Monitoring work carried out by Argyll and Bute Council's Environmental Health service has identified raised levels of naturally occurring algal toxins in two lochs within the area.
West Loch Tarbert and Loch Scridain on Mull have been closed because of the high levels of algal toxins. The Ardkinglas area of Loch Fyne has been closed since May for the same reason, and Loch Striven since last Thursday.
Eating shellfish such as cockles, mussels or razor fish from these areas may pose a risk to human health and notices to warn the public and casual gatherers have been posted at various locations on the shore. It is a sensible precaution to avoid eating shellfish from these areas until further notice.
Commercial shellfish harvesters in these areas have been contacted by the Council and steps taken to postpone harvesting until algae levels subside.
The Stonefield area of Loch Fyne and Loch Melfort and Seil Sound have also been closed recently because of the problem, but have now reopened.
The Council is continuing to monitor the situation and will issue a further statement when levels subside.
For further information, please contact 01631 567920
Friday, 21 August 2009
ST KILDA DAY TO BE CELEBRATED ON BBC ALBA
The first ever St Kilda Day; Latha Hiort, will take place on 29 August as part of Homecoming Scotland 2009 and BBC ALBA is pleased to announce that it will be participating with a St Kilda themed weekend of programmes in celebration of the island, its history and its people.
St Kilda Day will mark the evacuation of St Kilda's final inhabitants in August 1930. It will celebrate their lives and legacy in music, word and image and build on the international success of the 2007 St Kilda Opera to trace the St Kildans' story and bring it all back home.
The first of the four BBC ALBA programmes, titled ‘An t-Hiortach’ meaning The St Kildan will be broadcast on the anniversary of the evacuation, Saturday 29 August at 10pm. This programme will follow Norman Gillies, the last surviving male St Kildan, as he returns, almost 80 years on and still fit, with his son for an emotional visit to his Island birthplace.
By the time Norman was five, the decision had been made to evacuate St Kilda. One of Norman’s last memories of the island is waving to the boat that his mother, Mary as on board prior to the evacuation which Norman was part of. This was the last time he was to see his mother as she died on 26 May in Glasgow alongside his 13 day-old sister Annie, whom he never met.
Norman never knew where his mother and sister were buried until quite recently and ‘An t-Hiortach’ will follow Norman’s poignant first visit to the burial site as well as visiting the house where Norman was born.
‘Mac talla nan Eun’, meaning The Echo of The Birds, will be shown on Sunday 30 August at 3.30pm. This is a love story told using a variety of techniques and linking media. It moves between the past and present using poignant stage performances, location drama and stunning aerial ballet performed on dramatic island sea cliffs. The performances were part of the groundbreaking St Kilda Opera project which was performed across Europe and featured most recently at this year’s Edinburgh International Festival.
‘Am Posadh Hiortadh’ meaning The St Kildan Wedding, broadcast on Sunday 30 August at 10pm, is a lyrical drama-documentary examining life on St Kilda prior to the 1930 evacuation of the island.
The final programme, ‘Trusadh – Na Hiortaich Ùr’ meaning The New St Kildans, on Monday 31 August at 9pm, looks beyond the historic story of St Kilda and follows the activity of a modern-day summer season on the world heritage site. The documentary provides an insight into island life today, including the migration of a new population of day trippers, bird watchers, military personnel, archaeologists, artists and genealogists that visit the island every year.
St Kilda Day has been organised by Pròiseact nan Ealan, the Gaelic Arts Agency who aim to involve artists, communities and individuals across Scotland and the rest of the world in a series of events to commemorate the St Kildans and their lost way of life. It is hoped that the St Kilda Day will become an annual event.
Celebrate St Kilda Day from Saturday 29th August on BBC ALBA which is available on Sky channel 168 and on Freesat 110:
· An t-Hiortach – Saturday 29 August, 10pm
· Mac talla nan Eun – Sunday 30 August, 3.30pm
· Am Posadh Hiortadh – Sunday 30 August, 10pm
· ‘Trusadh - Na Hiortach Ùr – Monday 31 August, 9pm, repeated Tuesday 1 September, 10pm
St Kilda Day will mark the evacuation of St Kilda's final inhabitants in August 1930. It will celebrate their lives and legacy in music, word and image and build on the international success of the 2007 St Kilda Opera to trace the St Kildans' story and bring it all back home.
The first of the four BBC ALBA programmes, titled ‘An t-Hiortach’ meaning The St Kildan will be broadcast on the anniversary of the evacuation, Saturday 29 August at 10pm. This programme will follow Norman Gillies, the last surviving male St Kildan, as he returns, almost 80 years on and still fit, with his son for an emotional visit to his Island birthplace.
By the time Norman was five, the decision had been made to evacuate St Kilda. One of Norman’s last memories of the island is waving to the boat that his mother, Mary as on board prior to the evacuation which Norman was part of. This was the last time he was to see his mother as she died on 26 May in Glasgow alongside his 13 day-old sister Annie, whom he never met.
Norman never knew where his mother and sister were buried until quite recently and ‘An t-Hiortach’ will follow Norman’s poignant first visit to the burial site as well as visiting the house where Norman was born.
‘Mac talla nan Eun’, meaning The Echo of The Birds, will be shown on Sunday 30 August at 3.30pm. This is a love story told using a variety of techniques and linking media. It moves between the past and present using poignant stage performances, location drama and stunning aerial ballet performed on dramatic island sea cliffs. The performances were part of the groundbreaking St Kilda Opera project which was performed across Europe and featured most recently at this year’s Edinburgh International Festival.
