NFU Scotland has exchanged views on the future of the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) with the newly appointed EU Agriculture Commissioner, Dacian Cioloş, at a meeting in Brussels yesterday (Thursday, 11 February).
The Commissioner addressed a meeting of European farm union leaders, staged by COPA-COGECA, the umbrella organisation for farming unions and co-operatives. Top of his agenda will be ongoing discussions on the reform of the CAP post-2013.
During the meeting, NFU Scotland Chief Executive James Withers was able to question Commissioner Cioloş about CAP reform before having the opportunity at the end of the event for a brief discussion on the issue, and its impact on Scottish farmers and crofters. It is hoped that the new Commissioner will take up invitations to visit Scotland in the near future.
Speaking from Brussels, James Withers said:
''The Commissioner was keen to stress in all our discussions that he is approaching the new job with an open mind. He is a supporter of a common agricultural policy but wants the industry to approach reform with a positive - not defensive - mindset, highlighting the clear benefits of public funding going into agriculture and the need to safeguard a viable and competitive EU agricultural sector.
''It was clear from the meeting that there is a significant groundswell of support across Europe for ensuring that public money is targeted at those who are actively contributing to farming and food production. I asked the Commissioner specifically about this issue and he recognised that it would undoubtedly have to be part of the post-2013 CAP debate.
“The French, in particular, share Scottish concerns around the current system's failure to protect food production activity - a message also taken up by Greek and Italian representatives. The French want greater tools to deliver production-linked support. How that squares off with the desire of others to ensure as much commonality across member states remains to be seen. It is clear that other real tensions exist. The most obvious of these will revolve around the call from the new member states for a flatter system of payments; a move which, in essence, means money moving from West to East across Europe.
''Scotland is already involved in the CAP reform debate and the Commissioner has already received an invite to visit Scotland. Not surprisingly, he is drowning in similar invitations just now, but he hopes to come to Scotland and the rest of the UK shortly. That would be good news. Having enjoyed an excellent relationship with his predecessor, Mariann Fischer Boel, which saw the former Commissioner in Scotland on several occasions, it would be fantastic if we could develop a similar rapport with Commissioner Cioloş.”
Friday, 12 February 2010
Response from Argyll and Bute to Donald Ewan Darroch on land acquisition for Port Askaig Pier
Mr Darroch,
I have now reviewed the position in relation to the Port Askaig acquisitions in the light of your email of 12 November 2009 and would comment as follows:
1. I have now checked the various titles in terms of which the Council's predecessor Council acquired title to lands at Port Askaig and have converted all measurements into square metres. Prior to redevelopment commencing, the Council had title to approximately 15,088 square metres, and prior to work commencing on the respective phases, the Council entered into binding contracts for the acquisition of approximately 17,444 square metres, the majority from Dunlossit Estates. As part of the contracts, the Council agreed to transfer approximately 3218 square metres to sellers.
2. On completion of the binding contracts referred to, a total of £44,500 was paid to sellers to enable the Council to gain entry to the relevant land. This does not represent payment in full for all the land, since, as previously indicated, 3218 square metres is to be conveyed by the Council to sellers.
3. The contracts to which I have referred represent legally binding and enforceable contracts entitling the Council to a conveyance of the relevant land in exchange for fulfilment by the Council of its obligations in terms of the missives. These contracts are enforceable for a period of up to 20 years after the date they are entered into.
4. It was only after the works had been completed that the precise boundaries of the land being acquired from Dunlossit could be established - these could not be established prior to the Council taking entry and commencing the engineering works. Additionally, it was a condition of the contract with Dunlossit that part of the old road to be conveyed to the Estate required to be stopped up and this process, which I was advised commenced in 2005, was completed only in November 2009.
5. The Council has not registered title to the land but steps will be taken to conclude matters over the course of the next few weeks. This will also involve conveying the 3218 square metres to the sellers.
6 The Council has of course enjoyed possession of the land and no-one has to date, or is likely to in the future, question its entitlement to use the land in question.
7. I was not consulted about the terms of the Area Committee report to which have referred but it may be that officer concerned made certain assumptions about the stage matters had reached.
8. I repeat that the Council and its funders were, and remain, fully protected by virtue of the contracts which are in place and indeed are doubly protected by virtue of the adoption of the road in accordance with the provisions of the Roads (Scotland ) Act 1984.
