Posts Tagged ‘SNP’

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

Western Isles first to volunteer for rural fuel derogation

Jun 8th, 10 / 0 Comments

Today SNP MP, Angus MacNeil, raised the value to the wider economy of a Rural Fuel Derogation in Island areas during Treasury Questions and made Na h-Eileanan an Iar the first place to put its enthusiasm on record in Parliament for involvement in an RFD pilot.

“A litre of fuel.”

Angus MacNeil said:

“High fuel prices continue to be the legacy Labour left our islands and people are justly concerned as to what the new government might do to make the issue fairer and more equitable.  Today I took the opportunity to ask for a Rural Fuel Derogation for the Highlands but particularly for the Islands of Scotland.

“The UK government agreed a few years ago that Rural Fuel Derogations could happen in other European countries but the then Labour government turned cartwheels to avoid sensible implementation in Scotland.

“The sensible response by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander MP,  also noting the interest of the Western Isles in a Rural Fuel Derogation pilot gives me hope that we may see action on rural fuel prices. Moving towards a stage when Hebrideans are not paying more tax than anyone else in the UK on a litre of fuel.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

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

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Western Isles MP writes to chancellor

May 20th, 10 / 1 Comment

“Rural Fuel”

Angus MacNeil

Angus MacNeil

Angus MacNeil SNP MP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar has this morning written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne MP after the publication of the coalition government’s document on a rural fuel pilot project. Last week, Mr MacNeil raised this very issue reminding the coalition government that the high price of Rural Fuel needed to be addressed.

“We pay more fuel tax”

Mr MacNeil said:

“This morning I have written to the Chancellor George Osborne MP, saying how willing and ideal the Western Isles would be for a rural fuel derogation pilot project. I don’t believe it should only be the Western Isles that this is piloted, I feel other Scottish islands should be included as well.

“I think I was the first MP to raise this issue 4 Years ago.  Mr Osborne will also be aware that we pay more fuel tax per litre in the Western Isles than in any other place in the UK. This taxation is made up of duty and vat.

“I am requesting to meet with Mr Osborne to impress upon him this long for fought measure.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

SNP win Western Isles seat

May 6th, 10 / 2 Comments

Angus Macneil                            6723

Donald John Macsween             4838

Jean Davis                                   1097

Muro Murray                                1412

Sheena Norquay                         647

Electorate is 21,780

Total votes cast   14,743

Turnout   67.69%

6 spoilt papers

Stornoway News

To make RET permanent vote SNP

Apr 29th, 10 / 1 Comment

“Economic downturn”

Angus MacNeil SNP Na h-Eileanan an Iar has stated  in the final days of the election campaign that the introduction of RET by the Scottish Government in October 2008 on all routes from the Western Isles to mainland ports has been the most successful policy for the Western Isles economy.

The SNP delivered on its promise to the islands. I now hope that islanders send the signal at this election to the rest of Scotland that RET has political support in the islands.

Mr MacNeil who had been campaigning for RET for many years said that its success has been beyond the majority of people’s wildest dreams especially given the economic downturn. .

“Protect RET”

Mr MacNeil commented:

“When the Scottish Government announced that it was looking into an RET pilot study, many critics rounded on them saying that they were using delaying tactics and that RET would never come. Its introduction in October 2008, at a time of a global recession has confounded many doubters, and in the Western Isles we have seen the passenger and traffic numbers on ferries rise by as much as 40% during this period.

“We must however be aware that RET was delivered against a backdrop of cuts to Scotland’s budget by London Labour.  To continue what was a political decision and make RET permanent it will be an easier case to make for myself and Alasdair Allan MSP to make if we have a good SNP vote on 6th May.”
In short to protect RET vote SNP.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Western Isles road maintenance contracts

Apr 29th, 10 / 1 Comment

SNP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar Angus MacNeil has asked for a meeting with Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar regarding their decision to terminate all road gritting contracts in the Western Isles.

Contractors were asked to a meeting yesterday and were told that they were giving contractors the statutory 20 week termination notice.

