan, yesterday met with energy regulators, Ofgem, where he raised the issue of delays in connecting community renewable projects in Uist and elsewhere to the National Grid.

Alasdair Allan met in the Scottish Parliament with Charles Gallacher, the Scotland Director of Ofgem.

Dr Allan commented:

“I have in recent days contacted both Stòras Uibhist and a number of other community organisations in the Western Isles who had understood from Scottish and Southern Energy that they could expect their community renewable projects to be connected to the grid in accordance with a speedy timetable. As is now well known these organisations are all highly disappointed to be facing delays.

“Wind and wave power”

“I raised this subject with Mr Gallacher and he confirmed that Ofgem had been in talks with SSE about this subject. I have also sought a meeting with SSE themselves. There is no doubt about the concern which many communities now have about their projects and SSE has a duty to explain themselves.

“I also took the opportunity to press Ofgem about the issue of transmission charges. As things stand, essentially the further a renewable project is from London the higher the transmission charges are. This system of charging may have made sense at a time when power stations were deliberately concentrated around urban areas but it now discriminates against the very parts of the country where communities are exploiting wind and wave power.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Slider

Scotlands legal gun ownership at 10-year high

May 11th, 10 / 1 Comment

“Weapons held”

Scotland’s Chief Statistician today published  firearm certificates statistics Scotland 2009 .

This includes statistics on the number of firearm and shot gun certificates on issue in Scotland at the end of 2009, along with the number of weapons held on certificate.

The main findings are:

There were 26,072 firearm certificates on issue at the end of 2009, a decrease of one per cent on the previous year, and nine per cent lower than the number in 2000

“Public safety”

However, the number of firearms held on certificate was 70,856, an increase of two per cent from 2008 and the highest number held in the 10 years covered by the bulletin

The number of shot gun certificates on issue at the end of 2009 was 50,308, an increase of less than one per cent from 2008, but 14 per cent lower than at the end of 2000

However, the number of shot guns held on certificate was 137,768, a decrease of 0.1 per cent compared to 2008, but an increase of 11 per cent since the end of 2000

There were 335 registered firearms dealers in Scotland at the end of 2009, an increase of two per cent from the 327 registered dealers at the end of 2008

Since 1997, various changes have been made to firearms legislation to enhance public safety:

Stornoway News

Schools of Ambition

May 11th, 10 / 1 Comment

“Minister for Skills”

More secondary schools are being encouraged to bring about positive changes to support the implementation of Curriculum for Excellence and participate in the Schools of Ambition programme.

A Leading Change DVD and booklet, based on the experience of schools in the programme, is being sent to every secondary school in the country.

Schools of Ambition, a transformational change programme that has involved up to 58 schools over a five year period, aims to raise the ambition and achievement of pupils.

At a Schools of Ambition conference in Edinburgh, Minister for Skills and Lifelong Learning Keith Brown said:

“Curriculum for Excellence aims to revitalise teaching and learning in our schools. The Schools of Ambition programme offers us a wealth of experiences and examples of where changes have been successfully implemented, therefore it’s important that these lessons are shared as widely as possible.

“Younger pupils”

“We want all schools in Scotland to be ambitious and innovative and instil these qualities in our young people, so that pupils are equipped with the skills and competencies needed to thrive in the 21st century.

“In the 10 point plan for Curriculum for Excellence, announced by the Education Secretary at the end of March, he committed to sharing best practice between headteachers. This event and the Leading Change resources will help support schools as they implement Curriculum for Excellence, providing practical and innovative new ways of working.”

Alan Dick, Headteacher of Port Glasgow High School, a participant in the Schools of Ambition programme, said:

“One of the main benefits of being part of the programme has been changing to a transformational way of thinking. This involved a lot of consultation and reflection on what our school needed to do to achieve more positive outcomes for our young people.

“At Port Glasgow, this change has enabled us to develop truly local solutions – such as a collaborate project with St Stephen’s High to promote leadership skills, with S3 pupils initiating a range of activities to support the local community and in turn passing this learning on to younger pupils.