Donald Kelly
Chief Solicitor, Conveyancing Contracts & Estates
I have now reviewed the position in relation to the Port Askaig acquisitions in the light of your email of 12 November 2009 and would comment as follows:
1. I have now checked the various titles in terms of which the Council's predecessor Council acquired title to lands at Port Askaig and have converted all measurements into square metres. Prior to redevelopment commencing, the Council had title to approximately 15,088 square metres, and prior to work commencing on the respective phases, the Council entered into binding contracts for the acquisition of approximately 17,444 square metres, the majority from Dunlossit Estates. As part of the contracts, the Council agreed to transfer approximately 3218 square metres to sellers.
2. On completion of the binding contracts referred to, a total of £44,500 was paid to sellers to enable the Council to gain entry to the relevant land. This does not represent payment in full for all the land, since, as previously indicated, 3218 square metres is to be conveyed by the Council to sellers.
3. The contracts to which I have referred represent legally binding and enforceable contracts entitling the Council to a conveyance of the relevant land in exchange for fulfilment by the Council of its obligations in terms of the missives. These contracts are enforceable for a period of up to 20 years after the date they are entered into.
4. It was only after the works had been completed that the precise boundaries of the land being acquired from Dunlossit could be established - these could not be established prior to the Council taking entry and commencing the engineering works. Additionally, it was a condition of the contract with Dunlossit that part of the old road to be conveyed to the Estate required to be stopped up and this process, which I was advised commenced in 2005, was completed only in November 2009.
5. The Council has not registered title to the land but steps will be taken to conclude matters over the course of the next few weeks. This will also involve conveying the 3218 square metres to the sellers.
6 The Council has of course enjoyed possession of the land and no-one has to date, or is likely to in the future, question its entitlement to use the land in question.
7. I was not consulted about the terms of the Area Committee report to which have referred but it may be that officer concerned made certain assumptions about the stage matters had reached.
8. I repeat that the Council and its funders were, and remain, fully protected by virtue of the contracts which are in place and indeed are doubly protected by virtue of the adoption of the road in accordance with the provisions of the Roads (Scotland ) Act 1984.
Donald Kelly
Chief Solicitor, Conveyancing Contracts & Estates
Speech to Scottish Parliament on BBC ALBA - Jamie McGrigor
As a Highlands & Islands MSP I am very pleased to have the opportunity to speak in today’s short but important debate and one which is timely.
As my friend Ted Brocklebank said earlier in the debate, the Scottish Conservatives are proud that we have been consistent supporters of BBC Alba since its inception and we have also consistently argued that it should be available on Freeview. Indeed I made this point very strongly to the then Minister Mike Russell at a Question Time in this chamber just after the BBC Trust announced its review of BBC Alba in late October last year. I would also point out that the Scottish Conservatives’ wider record on support for Gaelic has been steadfast and meaningful including of course the establishment of the Gaelic Broadcasting Fund. Conservatives in government delivered tangible benefits for the Gaelic language and Gaelic speakers and I expect the next Conservative Government to do the same.
BBC Alba’s availability on Freeview is important for many reasons. At the basic level there is a simple issue of fairness: many of my constituents in the Highlands and Islands do not want- or actually cannot afford- to pay hundreds of pounds to access the Gaelic channel through satellite TV. Given that Irish people can watch their Irish Gaelic channel free and that Wales can watch its Welsh channel free, it is logical that people in Scotland should be able to access BBC Alba too. And in turn it is clear to me that developing and maintaining a critical mass of viewers for BBC Alba requires it to be available on Freeview. And I want to dispel any concerns that we might somehow lose our access to BBC network radio stations if Alba is added to Freeview in place of some radio stations- even if this does happen radio listeners would still be able to access their stations on Freeview when BBC Alba is not on air and also on FM, AM, DAB, satellite, cable and online all of the time.
Then there is the wider argument, of which I am wholly convinced, that BBC Alba has a vitally important role in sustaining and expanding the Gaelic language. If we want- and I think all of us on all sides of the chamber are unanimous in this- to reach out to Gaelic speakers and, crucially, encourage greater awareness of the language and a greater number of people to become involved in learning it, then BBC Alba will be so much more powerful a tool if it is available on Freeview. The medium of TV is critical in reflecting and supporting Gaelic culture, identity and heritage and that medium must be widely and easily available. BBC Alba has been a real success story with some excellent and innovative programming: everyone should have the opportunity to watch this, allowing the channel to fulfil its role in assisting the sustenance and future development of the Gaelic language.