‘Am Posadh Hiortadh’ meaning The St Kildan Wedding, broadcast on Sunday 30 August at 10pm, is a lyrical drama-documentary examining life on St Kilda prior to the 1930 evacuation of the island.
The final programme, ‘Trusadh – Na Hiortaich Ùr’ meaning The New St Kildans, on Monday 31 August at 9pm, looks beyond the historic story of St Kilda and follows the activity of a modern-day summer season on the world heritage site. The documentary provides an insight into island life today, including the migration of a new population of day trippers, bird watchers, military personnel, archaeologists, artists and genealogists that visit the island every year.
St Kilda Day has been organised by Pròiseact nan Ealan, the Gaelic Arts Agency who aim to involve artists, communities and individuals across Scotland and the rest of the world in a series of events to commemorate the St Kildans and their lost way of life. It is hoped that the St Kilda Day will become an annual event.
Celebrate St Kilda Day from Saturday 29th August on BBC ALBA which is available on Sky channel 168 and on Freesat 110:
· An t-Hiortach – Saturday 29 August, 10pm
· Mac talla nan Eun – Sunday 30 August, 3.30pm
· Am Posadh Hiortadh – Sunday 30 August, 10pm
· ‘Trusadh - Na Hiortach Ùr – Monday 31 August, 9pm, repeated Tuesday 1 September, 10pm
CABINET SECRETARY APPROVES MENTAL HEALTH PROPOSALS FOR ARGYLL AND BUTE
On 12 January 2009 NHS Highland launched its formal public consultation on proposals for change to adult mental health services in Argyll and Bute. This consultation outlined five service options and followed on from extensive work on reviewing mental health services involving many local service users, carers, NHS staff as well as staff from Argyll and Bute Council.
Following the end of the consultation on 10 April Argyll & Bute Community Health Partnership (CHP) identified Option 4 as the preferred option and this recommendation was made to the Board of NHS Highland on 2 June 2009 where members of the Board backed the recommendation.
As part of the overall consultation process the proposals were then submitted to the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing for approval and this has now been given by the Minister. Argyll & Bute CHP can now therefore formally commence the implementation and delivery of the preferred option.
Bill Brackenridge, Chairman of Argyll & Bute Community Health Partnership said:
“Argyll & Bute Community Health Partnership worked closely with our colleagues in Argyll and Bute Council to review and modernise our adult mental health services.
“Throughout the pre planning stage and the formal consultation we also worked closely with service users, carers, staff and our local communities in the development of the various options.
“I am now delighted that the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing has given us formal approval to move forward with the implementation of our proposals. This is good news for service users, carers and staff.
“We will now be starting work on the implementation and delivery of the preferred option and it is anticipated that this will be completed by September 2012.
“Finally, I would thank everyone who took part in the consultation and would like to highlight that Argyll & Bute CHP will continue to work with staff, service users, carers and our local communities as we move forward with our plans.”
Notes for Editors: The main details of Option 4 are as follows:
• More support for self-help and voluntary organisations
• New primary care service to support GPs
• Enhanced community teams integrated with Social Work services
• Crisis response capability in the community and assertive outreach
• Specialist Day Assessment & Treatment Service, including education centre
• A purpose built modern in-patient facility in Lochgilphead (to replace Argyll & Bute Hospital) consisting of;
• 20-26 Acute/Rehabilitation beds
• 6 Intensive psychiatric care unit beds
• 10 Dementia Assessment beds
• 20 Dementia Continuing care beds (in Mid Argyll Hospital)
Following the end of the consultation on 10 April Argyll & Bute Community Health Partnership (CHP) identified Option 4 as the preferred option and this recommendation was made to the Board of NHS Highland on 2 June 2009 where members of the Board backed the recommendation.
As part of the overall consultation process the proposals were then submitted to the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing for approval and this has now been given by the Minister. Argyll & Bute CHP can now therefore formally commence the implementation and delivery of the preferred option.
Bill Brackenridge, Chairman of Argyll & Bute Community Health Partnership said:
“Argyll & Bute Community Health Partnership worked closely with our colleagues in Argyll and Bute Council to review and modernise our adult mental health services.
“Throughout the pre planning stage and the formal consultation we also worked closely with service users, carers, staff and our local communities in the development of the various options.
“I am now delighted that the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing has given us formal approval to move forward with the implementation of our proposals. This is good news for service users, carers and staff.
“We will now be starting work on the implementation and delivery of the preferred option and it is anticipated that this will be completed by September 2012.
“Finally, I would thank everyone who took part in the consultation and would like to highlight that Argyll & Bute CHP will continue to work with staff, service users, carers and our local communities as we move forward with our plans.”
Notes for Editors: The main details of Option 4 are as follows:
• More support for self-help and voluntary organisations
• New primary care service to support GPs
• Enhanced community teams integrated with Social Work services
• Crisis response capability in the community and assertive outreach
• Specialist Day Assessment & Treatment Service, including education centre
• A purpose built modern in-patient facility in Lochgilphead (to replace Argyll & Bute Hospital) consisting of;
• 20-26 Acute/Rehabilitation beds
• 6 Intensive psychiatric care unit beds
• 10 Dementia Assessment beds
• 20 Dementia Continuing care beds (in Mid Argyll Hospital)
Thursday, 20 August 2009
Mather on ACHA
Jim Mather Argyll & Bute MSP, maintains that a partnership and
collaborative approach to tackling problems is generally the most
effective means of conflict resolution and deplores the confrontational
and oppositional tenor of the criticism offered by the MP for Argyll &
Bute to the funding of services for tenants in sheltered housing.