“Local road gritting”

Mr MacNeil has been contacted by contractors who are incensed with this decision, and comes 2 years into their 4 year road maintenance contract.

Mr MacNeil commented:

“This comes at a time when many contractors in the Western Isles are struggling, they can ill afford to be given news like this. To be asked to come to a meeting and being informed of this decision, is harsh in the extreme, and something which the Comhairle should have handled better.

“I am now asking for an urgent meeting with the Comhairle.  In the current economic climate, local road gritting contractors who have invested huge amounts of money in buying new plant and equipment to carry out these contracts, should not be treated in this way.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

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

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Western Isles SNP candidate welcomes Boiler scrappage Scheme

Apr 20th, 10 / 0 Comments
Angus MacNeil

Angus MacNeil

SNP Parliamentary candidate for Na h-Eileanan an Iar constituency Angus MacNeil has welcomed today’s announcement from the Scottish Government that the Boiler scrappage Scheme will commence in Scotland from the 24th May.It is estimated that the scheme will help an estimated 5,000 households in Scotland cut costs and carbon.

From Monday 24 May households will be able to apply for a £400 voucer to replace inefficient boilers which convert less than 70% energy into heat. It is expected that many households in the Western Isles will qualify for this scheme and replace their old boilers with greener energy saving models, reducing heating costs by around a quarter.

“Western Isles”

Commenting Angus MacNeil said

“This year’s Scottish Government budget made a committment to introduce a boiler scrappage scheme for Scotland. This committment is now being fulfilled, with this £2 million investment to help households cut costs and carbon and reduce fuel poverty.

“This scheme will help local businesses as well as cutting costs for hard pressed households, create more energy efficient homes, reduce carbon emissions and cut fuel poverty in the Western Isles.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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SNP launch viral poster showing how opposition ignore Scotland

Apr 7th, 10 / 0 Comments

Only hours after Labour said they are scrapping the planned rise in cider duty because of the backlash, and on the day the AA is warning that petrol prices are set to hit an all-time high, SNP MP Angus MacNeil said voters throughout Scotland would be asking why Labour couldn’t scrap the planned increase in fuel tax.

“Sky high fuel taxes”

Mr MacNeil also highlighted the first in a series of viral posters the SNP will be producing throughout the campaign which turn the opposition’s posters back on them. This viral poster takes the ‘Ashes to Ashes’ theme Labour used and has Alex Salmond as DCI Gene Hunt saying “Fire up the Quattro? … Only by voting SNP for fair fuel prices “.

Commenting Mr MacNeil said

“This is the final insult for families and businesses in Scotland. If Labour can drop their plans for a cider tax because of the furore why can’t they do the same for petrol and fuel in general? It shows how the London politicians, as usual, ignore Scotland.

“This snub by Labour will cause a backlash at the polls. People in Scotland can make Labour pay at the polls for making them pay at the pumps.

”An oil-rich nation”

“The latest warnings from the AA confirm that Labour and Gordon Brown have learnt nothing from their years in government.

“Sky high fuel taxes imposed by Gordon Brown, and latterly Alistair Darling, are indiscriminate and effectively a poll tax on wheels.

“And it’s not just hauliers who suffer but ordinary families struggling to run a car for normal use. The effects of rising fuel taxes also impact on prices in the stores with costs increasing to deliver food and other products to the shops.

“An oil-rich nation like Scotland should be reaping the benefits from our offshore resources – not watching as North Sea revenues flow into a black hole in Treasury coffers while the Scottish budget is slashed.”

Commenting on today’s viral image, Mr MacNeil added:

“These images will become a regular feature of our campaign. We will take the posters of our London opponents and turn them back on them to show the voters of Scotland how phoney their campaign really is.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Western Isle MSP welcomes reduction in prescription charges

Apr 1st, 10 / 0 Comments

Western Isles SNP MSP, Alasdair Allan, has today welcomed the last reduction in prescription charges by the Scottish Government before they are abolished entirely next year.

