Caledonian MacBrayne Crewing (Guernsey) Limited, which supplies crew for the Caledonian MacBrayne fleet operated by CalMac Ferries Limited around the West Coast of Scotland, is seeking around 120 staff for the 2010 summer season.
Managing Director Phil Preston said: “The jobs on offer include opportunities for deck and engineering officers, as well as deck and catering ratings, working on the full range of vessel types and sizes.
“While the posts being advertised are seasonal (March to October), ideally we would like to identify people during this process that could either stay with us more permanently, or be identified as suitable candidates for permanent posts immediately, as they become available“ he said.
Successful applicants are expected to have high standards of personal presentation and must be able to adapt to the wide range of tasks undertaken within the various departments. They must also be customer focused and have a proactive approach to customer care.
A shift pattern basis will apply and these will normally consist of two weeks on, two weeks off, or one week on, one week off.
The positions being advertised cover vessels operating throughout the CalMac fleet, primarily from March to October 2010 but shorter duration positions are also available.
Candidates should ideally be qualified to STCW 95 certification and be in possession of a valid ENG1 medical certificate. Training may be available to applicants that do not hold all of the relevant certification but can demonstrate knowledge of relevant skills.
Further information about the job opportunities and how to apply for them, is available at www.calmac.co.uk
Tuesday 2 February 2010
GUIDANCE ON ELECTRONIC SHEEP TAGGING
New sheep tagging rules simplified
Argyll & Bute MSP Jim Mather has welcomed a clarifying statement issued today from his colleague Richard Lochhead, MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, on the controversial EU proposals about sheep tagging.
New European rules requiring sheep to be electronically tagged are to be simplified for the Scottish farming industry, reducing bureaucracy and keeping trade efficient.
The Scottish Government will also support the industry transition to full electronic identification (EID) by covering the additional cost of tags for all farms taking part in the #3 million EID research pilot. The pilot is to be extended to continue to identify workable solutions that will further reduce industry costs and all farms will be eligible to take part.
An extra £1 million will be made available to pay for the tags on farms taking part in the research pilot. This is part of a package of measures announced by Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead, which also
includes:
* Introducing critical control points allowing tags to be scanned at markets or abattoirs, reducing costs to farmers by 50 per cent - a saving of £4 million across the sector
* Permitting the use of batch recording for 'within business' moves, removing the need to individually record animals which move between holdings in a business
* Enhancing the new database, which is part of the research pilot, to develop the long term benefits of EID, leading to quicker and more accurate systems.
* Allowing the use of single tags for animals due for slaughter within 12 months
* Funding of up to £1000 per farm to assist those who choose to purchase electronic reading equipment for on-farm management purposes, through the Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP)
Mr Lochhead said:
Following two years of wrangling in Europe to achieve greater flexibility on tagging for Scottish farmers, we won important concessions to reduce its impact and cut farmers' costs by around 50 per cent. Now that we must implement these rules, I am keen we keep the system as simple as possible and maximise the opportunity to build on the excellent reputation that Scotch lamb already enjoys at home and abroad.
That is why I have decided, following thorough consultation with the industry, that all sheep should be electronically tagged, including those sent for slaughter. This will keep paperwork to a minimum, maintain traditional market patterns and allow markets and abattoirs to operate as critical control points to the benefit of the whole sector.
The Scottish Government will be supporting the industry through the transition to full electronic identification over the coming year. We will be providing funding of £1 million to cover the additional cost of EID tags on partner farms, which will range from as little as £10 per farm to several hundred pounds, and offering up to £1000 per farm for those who choose to buy on-farm electronic reading equipment.
We will continue to fight for further concessions, including not having to tag animals until they leave the farm of their birth for the first time, which would assist hill sheep farmers in particular. Now that Europe has a new Commissioner, we have an opportunity to argue for these concessions and will be seeking an early opportunity to do so."
Working with stakeholders, the Scottish Government has already fought for and secured a number of concessions in Europe:
* approval of critical control points, which means tags are scanned at markets or abattoirs rather than on farms, slashing farmers' costs by about 50 per cent
* phasing in of individual recording requirement for animals to significantly reduce the burden - tags and farm holding registers from 2010, movement documents from 2011, all animals (ie. including those born before January 1, 2010) from 2012
Detailed guidance on EID will be issued to all sheep and goat farmers and is available online at:
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/farmingrural/Agriculture/animal-welfare/Diseases/IDtraceability/SheepandGoats
For information on the Scottish EID research pilot go to:
www.scoteid.com
Argyll & Bute MSP Jim Mather has welcomed a clarifying statement issued today from his colleague Richard Lochhead, MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, on the controversial EU proposals about sheep tagging.
New European rules requiring sheep to be electronically tagged are to be simplified for the Scottish farming industry, reducing bureaucracy and keeping trade efficient.
The Scottish Government will also support the industry transition to full electronic identification (EID) by covering the additional cost of tags for all farms taking part in the #3 million EID research pilot. The pilot is to be extended to continue to identify workable solutions that will further reduce industry costs and all farms will be eligible to take part.
An extra £1 million will be made available to pay for the tags on farms taking part in the research pilot. This is part of a package of measures announced by Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead, which also
includes:
* Introducing critical control points allowing tags to be scanned at markets or abattoirs, reducing costs to farmers by 50 per cent - a saving of £4 million across the sector
* Permitting the use of batch recording for 'within business' moves, removing the need to individually record animals which move between holdings in a business
* Enhancing the new database, which is part of the research pilot, to develop the long term benefits of EID, leading to quicker and more accurate systems.