“Extra funding”

“Sharing with others the school’s achievements and the new ideas we have developed helps give the whole school confidence in the new approaches we have taken.”

Eddie Broadley, Area Adviser at Learning and Teaching Scotland, said:

“Curriculum for Excellence puts pupils at the heart of education in Scotland and it’s essential that we ensure emerging thinking and best practice is shared amongst practitioners. I know that the examples of innovative learning and teaching developed through Schools of Ambition are providing really helpful insights for others to build on as they implement the new curriculum guidance.”

Since 2005, 58 schools from across Scotland have participated in the Schools of Ambition programme, with each school receiving additional funding of around £300,000 per year over a three year time period, with the aim of raising pupil ambition and achievements. In March 2008 the Scottish Government committed to continuing the funding of the programme for a further three yeas. The remaining 31 schools on the programme received their final round of extra funding in March.

http://hebridestoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/flybe-Hebrides-Today.jpg

Stornoway News

Community Open Days Making life that bit easier!

May 7th, 10 / 0 Comments

Local agencies and services are working together during June to offer you and your community information, advice and assistance on a wide range of topics in order to make life that little bit easier.

The open days will be an excellent opportunity to visit a wide range of displays, speak with friendly and helpful agencies, and obtain information on a number of issues. So if you would like to find out how you could receive support for yourself, your family, or someone you care for or are worried about, then please come along. No appointment is necessary and a wide range of groups will be there to offer advice and support.

Groups involved include: Alzheimer Scotland; Faire; Fire Safety; Early Years Service; Trading Standards; Taigh Blath/Home Safety; Health Promotion; Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland; Volunteer Centre; Fas Fallain; Smoking Cessation; Occupational Therapy; Advocacy Western Isles; and more.

The Community Open Days have been developed by the NHS Western Isles Mental Health Collaborative, and organised to promote Alzheimer Scotland and raise awareness of Dementia within Lewis and Harris during Dementia Awareness Week – this year’s theme being ‘Making It Happen’.

Community Open Days will be held from 11am-3pm at:

Ness Mon 7th June               Spors Nis

Point Tues 8th June              Ionaid Stoodie, Garrabost

Uig Wed 9th June               Uig Community Centre

Lochs Thurs 10th June           Balallan Community Centre

Tarbert Fri 11th June                Tarbert Community Centre

For further information please contact Marissa MacLennan, Health Information & Resources Officer, Health Promotion, NHS Western Isles, tel. 01851 701545 or email marissa.maclennan@nhs.net

We look forward to seeing you there!

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

News Archives, Slider

One boat, two MSPs and four Hebridean Islands

May 4th, 10 / 1 Comment

Two MSPs will sail to the Small Isles of Muck, Eigg, Rum and Canna in a whirlwind one-day visit to bring the Scottish Parliament to island school children as part of an educational outreach programme.

Mary Scanlon MSP and Dave Thompson MSP, who both represent the Highlands and Islands, will visit school children on all four islands on 31 May.

“Educational outreach”

This includes the island of Canna, which has a total of four children on its roll under the age of nine.

Head of Education and Community Partnerships, Rosemary Everett said:

“The Scottish Parliament’s Education Outreach team is committed to taking learning about the Parliament into the heart of local communities, no matter where they might be in Scotland. We have already worked with schools in the same area of Mallaig, Inverie and Upper Achintore this academic year. We’ll also be visiting schools on Harris, Lewis, Islay, Benbecula, Orkney, Skye and Shetland.”

The MSPs will talk to the school children about their roles, both regionally and in the Parliament. The politicians will also discuss issues that matter to the pupils and suggest ways to engage with the Parliament to make changes. A member of the educational outreach team will visit the schools this week to prepare for the MSPs’ visit.

“Inside Parliament”

The Parliament’s Education Service will also launch a number of new initiatives this week. This includes a four day continuous professional development course starting today called ‘Inside Parliament’. Twelve teaching staff from across Scotland will take part in sessions with Scottish Parliament staff and MSPs to gain an insider’s view of how the Parliament works. Participants will develop activities and resources that can be used in Social Studies, Religious & Moral Education or Expressive Arts.