“Abolished completely”

Alasdair Allan commented:

“In these hard economic times, thousands of people in the Western Isles are already benefiting from the Scottish Government’s further moves towards full abolition of prescription charges.

“Healthcare should be free at the point of need to everyone who needs it irrespective of ability to pay, and removing these charges will ensure that cost is not a barrier to those needing the medication prescribed to them.

“From today the charge is down to £3 per prescription, and this time next year the charges will be abolished completely.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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SNP focus on fuel prices

Mar 20th, 10 / 0 Comments

“Sky high fuel taxes”

The SNP has launched the latest strand of its election campaign with a call for lower fuel prices across Scotland.

Candidates across the country will be distributing over 60,000 campaign postcards in the next few days urging voters who want to drive down Scottish fuel prices to Elect a Local Champion.

The card sets out how SNP MPs will champion a freeze in fuel duty and the introduction of a road fuel regulator. SNP MP and Transport Spokesman Angus MacNeil will highlight the importance of stabilizing fuel prices at SNP conference this afternoon.

Commenting, Mr MacNeil who is also the SNP’s Transport Spokesperson, said

“Essential to Scotland”

“Sky high fuel taxes imposed by Gordon Brown, and latterly Alistair Darling, are indiscriminate and effectively a poll tax on wheels.

“Rocketing prices are disastrous for the rural economy where a car is not a luxury – it’s a necessity.

“Here in Aviemore, prices at already edging above £1.20 while in my own Western Isles constituency a litre of fuel is over £1.25. Filling up a family car now costs the best part of £100.

“The effects of sky high fuel taxes also impact on prices in the stores with costs rising to deliver food and other products to the shops.

“Traditional metropolitan politicians simply do not understand the impact rising fuel prices are having on families and businesses across Scotland. That’s why at this election, if the people of Scotland want to drive down fuel prices, instead of electing a traditional politican they must elect a local champion

” Driving down prices”

SNP Westminster Candidate for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey Cllr John Finnie who will second the resolution added:

“While the London parties are engaged in a phoney war, the SNP are championing causes which matter to the people of Scotland. That’s why SNP MPs have proposed a measure which will stabilise fuel prices.

“Labour, the Tories and the Liberal Democrats have failed to tackle rising fuel prices at successive Budgets but they can make amends by supporting the SNP’s call for a fuel duty regulator at the Budget next week.

“I know the impact rising fuel prices are having in this constituency and across the country. Driving down prices is essential to Scotland, to Scotland’s economy and to Scotland’s families.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

Affordable home cuts in the Hebrides

Mar 15th, 10 / 0 Comments

Scottish Labour has learned that the SNP is proposing to cut the Affordable Housing Investment Programme by over £140 million. The scale of the cuts is revealed in a private document prepared to assist local authorities with detailed planning.

“Western Isles are facing reductions “

The ‘Resource Planning Assumptions’ for 2010/11 show that councils are being told to prepare for massive cuts of 45 per cent across the board. The SNP’s cuts will affect every part of Scotland.

The biggest cut is in the Highlands, which will see its housing budget reduced from £32 million to £17 million, while Argyll and Bute will see its funding cut by well over £5million.

MSP Rhoda Grant

Orkney’s allocation is being cut by more than £3.5million, while the Shetland Isles and Western Isles are facing reductions of well over £1million. There are currently 140,000 people on council house waiting lists.

Highlands and Islands Labour MSP Rhoda Grant said: “These cuts are devastating both for those one the waiting list for affordable housing and for those who work in the building trade.

“Council tax freeze”

“I am constantly contacted by people who need affordable housing and this will be a blow to them

“The building industry has the capacity to build more houses in the present climate and because of the lack of competition this could be done very competitively – government should be taking advantage of this situation to deal with the shortage in affordable housing – instead they are adding to the economic woes.”

Scottish Labour Housing Spokesperson Johann Lamont said: “The scale of the cuts imposed by the SNP Government is frightening. It looks like the SNP is asking the housing industry and local communities to pay the price to protect its own party political priorities, like the centrally imposed council tax freeze.