* Allowing the use of single tags for animals due for slaughter within 12 months
* Funding of up to £1000 per farm to assist those who choose to purchase electronic reading equipment for on-farm management purposes, through the Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP)
Mr Lochhead said:
Following two years of wrangling in Europe to achieve greater flexibility on tagging for Scottish farmers, we won important concessions to reduce its impact and cut farmers' costs by around 50 per cent. Now that we must implement these rules, I am keen we keep the system as simple as possible and maximise the opportunity to build on the excellent reputation that Scotch lamb already enjoys at home and abroad.
That is why I have decided, following thorough consultation with the industry, that all sheep should be electronically tagged, including those sent for slaughter. This will keep paperwork to a minimum, maintain traditional market patterns and allow markets and abattoirs to operate as critical control points to the benefit of the whole sector.
The Scottish Government will be supporting the industry through the transition to full electronic identification over the coming year. We will be providing funding of £1 million to cover the additional cost of EID tags on partner farms, which will range from as little as £10 per farm to several hundred pounds, and offering up to £1000 per farm for those who choose to buy on-farm electronic reading equipment.
We will continue to fight for further concessions, including not having to tag animals until they leave the farm of their birth for the first time, which would assist hill sheep farmers in particular. Now that Europe has a new Commissioner, we have an opportunity to argue for these concessions and will be seeking an early opportunity to do so."
Working with stakeholders, the Scottish Government has already fought for and secured a number of concessions in Europe:
* approval of critical control points, which means tags are scanned at markets or abattoirs rather than on farms, slashing farmers' costs by about 50 per cent
* phasing in of individual recording requirement for animals to significantly reduce the burden - tags and farm holding registers from 2010, movement documents from 2011, all animals (ie. including those born before January 1, 2010) from 2012
Detailed guidance on EID will be issued to all sheep and goat farmers and is available online at:
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/farmingrural/Agriculture/animal-welfare/Diseases/IDtraceability/SheepandGoats
For information on the Scottish EID research pilot go to:
www.scoteid.com
NFUS "DISAPPOINTMENT" AT DECLINE IN SCOTTISH FARM INCOMES
NFU Scotland believes the publication of Scotland’s farm income figures for 2009 has highlighted another turbulent year for Scottish agriculture, one that has seen a disappointing decline in the total value of Scottish agricultural income for the second consecutive year.
The statistics published today (Thursday, 28 January) by Scotland’s Chief Statistician, show that Total Income From Farming (TIFF) decreased by £20 million to £589 million between 2008 and 2009. This represents a fall of 3.2 per cent before inflation is accounted for and a fall of 2.6 per cent in real terms. It comes on the back of an eight percent decline in TIFF between 2007 and 2008. Combined, the figures show that the fall in total income to Scotland’s farmers is more than £75 million in the past two years.
Scottish agriculture remains subject to varying degrees of volatility. The higher farmgate prices some farmers received last year for their beef, sheep and pigs were overshadowed by a steep decline in returns from cereals and milk while the costs of key inputs such as fuel, fertiliser and animal feed remain historically high. As a result, the average income on Scottish farms for 2008/09 fell by £2200 to £38,700 compared to the previous year.
NFU Scotland’s Policy Director Scott Walker said:
“It is clear that 2009 was a very difficult year for many of our farmers. On the positive side, demand for beef, lamb and pork was encouraging but the crash in cereals and milk prices has meant that the overall income to Scottish farming has fallen for the second year in a row.
“To put things in context, this fall in income is set against the favourable exchange rates seen throughout the whole of 2009 which will have undoubtedly assisted farmgate prices in all sectors. The lift in the value of the Single Farm Payment (SFP), brought about by the improved exchange rate, has been a significant factor in underpinning the risks in the marketplace.
“The income figures highlight the ongoing importance of public support to the industry. Without the benefit of SFP and monies delivered through the Less Favoured Areas Support Scheme, the majority of Scottish farm businesses would have at best broken even or operated at a loss.
“The future delivery of support to the Scottish industry is currently open to debate around the country as farmers discuss the initial findings of an independent inquiry into the delivery of agricultural support in Scotland, produced by leading industry expert Brian Pack and his inquiry team. The initial report makes a strong case for the ongoing support of farming and food production and that without such assistance, ongoing market failure and volatility would leave the country's food and drinks supply vulnerable and undermine the environmental and social benefits delivered by the industry.
“With incomes falling and the importance of support brought more sharply into focus, I would urge farmers to participate in their nearest Pack Inquiry meeting.”
The statistics published today (Thursday, 28 January) by Scotland’s Chief Statistician, show that Total Income From Farming (TIFF) decreased by £20 million to £589 million between 2008 and 2009. This represents a fall of 3.2 per cent before inflation is accounted for and a fall of 2.6 per cent in real terms. It comes on the back of an eight percent decline in TIFF between 2007 and 2008. Combined, the figures show that the fall in total income to Scotland’s farmers is more than £75 million in the past two years.
Scottish agriculture remains subject to varying degrees of volatility. The higher farmgate prices some farmers received last year for their beef, sheep and pigs were overshadowed by a steep decline in returns from cereals and milk while the costs of key inputs such as fuel, fertiliser and animal feed remain historically high. As a result, the average income on Scottish farms for 2008/09 fell by £2200 to £38,700 compared to the previous year.
NFU Scotland’s Policy Director Scott Walker said:
“It is clear that 2009 was a very difficult year for many of our farmers. On the positive side, demand for beef, lamb and pork was encouraging but the crash in cereals and milk prices has meant that the overall income to Scottish farming has fallen for the second year in a row.
“To put things in context, this fall in income is set against the favourable exchange rates seen throughout the whole of 2009 which will have undoubtedly assisted farmgate prices in all sectors. The lift in the value of the Single Farm Payment (SFP), brought about by the improved exchange rate, has been a significant factor in underpinning the risks in the marketplace.
“The income figures highlight the ongoing importance of public support to the industry. Without the benefit of SFP and monies delivered through the Less Favoured Areas Support Scheme, the majority of Scottish farm businesses would have at best broken even or operated at a loss.
