Yesterday I asked the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning (Angela Constance) how the Scottish Government was supporting colleges and other adult learning providers to improve adult literacy and numeracy, and what progress has been made in tackling poor basic skills levels in adults. The response I received was disappointing not only for me […]
I have written to the leader of Fife Council, David Ross raising with him the fact that I have been contacted by a high number of constituents and representatives of local groups in Rosyth who are raising with me their concerns about what the former social work building in Park Road Rosyth which the council […]
As Councils across Scotland finalise their budgets for 2015/16 it is clear that the pressures are increasing whilst the year on year funding from the Scottish Government is decreasing, resulting in significant cuts in front line services and jobs. The Council Tax freeze, now in its 7th year, means that local authorities have very little […]
Today Tom Greatrex, Scottish Labour’s Shadow Energy Minister and MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West, commented on the UK Governments support for Labour plans to devolve the remaining parts of the shale gas framework, to the Scottish Government. Mr Greatrex stated that the Westminster Government have belatedly conceded to Scottish Labour amendments which will see […]
West Fife Enterprise have produced 4 new information leaflets which can ofer support and advice to those looking for employment. If you know anyone who is looking for employment or if you are searching for a job yourself West Fife Enterprise can offer you assistance and you can get in touch by calling: 01383 881364.
I was disappointed to receive a letter from Tesco this morning advising that they will no longer proceed with their plans to build and open a new superstore at the north end of the High Street in Cowdenbeath. The text of the letter below explains their position. I have now written to Fife council asking […]
This week I showed support for patients with the chronic autoimmune disease rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by visiting a Scottish Parliament exhibition hosted by the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) and NHS Fife. RA is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disease which can cause long term disability. NRAS estimates that it affects nearly 60,000 people in Scotland […]
I take the view that it is important that MSPs and their staff have access to the resources that allows them to do their jobs and provide a service in the most effective and efficient way they can. It is also important however that MSPs are totally transparent in the way they spend tax payers […]
I have taken a more focussed interested and been involved in the discussions on the future of the open cast mines in Fife following the announcement that ATH Operators of Muir Dean Opencast near Crossgates and Scottish Coal operators of St Ninians near Kelty, Blairhouse near Oakley and Westfield near Ballingry had gone into […]
winter veg on allotments in Kelty The Scottish Government has launched a discussion document “Becoming a Good Food Nation” to encourage success through Scotland’s food and drink policy. I spoke in the debate in the Scottish Parliament on the Scottish Governments food and drink strategy for Scotland and used the speech to […]