“Much needed homes”

“I believe ministers are making the wrong choices. It is economic madness to cut the money for house building in a recession. The black hole they have created in the budget will throw local housing plans into chaos and cost thousands of jobs.

“Industry representatives have already warned that they face the worst crisis since the Second World War, with 41 per cent fewer new homes completed in the last quarter of 2009 compared to the previous year.

“The SNP has completely failed to grasp the scale of the crisis and their decisions are actually making it worse. Ministers need to treat housing as a genuine priority and find resources to support construction jobs and provide much needed homes.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

Do Western Isles Lib-Dems agree with Tavish

Mar 11th, 10 / 0 Comments

“Denounce the provision of RET Ferry Fares”

SNP MSP for Western Isles, Alasdair Allan, has asked the Lib-Dems in the Western Isles whether they agree with the stance of their Scottish Leader Tavish Scott, who today used First Ministers Question Time to denounce the provision of RET Ferry Fares in the Western Isles.

Dr Allan told Hebrides Today:

“MSP’s today were rather taken aback to hear the Lib-Dems very publicly begrudge the provision of RET in the Western Isles, with Tavish Scott condemning the cheaper fares in strong terms.

“The Liberal Democrats came sixth”

“I am certainly sympathetic to fairer ferry costs for all of Scotland’s islands but the way to achieve this is not for the Lib-Dems to lambast the Western Isles for the RET pilot here. Any Lib-Dem voter in the Western listening to Mr Scott today could only conclude that he wanted islanders to go back to paying the kind of extortionate fares they paid when he was Transport Minister.

“The Liberal Democrats came sixth in the European Elections in the Western Isles and, after todays outburst, they must be hoping seven candidates do not stand this May.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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MPs will push for fair fuel regulator

Mar 4th, 10 / 0 Comments
Angus MacNeil

Angus MacNeil

“Fuel up 11.46% since 2008″

Latest figures from the AA revealing that drivers have endured recent petrol tax increases up to five times higher than in other European countries, show why the SNP is right to propose a fuel duty regulator says SNP MP Angus MacNeil.

According to the AA the burden of fuel duty and VAT on a tank of petrol in the UK has gone up by 11.46% since the Pre-Budget Report at the end of November 2008. This compares to just 2.23% in Austria and an average increase for 10 mainstream European countries, including France, Germany, and Holland, of 5.07%.

Commenting Mr MacNeil said:

“We all know that Labour has admitted that they will yet again use fuel tax to hammer household motorists and hauliers to pay for their bank bail out.

“However these latest figures from the AA confirm that Labour and Gordon Brown have learnt nothing from their years in government.

“Sky high fuel taxes”

“Sky high fuel taxes imposed by Gordon Brown, and latterly Alistair Darling, are indiscriminate and effectively a poll tax on wheels.

“And it’s not just hauliers who suffer but ordinary families struggling to run a car for normal use. The effects of sky high fuel taxes also impact on prices in the stores with costs rising to deliver food and other products to the shops.

“It shows how much Labour has become out of touch that they should target ordinary people in this way to pay for the bail out of a banking system failure they helped create.

“I can categorically say that the SNP MPs will continue to oppose Labour’s arbitrary fuel tax hikes and propose the introduction of a fuel duty regulator at the Budget to ensure price stability as well as lower fuel taxes for remote areas.

“Scotland should be reaping the benefits”

“An oil rich nation like Scotland should be reaping the benefits from our offshore resources – not watching as North Sea revenues flow into a black hole in Treasury coffers while the Scottish budget is slashed.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Western Isles MP welcomes UKBA decision

Mar 3rd, 10 / 0 Comments


Angus Macneil

Western Isles MP Angus MacNeil has welcomed the announcement from the United Kingdom Border Agency that non EU fishermen will be allowed to work on fishing boats within Scottish waters subject to certain conditions.

This issue has been a cause for concern for many fishing boat skippers in the islands, and I am now glad that after much work the issue has been resolved.