“The future delivery of support to the Scottish industry is currently open to debate around the country as farmers discuss the initial findings of an independent inquiry into the delivery of agricultural support in Scotland, produced by leading industry expert Brian Pack and his inquiry team. The initial report makes a strong case for the ongoing support of farming and food production and that without such assistance, ongoing market failure and volatility would leave the country's food and drinks supply vulnerable and undermine the environmental and social benefits delivered by the industry.
“With incomes falling and the importance of support brought more sharply into focus, I would urge farmers to participate in their nearest Pack Inquiry meeting.”
BBC ALBA Saturday 13, February – Friday 19, February, 2010
BBC ALBA – WEEKLY PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS
Week: 7
Date: Saturday 13, February – Friday 19, February, 2010
Title: Blas 2009 Music Festival
A selection of songs and tunes from Blas 09's 'Family Ties' concert, featuring Seonaidh & Calum Alex MacMillan, Duncan and Iain MacGillivray, Dagger & Neil Gordon, and Gerry & Donal O' Connor.
Transmitted: Saturday 13th February 2010
Time: 22:00
Title: Alleluia!/Spiritual Music & Verse
Calum Martin performs Psalm 133, Màiri MacInnes sings Do Làmh a Chrìosda, Paul Murray gives a personal account on the role religion plays in his life and Mary Smith reads from Carmina Gadelica. Presented by Iain MacKinnon.
Transmitted: Sunday 14th February 2010
Time: 19:30
Title: Farpaisean Chon-Chaorach/Sheepdog Trials
Catriona MacPhee and Donald MacSween present the first day of the 2009 Scottish National Sheepdog Trials from Annan.
Transmitted: Tuesday 16th February 2010
Time: 21:00
Title: Spòrs/SPL - St Johnstone v Hibernian
Join the House of Sport team for the SPL 90, sports action, news and interviews.
Transmitted: Wednesday 17th February 2010
Time: 22:00
Title: Thuige Seo
Chrissie Lawson in conversation with Donald Morrison about her work in genealogy.
Transmitted: Thursday 18th February 2010
Time: 20:30
Title: Sia Amannan an Eachdraidh/Scottish History
Turning points in Scottish history, starting with the Battle of Dunnichen.
Transmitted: Friday 19th February 2010
Time: 19:25
Week: 7
Date: Saturday 13, February – Friday 19, February, 2010
Title: Blas 2009 Music Festival
A selection of songs and tunes from Blas 09's 'Family Ties' concert, featuring Seonaidh & Calum Alex MacMillan, Duncan and Iain MacGillivray, Dagger & Neil Gordon, and Gerry & Donal O' Connor.
Transmitted: Saturday 13th February 2010
Time: 22:00
Title: Alleluia!/Spiritual Music & Verse
Calum Martin performs Psalm 133, Màiri MacInnes sings Do Làmh a Chrìosda, Paul Murray gives a personal account on the role religion plays in his life and Mary Smith reads from Carmina Gadelica. Presented by Iain MacKinnon.
Transmitted: Sunday 14th February 2010
Time: 19:30
Title: Farpaisean Chon-Chaorach/Sheepdog Trials
Catriona MacPhee and Donald MacSween present the first day of the 2009 Scottish National Sheepdog Trials from Annan.
Transmitted: Tuesday 16th February 2010
Time: 21:00
Title: Spòrs/SPL - St Johnstone v Hibernian
Join the House of Sport team for the SPL 90, sports action, news and interviews.
Transmitted: Wednesday 17th February 2010
Time: 22:00
Title: Thuige Seo
Chrissie Lawson in conversation with Donald Morrison about her work in genealogy.
Transmitted: Thursday 18th February 2010
Time: 20:30
Title: Sia Amannan an Eachdraidh/Scottish History
Turning points in Scottish history, starting with the Battle of Dunnichen.
Transmitted: Friday 19th February 2010
Time: 19:25
The Wee Grey Fergie
THE INTRIGUING HISTORY OF THE REVOLUTIONARY ‘WEE GREY FERGIE’ ON BBC ALBA
Monday, 8 February 2010 at 9pm
Harry Ferguson revolutionised farming in the early 20th century by inventing a hydraulic system, still found in every tractor today. An accomplished pilot, engineering genius and effective salesman, Ferguson is so revered in his native Northern Ireland that his face now graces their £20 notes. However, at the largest agricultural exhibition in the Scottish Highlands last year, most of those asked knew very little about Harry Ferguson himself.
A new documentary on BBC ALBA titled Am Fergie Beag Glas (The Wee Grey Fergie) explores Ferguson's achievements in the company of some of the many farmers and enthusiasts who will not let his name be forgotten.
Born in 1884 in Dromore, Co Down, fourth of eleventh children, Harry Ferguson began his career mending bicycles in his brother's garage. Within a few years he had developed a hydraulic system that united tractor and plough in one unit, giving depth control and lift at the touch of a lever. Not only did this revolutionise ploughing it also ended the age-old problem of ploughs getting caught on stones and boulders which at times had terrible consequences, causing tractors to topple over, injuring and sometimes even killing their driver.
By 1939, Ferguson’s determination gained him a manufacturing deal in the US with world-renowned motor giant, Henry Ford and by the 1970s, Ferguson's system was used in 80 per cent of tractors worldwide. Though Ferguson had many inventions, his last tractor, the TE20, better known as the Wee Grey Fergie, is perhaps the best remembered.
In the programme, Am Fergie Beag Glas (The Wee Grey Fergie) we get a glimpse of the vast Ferguson collection held by crofter Donald A MacLeod in Lochgilphead. Donald, who was originally from the Isle of Skye, sadly died last year, aged 72. His close friend, Allan Campbell also from Skye, presents and narrates this film, says that Donald always wanted to see Ferguson's story told, but he sadly died before his dream could be realised.