Jim Mather said:
"While, decisions on rent levels and service charges will always be a
matter for housing associations to determine, I have been calling for
the local Housing Associations to work more closely with the Council and
the NHS on this issue to ensure that the interests and needs of the
residents remain paramount. In particular, I have been keen to ensure
that any form-filling overhead and/or financial strain be removed from
residents."
To that end I have had positive and helpful responses from the Council
and ACHA as regards this present situation and now I have a response
from my colleague Alex Neil, MSP, Scottish Government Minister for
Housing & Communities that meets my belief that we can find such a
positive outcome. He too, "urges ACHA, Argyll and Bute Council and the
NHS to meet to ensure that services are maintained for elderly people,
and that elderly tenants are helped to take up the assistance available
to minimise form-filling and financial stress."
I now hope that we will move on swiftly to that outcome.
Meanwhile those who seek to whip up concerns, misrepresent the position
of others and create division will have to compare the results of their
approach to the benefits of cohesion and seeking to find lasting
collaborative solutions."
collaborative approach to tackling problems is generally the most
effective means of conflict resolution and deplores the confrontational
and oppositional tenor of the criticism offered by the MP for Argyll &
Bute to the funding of services for tenants in sheltered housing.
Jim Mather said:
"While, decisions on rent levels and service charges will always be a
matter for housing associations to determine, I have been calling for
the local Housing Associations to work more closely with the Council and
the NHS on this issue to ensure that the interests and needs of the
residents remain paramount. In particular, I have been keen to ensure
that any form-filling overhead and/or financial strain be removed from
residents."
To that end I have had positive and helpful responses from the Council
and ACHA as regards this present situation and now I have a response
from my colleague Alex Neil, MSP, Scottish Government Minister for
Housing & Communities that meets my belief that we can find such a
positive outcome. He too, "urges ACHA, Argyll and Bute Council and the
NHS to meet to ensure that services are maintained for elderly people,
and that elderly tenants are helped to take up the assistance available
to minimise form-filling and financial stress."
I now hope that we will move on swiftly to that outcome.
Meanwhile those who seek to whip up concerns, misrepresent the position
of others and create division will have to compare the results of their
approach to the benefits of cohesion and seeking to find lasting
collaborative solutions."
NFUS VOICES CONCERNS OVER CROFTING PROPOSALS
NFU Scotland’s crofting members have significant reservations and major concerns over much of what is proposed for inclusion in the Scottish Government’s draft Crofting Reform (Scotland) Bill. The views of the Union have been included in its response to the current consultation on the proposed Bill, which closes today.
The Union’s views are based on lengthy discussions within its Crofting and Highlands & Islands Committee and a very strong response to a survey of all NFU Scotland’s crofting members.
Chair of the Crofting and Highlands & Islands Committee, Mrs Jo Durno said:
“Debate on the future of Scotland’s unique system of crofting has gathered pace since the committee of inquiry published its report in May 2008. Since then, the Scottish Government has published its draft Crofting Reform Bill which, after serious consideration, NFU Scotland believes needs significant changes if it is to address the concerns of crofters.
“Our crofting members have given us a clear message that the proposed legislative changes intended to implement the Scottish Government’s vision for crofting in the 21st century are misguided at best and, at worst, could actually undermine the very foundations of crofting communities and all that they deliver for rural Scotland.
“We are committed to ensuring that any legislative changes must deliver for active crofters and take crofting communities forward and in our response, we have outlined ways in which, along with the Scottish Government, we can deliver that vision.
“A key issue revolves around the proposed reforms actually delivering simplification rather than complication for crofters. We believe that there is potential within the Crofters Commission to deliver the necessary levels of governance without any additional bureaucracy. We also have serious concerns that any new mandatory crofting register, held by the Registers of Scotland, could create more problems and disputes than would otherwise exist. Our calls for simplification also extend to the support available for croft housing and a plea that existing lending arrangements are preserved without the proposed interference.
“We are also firmly of the opinion that croft houses should not be subject to occupancy requirements, and are opposed to the occupancy proposals. These are likely to be unpractical and unenforceable. The suggestion that local authorities would be able to rely on neighbours to inform on people who were suspected of not complying with the occupancy requirement is divisive and totally unacceptable. Instead, the proposals on crofting regulation would go some way in ensuring that the Crofters Commission made better use of existing powers to address abandonment and/or neglect.” Ends
The Union’s views are based on lengthy discussions within its Crofting and Highlands & Islands Committee and a very strong response to a survey of all NFU Scotland’s crofting members.
Chair of the Crofting and Highlands & Islands Committee, Mrs Jo Durno said:
“Debate on the future of Scotland’s unique system of crofting has gathered pace since the committee of inquiry published its report in May 2008. Since then, the Scottish Government has published its draft Crofting Reform Bill which, after serious consideration, NFU Scotland believes needs significant changes if it is to address the concerns of crofters.
“Our crofting members have given us a clear message that the proposed legislative changes intended to implement the Scottish Government’s vision for crofting in the 21st century are misguided at best and, at worst, could actually undermine the very foundations of crofting communities and all that they deliver for rural Scotland.
“We are committed to ensuring that any legislative changes must deliver for active crofters and take crofting communities forward and in our response, we have outlined ways in which, along with the Scottish Government, we can deliver that vision.
