Mr Tott has asked that the Ileach publish the complete correspondence between himself and the Ferries Review (below).
From: Douglas Tott
To: Editor @ Ileach
Sent: Monday, October 26, 2009 3:58 PM
Subject: Fw: Ferries review - Islay - Kennacraig
Dear Sir,
I enclose copies of emails I submitted to the ferries review which was open to Public Consultation between June 2009 and August 2009. If my views are implemented then it should be possible for the 4.30am Monday morning sailing from Port Askaig to Oban to call in to Colonsay to pick up traffic and passengers including Secondary School children attending Oban High School. The Friday evening sailing departing Oban at 6pm could also call in at Colonsay on route to Port Askaig. This would allow these pupils to get home for the weekend, something they are unable to do during the period of the Winter Timetable.
Yours faithfully,
Douglas W. Tott
Stoneyburn
Bruichladdich
Isle of Islay
PA49 7UN
Contact phone no 01496 850199
From: Douglas Tott [mailto:dwt.-@tiscali.co.uk]
Sent: 07 July 2009 12:22
To: Grieve C (Colin)
Subject: Ferries review - Islay - Kennacraig
Dear Sir,
I wish to submit the following suggestion to the ferries review committee.
Islay is due to receive a new ferry in 2011 on the Kennacraig to Islay run. However it will not be able to berth at Port Ellen unless a totally new pier and office are built at the cost of £38million (2009 prices).
Alternatively I suggest that the new ferry runs only between Port Askaig and Oban, while the second ferry (Hebridean Isles) runs between Kennacraig and Port Ellen. Both ferries to operate on core timetable to meet with connecting buses.
The cost of travel to Oban on the new ferry to be the same as the exsisting fares on the Hebridean Isles as CMAL are saving £38million due to no pier alterations at Port Ellen.
I look forward to your reply with interest.
Yours faithfully,
Douglas W. Tott
Stoneyburn
Bruichladdich
Isle of Islay
PA49 7UN
Contact Phone No 01496 850199 (Answerphone)
----- Original Message -----
From: Douglas Tott
To: Bob.Watson@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Sent: Friday, July 10, 2009 6:09 PM
Subject: Re: Ferries review - Islay - Kennacraig
Dear Mr Tott
Thanks again for contacting the Ferries Review.
I passed your email to the consultants involved in the review for consideration.
Guy Platten of Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL), who will deliver work on vessels, ports and harbours and accessibility for the Review, has asked me clarify that the cost you quote relates to both Kennacraig and Port Ellen. The Port Ellen figure is approximately £16 million.
Thank you for taking the time to contact us and for letting us have your views.
Yours sincerely
Bob Watson
Ferries Division
Scottish Government
0131 244 1627
Dear Bob,
Thank you for your reply. The £38 million relates to work at both Kennacraig and Port Ellen. However if the new ferry in 2011 only sails between Port Askaig and Oban then CMAL will not require to do any work on the Port Ellen and Kennacraig piers saving £38 million.
Kind regards,
Douglas
Friday, 13 November 2009
BBC ALBA – WEEKLY PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS
Week: 47
Date: Saturday, 21 November – Friday, 27 November 2009
Title: Spòrs - Hearts v St. Johnstone
Join the House of Sport team for the SPL 90, sports action, news and interviews.
Transmitted: Saturday 21st November 2009
Time: 20:00
Title: Horo Gheallaidh / Celtic Music Sessions
World class musicians from the Celtic Connections festival perform at the Horo Gheallaidh ceilidh sessions.
Transmitted: Saturday 21st November 2009
Time: 23:00
Title: ALBA Challenge Cup - Dundee V Inverness Caledonian Thistle
The ALBA Challenge Cup Final - Dundee take on Inverness Caledonian Thistle LIVE from McDiarmid Park, Perth.
Transmitted: Sunday 22nd November 2009
Time: 14:50
Title: Cuide Ri Cathy: Harry Benson
Cathy MacDonald goes to New York to meet Glasgow-born Harry Benson, one of the world's most renowned photo-journalists, who has photographed every president from Eisenhower and every major celebrity from The Beatles onwards.