Allan said: "Donald Macleod collected them because he appreciated this tractor's history. Looking at Harry Ferguson's life and engineering, he saw something with a lasting effect and which improved the farmer's life. I think it was the extent of his dream, (Ferguson) which left Donald captivated by this man."
Though the Fergie was affordable to many crofters, Ferguson had to work hard to convince them as many were loathed to lose their trusted horses in favour of this new technology. But Ferguson knew that his tractor could save them time, effort and money.
When the farmers and crofters did come round they found it had its uses on and off the field! Cailean MacDonald, from Inverness, recalls: "I took our tractor to dances in Carloway when I was about 17. I offered a girl a lift home but she thought I had a car! When I came out, I put on my yellow whaler’s oilskins but she wasn't willing to go home with me at all that night. I took her home since then though."
Dòmhnall Meek, from Tiree, recalls how his Dad got a Ferguson TE20 in 1946 and everyone wanted their photograph taken with it. "It was very special. It was an iron horse, friendly and loyal."
70 years on The Wee Grey Fergie is still working reliably and is very much loved.
Am Fergie Beag Glas (The Wee Grey Fergie) was produced for BBC ALBA by MacTV and is being broadcast on Friday 8th February at 9pm.
Monday, 8 February 2010 at 9pm
Harry Ferguson revolutionised farming in the early 20th century by inventing a hydraulic system, still found in every tractor today. An accomplished pilot, engineering genius and effective salesman, Ferguson is so revered in his native Northern Ireland that his face now graces their £20 notes. However, at the largest agricultural exhibition in the Scottish Highlands last year, most of those asked knew very little about Harry Ferguson himself.
A new documentary on BBC ALBA titled Am Fergie Beag Glas (The Wee Grey Fergie) explores Ferguson's achievements in the company of some of the many farmers and enthusiasts who will not let his name be forgotten.
Born in 1884 in Dromore, Co Down, fourth of eleventh children, Harry Ferguson began his career mending bicycles in his brother's garage. Within a few years he had developed a hydraulic system that united tractor and plough in one unit, giving depth control and lift at the touch of a lever. Not only did this revolutionise ploughing it also ended the age-old problem of ploughs getting caught on stones and boulders which at times had terrible consequences, causing tractors to topple over, injuring and sometimes even killing their driver.
By 1939, Ferguson’s determination gained him a manufacturing deal in the US with world-renowned motor giant, Henry Ford and by the 1970s, Ferguson's system was used in 80 per cent of tractors worldwide. Though Ferguson had many inventions, his last tractor, the TE20, better known as the Wee Grey Fergie, is perhaps the best remembered.
In the programme, Am Fergie Beag Glas (The Wee Grey Fergie) we get a glimpse of the vast Ferguson collection held by crofter Donald A MacLeod in Lochgilphead. Donald, who was originally from the Isle of Skye, sadly died last year, aged 72. His close friend, Allan Campbell also from Skye, presents and narrates this film, says that Donald always wanted to see Ferguson's story told, but he sadly died before his dream could be realised.
Allan said: "Donald Macleod collected them because he appreciated this tractor's history. Looking at Harry Ferguson's life and engineering, he saw something with a lasting effect and which improved the farmer's life. I think it was the extent of his dream, (Ferguson) which left Donald captivated by this man."
Though the Fergie was affordable to many crofters, Ferguson had to work hard to convince them as many were loathed to lose their trusted horses in favour of this new technology. But Ferguson knew that his tractor could save them time, effort and money.
When the farmers and crofters did come round they found it had its uses on and off the field! Cailean MacDonald, from Inverness, recalls: "I took our tractor to dances in Carloway when I was about 17. I offered a girl a lift home but she thought I had a car! When I came out, I put on my yellow whaler’s oilskins but she wasn't willing to go home with me at all that night. I took her home since then though."
Dòmhnall Meek, from Tiree, recalls how his Dad got a Ferguson TE20 in 1946 and everyone wanted their photograph taken with it. "It was very special. It was an iron horse, friendly and loyal."
70 years on The Wee Grey Fergie is still working reliably and is very much loved.
Am Fergie Beag Glas (The Wee Grey Fergie) was produced for BBC ALBA by MacTV and is being broadcast on Friday 8th February at 9pm.
RESPITE BUREAU PROJECT MOVES FORWARD
A groundbreaking proposal to set up a Respite Bureau for carers will take another step forward later this month.
An Information Day has been organised by Argyll and Bute Council and Argyll and Bute Social Enterprise Network (ABSEN) – the two partners in the plan – at which all interested parties can find out more about the scheme.
Individuals, groups and organisations are all welcome to attend the free event at Inveraray’s Argyll Hotel on Wednesday, February 17 from 1.30pm to 5pm.
It is anticipated that social enterprises, voluntary organisations, carer’s centres, charities and individual carers will be among those who attend.
The move comes after the Council and ABSEN achieved Pilot status from the Scottish Government to create a Public Social Partnership (PSP) to design and implement a Respite Bureau for carers.
This Bureau would be staffed and run by a third sector organisation - either a new social enterprise, an existing social enterprise or by a consortium of social enterprises - and would have the authority to commission flexible and more personalised respite provision for carers in Argyll and Bute.
The Information Day will be the first part of the selection process to find an appropriate third sector partner. Organisations will receive an Information Pack and will be asked to complete the bid forms to be submitted by the mid-March closing date.
Speakers at the event will include ABSEN, Argyll and Bute Council, PriceWaterhouse Coopers LLP and a representative from Falkirk Council Respite Bureau (who set up a very successful Respite Bureau in 2001 which has gone from strength to strength).