“A key issue revolves around the proposed reforms actually delivering simplification rather than complication for crofters. We believe that there is potential within the Crofters Commission to deliver the necessary levels of governance without any additional bureaucracy. We also have serious concerns that any new mandatory crofting register, held by the Registers of Scotland, could create more problems and disputes than would otherwise exist. Our calls for simplification also extend to the support available for croft housing and a plea that existing lending arrangements are preserved without the proposed interference.
“We are also firmly of the opinion that croft houses should not be subject to occupancy requirements, and are opposed to the occupancy proposals. These are likely to be unpractical and unenforceable. The suggestion that local authorities would be able to rely on neighbours to inform on people who were suspected of not complying with the occupancy requirement is divisive and totally unacceptable. Instead, the proposals on crofting regulation would go some way in ensuring that the Crofters Commission made better use of existing powers to address abandonment and/or neglect.” Ends
Mather - HIGH HEDGES COME UNDER SCRUTINY
Jim Mather, MSP for Argyll & Bute has welcomed the announcement
from his colleague Fergus Ewing, MSP, the Minister for Community Safety,
that the Scottish Government is to undertake a consultation process to
examine how neighbours disputes about high hedges can be resolved
effectively and, if it is found to be necessary, in law.
Jim Mather said:
"I am pleased to learn that the Government is to take
action to tackle what is a small but persistent source of dispute
between neighbours. There have been attempts in the past to introduce
such legislation at Holyrood but because of timing problems we have not
so far managed to resolve this issue. In most cases where a hedge is a
problem this is resolved in an amicable way but there are occasions
where neighbours can carry disputes about such apparently simple matters
into very hostile territory. MSPs can confirm that it is a small but
persistent problem throughout Scotland that can, on occasion, degenerate
to antisocial behaviour.
The government is meeting with Scothedge, an
organisation which represents many people affected by this issue. They
can be contacted at www.pentlandhedge.colwat.com but the consultation
will be wider and more extensive. There are suggestions that the
inclusion of maximum hedge heights could be incorporated into title
deeds, the introduction of better and more effective mediation
procedures or the introduction of new law if that is felt to be
necessary. The input of local authorities would be useful. The
consultation process will end on November 13th. Correspondence and
information can be found at www.scotland.gov.uk/Consultations/current
and for printed or handwritten forms etc to
Community Safety Unit, High Hedges Consultation, The
Scottish Government, 1W St Andrews House, Edinburgh EH1 3DG.
JIM MATHER MSP jim.mather.msp@scottish.parliament.uk
from his colleague Fergus Ewing, MSP, the Minister for Community Safety,
that the Scottish Government is to undertake a consultation process to
examine how neighbours disputes about high hedges can be resolved
effectively and, if it is found to be necessary, in law.
Jim Mather said:
"I am pleased to learn that the Government is to take
action to tackle what is a small but persistent source of dispute
between neighbours. There have been attempts in the past to introduce
such legislation at Holyrood but because of timing problems we have not
so far managed to resolve this issue. In most cases where a hedge is a
problem this is resolved in an amicable way but there are occasions
where neighbours can carry disputes about such apparently simple matters
into very hostile territory. MSPs can confirm that it is a small but
persistent problem throughout Scotland that can, on occasion, degenerate
to antisocial behaviour.
The government is meeting with Scothedge, an
organisation which represents many people affected by this issue. They
can be contacted at www.pentlandhedge.colwat.com but the consultation
will be wider and more extensive. There are suggestions that the
inclusion of maximum hedge heights could be incorporated into title
deeds, the introduction of better and more effective mediation
procedures or the introduction of new law if that is felt to be
necessary. The input of local authorities would be useful. The
consultation process will end on November 13th. Correspondence and
information can be found at www.scotland.gov.uk/Consultations/current
and for printed or handwritten forms etc to
Community Safety Unit, High Hedges Consultation, The
Scottish Government, 1W St Andrews House, Edinburgh EH1 3DG.
JIM MATHER MSP jim.mather.msp@scottish.parliament.uk
REID CALLS ON SNP TO STOP £40 A WEEK RENT INCREASE FOLLOWING ACHA BOARD DECISION
Alan Reid, Liberal Democrat MP for Argyll & Bute, called on the Scottish Government and Argyll & Bute Council to step in and stop the rent increase of up to £40 a week faced by tenants of ACHA’s sheltered houses.
ACHA’s Board met on Thursday 13 August and decided to go ahead with their plans to increase the rents of their sheltered housing tenants, in some cases by as much as £40 a week. The ACHA Board decided to phase the rent increases over a three year period. They have increased rents by £10 a week starting from today. A meeting is to take place between ACHA and the Council regarding the Supporting People funding which the Council stopped giving ACHA last year.
Mr Reid said,
“I am very disappointed that the ACHA Board have gone ahead with this rent increase. I hope that, when they meet the Council, the Council will agree to re-instate the Supporting People funding which they stopped last year, so that this rent increase can be reversed.”
“The SNP are in power in both the Scottish Government and Argyll & Bute Council. They are the party with the purse strings. They should restore ACHA’s Supporting People grant and stop the rent increase. When the Council transferred its housing stock to ACHA, they promised tenants a better service, not cuts in the warden service and £40 a week rent rises.
“The Council’s SNP/Independent Administration are now threatening to privatise all their elderly care services. I hope that the reductions in the warden service and the huge rent increases are not a taste of what other elderly people will be faced with if the SNP go ahead with their plans to privatise all the Council’s elderly care services. I have written to the Council asking for assurances that this pattern will not be repeated for other elderly care services should the SNP privatisation plans go ahead.”
