BBC Gàidhlig is delighted to announce the launch of an extensive new website to support the landmark project, Bliadhna nan Òran / Year of Gaelic Song. As well as supporting radio and television content broadcast throughout 2010 on BBC Radio nan Gaidheal and on BBC ALBA, the website also offers a unique opportunity to listen to and view some of the best songs selected from the BBC’s extensive Gaelic song archive.
www.bbc.co.uk/oran allows users to access content quickly and simply by means of 4 key sections: Songs, Writers, Themes and Singers. This is complemented by a programming section, and a Mod archive allowing unique access to highlights from the BBC’s extensive archive of Gaelic Mod recordings from the years between 1946 and 1979.
The site reflects the riches of the BBC's archive of Gaelic song, offering content from across Scotland: from the earliest audio and video recordings to the present day, providing a diverse range of songs with supporting contextual information.
www.bbc.co.uk/oran currently offers the opportunity to listen to 440 songs with supporting lyrics, 140 excerpts from radio programmes and over 190 videos from television series including the classic ‘Se Ur Beatha and the award winning Aig Cridhe ar Ciùil. Biographical information is also available for approximately 250 singers and writers.
BBC Radio nan Gàidheal’s popular Òran an Là is also available on the site with the audio of each day’s programme and accompanying verbatim transcripts which, as well as being of interest to Gaelic speakers, will support learners of the language with unique, new and accessible content delivered on a daily basis.
Margaret Mary Murray, Head of Service for BBC ALBA, said: “This is a hugely exciting project for the BBC and we hope that throughout 2010 audiences will tune in to BBC Radio nan Gàidheal, watch BBC ALBA and log-on to www.bbc.co.uk/oran in order to sample some of the fabulous songs which are such a richly valued and integral part of our Gaelic culture. There are some real gems within the daily schedules and even more on the website which we hope will grow over time, enabling our audiences to sample and enjoy as many Gaelic songs as we are able to deliver from our archives.”
New content will be added to the site on a weekly basis until the end of 2010.
Friday, 4 June 2010
McGrigor calls for support for Argyll timber trade shipping service.
Jamie McGrigor, Highlands & Islands Conservative MSP, has urged the Scottish Government to give its continued support to the timberLINK shipping service that ships timber daily by sea on a daily basis between ports in Argyll and Troon in Ayrshire. Concerns have been raised over the future of the service which receives government grant support that is only guaranteed until March 2011.
Commenting today at Holyrood, Jamie McGrigor MSP said:
“ The funding package for the Timberlink service has greatly encouraged the transport of timber by sea between Argyll & Bute and Ayrshire and elsewhere in recent years. In anticipation of the funding package ending in March 2011, I have written to the Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham telling her of the importance of this package to the forestry sector and those shipping companies which transport the logs.
“ Forestry is a vital primary industry on the west coast and it is therefore of huge importance that its long term future is assured. The funding package has not increased in value in many years and I also hope that the Minister will look at the appropriate level of funding needed to continue a service which not only helps the forestry industry and the ports, but also helps to keep heavy timber lorries from making long journeys on the west coast’s road network. This important issue has also been raised with me Argyll & Bute Councillor Donald Kelly and by hauliers Peter McKerral and company and I am grateful to them for raising the matter.”
Commenting today at Holyrood, Jamie McGrigor MSP said:
“ The funding package for the Timberlink service has greatly encouraged the transport of timber by sea between Argyll & Bute and Ayrshire and elsewhere in recent years. In anticipation of the funding package ending in March 2011, I have written to the Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham telling her of the importance of this package to the forestry sector and those shipping companies which transport the logs.
“ Forestry is a vital primary industry on the west coast and it is therefore of huge importance that its long term future is assured. The funding package has not increased in value in many years and I also hope that the Minister will look at the appropriate level of funding needed to continue a service which not only helps the forestry industry and the ports, but also helps to keep heavy timber lorries from making long journeys on the west coast’s road network. This important issue has also been raised with me Argyll & Bute Councillor Donald Kelly and by hauliers Peter McKerral and company and I am grateful to them for raising the matter.”
Thursday, 3 June 2010
COUNCIL BOOSTS ARRANGEMENTS FOR CHILDREN WITH ADDITIONAL SUPPORT NEEDS
Argyll and Bute Council is to modernise its arrangements for children and young people with additional support needs in mainstream schools.
The new structure is designed to give schools more autonomy and stability in staffing issues around pupils with additional needs, and at the same time increase the council’s ability to respond flexibly to needs which might emerge during the school session.
The changes concern the management of the service. The support provided to children with additional support needs will not be affected.
Since 1991, Argyll and Bute has operated Area Network Support Teams (ANSTs) to support pupils with additional support needs and their teachers within mainstream schools.