In conclusion Presiding Officer, I hope that today’s debate will help further inform the BBC Trust as it prepares to respond to the consultation it has undertaken, a consultation I am confident that demonstrated a widespread support for BBC Alba being available on Freeview. I support the amendment in my friend Ted Brocklebank’s name.
As my friend Ted Brocklebank said earlier in the debate, the Scottish Conservatives are proud that we have been consistent supporters of BBC Alba since its inception and we have also consistently argued that it should be available on Freeview. Indeed I made this point very strongly to the then Minister Mike Russell at a Question Time in this chamber just after the BBC Trust announced its review of BBC Alba in late October last year. I would also point out that the Scottish Conservatives’ wider record on support for Gaelic has been steadfast and meaningful including of course the establishment of the Gaelic Broadcasting Fund. Conservatives in government delivered tangible benefits for the Gaelic language and Gaelic speakers and I expect the next Conservative Government to do the same.
BBC Alba’s availability on Freeview is important for many reasons. At the basic level there is a simple issue of fairness: many of my constituents in the Highlands and Islands do not want- or actually cannot afford- to pay hundreds of pounds to access the Gaelic channel through satellite TV. Given that Irish people can watch their Irish Gaelic channel free and that Wales can watch its Welsh channel free, it is logical that people in Scotland should be able to access BBC Alba too. And in turn it is clear to me that developing and maintaining a critical mass of viewers for BBC Alba requires it to be available on Freeview. And I want to dispel any concerns that we might somehow lose our access to BBC network radio stations if Alba is added to Freeview in place of some radio stations- even if this does happen radio listeners would still be able to access their stations on Freeview when BBC Alba is not on air and also on FM, AM, DAB, satellite, cable and online all of the time.
Then there is the wider argument, of which I am wholly convinced, that BBC Alba has a vitally important role in sustaining and expanding the Gaelic language. If we want- and I think all of us on all sides of the chamber are unanimous in this- to reach out to Gaelic speakers and, crucially, encourage greater awareness of the language and a greater number of people to become involved in learning it, then BBC Alba will be so much more powerful a tool if it is available on Freeview. The medium of TV is critical in reflecting and supporting Gaelic culture, identity and heritage and that medium must be widely and easily available. BBC Alba has been a real success story with some excellent and innovative programming: everyone should have the opportunity to watch this, allowing the channel to fulfil its role in assisting the sustenance and future development of the Gaelic language.
In conclusion Presiding Officer, I hope that today’s debate will help further inform the BBC Trust as it prepares to respond to the consultation it has undertaken, a consultation I am confident that demonstrated a widespread support for BBC Alba being available on Freeview. I support the amendment in my friend Ted Brocklebank’s name.
HIE Chief Executive to take on green energy role
Sandy Cumming CBE, Chief Executive of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) for the past nine and a half years, plans to leave the organisation next month and take on a new, national role.
Mr Cumming (57), is the Scottish Government's choice to help spearhead the development of renewable offshore energy across the public sector in Scotland.
The new post will involve working closely with Jim Mather, Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism, and liaising between the Government and relevant public sector bodies - including local authorities, enterprise agencies and the Crown Estate - to ensure effective collaboration on a range of offshore green energy projects.
It is a one-year secondment, lasting until spring 2011. Following this, Mr Cumming plans to pursue other opportunities in the public and voluntary sectors.
The process of recruiting a new Chief Executive for Highlands and Islands Enterprise will begin immediately.
Born in Dingwall, Ross-shire, raised on a farm in Strathconon and schooled at Dingwall Academy, Sandy Cumming has worked for HIE and its predecessor body for almost all of his career to date.
He joined the Highlands and Islands Development Board (HIDB) in 1973, after graduating from Edinburgh University with a BSc Honours degree in Agricultural Economics.
During his time with HIE and the HIDB, Mr Cumming has held a variety of key posts, including Head of Natural Resources, Director of Growing Businesses, and five years in charge of the local enterprise company serving Ross and Cromarty in the 1990s.
Taking on the new Government role will resolve a potential conflict of interest for the Chief Executive, whose home neighbours Beechwood Farm, Inverness, a 215-acre site which HIE owns and plans to develop over several years as an education and business park.