NOTE:
The sheltered houses affected are at
Caledonia Court, Ardrishaig
Chalmers Court, Inveraray
Cragroy, Port Riddell, Dunoon
Dunmar Court, Oban
Elder Crescent, Bowmore
Ferfadd Court, Rothesay
Ford Spence Court, Benderloch
MacDougall Place, Bunessan
McCracken Court, Lochgilphead
Wallace Court, Sandbank
Lochgair Place, Tarbert
ACHA’s Board met on Thursday 13 August and decided to go ahead with their plans to increase the rents of their sheltered housing tenants, in some cases by as much as £40 a week. The ACHA Board decided to phase the rent increases over a three year period. They have increased rents by £10 a week starting from today. A meeting is to take place between ACHA and the Council regarding the Supporting People funding which the Council stopped giving ACHA last year.
Mr Reid said,
“I am very disappointed that the ACHA Board have gone ahead with this rent increase. I hope that, when they meet the Council, the Council will agree to re-instate the Supporting People funding which they stopped last year, so that this rent increase can be reversed.”
“The SNP are in power in both the Scottish Government and Argyll & Bute Council. They are the party with the purse strings. They should restore ACHA’s Supporting People grant and stop the rent increase. When the Council transferred its housing stock to ACHA, they promised tenants a better service, not cuts in the warden service and £40 a week rent rises.
“The Council’s SNP/Independent Administration are now threatening to privatise all their elderly care services. I hope that the reductions in the warden service and the huge rent increases are not a taste of what other elderly people will be faced with if the SNP go ahead with their plans to privatise all the Council’s elderly care services. I have written to the Council asking for assurances that this pattern will not be repeated for other elderly care services should the SNP privatisation plans go ahead.”
NOTE:
The sheltered houses affected are at
Caledonia Court, Ardrishaig
Chalmers Court, Inveraray
Cragroy, Port Riddell, Dunoon
Dunmar Court, Oban
Elder Crescent, Bowmore
Ferfadd Court, Rothesay
Ford Spence Court, Benderloch
MacDougall Place, Bunessan
McCracken Court, Lochgilphead
Wallace Court, Sandbank
Lochgair Place, Tarbert
TENANT FARMING FORUM AGREES TENANCY PACKAGE
Issued on behalf of the Tenant Farming Forum
Following a meeting today (Thursday, 20 August) between the Tenant Farming Forum (TFF) and the Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Richard Lochhead, the TFF agreed on a new tenancy package for Scotland.
At the meeting, the Cabinet Secretary expressed his appreciation of the progress that had been made by the TFF in reviewing the Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Act 2003 regarding the need to find ways of making more land available to let to new tenants. He encouraged the TFF to agree proposals to make such changes as it thought necessary to the 2003 Act, particularly in relation to term length, that would improve the probability of this happening.
Following this meeting, and further discussion, the TFF agreed unanimously to recommend to the Cabinet Secretary a package of improvements to the 2003 Act. These include a recommendation that the minimum term of a Limited Duration Tenancy (LDT) be reduced to 10 years; and that the maximum length of a Short Limited Duration Tenancy (SLDT) should remain at 5 years. However, at any time during the period of an SLDT, it is proposed, by agreement between the landowner and tenant, the lease can be converted to a minimum 10 year LDT. This 10 years will be taken to have started on the start date of the SLDT
The TFF also recommends changes to some of the accompanying provisions which it believes will also increase the probability of more land becoming available to let and provide greater security and confidence for landlord and tenant. In particular, the package will include alterations to the Act concerning fixed equipment, procedures relating to permission and compensation for improvements, rent review post – lease agreements and the two-man rule.
The TFF chairman, Jeff Maxwell said:
“As a body representing the landlord and tenant interests, we are confident that our proposal will strengthen the provision of the landlord /tenant sector and its contribution to the Scottish agricultural industry”.
“The TFF continues to work on the details of its proposals and will present these to the Cabinet Secretary in the next two to three weeks. Further details of the recommendations will be published on the TFF web-site in due course.”
Following a meeting today (Thursday, 20 August) between the Tenant Farming Forum (TFF) and the Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Richard Lochhead, the TFF agreed on a new tenancy package for Scotland.
At the meeting, the Cabinet Secretary expressed his appreciation of the progress that had been made by the TFF in reviewing the Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Act 2003 regarding the need to find ways of making more land available to let to new tenants. He encouraged the TFF to agree proposals to make such changes as it thought necessary to the 2003 Act, particularly in relation to term length, that would improve the probability of this happening.
Following this meeting, and further discussion, the TFF agreed unanimously to recommend to the Cabinet Secretary a package of improvements to the 2003 Act. These include a recommendation that the minimum term of a Limited Duration Tenancy (LDT) be reduced to 10 years; and that the maximum length of a Short Limited Duration Tenancy (SLDT) should remain at 5 years. However, at any time during the period of an SLDT, it is proposed, by agreement between the landowner and tenant, the lease can be converted to a minimum 10 year LDT. This 10 years will be taken to have started on the start date of the SLDT
The TFF also recommends changes to some of the accompanying provisions which it believes will also increase the probability of more land becoming available to let and provide greater security and confidence for landlord and tenant. In particular, the package will include alterations to the Act concerning fixed equipment, procedures relating to permission and compensation for improvements, rent review post – lease agreements and the two-man rule.
The TFF chairman, Jeff Maxwell said:
“As a body representing the landlord and tenant interests, we are confident that our proposal will strengthen the provision of the landlord /tenant sector and its contribution to the Scottish agricultural industry”.
“The TFF continues to work on the details of its proposals and will present these to the Cabinet Secretary in the next two to three weeks. Further details of the recommendations will be published on the TFF web-site in due course.”