These pupils may also be supported by non-teaching staff within the school (pupil support assistants or classroom assistants) or support allocated by the council (additional support needs assistants).
However, the introduction of the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004 widened the range of additional support needs. This, coupled with the growth in the inclusion of pupils with additional support needs in mainstream schools, led Argyll and Bute Council to review its current arrangements.
The review group - which included head teachers, a principal educational psychologist, quality improvement officers and the ANST co-ordinator – recommended a new structure, which was approved by the Executive today.
The ANST coordinators will be replaced by principal teachers in each area (Cowal; Mid Argyll and Kintyre; Helensburgh and Lomond; Oban, Lorn and the Isles; Bute; Islay and Jura and Mull and Iona), each of whom will have a specialism in an area such as autism spectrum disorder, hearing impairment, visual impairment or child protection.
In addition, there will be two education support officers, one of whom will focus on behavioural difficulties and the other on health and wellbeing, equalities and impairment. And each area will also have an appropriate number of pupil support teachers and additional support needs assistants.
The new structure will be overseen by a new quality improvement manager, who will have overall responsibility for all aspects of pupil support across Argyll and Bute. This will ensure a more integrated approach to supporting children and young people with additional support needs.
The principal teachers will have the responsibility – in collaboration with the educational psychologist and the quality improvement manager – of allocating pupil support teachers to schools. These support teachers will be managed by a senior leader in the schools in which they work.
Councillor Isobel Strong, Argyll and Bute’s spokesperson for Education and Lifelong Learning, said: “This is a change to the management of the service, rather than a change to the actual service which children with additional support needs and their families will receive.
“The new arrangements will give leaders in individual schools the responsibility for deployment and line management of support teachers working within their school.
“This will provide schools with more autonomy and flexibility in relation to meeting their pupils’ needs.”
In the past, schools have benefited from support from lead teachers in hearing impairment and visual impairment.
Councillor Strong said: “The new structure will increase the provision of lead teachers to include autism spectrum disorder, child protection, physical impairment and social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. Support from these teachers will be available to all schools.”
To see a copy of the full report, please go to http://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/moderngov/Published/C00000376/M00004166/AI00052912/$FinalRevisedSupporttoschoolsexecutivepaper28May2010.docA.ps.pdf
The new structure is designed to give schools more autonomy and stability in staffing issues around pupils with additional needs, and at the same time increase the council’s ability to respond flexibly to needs which might emerge during the school session.
The changes concern the management of the service. The support provided to children with additional support needs will not be affected.
Since 1991, Argyll and Bute has operated Area Network Support Teams (ANSTs) to support pupils with additional support needs and their teachers within mainstream schools.
These pupils may also be supported by non-teaching staff within the school (pupil support assistants or classroom assistants) or support allocated by the council (additional support needs assistants).
However, the introduction of the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004 widened the range of additional support needs. This, coupled with the growth in the inclusion of pupils with additional support needs in mainstream schools, led Argyll and Bute Council to review its current arrangements.
The review group - which included head teachers, a principal educational psychologist, quality improvement officers and the ANST co-ordinator – recommended a new structure, which was approved by the Executive today.
The ANST coordinators will be replaced by principal teachers in each area (Cowal; Mid Argyll and Kintyre; Helensburgh and Lomond; Oban, Lorn and the Isles; Bute; Islay and Jura and Mull and Iona), each of whom will have a specialism in an area such as autism spectrum disorder, hearing impairment, visual impairment or child protection.
In addition, there will be two education support officers, one of whom will focus on behavioural difficulties and the other on health and wellbeing, equalities and impairment. And each area will also have an appropriate number of pupil support teachers and additional support needs assistants.
The new structure will be overseen by a new quality improvement manager, who will have overall responsibility for all aspects of pupil support across Argyll and Bute. This will ensure a more integrated approach to supporting children and young people with additional support needs.
The principal teachers will have the responsibility – in collaboration with the educational psychologist and the quality improvement manager – of allocating pupil support teachers to schools. These support teachers will be managed by a senior leader in the schools in which they work.
Councillor Isobel Strong, Argyll and Bute’s spokesperson for Education and Lifelong Learning, said: “This is a change to the management of the service, rather than a change to the actual service which children with additional support needs and their families will receive.
“The new arrangements will give leaders in individual schools the responsibility for deployment and line management of support teachers working within their school.
“This will provide schools with more autonomy and flexibility in relation to meeting their pupils’ needs.”
In the past, schools have benefited from support from lead teachers in hearing impairment and visual impairment.
Councillor Strong said: “The new structure will increase the provision of lead teachers to include autism spectrum disorder, child protection, physical impairment and social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. Support from these teachers will be available to all schools.”