Transmitted: Monday 23rd November 2009
Time: 22:00
Title: Dennis Nilsen: In Love With Death?
Story of serial killer Dennis Nilsen, who murdered 15 young men in the 1980s.
Transmitted: Wednesday 25th November 2009
Time: 21:00
Title: Club TV
New magazine programme. Exclusive interviews, match action, and behind the scenes at Celtic and Rangers F.C.
Transmitted: Wednesday 25th November 2009
Time: 22:30
Title: Seobhrach as a’ Chloich
The life, times and verse of poet Professor Donald MacAulay. Fellow poet Angus Peter Campbell joins him on a poetic journey from childhood on Bernera through his academic career and a retirement spent between Edinburgh and Lewis. His is a poetry rooted in place and people - principally in the small island of Bernera - an island within an island - while at the same time bearing a high intellectual quality and international feel.
Transmitted: Thursday 26th November 2009
Time: 21:00
Title: Bainnsean
A brand new series about Scottish couples getting married, presented by Anne Morrison. Tonight, Anne is in Glasgow to meet Donald and Pauline.
Transmitted: Friday 27th November 2009
Time: 21:0
Date: Saturday, 21 November – Friday, 27 November 2009
Title: Spòrs - Hearts v St. Johnstone
Join the House of Sport team for the SPL 90, sports action, news and interviews.
Transmitted: Saturday 21st November 2009
Time: 20:00
Title: Horo Gheallaidh / Celtic Music Sessions
World class musicians from the Celtic Connections festival perform at the Horo Gheallaidh ceilidh sessions.
Transmitted: Saturday 21st November 2009
Time: 23:00
Title: ALBA Challenge Cup - Dundee V Inverness Caledonian Thistle
The ALBA Challenge Cup Final - Dundee take on Inverness Caledonian Thistle LIVE from McDiarmid Park, Perth.
Transmitted: Sunday 22nd November 2009
Time: 14:50
Title: Cuide Ri Cathy: Harry Benson
Cathy MacDonald goes to New York to meet Glasgow-born Harry Benson, one of the world's most renowned photo-journalists, who has photographed every president from Eisenhower and every major celebrity from The Beatles onwards.
Transmitted: Monday 23rd November 2009
Time: 22:00
Title: Dennis Nilsen: In Love With Death?
Story of serial killer Dennis Nilsen, who murdered 15 young men in the 1980s.
Transmitted: Wednesday 25th November 2009
Time: 21:00
Title: Club TV
New magazine programme. Exclusive interviews, match action, and behind the scenes at Celtic and Rangers F.C.
Transmitted: Wednesday 25th November 2009
Time: 22:30
Title: Seobhrach as a’ Chloich
The life, times and verse of poet Professor Donald MacAulay. Fellow poet Angus Peter Campbell joins him on a poetic journey from childhood on Bernera through his academic career and a retirement spent between Edinburgh and Lewis. His is a poetry rooted in place and people - principally in the small island of Bernera - an island within an island - while at the same time bearing a high intellectual quality and international feel.
Transmitted: Thursday 26th November 2009
Time: 21:00
Title: Bainnsean
A brand new series about Scottish couples getting married, presented by Anne Morrison. Tonight, Anne is in Glasgow to meet Donald and Pauline.
Transmitted: Friday 27th November 2009
Time: 21:0
SCHOOLS IN THE SPOTLIGHT FOR EDUCATION AWARDS
The much anticipated Argyll and Bute Education Awards have once again showcased some of Argyll and Bute's most exciting school projects.
As usual the standard was incredibly high, giving the judges the unenviable task of having to choose category winners.
All shortlisted schools can be very proud of their projects, the diversity of which shows just why education in Argyll and Bute is so highly regarded.
All category winners are listed below, but there were also two special awards – The Director’s Award and the Education Spokesperson’s Prize.
This year the Director’s Award went to Tarbert Academy’s Young Engineers’ Club who designed, built and drove a sit-in electric racing car which was used to take part in a four hour race in the Shell Greenpower Challenge. The team came in third and covered more than 70 miles.