BBC ALBA – WEEKLY PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS
Week: 35
Date: Saturday, 29 August – Friday, 4 September 2009
Spòrs - Dundee United v Falkirk
Join the House of Sport team for the SPL 90, sports action, news and interviews.
Transmitted: Saturday 29th August 2009
Time: 20:00
Title: An t-Hiortach
Norman Gillies returns for an emotional visit to his native Island of St Kilda.
In this, the Year of Homecoming, Norman John Gillies, the last surviving male St Kildan, returns with his son for an emotional visit to his Island birthplace.
Acclaimed musician David Allison provides a musical interpretation of the archive footage and specially shot images of this magnificent Island.
Transmitted: Saturday 29th August 2009
Time: 22:00
Title: Mac talla nan eun/The Bird’s Echo
A drama that moves between past and present to tell a St Kildan love story includes a stunning performance of an aerial ballet suspended from the huge sea cliffs, symbolising the experience of the St Kildans who lived and worked on the rocks for centuries.
Transmitted: Sunday 30th August 2009
Time: 15:30
Title: Breab
Breab is back, with six new teens ready to take on the challenge. In show one, the Breab stars meet up for the first time and check
out their city apartment. The big challenge this week is handling creepy crawlies and they face a taste test with edible insects.
It's all to play for as the losing team face a "batty" forfeit.
Transmitted: Wednesday 2nd September 2009
Time: 18:00
Title: Cleas Feasgair/The Shadows
Drama starring Tony Kearney in an adaptation of the play by Iain Crichton Smith.
Transmitted: Wednesday 2nd September 2009
Time: 22:00
Date: Saturday, 29 August – Friday, 4 September 2009
Spòrs - Dundee United v Falkirk
Join the House of Sport team for the SPL 90, sports action, news and interviews.
Transmitted: Saturday 29th August 2009
Time: 20:00
Title: An t-Hiortach
Norman Gillies returns for an emotional visit to his native Island of St Kilda.
In this, the Year of Homecoming, Norman John Gillies, the last surviving male St Kildan, returns with his son for an emotional visit to his Island birthplace.
Acclaimed musician David Allison provides a musical interpretation of the archive footage and specially shot images of this magnificent Island.
Transmitted: Saturday 29th August 2009
Time: 22:00
Title: Mac talla nan eun/The Bird’s Echo
A drama that moves between past and present to tell a St Kildan love story includes a stunning performance of an aerial ballet suspended from the huge sea cliffs, symbolising the experience of the St Kildans who lived and worked on the rocks for centuries.
Transmitted: Sunday 30th August 2009
Time: 15:30
Title: Breab
Breab is back, with six new teens ready to take on the challenge. In show one, the Breab stars meet up for the first time and check
out their city apartment. The big challenge this week is handling creepy crawlies and they face a taste test with edible insects.
It's all to play for as the losing team face a "batty" forfeit.
Transmitted: Wednesday 2nd September 2009
Time: 18:00
Title: Cleas Feasgair/The Shadows
Drama starring Tony Kearney in an adaptation of the play by Iain Crichton Smith.
Transmitted: Wednesday 2nd September 2009
Time: 22:00
Council Cycling Scheme Success
ARGYLL AND BUTE PROJECT SHORTLISTED IN NATIONAL TRANSPORT AWARDS
An innovative interactive project designed by Argyll and Bute Council to make cycling theory fun for primary pupils has been shortlisted for a major national award.
The iCycle scheme uses new technology in the form of classroom whiteboards and laptops to deliver a fun, exciting and informative cycle safety programme to individuals, groups or whole classes.
The project is one of three to be shortlisted in the Excellence in Technology and Innovation category at the prestigious Scottish Transport Awards 2009.
The awards recognise and celebrate achievements in the transport sector across Scotland. The winners will be announced at a ceremony in Glasgow on October 29.
Argyll and Bute’s Road Safety Section has already won praise for the high standard of practical cycle training given to children at all 80 primary schools in the area, as part of the Scottish Cycle Training Scheme (SCTS) developed by Road Safety Scotland.
SCTS introduces children aged 10-12 to basic cycling skills, and aims to give them the knowledge necessary to be competent and safe cyclists.
The iCycle idea was born when the Council’s Road Safety Section turned its attention to how best boost children’s theoretical knowledge of road safety issues.
Previously, schools had taught theory in different ways, ranging from setting homework tasks to teaching it in class.
After consulting a sample of teachers, if became clear there was a need for a Council-wide resource to stimulate pupils’ interest and be flexible enough to be used by a whole class or an individual.
The Council then approached Promethean – a global leader in interactive education technology – to help facilitate an inventive solution using the ActivBoards already present in many classrooms across the region.
The following themes were identified as being the most important for young cyclists:
Cycle maintenance
Equipment
Manoevures
Road position
Priority at junctions
Observation
Signs and road markings
Hazards for cyclists
The Road Safety Section then asked teachers with excellent working knowledge of the ActivBoard software ActivInspire to suggest flipchart-type screens covering these themes.
The resulting iCycle programme was then piloted in classes which had previously undertaken cycle training – in some cases as whole class activities, and in others as exercises with the children working alone on laptops. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, both from teachers and pupils.
Among the comments returned by the pupils were: “It sticks in your brain more than reading because you’re actually doing it” and “It was a more interesting way to learn”. They particularly enjoyed the game-type activities incorporated into the scheme such as a timed road signs quiz.
The completed flipcharts now are available to download free from Promethean Planet (www.prometheanplanet.com) , a global on-line community for everyone involved in education.