To see a copy of the full report, please go to http://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/moderngov/Published/C00000376/M00004166/AI00052912/$FinalRevisedSupporttoschoolsexecutivepaper28May2010.docA.ps.pdf
LABOUR'S £27 BILLION DEBT LEGACY TO SCOTLAND - MATHER
Following a member's question back in March 2010 to John Swinney, MSP, the Scottish Finance Minister, Jim Mather, MSP for Argyll & Bute commented on the estimated costs associated with the use of the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) by the previous LibDem Labour administration. The Finance Minister estimates that this method of funding for the contracts in operation will cost the Scottish people a total of £27.7 billion up to year 2042 when the last contract is completed.
Jim Mather said,
"This is a devastating expose of the true cost of Labour's favourite funding process for the building of schools, hospitals homes and for the delivery of essential public services. In spite of continual warnings about the future problems that such funding would entail, Labour with their LibDem partners contracted huge sums of future debt by their application of PFI and PPP contracts.
It has been revealed that for the lifetime of those contracts the Scottish people will be paying a total of £27.7 billion in the period up to 2041- a figure close to the total of Scotland's annual budget under present arrangements.
The irony here is that in the current recessionary scenario with the UK government imposing restrictions on the annual settlement, the Scottish government is also facing increasing repayments to pay off the folly of PFI. This will total £820 million in the current year, will peak at £1,097 million in 2024 and will not finish until 2042.
To illustrate this in local terms the sum for annual PFI/PPP unitary repayment for Argyll & Bute is £20.1 million in the current year and £20.3 million in the following year. That level of debt is a huge burden and will only increase.
These figures might give a useful perspective on the next occasion when Alan Reid, MP, is being critical of cut backs in social work, local services, reviews of the schools estate or the imposition of increased costs for the elderly and the vulnerable and remind him of the part played by his colleagues when these debts were being contracted. There is no record of the local MP expressing any concerns at that time about the effect that PFI and PPP would have on future budgets."
Jim Mather said,
"This is a devastating expose of the true cost of Labour's favourite funding process for the building of schools, hospitals homes and for the delivery of essential public services. In spite of continual warnings about the future problems that such funding would entail, Labour with their LibDem partners contracted huge sums of future debt by their application of PFI and PPP contracts.
It has been revealed that for the lifetime of those contracts the Scottish people will be paying a total of £27.7 billion in the period up to 2041- a figure close to the total of Scotland's annual budget under present arrangements.
The irony here is that in the current recessionary scenario with the UK government imposing restrictions on the annual settlement, the Scottish government is also facing increasing repayments to pay off the folly of PFI. This will total £820 million in the current year, will peak at £1,097 million in 2024 and will not finish until 2042.
To illustrate this in local terms the sum for annual PFI/PPP unitary repayment for Argyll & Bute is £20.1 million in the current year and £20.3 million in the following year. That level of debt is a huge burden and will only increase.
These figures might give a useful perspective on the next occasion when Alan Reid, MP, is being critical of cut backs in social work, local services, reviews of the schools estate or the imposition of increased costs for the elderly and the vulnerable and remind him of the part played by his colleagues when these debts were being contracted. There is no record of the local MP expressing any concerns at that time about the effect that PFI and PPP would have on future budgets."
McGrigor speech to Scottish Parliament on World Oceans Day
Jamie McGrigor (Highlands and Islands) (Con): I congratulate Stuart McMillan on securing the debate. I am glad that we are debating the importance of our oceans.
At the weekend I was in the famous Loch Fyne oyster bar. The Gaelic motto of Loch Fyne Oysters is "Nach urramach an cuan", which means, "How worthy of honour is the sea". Surely that philosophy should guide policy makers all over the world, where the oceans are concerned. The sea is indeed a wonderful resource, but it is a fragile one that we should honour and respect if we are to ensure its viability for all future generations.
I congratulate the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission on reaching its 50th anniversary this year and I thank everyone who has contributed to the commission's work over the years. We can all support the IOC's aim, which is to promote international co-operation and to co-ordinate programmes in research, services and capacity building, so that we can learn more about the nature and resources of the oceans and coastal areas and apply that knowledge for the purposes of improved management, sustainable development and protection of the marine environment.
At Scotland level, it is a positive thing that we have the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010, which has ambitious aims for the protection and—this is crucial—restoration of the marine environment. The 2010 act has broad sectoral support.
There are many worrying matters, such as the decline—almost the disappearance—of many fish species in our sea lochs on the west coast. Especially worrying is the decline in runs of migratory wild salmon and sea trout. Such declines are symptoms of something that is wrong with our marine environment or of something that has changed, so it is vital that there be research and development to ascertain the causes of decline and to identify what can be done to resurrect the missing runs of fish. I call on the Government to take action in that regard. I hope that the much-vaunted fresh start for aquaculture will come up with solutions in that respect; if it does not do so, it will be seen to have failed.