Director of Community Services Douglas Hendry said: “This project embodies everything that is innovative in education in Argyll and Bute today. Everything about it - from the car itself to the enthusiasm of the pupils who came to Kilmory to give their presentation - showed how dedicated everyone involved in the project was to making it work. I am delighted that these opportunities are now available to school pupils in Argyll and Bute.”
The Education Spokesperson’s Prize went to Dunoon Primary School with its Music Box in the Learning Centre.
Speaking about the award, Spokesperson for Education Councillor Isobel Strong said: “This project stood out for me. While we know that music is an integral part of Curriculum for Excellence, Dunoon Primary School took this project beyond all expectations and turned it into a celebration.
“For those children with language and communication problems, music enables them to express themselves in ways which they are otherwise denied. I was so impressed with the way the children interacted with their teachers and really made this project a joy, and I am proud to have been able to award the Dunoon children with the Education Spokesperson’s Prize.
The full list of category winners were:
WORKING TOGETHER
Rothesay Joint Campus with One Community, One Campus, One School
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Dunoon Grammar School with Costa Rica Expedition
WHAT’S NEW
Lochgilphead Joint Campus (Primary) with The Battle of Culloden
SWITCHED ON
Dunoon Grammar School with Dunoon Grammar TV
A HEALTHY LIFE
Campbeltown Grammar School with Healthy Me
EVERYONE COUNTS
Kilcreggan Primary School and Pre School Unit with Good to be Green Behaviour Programme
ART SMART
Rockfield Primary School with Rockfield’s Got Talent
DIRECTOR’S AWARD
Tarbert Academy with The Young Engineers’ Club
EDUCATION SPOKESPERSON’S PRIZE
Dunoon Primary School with Music Box in the Learning Centre
As usual the standard was incredibly high, giving the judges the unenviable task of having to choose category winners.
All shortlisted schools can be very proud of their projects, the diversity of which shows just why education in Argyll and Bute is so highly regarded.
All category winners are listed below, but there were also two special awards – The Director’s Award and the Education Spokesperson’s Prize.
This year the Director’s Award went to Tarbert Academy’s Young Engineers’ Club who designed, built and drove a sit-in electric racing car which was used to take part in a four hour race in the Shell Greenpower Challenge. The team came in third and covered more than 70 miles.
Director of Community Services Douglas Hendry said: “This project embodies everything that is innovative in education in Argyll and Bute today. Everything about it - from the car itself to the enthusiasm of the pupils who came to Kilmory to give their presentation - showed how dedicated everyone involved in the project was to making it work. I am delighted that these opportunities are now available to school pupils in Argyll and Bute.”
The Education Spokesperson’s Prize went to Dunoon Primary School with its Music Box in the Learning Centre.
Speaking about the award, Spokesperson for Education Councillor Isobel Strong said: “This project stood out for me. While we know that music is an integral part of Curriculum for Excellence, Dunoon Primary School took this project beyond all expectations and turned it into a celebration.
“For those children with language and communication problems, music enables them to express themselves in ways which they are otherwise denied. I was so impressed with the way the children interacted with their teachers and really made this project a joy, and I am proud to have been able to award the Dunoon children with the Education Spokesperson’s Prize.
The full list of category winners were:
WORKING TOGETHER
Rothesay Joint Campus with One Community, One Campus, One School
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Dunoon Grammar School with Costa Rica Expedition
WHAT’S NEW
Lochgilphead Joint Campus (Primary) with The Battle of Culloden
SWITCHED ON
Dunoon Grammar School with Dunoon Grammar TV
A HEALTHY LIFE
Campbeltown Grammar School with Healthy Me
EVERYONE COUNTS
Kilcreggan Primary School and Pre School Unit with Good to be Green Behaviour Programme
ART SMART
Rockfield Primary School with Rockfield’s Got Talent
DIRECTOR’S AWARD
Tarbert Academy with The Young Engineers’ Club
EDUCATION SPOKESPERSON’S PRIZE
Dunoon Primary School with Music Box in the Learning Centre
DOUBLE SUCCESS IN TOWN CENTRE FUNDING BIDS
Two town centres in Argyll and Bute are in line for a £600,000 makeover thanks to the Council’s success in a Government funding scheme.
Argyll and Bute Council was informed this morning that it has secured £600,000 of government money towards its plans to revitalise Dunoon and Bowmore on Islay.