Mr MacNeil commented:

“This had been a long term issue, which I have been working on for the past 2 years, and during that time have been in close dialogue with industry leaders and fishing boat skippers and also the UKBA. This also needed liaison with the Immigration Minister Phil Woolas MP, who listened to sensible argument on the issue.

“I am glad to see that common sense has prevailed, and that many of the hard working fishermen from non EU countries will now be allowed to return and work on the boats they had previously been working on.

“These fishermen are valued crew members, and it will mean that many fishing boat owners will not now be in a predicament as to whether they could go to sea or not.

“Many people have worked hard to achieve this result, and I am glad that this decision will be welcomed by many in the industry.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles
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Western Isles MSP welcomes backing for winter weather payments

Mar 1st, 10 / 0 Comments

Alasdair Allan MSP

Western Isles  MSP, Alasdair Allan, has today welcomed the backing of Scotland’s Housing Minister, Alex Neil, for the campaign to have winter weather payments calculated by taking wind chill into account.

Mr Neil has recently been corresponding with Helen Goodman MP, Under-secretary of State in the UK Department of Work and Pensions on this issue.

Mr Neil draws Ms Goodman’s attention to a number of areas which demonstrate that the effect of extreme cold weather can often be worsened in rural parts of Scotland due to the wind chill factor.

The UK Government’s winter weather payment system does not presently recognise this, being calculated purely on the number of degrees of frost.

Alasdair Allan commented:

“As both Angus MacNeil and I have pointed out this winter, there is a compelling case for the winter weather payment system to be revised to take into account the wind chill factor.

This is especially true in the Western Isles, which suffers the highest fuel poverty in Scotland at a shocking level of 47%.

“While the cold weather payments remains the same across the UK, the cost of heating a home does not, and so this benefit is not fit for purpose. The extremes of weather that we face in Scotland, and in the islands in particular, need to be recognised by the UK Government to ensure that this benefit better meets the needs of our pensioners and families.

“This issue is one that both Angus Macneil and I have raised a number of times. I am pleased that the Scottish Government has also been getting involved, by actively lobbying the UK Government, under whose authority the benefits system still comes.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles
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Western Isles MSP speaks on airport parking charges

Feb 25th, 10 / 0 Comments
    Western Isles MSP, Alasdair Allan, yesterday spoke in a debate in the Scottish Parliament on proposals for car parking charges at the three HIAL airports in Stornoway, Sumburgh and Kirkwall.

    Speaking in the debate, Alasdair Allan said:

    “A number of factors make island airports different. First, cars are not primarily left there by tourists. Some islanders may leave their cars at the airport when they are on holiday, but the majority of people who leave their cars at Stornoway airport do so because they have to travel off island with work or, in a large number of cases, they are going to hospital or visiting someone there.

    “These airports provide lifeline services that are essential for the islands to function as modern economies. And another special factor is worth bearing in mind; the money that many islanders have to pay to get to the mainland (unless they book many weeks in advance) is the kind of money with which they could have a foreign holiday. For that reason, the threat to introduce car parking charges at island airports has a knock-on effect on economic development in the islands.

    “Those are the realities of air transport in all island communities. For those reasons, although I recognise the difficulties that HIAL faces, I hope that the  currentconsultation on the matter will be genuine and far reaching and that the issues that I and others have mentioned will be to the fore in HIAL’s mind.

    “I hope that the daily challenges that islanders face — whether they be in Orkney, Shetland or the Western Isles — are acknowledged. I have made my own views on the matter known to HIAL, as have other island members, and I hope as many islanders as possible will also take the opportunity to take this issue up directly with HIAL.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles
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Fears Hebrides will lose police sniffer dog

Feb 24th, 10 / 0 Comments

Angus Macneil

Western Isles MP Angus MacNeil has written to the Chief Constable of Northern Constabulary, Ian Latimer after being informed of the possibility that the police sniffer dog may be removed from the islands and stressed to him the importance of having a police sniffer dog permanently based in the Western Isles.