The facility is scheduled to be launched in April 2011. It is anticipated that a pilot will be trialled in one area within Argyll and Bute and - if successful – later rolled out across the entire area.
Councillor John Semple, Argyll and Bute Council’s spokesperson for the Third Sector, said: “This is a very exciting proposal, and one which I am sure will be of great interest to many people in Argyll and Bute.
“The Information Day has been organised to allow all interested parties to come along and see what’s planned, and ask questions if they wish. Attendance is a must for anyone interested in the development of a new and unique way of delivering public services, so I hope that as many people as possible take this chance to find out more about what we’re proposing.”
Attendance is free. To register, please contact Colin Bromley, Special Projects Officer, Argyll and Bute Council on 01546 604430 or by e-mail to colin.bromley@argyll-bute.gov.uk .
An Information Day has been organised by Argyll and Bute Council and Argyll and Bute Social Enterprise Network (ABSEN) – the two partners in the plan – at which all interested parties can find out more about the scheme.
Individuals, groups and organisations are all welcome to attend the free event at Inveraray’s Argyll Hotel on Wednesday, February 17 from 1.30pm to 5pm.
It is anticipated that social enterprises, voluntary organisations, carer’s centres, charities and individual carers will be among those who attend.
The move comes after the Council and ABSEN achieved Pilot status from the Scottish Government to create a Public Social Partnership (PSP) to design and implement a Respite Bureau for carers.
This Bureau would be staffed and run by a third sector organisation - either a new social enterprise, an existing social enterprise or by a consortium of social enterprises - and would have the authority to commission flexible and more personalised respite provision for carers in Argyll and Bute.
The Information Day will be the first part of the selection process to find an appropriate third sector partner. Organisations will receive an Information Pack and will be asked to complete the bid forms to be submitted by the mid-March closing date.
Speakers at the event will include ABSEN, Argyll and Bute Council, PriceWaterhouse Coopers LLP and a representative from Falkirk Council Respite Bureau (who set up a very successful Respite Bureau in 2001 which has gone from strength to strength).
The facility is scheduled to be launched in April 2011. It is anticipated that a pilot will be trialled in one area within Argyll and Bute and - if successful – later rolled out across the entire area.
Councillor John Semple, Argyll and Bute Council’s spokesperson for the Third Sector, said: “This is a very exciting proposal, and one which I am sure will be of great interest to many people in Argyll and Bute.
“The Information Day has been organised to allow all interested parties to come along and see what’s planned, and ask questions if they wish. Attendance is a must for anyone interested in the development of a new and unique way of delivering public services, so I hope that as many people as possible take this chance to find out more about what we’re proposing.”
Attendance is free. To register, please contact Colin Bromley, Special Projects Officer, Argyll and Bute Council on 01546 604430 or by e-mail to colin.bromley@argyll-bute.gov.uk .
ARGYLL AND BUTE RESIDENTS URGED TO CHECK BENEFITS ELIGIBILITY
Recent changes in Benefit regulations affecting older people and families mean that more people in Argyll and Bute may be eligible for Housing and Council Tax Benefit.
Residents are now being urged to check whether they might fall into the group which will benefit.
The first change concerns Child Benefit income. Since November 2009, any income from Child Benefit is not taken into account when calculating Housing and Council Tax Benefit payments.
The effect of this is that families already getting these benefits will receive more money, and other low income families will become eligible for the first time.
It is estimated that more than 200,000 working families will gain some £1,000 a year from the move.
The second change, which affects older people, involves the amount of savings which the Government will ignore when calculating benefits.
This sum used to be £6,000. However, for people aged 60 or over, the amount of savings now allowed before the sum affects an individual’s benefits eligibility has increased to £10,000.
Councillor George Freeman, the Council’s Spokesperson for Housing and Communities, urged people to investigate whether or not they could benefit from the changes.
“More people in Argyll and Bute may now be entitled to Housing and Council Tax Benefit, and it is vital that those most likely to benefit are aware of the situation,” he said.
“To promote further take-up of these Benefits in the light of these changes, the Council has placed an article in Argyll and Bute Childcare Partnership’s Childcare Chatter newsletter, which is aimed at young families who may need the additional support.
“This will be followed by newsletter inserts to Primary and Secondary schools, ensuring that the information gets back to parents.
“In addition to this, a campaign will be launched on local radio in early March to raise awareness and increase take-up. We are hopeful that these changes will have a positive impact on local people.”
Families already in receipt of Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit do not have to do anything to access this new help. The impact of the changes, if any, will be calculated and added to their Benefit automatically.
Families on a low income who are not in receipt of Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit who think they might be newly entitled to them should contact the Council for more details.
This can be done over the phone by contacting the Council’s Benefit Enquiry Line on 01546 605512 or by calling in to a local Customer Service Point to arrange an appointment to make a claim.
To make a claim, individuals will need proof of identity, proof of income and proof of any savings or investments they may have. Trained Benefits Assessors will be happy to help people complete their claims.
Argyll and Bute Council’s Customer Service Points, which are open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, are located at:
Residents are now being urged to check whether they might fall into the group which will benefit.
The first change concerns Child Benefit income. Since November 2009, any income from Child Benefit is not taken into account when calculating Housing and Council Tax Benefit payments.
The effect of this is that families already getting these benefits will receive more money, and other low income families will become eligible for the first time.
It is estimated that more than 200,000 working families will gain some £1,000 a year from the move.
The second change, which affects older people, involves the amount of savings which the Government will ignore when calculating benefits.
This sum used to be £6,000. However, for people aged 60 or over, the amount of savings now allowed before the sum affects an individual’s benefits eligibility has increased to £10,000.
Councillor George Freeman, the Council’s Spokesperson for Housing and Communities, urged people to investigate whether or not they could benefit from the changes.