Councillor Duncan MacIntyre, spokesperson for Transportation and Infrastructure, said: “I’m delighted not just that every teacher and pupil in Argyll and Bute has access to this fantastic resource, but that our road safety colleagues across Scotland and beyond have as well.
“We believe we have identified and filled a gap in road safety educational resources in an extremely innovative way, using the latest technology.
“We have given teachers and pupils a resource which is fun and easy to use, while at the same time providing the key information necessary to become a competent and knowledgeable cyclist.
“I congratulate everyone involved in making iCycle a reality, in particular Assistant Road Safety Officer June Graham, and I am sure the Scottish Transport Awards 2009 judges will be very impressed with Argyll and Bute’s submission.”
An innovative interactive project designed by Argyll and Bute Council to make cycling theory fun for primary pupils has been shortlisted for a major national award.
The iCycle scheme uses new technology in the form of classroom whiteboards and laptops to deliver a fun, exciting and informative cycle safety programme to individuals, groups or whole classes.
The project is one of three to be shortlisted in the Excellence in Technology and Innovation category at the prestigious Scottish Transport Awards 2009.
The awards recognise and celebrate achievements in the transport sector across Scotland. The winners will be announced at a ceremony in Glasgow on October 29.
Argyll and Bute’s Road Safety Section has already won praise for the high standard of practical cycle training given to children at all 80 primary schools in the area, as part of the Scottish Cycle Training Scheme (SCTS) developed by Road Safety Scotland.
SCTS introduces children aged 10-12 to basic cycling skills, and aims to give them the knowledge necessary to be competent and safe cyclists.
The iCycle idea was born when the Council’s Road Safety Section turned its attention to how best boost children’s theoretical knowledge of road safety issues.
Previously, schools had taught theory in different ways, ranging from setting homework tasks to teaching it in class.
After consulting a sample of teachers, if became clear there was a need for a Council-wide resource to stimulate pupils’ interest and be flexible enough to be used by a whole class or an individual.
The Council then approached Promethean – a global leader in interactive education technology – to help facilitate an inventive solution using the ActivBoards already present in many classrooms across the region.
The following themes were identified as being the most important for young cyclists:
Cycle maintenance
Equipment
Manoevures
Road position
Priority at junctions
Observation
Signs and road markings
Hazards for cyclists
The Road Safety Section then asked teachers with excellent working knowledge of the ActivBoard software ActivInspire to suggest flipchart-type screens covering these themes.
The resulting iCycle programme was then piloted in classes which had previously undertaken cycle training – in some cases as whole class activities, and in others as exercises with the children working alone on laptops. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, both from teachers and pupils.
Among the comments returned by the pupils were: “It sticks in your brain more than reading because you’re actually doing it” and “It was a more interesting way to learn”. They particularly enjoyed the game-type activities incorporated into the scheme such as a timed road signs quiz.
The completed flipcharts now are available to download free from Promethean Planet (www.prometheanplanet.com) , a global on-line community for everyone involved in education.
Councillor Duncan MacIntyre, spokesperson for Transportation and Infrastructure, said: “I’m delighted not just that every teacher and pupil in Argyll and Bute has access to this fantastic resource, but that our road safety colleagues across Scotland and beyond have as well.
“We believe we have identified and filled a gap in road safety educational resources in an extremely innovative way, using the latest technology.
“We have given teachers and pupils a resource which is fun and easy to use, while at the same time providing the key information necessary to become a competent and knowledgeable cyclist.
“I congratulate everyone involved in making iCycle a reality, in particular Assistant Road Safety Officer June Graham, and I am sure the Scottish Transport Awards 2009 judges will be very impressed with Argyll and Bute’s submission.”
NFUS - TB ANNOUNCEMENT BOOST FOR SCOTTISH CATTLE SECTOR
The Scottish Government’s decision to seek Officially Tuberculosis Free (OTF) status for Scottish cattle sends out a clear message to the rest of the UK and Europe that enhances Scotland’s reputation for quality, healthy livestock according to NFU Scotland
The number of confirmed TB cases in Scotland has now been at a consistently low level over a sustained number of years, that it meets the criteria required for OTF status.
With the announcement that Scotland is to seek European approval for OTF status, it starts a process that is likely to take many months to complete and has no implications for the coming autumn store sales. For the future, the Union believes that work must begin in earnest to look at the implications for the traditional trade in suckled calves and store cattle between Scotland and other parts of the UK and how any concerns over this can be minimised. There are no implications for prime cattle entering Scotland and going straight to abattoirs.
NFU Scotland’s Vice-President Nigel Miller, a Borders livestock farmer and vet said:
"Scottish Government and stakeholders should be applauded for the leadership they have shown in dealing with the threat posed by bovine TB. Applying for and receiving OTF status sends out a clear message to the rest of the UK and beyond about the efforts being taken in Scotland to improve the health record of our livestock. For Scotland to be in a position where it can apply for official recognition that our cattle herd is free of bovine TB is a fantastic achievement, particularly when set against the desperate backdrop of soaring disease incidence in some parts of England and Wales.
“Our sympathies lie with those farmers hit by TB because their experience of the disease clearly show that, were TB to grab a hold in our livestock or our wildlife, it would place a huge cost and emotional burden on any farmer affected. Working to keep the disease out of Scotland must remain an animal health priority for the country.
“Applying for OTF status would see further measures put in place designed to keep our disease incidence at a very low level. Scotland's TB status has already been influenced by taking the decision two years ago of going down the route of insisting that all store cattle arriving in Scotland from high risk areas in England and Wales are pre- and post-movement tested. OTF status will likely see that requirement remain.