The funding – which will be shared equally between the two towns - was announced by the Scottish Government as part of the second tranche of its £60 million Town Centre Regeneration Fund (TCRF).
Council Leader Dick Walsh said: “This is fantastic news for Argyll and Bute, and a huge boost for the economies of Dunoon, Bowmore and the area as a whole.
“This money will significantly progress our ambitious plans for economic development and regeneration across the area.
“Our town centres are a key element of the economic and social fabric of Argyll and Bute, and we obviously want to see them reach their full potential.
“This announcement will help support Argyll and Bute in its bid to remain at the forefront of boosting economic development during these challenging financial times, delivering the Government’s economic recovery plan and thereby creating employment and income for the area.”
Councillor Walsh stressed that the funds will go towards major improvements to both town centres, making them more attractive places in which to live, work and visit.
“I congratulate everyone who worked so hard on the bids, and very much look forward to seeing the work start and the town centres of Bowmore and Dunoon become the vibrant, attractive and welcoming places they promise to be,” he added.
“The TCRF project in Dunoon will complement the Dunoon Waterfront plans, part of the council’s CHORD programme.”
Work will now begin to tailor the projects in both towns to suit the funds available.
The funds announced today mean that Argyll and Bute has now received a collective TCRF package of over £1.5million. In the first round of bids, announced in August, Tarbert was awarded £984,500.
Argyll and Bute Council is delighted to have been successful in this Government initiative to regenerate and grow our town centres and looks forward to delivering the proposals.
Argyll and Bute Council was informed this morning that it has secured £600,000 of government money towards its plans to revitalise Dunoon and Bowmore on Islay.
The funding – which will be shared equally between the two towns - was announced by the Scottish Government as part of the second tranche of its £60 million Town Centre Regeneration Fund (TCRF).
Council Leader Dick Walsh said: “This is fantastic news for Argyll and Bute, and a huge boost for the economies of Dunoon, Bowmore and the area as a whole.
“This money will significantly progress our ambitious plans for economic development and regeneration across the area.
“Our town centres are a key element of the economic and social fabric of Argyll and Bute, and we obviously want to see them reach their full potential.
“This announcement will help support Argyll and Bute in its bid to remain at the forefront of boosting economic development during these challenging financial times, delivering the Government’s economic recovery plan and thereby creating employment and income for the area.”
Councillor Walsh stressed that the funds will go towards major improvements to both town centres, making them more attractive places in which to live, work and visit.
“I congratulate everyone who worked so hard on the bids, and very much look forward to seeing the work start and the town centres of Bowmore and Dunoon become the vibrant, attractive and welcoming places they promise to be,” he added.
“The TCRF project in Dunoon will complement the Dunoon Waterfront plans, part of the council’s CHORD programme.”
Work will now begin to tailor the projects in both towns to suit the funds available.
The funds announced today mean that Argyll and Bute has now received a collective TCRF package of over £1.5million. In the first round of bids, announced in August, Tarbert was awarded £984,500.
Argyll and Bute Council is delighted to have been successful in this Government initiative to regenerate and grow our town centres and looks forward to delivering the proposals.
BBC ALBA – WEEKLY PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS
Week: 48
Date: Saturday, 28 November – Friday, 4 December 2009
Title: Mod na Cloinne
A selection of singers and choirs from this year's children's Mod held in Oban.
Transmitted: Saturday 28th November 2009
Time: 22:00
Title: Na Trads
Mary Ann Kennedy and Tony Kearney host a night celebrating the best traditional music on offer in Scotland.
Transmitted: Monday 30th November 2009
Time: 22:00
Title: Trom is Tapadaidh / Highland Games
Donald MacSween joins Scottish and International heavies competing for the Grampian Games Glenfiddich Championship at the Ballater Highland Games.
Transmitted: Tuesday 1st December 2009
Time: 21:00
Title: Aonghas Dubh
Poet, journalist, broadcaster, researcher, scriptwriter, librettist - only a few of the titles assigned to Aonghas MacNeacail - Aonghas Dubh born in the Isle of Skye in 1942. A subservient but unconventional Gaelic poet, his work has been published in the States, Europe and Middle East and he regularly does overseas recital/lecture tours in Ireland, Germany, Poland, Japan, Israel, Italy and has won a number of awards for his work. In this documentary he talks about his life, his influences and his poetry.