“More people in Argyll and Bute may now be entitled to Housing and Council Tax Benefit, and it is vital that those most likely to benefit are aware of the situation,” he said.
“To promote further take-up of these Benefits in the light of these changes, the Council has placed an article in Argyll and Bute Childcare Partnership’s Childcare Chatter newsletter, which is aimed at young families who may need the additional support.
“This will be followed by newsletter inserts to Primary and Secondary schools, ensuring that the information gets back to parents.
“In addition to this, a campaign will be launched on local radio in early March to raise awareness and increase take-up. We are hopeful that these changes will have a positive impact on local people.”
Families already in receipt of Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit do not have to do anything to access this new help. The impact of the changes, if any, will be calculated and added to their Benefit automatically.
Families on a low income who are not in receipt of Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit who think they might be newly entitled to them should contact the Council for more details.
This can be done over the phone by contacting the Council’s Benefit Enquiry Line on 01546 605512 or by calling in to a local Customer Service Point to arrange an appointment to make a claim.
To make a claim, individuals will need proof of identity, proof of income and proof of any savings or investments they may have. Trained Benefits Assessors will be happy to help people complete their claims.
Argyll and Bute Council’s Customer Service Points, which are open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, are located at:
Unwelcome arrival of invasive sea squirt in Scottish seas
Marinas in the Firth of Clyde and on the Argyll coast are to be surveyed by
marine scientists following the discovery of another invasive non-native species
in Scottish waters.
A small colony of the invasive carpet sea squirt (Didemnum vexillum) has been
found in the Firth of Clyde. Surveys will be carried out from late January by
the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) to investigate how widespread
it has become. Funded by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and Marine Scotland,
the information gathered will help decide how the species should be dealt with.
Meanwhile boat owners are being asked to make extra efforts to keep boat hulls
clean and free of fouling to help prevent its spread.
Dr David Donnan, policy and advice manager at SNH explained: “The carpet sea
squirt can reproduce and spread rapidly and tends to smother other marine life
that grows on the seabed. It is especially good at growing over underwater
structures such as aquaculture equipment, boat hulls and pontoons. It has spread
around the world although it is thought to have originally come from Japan.
Experience from Canada, New Zealand, continental Europe and Ireland has
highlighted it as a potential nuisance species that causes economic and
environmental problems. The removal of the large, gelatinous growths can be
difficult and costly.
“We have been on the lookout for this species in Scotland as it was found in
Holyhead Harbour in North Wales in 2008 and more recently in the south of
England. This recent finding in Largs Yacht Haven is the first sighting in
Scotland.”
Chris Beveridge of SAMS spotted the small colony of what she suspected to be
the carpet sea squirt during a routine survey. She said: “This is one of our
target species, so when I spotted a mussel on a pontoon, covered with a fawn
coloured growth, I immediately suspected the invasive sea squirt.”
She later found a larger colony on the marina’s mooring lines. She added:
“We carry out surveys of west coast marinas every year, on the lookout for
a variety of non-native species that have the potential to reach Scotland. The
sea squirt may have been brought into Largs Yacht Haven on the hulls of leisure
craft which have travelled from Wales or Ireland, where it is already
established. It could be a real menace for all users of the marine environment
if it spreads up the coast, with considerable economic impact."
Carpet sea squirt is most likely to spread by attaching itself to the hulls of
boats. It is a distinctive mustard, pale orangey-yellow or beige colour and
often appears as pale flat patches. Larger growths may look like wax dripping
from artificial structures just below water level. Its surface has leaf-like
veins with tiny pores and it has a spongy texture and a leathery feel to it.
David Donnan added: “It can be quite tricky to identify but top tips to help
prevent its spread are as follows:
● Keep hulls of boats clean, free of fouling and treated with anti-fouling
paint
● When hulls are cleaned make use of a closed-loop or filtered wash down
facility and/or steam clean
● Clean fishing gear and other equipment on a regular basis
● Dispose of any fouling including weed carefully so that it doesn’t go
back into the water.
“People can find out more, including an identification sheet, by visiting the
website www.nonnativespecies.org from 1 February. A poster has also been
produced to alert the public to the carpet sea squirt - it will be sent to
marinas in Scotland and across the rest of Britain in the near future.”
For more information on the carpet sea squirt call David Donnan on 01738 458664
or email david.donnan@snh.gov.uk For more information on potential aquaculture
impacts of the carpet sea squirt call Dr Kenny Black, Scottish Association for
Marine Science on 01631 559259/559342 or email kenny.black@sams.ac.uk
marine scientists following the discovery of another invasive non-native species
in Scottish waters.
A small colony of the invasive carpet sea squirt (Didemnum vexillum) has been
found in the Firth of Clyde. Surveys will be carried out from late January by
the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) to investigate how widespread
it has become. Funded by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and Marine Scotland,
the information gathered will help decide how the species should be dealt with.
Meanwhile boat owners are being asked to make extra efforts to keep boat hulls
clean and free of fouling to help prevent its spread.
Dr David Donnan, policy and advice manager at SNH explained: “The carpet sea
squirt can reproduce and spread rapidly and tends to smother other marine life
that grows on the seabed. It is especially good at growing over underwater
structures such as aquaculture equipment, boat hulls and pontoons. It has spread
around the world although it is thought to have originally come from Japan.
Experience from Canada, New Zealand, continental Europe and Ireland has
highlighted it as a potential nuisance species that causes economic and
environmental problems. The removal of the large, gelatinous growths can be
difficult and costly.
“We have been on the lookout for this species in Scotland as it was found in
Holyhead Harbour in North Wales in 2008 and more recently in the south of
England. This recent finding in Largs Yacht Haven is the first sighting in
Scotland.”
Chris Beveridge of SAMS spotted the small colony of what she suspected to be
the carpet sea squirt during a routine survey. She said: “This is one of our
target species, so when I spotted a mussel on a pontoon, covered with a fawn
coloured growth, I immediately suspected the invasive sea squirt.”