Mr Cumming himself declared his interest as soon as HIE began exploring the development of the Inverness Campus project in 2008. Because of this, he has played no part in any discussion or decision regarding the project to date.
However, that could not be a permanent solution, because, as HIE's statutory accountable officer, the Chief Executive is required to take a comprehensive overview of all of HIE's operations.
Both HIE and the Scottish Government made strenuous attempts to identify a suitable governance solution, before concluding that Mr Cumming could not continue in his present post while the risk of a conflict of interest remained.
"Offshore renewable energy presents Scotland with one of its greatest ever economic opportunities and I am delighted at the prospect of playing a part in developing the sector over the next 12 months," said Mr Cumming.
"The Highlands and Islands is a special place and it has been my great privilege to serve the area and its people for more than 35 years.
"I genuinely believe that being Chief Executive of Highlands and Islands Enterprise is one of the best jobs in Scotland.
"The organisation has achieved a massive amount since it was established, and it still has a great deal to contribute to the success of this region and of Scotland.
"Whoever takes over as my successor can be sure they are inheriting a great organisation with a dedicated and ambitious workforce."
John Swinney MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth, said:
"I want to put on record the thanks of the Scottish Government for the outstanding contribution Sandy Cumming has made to the economy of the Highlands and Islands over a substantial number of years.
"The proposal that will see Mr Cumming now spearheading the development of Scotland's vast off-shore renewables potential will ensure that he continues to play a significant role in the economic development of the Highlands and Islands and indeed the whole of Scotland. In that respect, I welcome this move as a positive outcome for all concerned.
"Although I have no doubt he will be greatly missed at HIE, I look forward to Mr Cumming joining this exciting push to harness the vast potential economic and environmental benefits of clean, green energy."
William Roe, Chair of Highlands and Islands Enterprise, described Mr Cumming as 'an exemplary leader' who would be greatly missed at HIE.
"Sandy has devoted his working life to the advancement of the Highlands and Islands," said Mr Roe.
"He joined HIE's predecessor in the early 1970s as a young man determined to make a positive difference to the region where he was born and raised, and he has never lost sight of that purpose in his journey to the very top of HIE.
"As Chief Executive, he has proved himself time and again to be an exemplary leader who is universally liked as well as respected by all those who have worked with him. That’s a rare distinction indeed.
"The present circumstances which make it necessary for Sandy to stand down as HIE Chief Executive could not have been foreseen or prevented.
"It's a testament to his abilities, as well as the regard in which he is held that he has been chosen for such an important new role on the national stage.
"Sandy leaves with the best wishes of all the staff and Board members who have had the pleasure of working with him over the years."
HIE's present Acting Chief Executive, Sandy Brady, will remain in that position until a permanent replacement is appointed.
Mr Cumming (57), is the Scottish Government's choice to help spearhead the development of renewable offshore energy across the public sector in Scotland.
The new post will involve working closely with Jim Mather, Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism, and liaising between the Government and relevant public sector bodies - including local authorities, enterprise agencies and the Crown Estate - to ensure effective collaboration on a range of offshore green energy projects.
It is a one-year secondment, lasting until spring 2011. Following this, Mr Cumming plans to pursue other opportunities in the public and voluntary sectors.
The process of recruiting a new Chief Executive for Highlands and Islands Enterprise will begin immediately.
Born in Dingwall, Ross-shire, raised on a farm in Strathconon and schooled at Dingwall Academy, Sandy Cumming has worked for HIE and its predecessor body for almost all of his career to date.
He joined the Highlands and Islands Development Board (HIDB) in 1973, after graduating from Edinburgh University with a BSc Honours degree in Agricultural Economics.
During his time with HIE and the HIDB, Mr Cumming has held a variety of key posts, including Head of Natural Resources, Director of Growing Businesses, and five years in charge of the local enterprise company serving Ross and Cromarty in the 1990s.
Taking on the new Government role will resolve a potential conflict of interest for the Chief Executive, whose home neighbours Beechwood Farm, Inverness, a 215-acre site which HIE owns and plans to develop over several years as an education and business park.
Mr Cumming himself declared his interest as soon as HIE began exploring the development of the Inverness Campus project in 2008. Because of this, he has played no part in any discussion or decision regarding the project to date.
However, that could not be a permanent solution, because, as HIE's statutory accountable officer, the Chief Executive is required to take a comprehensive overview of all of HIE's operations.