Transmitted: Thursday 3rd December 2009
Time: 21:00
Date: Saturday, 28 November – Friday, 4 December 2009
Title: Mod na Cloinne
A selection of singers and choirs from this year's children's Mod held in Oban.
Transmitted: Saturday 28th November 2009
Time: 22:00
Title: Na Trads
Mary Ann Kennedy and Tony Kearney host a night celebrating the best traditional music on offer in Scotland.
Transmitted: Monday 30th November 2009
Time: 22:00
Title: Trom is Tapadaidh / Highland Games
Donald MacSween joins Scottish and International heavies competing for the Grampian Games Glenfiddich Championship at the Ballater Highland Games.
Transmitted: Tuesday 1st December 2009
Time: 21:00
Title: Aonghas Dubh
Poet, journalist, broadcaster, researcher, scriptwriter, librettist - only a few of the titles assigned to Aonghas MacNeacail - Aonghas Dubh born in the Isle of Skye in 1942. A subservient but unconventional Gaelic poet, his work has been published in the States, Europe and Middle East and he regularly does overseas recital/lecture tours in Ireland, Germany, Poland, Japan, Israel, Italy and has won a number of awards for his work. In this documentary he talks about his life, his influences and his poetry.
Transmitted: Thursday 3rd December 2009
Time: 21:00
Cabinet Secretary to review NHS Highland’s performance
Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing Nicola Sturgeon will lead this year’s Annual Review of NHS Highland’s performance.
Members of the public are invited to the afternoon session on Monday 7th December where the health Board’s achievements and challenges are discussed. People are encouraged to attend – either at the Centre for Health Science in Inverness or at one of four locations where a video conference facility will be offered. There will also be a live web cast of the review
Members of the public are also being encouraged to participate in this years Question and Answer session. Individuals can submit questions in writing in advance and questions will also be taken from the floor in Inverness and from the video conferencing locations.
NHS Highland chair Garry Coutts said: “The Annual Review is an opportunity to showcase some of the achievements of the past year including faster treatment for patients. It also gives us an opportunity to explain how we are preparing to meet next year’s challenges of even shorter waiting times and continue to deliver frontline health services to our local communities. People are welcome to ask us questions about anything health related. We will get through as many questions as possible on the day and every question will be answered in writing.”
The Annual Review is being held in the Centre for Health Science in Inverness on Monday 7th December starting at 2.15pm prompt. Video conferencing links are being set up in Wick, Golspie, Fort William and Lochgilphead in recognition of the long travelling distances to Inverness.
Anyone wishing to submit a question is asked to mark it ‘NHS Highland Annual Review’ and post it to Public Involvement Team, FREEPOST RLUC-KBCH-KKHC, Assynt House, Beechwood Park, INVERNESS IV2 3BW. Email: HYPERLINK "mailto:getinvolved.nhshighland@nhs.net" getinvolved.nhshighland@nhs.net or if you would prefer, you can call (01463) 704702.
For information on the live web cast or to register your interest, please contact Carol Duncan on 01463 705529 or email HYPERLINK "mailto:carol.duncan3@nhs.net" carol.duncan3@nhs.net
Members of the public are invited to the afternoon session on Monday 7th December where the health Board’s achievements and challenges are discussed. People are encouraged to attend – either at the Centre for Health Science in Inverness or at one of four locations where a video conference facility will be offered. There will also be a live web cast of the review
Members of the public are also being encouraged to participate in this years Question and Answer session. Individuals can submit questions in writing in advance and questions will also be taken from the floor in Inverness and from the video conferencing locations.
NHS Highland chair Garry Coutts said: “The Annual Review is an opportunity to showcase some of the achievements of the past year including faster treatment for patients. It also gives us an opportunity to explain how we are preparing to meet next year’s challenges of even shorter waiting times and continue to deliver frontline health services to our local communities. People are welcome to ask us questions about anything health related. We will get through as many questions as possible on the day and every question will be answered in writing.”