Mr MacNeil told Hebrides news Today:

“I am concerned to hear from sources that the police sniffer dog might be taken away from the Western Isles in the coming year. Constituents will be concerned and alarmed at the thought of the sniffer dog, which is trained to look for cash, firearms as well as drugs being removed from the islands.

“The dog has been a successful presence in the Islands and has been introduced to most of the school children throughout the Hebrides.

“I have written to the Chief Constable Ian Latimer, asking him for assurances that this is not going to happen, and also reminding him of the impact that this could have in the islands, perhaps leading to increased drugs misuse in the community.

“I have stressed the importance of the sniffer dog as a deterrent to drug smuggling to the islands given that we in the main have finite points of entry. The loss of the only police sniffer dog located in the Western Isles could ease the way for more drugs being brought into the islands. ”

“Recently a documentary on BBC Scotland focused on Scotland’s cocaine epidemic and how the cocaine market was grown to a multi million pounds money spinner for criminals in Aberdeen.  Needless to say large scale drug use is bad for health and strengthens the criminal element.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Western Isles councillor takes SNP group to task

Feb 24th, 10 / 0 Comments

Western Isles Councillor and Labour prospective parliamentary candidate for Westminster, Donald John MacSween has hit out at SNP members conduct during the Local Authority’s budget setting process.

He declared: “Councillor Donald Manford and his misguided followers in the SNP group on the Comhairle have sunk to a new low.

“With the Comhairle facing a difficult period when hard decisions have to be taken to balance the budget, every Member of the Comhairle has to show maturity and a sense of responsibility.

“Puerile and irresponsible antics by the SNP trying to disrupt the Comhairle’s budget-setting process at the eleventh hour in favour of a ludicrous and ill-thought-out ‘slash and burn’ policy says more about the SNP than about the Comhairle’s situation

“Its four members sat through four months of budget-setting meetings, indicating approval by their silence but, on the eve of adoption of this sensible compromise budget, they tried to bring in an alternative one.

“It would cut the number of Comhairle Directors from five to three and the Heads of Service from 20 to 12. No analysis and no consultation with staff.”

He added that there had been no recognition of the Comhairle’s recent structural review.

Mr Macsween added: “Working regularly with senior Comhairle management, I can testify we have a workforce to be proud of.  Undermining morale and alarming them for political benefit is grossly irresponsible.

“Their budget would also remove the Ward Initiative allowance, now virtually the only source of revenue seed-funding for vital community schemes. Again, no analysis of the effect on community-led projects.

“Then the SNP demanded a cut of £50,000 in the Comhairle’s Arts Development budget. Sensible Members have argued for recognition of the regenerative impact of Arts and Culture and I am pleased to report that the Comhairle now leads the way nationally in that area.

“But Mr Manford tried to cut a third of that budget, wiping out discretionary grants to community groups and decimating core funding for Ceolas, Taigh Chearsabhagh, the Hebridean Celtic Festival and An Lanntair. Finally, the SNP tried to scrap a Development Officer post and raid Comhairle reserves

“I am proud when Members and officers of the Comhairle deliver economic benefit, and I am proud of the many officers, across the range of services provided by the Comhairle, who strive to make the Western Isles a better place to live and work.

“The efforts to turn round the fortunes of Harris Tweed, the successful fight to save Hebrides Range, the quiet work that is going on to create the conditions for a significant Renewable Energy industry, cutting edge work in the creative industries – all led by staff Mr Manford tried to axe.

The lack of analysis and the sheer stupidity beggar belief.  Is it any wonder the SNP budget was rejected by 25 votes to four (SNP) votes?

“The SNP group has lost contact with reality but the measures represented pure, cynical showboating.

“Knowing such ridiculous proposals would be rejected, the SNP wasted officer and Committee time to pursue a sympathy vote at the coming General Election.

“Maybe the disaffected cybernats who inhabit Mr Manford’s universe will be convinced by the ‘we tried and failed’ mentality

“But the vast majority of sensible, reasonable islanders will not be duped by cynical, disruptive antics.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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