“The worry will be over any new TB testing requirements being placed on suckled calves and store cattle entering Scotland from low risk areas of England and Wales. This will create concerns for those Scottish producers who traditionally source store stock from low-risk areas in the UK and for those markets involved in facilitating that trade. Slaughter stock from England and Wales entering Scottish abattoirs are unaffected.
“The OTF application process means that those farmers attending this year's autumn sales of calves south of the Border will be unaffected by any new testing requirements although it remains good practice to check the TB status of any stock being introduced to your herd. As for the future, we now have a period of time to sit down with Scottish Government and other stakeholder to look at trade implications of any additional TB testing requirements and how any concerns brought about by OTF status can be addressed.”
The number of confirmed TB cases in Scotland has now been at a consistently low level over a sustained number of years, that it meets the criteria required for OTF status.
With the announcement that Scotland is to seek European approval for OTF status, it starts a process that is likely to take many months to complete and has no implications for the coming autumn store sales. For the future, the Union believes that work must begin in earnest to look at the implications for the traditional trade in suckled calves and store cattle between Scotland and other parts of the UK and how any concerns over this can be minimised. There are no implications for prime cattle entering Scotland and going straight to abattoirs.
NFU Scotland’s Vice-President Nigel Miller, a Borders livestock farmer and vet said:
"Scottish Government and stakeholders should be applauded for the leadership they have shown in dealing with the threat posed by bovine TB. Applying for and receiving OTF status sends out a clear message to the rest of the UK and beyond about the efforts being taken in Scotland to improve the health record of our livestock. For Scotland to be in a position where it can apply for official recognition that our cattle herd is free of bovine TB is a fantastic achievement, particularly when set against the desperate backdrop of soaring disease incidence in some parts of England and Wales.
“Our sympathies lie with those farmers hit by TB because their experience of the disease clearly show that, were TB to grab a hold in our livestock or our wildlife, it would place a huge cost and emotional burden on any farmer affected. Working to keep the disease out of Scotland must remain an animal health priority for the country.
“Applying for OTF status would see further measures put in place designed to keep our disease incidence at a very low level. Scotland's TB status has already been influenced by taking the decision two years ago of going down the route of insisting that all store cattle arriving in Scotland from high risk areas in England and Wales are pre- and post-movement tested. OTF status will likely see that requirement remain.
“The worry will be over any new TB testing requirements being placed on suckled calves and store cattle entering Scotland from low risk areas of England and Wales. This will create concerns for those Scottish producers who traditionally source store stock from low-risk areas in the UK and for those markets involved in facilitating that trade. Slaughter stock from England and Wales entering Scottish abattoirs are unaffected.
“The OTF application process means that those farmers attending this year's autumn sales of calves south of the Border will be unaffected by any new testing requirements although it remains good practice to check the TB status of any stock being introduced to your herd. As for the future, we now have a period of time to sit down with Scottish Government and other stakeholder to look at trade implications of any additional TB testing requirements and how any concerns brought about by OTF status can be addressed.”
MATHER ENCOURAGES PLAY FUND TAKE-UP
Jim Mather Argyll & Bute MSP, welcomes the announcement by Scottish Government Minister for Children and Early Years, Adam Ingram MSP of funding totalling £4 million for the ’Go Play’ programme, to improve play opportunities among 5 to 13 year olds, which will run over two years, and will help improve facilities and services in areas where children have the least opportunities to develop through play. For example, through, creative approaches to play using Scotland’s natural environment and play workers working within the community. The programme is being managed by ‘Inspiring Scotland’ in partnership with the Scottish Government.
Jim Mather said: “ Voluntary groups in Argyll and Bute and elsewhere will be able to submit funding bids from mid-September, with support available for regional bodies, small grassroots community organisations and medium and large scale charities. Inspiring Scotland – the national charity which uses skills and money to improve the lives of Scotland's most vulnerable people - will manage the fund and work with these groups to increase their capacity for providing play opportunities.
Play is crucial in the development of children and it is the realisation of this that has motivated the Scottish Government’s Early Years Framework and Equally Well – the Health Inequalities Framework, to include a commitment to work with Inspiring Scotland to support the voluntary sector to increase opportunities for play.
When children experience, through play, the joy to be motivated; challenged; enthused; respected and show respect and encouraged to appreciate the outdoors; these are the building blocks upon which Scotland’s future will be built.
I would urge local organisations to visit Inspiring Scotland website and seek information on how the programme could benefit them. Bids into the fund will be accepted after 18 September when the programme is formally launched.”
Jim Mather said: “ Voluntary groups in Argyll and Bute and elsewhere will be able to submit funding bids from mid-September, with support available for regional bodies, small grassroots community organisations and medium and large scale charities. Inspiring Scotland – the national charity which uses skills and money to improve the lives of Scotland's most vulnerable people - will manage the fund and work with these groups to increase their capacity for providing play opportunities.
Play is crucial in the development of children and it is the realisation of this that has motivated the Scottish Government’s Early Years Framework and Equally Well – the Health Inequalities Framework, to include a commitment to work with Inspiring Scotland to support the voluntary sector to increase opportunities for play.
When children experience, through play, the joy to be motivated; challenged; enthused; respected and show respect and encouraged to appreciate the outdoors; these are the building blocks upon which Scotland’s future will be built.
I would urge local organisations to visit Inspiring Scotland website and seek information on how the programme could benefit them. Bids into the fund will be accepted after 18 September when the programme is formally launched.”
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