Both HIE and the Scottish Government made strenuous attempts to identify a suitable governance solution, before concluding that Mr Cumming could not continue in his present post while the risk of a conflict of interest remained.
"Offshore renewable energy presents Scotland with one of its greatest ever economic opportunities and I am delighted at the prospect of playing a part in developing the sector over the next 12 months," said Mr Cumming.
"The Highlands and Islands is a special place and it has been my great privilege to serve the area and its people for more than 35 years.
"I genuinely believe that being Chief Executive of Highlands and Islands Enterprise is one of the best jobs in Scotland.
"The organisation has achieved a massive amount since it was established, and it still has a great deal to contribute to the success of this region and of Scotland.
"Whoever takes over as my successor can be sure they are inheriting a great organisation with a dedicated and ambitious workforce."
John Swinney MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth, said:
"I want to put on record the thanks of the Scottish Government for the outstanding contribution Sandy Cumming has made to the economy of the Highlands and Islands over a substantial number of years.
"The proposal that will see Mr Cumming now spearheading the development of Scotland's vast off-shore renewables potential will ensure that he continues to play a significant role in the economic development of the Highlands and Islands and indeed the whole of Scotland. In that respect, I welcome this move as a positive outcome for all concerned.
"Although I have no doubt he will be greatly missed at HIE, I look forward to Mr Cumming joining this exciting push to harness the vast potential economic and environmental benefits of clean, green energy."
William Roe, Chair of Highlands and Islands Enterprise, described Mr Cumming as 'an exemplary leader' who would be greatly missed at HIE.
"Sandy has devoted his working life to the advancement of the Highlands and Islands," said Mr Roe.
"He joined HIE's predecessor in the early 1970s as a young man determined to make a positive difference to the region where he was born and raised, and he has never lost sight of that purpose in his journey to the very top of HIE.
"As Chief Executive, he has proved himself time and again to be an exemplary leader who is universally liked as well as respected by all those who have worked with him. That’s a rare distinction indeed.
"The present circumstances which make it necessary for Sandy to stand down as HIE Chief Executive could not have been foreseen or prevented.
"It's a testament to his abilities, as well as the regard in which he is held that he has been chosen for such an important new role on the national stage.
"Sandy leaves with the best wishes of all the staff and Board members who have had the pleasure of working with him over the years."
HIE's present Acting Chief Executive, Sandy Brady, will remain in that position until a permanent replacement is appointed.
Tuesday, 9 February 2010
BBC ALBA – Saturday 20, February – Friday 26, February, 2010
Title: Spòrs/SPL - Motherwell v Hibernian
Join the House of Sport team for the SPL 90, sports action, news and interviews.
Transmitted: Saturday 20th February 2010
Time: 20:00
Title: Blas 2009 Music Festival
Highlights from a stunning show celebrating our national drink, 'whisky', recorded in Ben Nevis Distillery, in Fort William. Produced by the accomplished Glenfinnan musician, Iain MacFarlane, and featuring Ingrid Henderson and Ewan Robertson, there's a promise of great songs, tunes and fantastic craic!
Transmitted: Saturday 20th February 2010
Time: 22:00
Title: Trusadh - Deserting Uist
The Uist rocket range has always provoked controversy; its backdrop, one of the most unique landscapes and cultures in the British Isles. As its future comes under fresh scrutiny, Colin Maclean takes a look at the history behind the installation and the hotly debated 1957 campaign to relocate the Uist population to Canada.
Transmitted: Monday 22nd February 2010
Time: 21:00
Title: Farpaisean Chon-Chaorach/Sheepdog Trials
Catriona MacPhee and Donald MacSween present highlights of the 2009 Scottish National Sheepdog Trials from Annan.
Transmitted: Tuesday 23rd February 2010
Time: 21:00
Title: Robert Mone - Saorsa Gu Siorruidh?
The life and crimes of Dundee murderer Robert Mone, who remains active in his bid for parole.
Transmitted: Wednesday 24th February 2010
Time: 21:00
Title: Club TV
Exclusive interviews, match action, and a look behind the scenes at Celtic and Rangers F.C.
Transmitted: Wednesday 24th February 2010
Time: 22:30
Join the House of Sport team for the SPL 90, sports action, news and interviews.