The Annual Review is being held in the Centre for Health Science in Inverness on Monday 7th December starting at 2.15pm prompt. Video conferencing links are being set up in Wick, Golspie, Fort William and Lochgilphead in recognition of the long travelling distances to Inverness.
Anyone wishing to submit a question is asked to mark it ‘NHS Highland Annual Review’ and post it to Public Involvement Team, FREEPOST RLUC-KBCH-KKHC, Assynt House, Beechwood Park, INVERNESS IV2 3BW. Email: HYPERLINK "mailto:getinvolved.nhshighland@nhs.net" getinvolved.nhshighland@nhs.net or if you would prefer, you can call (01463) 704702.
For information on the live web cast or to register your interest, please contact Carol Duncan on 01463 705529 or email HYPERLINK "mailto:carol.duncan3@nhs.net" carol.duncan3@nhs.net
Tuesday, 10 November 2009
TENNENTS ‘LAGER LOVELY’ TOOK UP JOB TO PLEASE HER DAD
Businesswoman and former model Fiona Best takes time out to catch up with Cathy MacDonald, providing a rare glimpse behind the scenes of the fashion world in Scotland whilst revealing that her most famous job as a Tennents ‘lager lovely’ only occurred in an attempt to please her dad!
In the latest programme of the Cuide ri Cathy on BBC ALBA, Cathy MacDonald spends time with Fiona Best as she works on her latest catwalk show as well as taking the chance to hit the shops with Fiona and her two daughters.
Fiona’s career started as a successful model, landing a string of high-profile glamour roles before going onto launch several successful businesses, including her current fashion show event management company.
Despite touring the world as a model and working in the fashion capitals of the globe, it was her role from 1980 to 1984 as a Tennents ‘lager lovely’ that has been her most famous. Fiona enjoyed the role, touring the country and meeting a host of celebrities, but admits that the job came about in unusual circumstance.
Fiona says: “My father and grandfather were in the licensing trade and I remember thinking that I’d really like to get that job to please my Dad. I heard about the audition and I remember going home that day - we had a small bar in the house and for the first time, I really looked at that can and thought, I’d quite like to do that for Dad!”
Cathy spends the rest of the day watching Fiona prepare for her next wedding show to be held at the SECC before accompanying Fiona and her two daughters on a trip to try on a snazzy collection of hats at Silverburn shopping centre. Despite being a top model in her heyday, Fiona admits she now relies on her kids advice regarding fashion. She says: ““I was getting ready to go to an event the other week and I asked the kids how I looked. My youngest daughter said you look good but what’s going on with the shoes. Change the shoes!”
Fiona and Cathy’s time together ends a few days later as the presenter gets to go behind the scenes at The Scottish Wedding Show to see Fiona hard at work. Cathy spends time backstage, seeing drama of the catwalk show, where 20 models get in and out of wedding outfits every few minutes. The show ends on a high note despite a few dramas along the way – most notably a model having to be cut out of a wedding dress after the zip bursts!
CUIDE RI CATHY will be broadcast on BBC ALBA on Monday 9 November at 22.00 and is available on Sky channel 168, Freesat channel 110 and live on BBC iplayer.
In the latest programme of the Cuide ri Cathy on BBC ALBA, Cathy MacDonald spends time with Fiona Best as she works on her latest catwalk show as well as taking the chance to hit the shops with Fiona and her two daughters.
Fiona’s career started as a successful model, landing a string of high-profile glamour roles before going onto launch several successful businesses, including her current fashion show event management company.
Despite touring the world as a model and working in the fashion capitals of the globe, it was her role from 1980 to 1984 as a Tennents ‘lager lovely’ that has been her most famous. Fiona enjoyed the role, touring the country and meeting a host of celebrities, but admits that the job came about in unusual circumstance.
Fiona says: “My father and grandfather were in the licensing trade and I remember thinking that I’d really like to get that job to please my Dad. I heard about the audition and I remember going home that day - we had a small bar in the house and for the first time, I really looked at that can and thought, I’d quite like to do that for Dad!”