She later found a larger colony on the marina’s mooring lines. She added:
“We carry out surveys of west coast marinas every year, on the lookout for
a variety of non-native species that have the potential to reach Scotland. The
sea squirt may have been brought into Largs Yacht Haven on the hulls of leisure
craft which have travelled from Wales or Ireland, where it is already
established. It could be a real menace for all users of the marine environment
if it spreads up the coast, with considerable economic impact."
Carpet sea squirt is most likely to spread by attaching itself to the hulls of
boats. It is a distinctive mustard, pale orangey-yellow or beige colour and
often appears as pale flat patches. Larger growths may look like wax dripping
from artificial structures just below water level. Its surface has leaf-like
veins with tiny pores and it has a spongy texture and a leathery feel to it.
David Donnan added: “It can be quite tricky to identify but top tips to help
prevent its spread are as follows:
● Keep hulls of boats clean, free of fouling and treated with anti-fouling
paint
● When hulls are cleaned make use of a closed-loop or filtered wash down
facility and/or steam clean
● Clean fishing gear and other equipment on a regular basis
● Dispose of any fouling including weed carefully so that it doesn’t go
back into the water.
“People can find out more, including an identification sheet, by visiting the
website www.nonnativespecies.org from 1 February. A poster has also been
produced to alert the public to the carpet sea squirt - it will be sent to
marinas in Scotland and across the rest of Britain in the near future.”
For more information on the carpet sea squirt call David Donnan on 01738 458664
or email david.donnan@snh.gov.uk For more information on potential aquaculture
impacts of the carpet sea squirt call Dr Kenny Black, Scottish Association for
Marine Science on 01631 559259/559342 or email kenny.black@sams.ac.uk
Argyll and Bute currently has 92 children and young people in its care.
COUNCIL TO APPOINT A CHILDREN’S CHAMPION
Some of Argyll and Bute’s most vulnerable youngsters are to be given the chance to recruit a ‘Champion’ to represent their interests within the Council.
Argyll and Bute Council has agreed to establish the new position of Children’s Champion among its elected members, to serve the needs of its looked after and accommodated children and young people.
The Councillor who takes on the role will not be chosen by his or her peers, but rather by those whose voices he or she will represent.
The move has the goal of enhancing the lives of looked after and accommodated children and young people in Argyll and Bute through providing them with a voice at the highest levels of the Council.
Argyll and Bute currently has 92 children and young people in its care. Fifty two of these are in foster care, 17 are in one of the Council’s own units in Oban, Helensburgh or Dunoon and 23 are in external residential units.
A significant part of the Children’s Champion’s role will be to pay regular visits to these young people, in order to build up a strong and ongoing relationship with them.
Argyll and Bute Council’s Social Services spokesperson, Councillor Donald McIntosh, said the move was part of the authority’s attempt to become the best ‘Corporate Parent’ it could be.
“This is a unique proposal, and one which I hope will have a significant impact on the young people in Argyll and Bute who are in our care,” he added.
“The Council has a responsibility to make sure that every young person in its care has the chance to reach their full potential. Establishing a Children’s Champion will support this through enhancing the wellbeing, welfare and future development of all our looked after and accommodated youngsters.
“We already work very hard to meet the needs of each young person in our care. However, a Children’s Champion will add something new to the mix.
“This person will be selected by the young people themselves to represent their interests across the whole range of council services. The Champion will therefore have a clear mandate to express their views, and I hope the young people will feel a real sense of ownership of the position, given that they will have chosen the person who occupies it.”
It is envisaged that nominations for the post will be sought from Councillors who do not already hold an office in the Council which is related to children. A selection process will then be set up – possibly through interviews with the young people – before a Champion is chosen.
Some of Argyll and Bute’s most vulnerable youngsters are to be given the chance to recruit a ‘Champion’ to represent their interests within the Council.
Argyll and Bute Council has agreed to establish the new position of Children’s Champion among its elected members, to serve the needs of its looked after and accommodated children and young people.
The Councillor who takes on the role will not be chosen by his or her peers, but rather by those whose voices he or she will represent.
The move has the goal of enhancing the lives of looked after and accommodated children and young people in Argyll and Bute through providing them with a voice at the highest levels of the Council.
Argyll and Bute currently has 92 children and young people in its care. Fifty two of these are in foster care, 17 are in one of the Council’s own units in Oban, Helensburgh or Dunoon and 23 are in external residential units.
A significant part of the Children’s Champion’s role will be to pay regular visits to these young people, in order to build up a strong and ongoing relationship with them.
Argyll and Bute Council’s Social Services spokesperson, Councillor Donald McIntosh, said the move was part of the authority’s attempt to become the best ‘Corporate Parent’ it could be.
“This is a unique proposal, and one which I hope will have a significant impact on the young people in Argyll and Bute who are in our care,” he added.
“The Council has a responsibility to make sure that every young person in its care has the chance to reach their full potential. Establishing a Children’s Champion will support this through enhancing the wellbeing, welfare and future development of all our looked after and accommodated youngsters.
“We already work very hard to meet the needs of each young person in our care. However, a Children’s Champion will add something new to the mix.
“This person will be selected by the young people themselves to represent their interests across the whole range of council services. The Champion will therefore have a clear mandate to express their views, and I hope the young people will feel a real sense of ownership of the position, given that they will have chosen the person who occupies it.”
It is envisaged that nominations for the post will be sought from Councillors who do not already hold an office in the Council which is related to children. A selection process will then be set up – possibly through interviews with the young people – before a Champion is chosen.
Scotland’s 2010 biodiversity report card released
A new report assessing Scotland’s progress towards halting biodiversity loss
was released today, showing cause for optimism but not complacency.