Transmitted: Saturday 20th February 2010
Time: 20:00
Title: Blas 2009 Music Festival
Highlights from a stunning show celebrating our national drink, 'whisky', recorded in Ben Nevis Distillery, in Fort William. Produced by the accomplished Glenfinnan musician, Iain MacFarlane, and featuring Ingrid Henderson and Ewan Robertson, there's a promise of great songs, tunes and fantastic craic!
Transmitted: Saturday 20th February 2010
Time: 22:00
Title: Trusadh - Deserting Uist
The Uist rocket range has always provoked controversy; its backdrop, one of the most unique landscapes and cultures in the British Isles. As its future comes under fresh scrutiny, Colin Maclean takes a look at the history behind the installation and the hotly debated 1957 campaign to relocate the Uist population to Canada.
Transmitted: Monday 22nd February 2010
Time: 21:00
Title: Farpaisean Chon-Chaorach/Sheepdog Trials
Catriona MacPhee and Donald MacSween present highlights of the 2009 Scottish National Sheepdog Trials from Annan.
Transmitted: Tuesday 23rd February 2010
Time: 21:00
Title: Robert Mone - Saorsa Gu Siorruidh?
The life and crimes of Dundee murderer Robert Mone, who remains active in his bid for parole.
Transmitted: Wednesday 24th February 2010
Time: 21:00
Title: Club TV
Exclusive interviews, match action, and a look behind the scenes at Celtic and Rangers F.C.
Transmitted: Wednesday 24th February 2010
Time: 22:30
Monday, 8 February 2010
NEED TO TACKLE NEGLECT IN CROFTING BILL PROPOSALS
In commenting on the Crofting Reform (Scotland) Bill, NFU Scotland has welcomed the significant improvements written into the Bill since its draft publication in May 2009 but has also highlighted the need for the bill to better tackle key issues such as croft abandonment and neglect.
With approximately 800 crofting members, the Union is well placed to represent the views of those actively managing crofts across all of Scotland’s crofting areas. It has welcomed the launch of the new Bill and looks forward to helping Scottish Government shape legislation that truly delivers for active crofters.
The Union’s Crofting, Highlands and Islands Working Group Chair, Mrs Jo Durno said:
“The stated objectives of the Crofting Reform (Scotland) Bill are to put in place a robust regulatory and governance framework for the future of crofting that will reverse its decline and ensure that crofting continues to contribute to sustainable economic growth in some of Scotland’s most remote rural communities. In our latest submission to the Scottish Government we have recognised that the Bill is significantly improved from last May’s draft, but that it still contains areas of concern for us.
“In particular, we believe the current proposals for dealing with absenteeism, misuse and neglect of crofts and croft land do not tackle these thorny subjects well enough and we have made suggestions to the Scottish Government on how we think this can be improved.
“The Bill would place a duty on the Crofters Commission to take action in respect of absenteeism and neglect by both tenant and owner-occupier crofters. This should help to ensure that crofting contributes to economic growth by requiring crofters to be resident on or near their croft and to put it to some form of productive use.
“We are firmly of the opinion that neglect is the most significant issue that must be addressed through the Bill rather than absenteeism alone while absenteeism and neglect together present the worst situation of all. The purpose of the Bill should be to ensure that the Commission can take effective action to ensure that crofts are actively managed, tackling the issue of neglect first rather than absenteeism on its own. The primary aim must be one of ensuring active management of crofts rather than determining who should be doing the crofting.
“In trying to tackle absenteeism through the Bill, it would be extremely difficult to justify or unfair to enforce a residency requirement on crofters that would need them to live on or within 10 miles of the croft. Any distance measurement would be arbitrary and if retained within the Bill, a distance requirement shou
With approximately 800 crofting members, the Union is well placed to represent the views of those actively managing crofts across all of Scotland’s crofting areas. It has welcomed the launch of the new Bill and looks forward to helping Scottish Government shape legislation that truly delivers for active crofters.
The Union’s Crofting, Highlands and Islands Working Group Chair, Mrs Jo Durno said:
“The stated objectives of the Crofting Reform (Scotland) Bill are to put in place a robust regulatory and governance framework for the future of crofting that will reverse its decline and ensure that crofting continues to contribute to sustainable economic growth in some of Scotland’s most remote rural communities. In our latest submission to the Scottish Government we have recognised that the Bill is significantly improved from last May’s draft, but that it still contains areas of concern for us.