Cathy spends the rest of the day watching Fiona prepare for her next wedding show to be held at the SECC before accompanying Fiona and her two daughters on a trip to try on a snazzy collection of hats at Silverburn shopping centre. Despite being a top model in her heyday, Fiona admits she now relies on her kids advice regarding fashion. She says: ““I was getting ready to go to an event the other week and I asked the kids how I looked. My youngest daughter said you look good but what’s going on with the shoes. Change the shoes!”
Fiona and Cathy’s time together ends a few days later as the presenter gets to go behind the scenes at The Scottish Wedding Show to see Fiona hard at work. Cathy spends time backstage, seeing drama of the catwalk show, where 20 models get in and out of wedding outfits every few minutes. The show ends on a high note despite a few dramas along the way – most notably a model having to be cut out of a wedding dress after the zip bursts!
CUIDE RI CATHY will be broadcast on BBC ALBA on Monday 9 November at 22.00 and is available on Sky channel 168, Freesat channel 110 and live on BBC iplayer.
FSA PROPOSALS WILL COST FARMERS DEAR SAYS NFUS
NFU Scotland is bitterly disappointed that the Food Standards Agency (FSA) is once again considering transferring the full cost of meat hygiene inspections on to industry before full reform of the Meat Hygiene Service (MHS) has been concluded.
The FSA has tabled a paper on full cost recovery for its board meeting, due to take place in London on Tuesday (10 November). The subject of MHS charging was hotly debated in March of this year with industry welcoming the decision in June to freeze MHS charges.
This new discussion raises the potential of adding significant additional costs onto Scotland’s struggling abattoir sector. NFUS has concerns that this would inevitably see costs transferred down the chain through lower prices to farmers rather than passed up the line to consumers, with Scottish livestock and poultrymeat producers taking the hit.
NFU Scotland’s Vice-President, Nigel Miller said:
“It is extremely disappointing to see full cost recovery for meat hygiene inspections back on an FSA agenda. Scotland’s abattoirs remain under pressure, with many plants struggling on tight margins, increased regulation and costs of compliance. Heaping additional cost onto Scotland’s plants could further undermine an abattoir sector in Scotland that is already shrinking and challenge the Scottish Government’s own ambitions to grow our red meat sector.
“ It is equally disappointing that full cost recovery has been put back on the table ahead of necessary further reforms to the MHS. We would have dearly liked to see further costs being driven out of the meat hygiene regime before cost recovery was even considered for further debate.
“Industry is pushing for inspections to move to a more risk-based approach, simplified inspection regimes for low risk animals such as lambs need to be agreed and there are specific areas relating to poultrymeat requirements that have still to be fully addressed. Progress in these areas have the potential to strip out considerable costs to plant operators and must be resolved before the debate on full cost recovery can be considered in earnest.”
The FSA has tabled a paper on full cost recovery for its board meeting, due to take place in London on Tuesday (10 November). The subject of MHS charging was hotly debated in March of this year with industry welcoming the decision in June to freeze MHS charges.
This new discussion raises the potential of adding significant additional costs onto Scotland’s struggling abattoir sector. NFUS has concerns that this would inevitably see costs transferred down the chain through lower prices to farmers rather than passed up the line to consumers, with Scottish livestock and poultrymeat producers taking the hit.
NFU Scotland’s Vice-President, Nigel Miller said:
“It is extremely disappointing to see full cost recovery for meat hygiene inspections back on an FSA agenda. Scotland’s abattoirs remain under pressure, with many plants struggling on tight margins, increased regulation and costs of compliance. Heaping additional cost onto Scotland’s plants could further undermine an abattoir sector in Scotland that is already shrinking and challenge the Scottish Government’s own ambitions to grow our red meat sector.
“ It is equally disappointing that full cost recovery has been put back on the table ahead of necessary further reforms to the MHS. We would have dearly liked to see further costs being driven out of the meat hygiene regime before cost recovery was even considered for further debate.
“Industry is pushing for inspections to move to a more risk-based approach, simplified inspection regimes for low risk animals such as lambs need to be agreed and there are specific areas relating to poultrymeat requirements that have still to be fully addressed. Progress in these areas have the potential to strip out considerable costs to plant operators and must be resolved before the debate on full cost recovery can be considered in earnest.”
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