Stornoway News

Scotland excluded from european fishing talks

May 3rd, 10 / 1 Comment

The decision to exclude Scotland from this week’s crucial talks on European fisheries policy in favour of an unelected member of the House of Lords has acquired added significance, according to Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead.

“Scots fishing”

Mr Lochhead had asked to attend the informal talks in Vigo, Spain, but was refused permission by UK Secretary of State Hilary Benn.

Since then, the situation has escalated after it was confirmed that the agenda has now been expanded to consider some items that had been due to be discussed at the formal Agri-Fish Council in Luxembourg on April 19, at which Mr Lochhead was due to attend. That meeting was cancelled due to travel disruption caused by volcanic ash.

The presentation of a detailed report on the future of the Common Fisheries Policy which is crucially important to Scotland will now be discussed in Vigo instead.

Speaking ahead of the Informal Council, Mr Lochhead said:

“Last month’s cancelled fishing negotiations in Luxembourg had been scheduled to discuss issues of immense importance to Scotland and now these agenda items have been added to the informal meeting in Vigo that Scotland is barred from attending. This rubs salt into the wound caused by the UK Government’s decision to stop Scotland attending in favour of an unelected Lord whose knowledge of Scots fishing could probably fit onto the back of a postage stamp with lots of room to spare.

“Synthesis report”

“The CFP has failed Scotland’s fishing industry and dependent communities. Our widely respected Conservation Credits scheme has demonstrated how using our limited fisheries powers we, fishermen and environmental groups can manage the seas in an effective and responsible manner. By returning key decision making to Scotland, a more local and regional approach would enable those who are the true experts to deliver real and lasting improvements.

“It’s essential that Europe seizes the best chance in a generation to deliver a fit for purpose fisheries policy. Our fishermen are struggling to cope with low market prices, rising fuel costs and other short term problems as a result of the broken CFP. The Scottish Government is doing its bit, but we need decisive action from Europe now. It’s a great pity that just when the Vigo meeting’s agenda has been expanded, Scotland will be stopped from attending with our rightful place given to an unelected Lord.”

Important business that had been scheduled for the AgriFish Council on April 19, but was cancelled due to volcanic ash causing travel situation, has now been added to the agenda for the Informal Fisheries Council in Vigo on May 4-5. The presentation of the Synthesis report on the Consultation on CFP Reform will now be taken at this meeting.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Slider

Call for national geese management plan

Apr 27th, 10 / 0 Comments

Angus MacNeil SNP, for Na h-Eileanan an Iar has today called for a ,National Geese Management Plan to control numbers for safety reasons in addition to stopping the damage that they are causing on croft land and many football parks in the islands.

Angus MacNeil commented:

“The issue needs to be dealt with as a priority as many who I have spoken to throughout the Western Isles have told me that if the issue isn’t looked at soon then a lot of land in the Western Isles will be beyond use.

“Geese numbers “

“This spring the number of geese seems to be worse than ever. The other morning I saw three dead on the road in Seilbost Harris and a car bumper beside them.  Aside from the agricultural damage, they are causing concerns for health & safety.  Some of the geese graze on road sides and get hit by cars such are the numbers.  They are now commonly being seen where they were never seen before.  This issue is now at the serious stage, and if it is not dealt with as a priority then it will be too late to do anything about it.

“What we need now is for a goose management plan to be put in place, so that numbers can be controlled, and that not as much damage will be inflicted on crofting land and on football parks throughout the Western Isles.

“SNH will have to set the ball rolling so that this serious issue can be tackled once and for all, doing nothing is not an option, we need a co ordinated approach to attack this problem urgently.  Everybody is fed up and concerned  with the every growing danger of increasing geese numbers ”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Slider

Scotland seeks share of expanding global seafood market

Apr 26th, 10 / 0 Comments

Seventeen companies exhibiting on the Scottish Pavilion at the world’s largest seafood show this week (Tuesday 27th April – Thursday 29th April) are in confident mood following the publication of an official report showing that global demand continues to rise.