“In particular, we believe the current proposals for dealing with absenteeism, misuse and neglect of crofts and croft land do not tackle these thorny subjects well enough and we have made suggestions to the Scottish Government on how we think this can be improved.
“The Bill would place a duty on the Crofters Commission to take action in respect of absenteeism and neglect by both tenant and owner-occupier crofters. This should help to ensure that crofting contributes to economic growth by requiring crofters to be resident on or near their croft and to put it to some form of productive use.
“We are firmly of the opinion that neglect is the most significant issue that must be addressed through the Bill rather than absenteeism alone while absenteeism and neglect together present the worst situation of all. The purpose of the Bill should be to ensure that the Commission can take effective action to ensure that crofts are actively managed, tackling the issue of neglect first rather than absenteeism on its own. The primary aim must be one of ensuring active management of crofts rather than determining who should be doing the crofting.
“In trying to tackle absenteeism through the Bill, it would be extremely difficult to justify or unfair to enforce a residency requirement on crofters that would need them to live on or within 10 miles of the croft. Any distance measurement would be arbitrary and if retained within the Bill, a distance requirement shou
MG ALBA PRAISES EMERGING CREATIVE TALENT AT ANNUAL GAELIC SCREEN AWARD CEREMONY
MG ALBA, the Gaelic Media Service today (Sunday) praised emerging creative talent in Scotland, following FilmG, their Gaelic online digital shorts competition, which was aimed at unearthing creative talent in the Scottish media industry.
The competition, for the second year running, was a resounding success attracting an excellent calibre of entries from all over Scotland as well as many international productions, with creative ideas ranging from chilling ghost stories to animations, action and adventure.
FilmG’s award ceremony was held at Eden Court Theatre, Inverness (Friday 5 February).
Guest presenter on the night was Joe Thomas who stars as Simon Cooper in the BAFTA nominated British sitcom The Inbetweeners, along with some of Scotland’s most successful film makers and script writers who have supported FilmG. The award ceremony culminated with live entertainment from BBC ALBA Rapal winners, Niteworks.
Donald Campbell, Chief Executive of MG ALBA, said: “Congratulations to all wining entries in this year’s completion. In the second year running, FilmG has attracted an excellent calibre of entries in both the Young People and Adult category, all of whom have shown great ambition and creative talent.
“Our aim is to help develop creative talent in Gaelic media through FilmG, and we were extremely impressed with the range of imaginative interpretations of this year‘s theme ‘Gaisgeach’, (Hero, Warrior or Champion). I would like to thank everyone who participated this year and hope that as FilmG develops, more will participate next year in the competition as it offers an excellent opportunity for those interested in pursuing a career in Scotland’s screen industries.”
Winners of the top awards were as follows:
· Best Drama – Ewan Smith from Dundee for Cnap-starra Cànain (The language barrier)
o Cnap-starra Cànain follows the tale of a man walking his dog who is asked for directions by a most unusual visitor! To view the film visit http://www.filmg.co.uk/en/viewfilm09.php?id=153
· Best Performance – Liz Pyper a Glasgow Gaelic student originally from Blackhall, Edinburgh for ‘An Latha a fhuair Gaidhlig greim air an t-saoghal’ (The day Gaelic took over the world) produced, written and directed by Liz Pyper
o ‘An Latha a fhuair Gaidhlig greim air an t-saoghal’ tells the tale of a girl who is happy with her life but for one thing.....what would happen if all of her wishes came true? To view this film visit www.filmg.co.uk/en/viewfilm09.php?id=144.
· Best ‘Young People’ Film - Pupils from Ardnamurchan High School for ‘An Texan a' Tilleadh Dhachaigh’ (The Texan Coming Home)
o ‘An Texan a' Tilleadh Dhachaigh’ tells the tale of a Texan returning home to Strontian - but what will the people at home think of him? To view this film visit www.filmg.co.uk/en/viewfilm09.php?id=182
· People’s Choice Award – Pupils from Islay High School for (The Tower)
o ‘An Tùr’ tells the story of a girl who is dreaming in class of a tower and sees her friend walk into it. She wakens with a fright from the teacher and sees him wearing the same cloak as she saw in the dream. She warns her friend not to go to the tower. Her dream becomes reality where she goes on a mission to save her friend. Upon saving her, she remembers that there are three other girls missing. To view this film visit http://www.filmg.co.uk/en/viewfilm09.php?id=123.