The wide-ranging report from Scottish Natural Heritage assesses the state of
Scotland’s wildlife on land, coasts and seas against the 25-year Scottish
Biodiversity Strategy launched in 2004. The strategy emphasises that a healthy,
natural environment is the essential foundation for a greener, healthier,
wealthier Scotland.
Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham said:
"While this report shows there are clearly still some challenges to address, we
can be proud of the progress achieved so far. Our experiences of nature can
inspire us, and even small actions to promote biodiversity can make a real
difference to achieve further progress in halting its decline.
"We as humans are very much part of Scotland's ecosystems and need to recognise
and celebrate this fact during the International Year of Biodiversity. By
getting out and interacting with our wonderful examples of nature, from our back
gardens to our National Parks, we will learn more about it and understand why it
needs our help."
Ian Jardine, chief executive of SNH, said:
"Thanks to the work of many people and organisations throughout Scotland, we
can see notable advances in many areas and for many species. For example, otters
are now found in 92% of Scotland, compared to just 57% in 1979.
“This report confirms that considerable progress has been made to protect
Scotland’s wildlife and natural resources - but we have more work to do.
Globally, biodiversity is being lost at an increasing rate and halting this loss
in Scotland will take a sustained effort over a longer period. 2010 is
International Year of Biodiversity and provides a great opportunity for everyone
to build on the accomplishments so far, and to work together to make sure that
Scotland remains at least as wonderfully diverse and beautiful as it is
today.”
The report pulls together data on the environment from a number of sources. Key
findings include:
● Farmland, woodland, water and upland bird populations have mainly increased
over recent years. Butterfly populations in Scotland are relatively stable.
● Environmental improvements have reduced air, land and water pollution,
allowing wildlife to re-colonise parts of Scotland that had become degraded by
industrialisation and dereliction. Otters are re-established in the central
lowlands and fish diversity is being restored in the Forth and Clyde rivers and
firths.
● We no longer see major losses of our more natural habitats, although
botanical diversity dropped between 1998 and 2007. Woodland has taken on a more
natural appearance, improving Scotland’s scenery and providing opportunities
for wildlife to flourish.
Good progress has been made in stopping declines among especially vulnerable
habitats and species, and in safeguarding protected areas, although much remains
to do. Trends in some species and habitats give greater cause for concern, such
as the continuing need to conserve commercial fish stocks at sea. Seabird
abundance in Scotland has been in decline since 1991.
Lessons learned from this assessment, which is being made available at the
start of the International Year of Biodiversity, will help to inform future
actions and monitoring. Scotland’s Biodiversity Strategy has been in place for
just six years. It recognises that there is no quick fix to halting biodiversity
loss by setting out a 25-year framework of action to restore Scotland’s
wildlife, so that Scotland becomes recognised as a world leader in biodiversity
conservation.
The 100-page report is available at
http://www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/biodiversityreport2010.pdf
was released today, showing cause for optimism but not complacency.
The wide-ranging report from Scottish Natural Heritage assesses the state of
Scotland’s wildlife on land, coasts and seas against the 25-year Scottish
Biodiversity Strategy launched in 2004. The strategy emphasises that a healthy,
natural environment is the essential foundation for a greener, healthier,
wealthier Scotland.
Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham said:
"While this report shows there are clearly still some challenges to address, we
can be proud of the progress achieved so far. Our experiences of nature can
inspire us, and even small actions to promote biodiversity can make a real
difference to achieve further progress in halting its decline.
"We as humans are very much part of Scotland's ecosystems and need to recognise
and celebrate this fact during the International Year of Biodiversity. By
getting out and interacting with our wonderful examples of nature, from our back
gardens to our National Parks, we will learn more about it and understand why it
needs our help."
Ian Jardine, chief executive of SNH, said:
"Thanks to the work of many people and organisations throughout Scotland, we
can see notable advances in many areas and for many species. For example, otters
are now found in 92% of Scotland, compared to just 57% in 1979.
“This report confirms that considerable progress has been made to protect
Scotland’s wildlife and natural resources - but we have more work to do.
Globally, biodiversity is being lost at an increasing rate and halting this loss
in Scotland will take a sustained effort over a longer period. 2010 is
International Year of Biodiversity and provides a great opportunity for everyone
to build on the accomplishments so far, and to work together to make sure that
Scotland remains at least as wonderfully diverse and beautiful as it is
today.”
The report pulls together data on the environment from a number of sources. Key
findings include:
● Farmland, woodland, water and upland bird populations have mainly increased
over recent years. Butterfly populations in Scotland are relatively stable.
● Environmental improvements have reduced air, land and water pollution,
allowing wildlife to re-colonise parts of Scotland that had become degraded by
industrialisation and dereliction. Otters are re-established in the central
lowlands and fish diversity is being restored in the Forth and Clyde rivers and
firths.
● We no longer see major losses of our more natural habitats, although
botanical diversity dropped between 1998 and 2007. Woodland has taken on a more
natural appearance, improving Scotland’s scenery and providing opportunities
for wildlife to flourish.
Good progress has been made in stopping declines among especially vulnerable
habitats and species, and in safeguarding protected areas, although much remains
to do. Trends in some species and habitats give greater cause for concern, such
as the continuing need to conserve commercial fish stocks at sea. Seabird
abundance in Scotland has been in decline since 1991.
Lessons learned from this assessment, which is being made available at the
start of the International Year of Biodiversity, will help to inform future
actions and monitoring. Scotland’s Biodiversity Strategy has been in place for
just six years. It recognises that there is no quick fix to halting biodiversity
loss by setting out a 25-year framework of action to restore Scotland’s
wildlife, so that Scotland becomes recognised as a world leader in biodiversity
conservation.
The 100-page report is available at
http://www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/biodiversityreport2010.pdf
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