Global seafood consumption grew from 137 million metric tons in 2006 to 140 million metric tons in 2007 and is expected to increase again to 143 million metric tons in 2008, according to a report from the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation (UN FAO) published last week (Tuesday 20th April).

“Overseas buyers”

More than 200 representatives from the pelagic, whitefish, shellfish and salmon sectors have travelled to the European Seafood Exposition (ESE) in Brussels, undeterred by travel disruptions following the volcano eruption in Iceland.

Scottish seafood exports are estimated to be worth around £500 million, representing more than 62% by value of total Scottish food exports (£805 million). Scottish vessels account for approximately 66% of the UK fleet, land roughly 70% of the UK catch, and capture the bulk of the world’s langoustine supplies. Scotland is the world’s second biggest producer of farmed salmon, exporting to more than 60 international markets.

Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead, who will visit the show, said:

“Our delicious, healthy seafood is playing a pivotal role in enhancing Scotland’s reputation as a land of food and drink. ESE offers companies an excellent opportunity to target international buyers. Our finest chefs are serving delicious crab, langoustine and monkfish – the same dishes that have been selected for the prestigious Bocuse d’Or competition next year. I hope that buyers will grab the bait!”

Libby Woodhatch, chief executive of Seafood Scotland, which is hosting the Seafood Bar at ESE said:

“Scottish seafood has a key role to play in leading sustainable economic growth in the food and drink sector and we anticipate a lot of interest from overseas buyers in the top quality seafood our chefs will be sampling.”

“£7.5bn to £12.5bn by 2017″

Scott Landsburgh, chief executive of Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation (SSPO) and Scottish Quality Salmon (SQS), which is exhibiting for the first time in six years to promote Label Rouge Scottish salmon, said:

“The seafood sector is Scotland’s largest food export and a major supplier to global markets. Scotland is the only significant producer of farmed salmon within the European Union where it holds a reputation for high quality, in particular for Label Rouge Scottish salmon.”

David Smith, interim chief executive of Scottish Development International, said:

“With the welcome news that there is growing global demand for seafood, it’s more important than ever for Scottish seafood suppliers to attend exhibitions like ESE.

“Thanks to similar SDI support last year, Scottish seafood companies secured around £20 million of orders at ESE and made valuable new connections with international buyers. We will continue to support this sector, to make sure that companies have the support they need to successfully compete for their share of this growing international market.”

The European Union is the world’s largest seafood market, followed by the United States and Japan. The Scottish Government and Scotland Food & Drink have identified the food and drink sectors as key economic areas for development, especially in the export market. The target is to increase the value of the food and drink sectors from £7.5bn to £12.5bn by 2017.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Slider

You can’t trust Labour

Apr 20th, 10 / 0 Comments

SNP Parliamentary candidate for Na h-Eileanan an Iar Angus MacNeil has said that Labour cannot be trusted. Last July Labour proposed  to cut the Attendance Allowance however, shortly before the election, those plans were dropped.

The Labour Government had plans to do away with Attendance Allowance payments to fund planned changes to the social care system in England. This would have affected payments to 1,240 people in the Western Isles who are in receipt of Attendance Allowance , which is a non means tested tax free benefit paid to people over the age of 65 requiring help from another person due to severe mental or physical disability. Figures from the Institute for Economic and Social Research suggest that nearly 500 people in the constituency would have been below the poverty line if Attendance Allowance was scrapped.

“Social Care System”

Angus MacNeil commented:

“The figures emphasise the scale of the huge problem that would arise if the Attendance Allowance was scrapped. Here in the Western Isles we have 1,240 people on the Allowance, and nearly 500 of them would be pushed below the breadline if the cut was implemented.

“These plans which were initially put forward by the Labour Government, were suddenly scrapped by Labour just weeks before the election. It also proves that Labour cannot be trusted when they even contemplated in the first place withdrawing Attendance Allowance to fund the cost of the Social Care System in England.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

News Archives
SEO Powered by Platinum SEO from Techblissonline

Featuring Recent Posts Wordpress Widget development by YD