FilmG does offer opportunities in the Scottish creative industry. As a result of entering FilmG last year, Uisdean Murray, an acclaimed young director from North Uist, who won the top award of ‘best professional film’ for his entry ‘Siubhlachan’ (Traveller), had his short entered into two prestigious international film festivals last summer; the Time Film Festival, Switzerland and the Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival, South Korea. The film was also screened at Rutger Hauer’s Internet Contest last year.
‘Siubhlachan’, an intriguing Gaelic short film which tells the poignant tale about a young girl, Seonag, who travels back in time to visit her recently deceased Grandfather was commissioned for a BBC ALBA drama and broadcast on Christmas Eve 2009.
For further information on FilmG and to view all winning entries visit www.filmg.co.uk.
The competition, for the second year running, was a resounding success attracting an excellent calibre of entries from all over Scotland as well as many international productions, with creative ideas ranging from chilling ghost stories to animations, action and adventure.
FilmG’s award ceremony was held at Eden Court Theatre, Inverness (Friday 5 February).
Guest presenter on the night was Joe Thomas who stars as Simon Cooper in the BAFTA nominated British sitcom The Inbetweeners, along with some of Scotland’s most successful film makers and script writers who have supported FilmG. The award ceremony culminated with live entertainment from BBC ALBA Rapal winners, Niteworks.
Donald Campbell, Chief Executive of MG ALBA, said: “Congratulations to all wining entries in this year’s completion. In the second year running, FilmG has attracted an excellent calibre of entries in both the Young People and Adult category, all of whom have shown great ambition and creative talent.
“Our aim is to help develop creative talent in Gaelic media through FilmG, and we were extremely impressed with the range of imaginative interpretations of this year‘s theme ‘Gaisgeach’, (Hero, Warrior or Champion). I would like to thank everyone who participated this year and hope that as FilmG develops, more will participate next year in the competition as it offers an excellent opportunity for those interested in pursuing a career in Scotland’s screen industries.”
Winners of the top awards were as follows:
· Best Drama – Ewan Smith from Dundee for Cnap-starra Cànain (The language barrier)
o Cnap-starra Cànain follows the tale of a man walking his dog who is asked for directions by a most unusual visitor! To view the film visit http://www.filmg.co.uk/en/viewfilm09.php?id=153
· Best Performance – Liz Pyper a Glasgow Gaelic student originally from Blackhall, Edinburgh for ‘An Latha a fhuair Gaidhlig greim air an t-saoghal’ (The day Gaelic took over the world) produced, written and directed by Liz Pyper
o ‘An Latha a fhuair Gaidhlig greim air an t-saoghal’ tells the tale of a girl who is happy with her life but for one thing.....what would happen if all of her wishes came true? To view this film visit www.filmg.co.uk/en/viewfilm09.php?id=144.
· Best ‘Young People’ Film - Pupils from Ardnamurchan High School for ‘An Texan a' Tilleadh Dhachaigh’ (The Texan Coming Home)
o ‘An Texan a' Tilleadh Dhachaigh’ tells the tale of a Texan returning home to Strontian - but what will the people at home think of him? To view this film visit www.filmg.co.uk/en/viewfilm09.php?id=182
· People’s Choice Award – Pupils from Islay High School for (The Tower)
o ‘An Tùr’ tells the story of a girl who is dreaming in class of a tower and sees her friend walk into it. She wakens with a fright from the teacher and sees him wearing the same cloak as she saw in the dream. She warns her friend not to go to the tower. Her dream becomes reality where she goes on a mission to save her friend. Upon saving her, she remembers that there are three other girls missing. To view this film visit http://www.filmg.co.uk/en/viewfilm09.php?id=123.
FilmG does offer opportunities in the Scottish creative industry. As a result of entering FilmG last year, Uisdean Murray, an acclaimed young director from North Uist, who won the top award of ‘best professional film’ for his entry ‘Siubhlachan’ (Traveller), had his short entered into two prestigious international film festivals last summer; the Time Film Festival, Switzerland and the Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival, South Korea. The film was also screened at Rutger Hauer’s Internet Contest last year.
‘Siubhlachan’, an intriguing Gaelic short film which tells the poignant tale about a young girl, Seonag, who travels back in time to visit her recently deceased Grandfather was commissioned for a BBC ALBA drama and broadcast on Christmas Eve 2009.
For further information on FilmG and to view all winning entries visit www.filmg.co.uk.
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