Many of my constituents who make their living from the sea think that Scotland's vast marine space can satisfy many and varied needs, provided that the Government takes steps to bring the various parties and interests together to produce solutions that ensure that our marine environment is not a battleground but something that can be sustainably utilised by agreement. The 2010 act seeks consent and co-operation; we hope that it will be implemented in that spirit.
In that regard, the Clyde Fishermen's Association raised a specific point with me, on which the minister might comment. The association is deeply concerned that there is a lack of clarity about the governance arrangements that take precedence in our inshore coastal waters up to 3 miles. Is the marine strategy framework directive or the European Union water framework directive in charge? Surely they cannot both be in charge of the same area. Marine Scotland has so far been unable to provide the required clarity on the question, which people who are in the know find alarming. I would be grateful if the minister could clarify the matter in the debate or give me an answer soon on what is becoming a burning issue. I foresee storms on the horizon, if the matter is not sorted out.
Whenever I debate aquaculture in the Parliament, I talk about the need for us all to seek sustainable coexistence between the wild fish and farmed fish sectors. That is vital to the health of our oceans, especially our coastal waters: it would be disastrous if the wild salmon and sea trout angling tourism for which Scotland has become famous over hundreds of years were to be plagued by sea lice or diseases. It is also vital that the shellfish farms—especially the mussel farms, which have progressed so well—have clean enough water to ensure the viability of their valuable products.
I am pleased that the United Nations has designated a day for our oceans because it raises awareness at an international governmental level. I wish it success and hope that we will hold further such debates in our Parliament. This morning, I listened on Radio 4 to a man who has swum in the sea at the north pole and in a lake on Mount Everest at more than 17,000ft. When he was asked why he did not wear a wet or dry suit, he said that using such devices would eliminate the impact of the contribution that he is making to recognition of the environment's importance. I congratulate him on his bravery and hope that people continue to make waves.
At the weekend I was in the famous Loch Fyne oyster bar. The Gaelic motto of Loch Fyne Oysters is "Nach urramach an cuan", which means, "How worthy of honour is the sea". Surely that philosophy should guide policy makers all over the world, where the oceans are concerned. The sea is indeed a wonderful resource, but it is a fragile one that we should honour and respect if we are to ensure its viability for all future generations.
I congratulate the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission on reaching its 50th anniversary this year and I thank everyone who has contributed to the commission's work over the years. We can all support the IOC's aim, which is to promote international co-operation and to co-ordinate programmes in research, services and capacity building, so that we can learn more about the nature and resources of the oceans and coastal areas and apply that knowledge for the purposes of improved management, sustainable development and protection of the marine environment.
At Scotland level, it is a positive thing that we have the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010, which has ambitious aims for the protection and—this is crucial—restoration of the marine environment. The 2010 act has broad sectoral support.
There are many worrying matters, such as the decline—almost the disappearance—of many fish species in our sea lochs on the west coast. Especially worrying is the decline in runs of migratory wild salmon and sea trout. Such declines are symptoms of something that is wrong with our marine environment or of something that has changed, so it is vital that there be research and development to ascertain the causes of decline and to identify what can be done to resurrect the missing runs of fish. I call on the Government to take action in that regard. I hope that the much-vaunted fresh start for aquaculture will come up with solutions in that respect; if it does not do so, it will be seen to have failed.
Many of my constituents who make their living from the sea think that Scotland's vast marine space can satisfy many and varied needs, provided that the Government takes steps to bring the various parties and interests together to produce solutions that ensure that our marine environment is not a battleground but something that can be sustainably utilised by agreement. The 2010 act seeks consent and co-operation; we hope that it will be implemented in that spirit.
In that regard, the Clyde Fishermen's Association raised a specific point with me, on which the minister might comment. The association is deeply concerned that there is a lack of clarity about the governance arrangements that take precedence in our inshore coastal waters up to 3 miles. Is the marine strategy framework directive or the European Union water framework directive in charge? Surely they cannot both be in charge of the same area. Marine Scotland has so far been unable to provide the required clarity on the question, which people who are in the know find alarming. I would be grateful if the minister could clarify the matter in the debate or give me an answer soon on what is becoming a burning issue. I foresee storms on the horizon, if the matter is not sorted out.
Whenever I debate aquaculture in the Parliament, I talk about the need for us all to seek sustainable coexistence between the wild fish and farmed fish sectors. That is vital to the health of our oceans, especially our coastal waters: it would be disastrous if the wild salmon and sea trout angling tourism for which Scotland has become famous over hundreds of years were to be plagued by sea lice or diseases. It is also vital that the shellfish farms—especially the mussel farms, which have progressed so well—have clean enough water to ensure the viability of their valuable products.
I am pleased that the United Nations has designated a day for our oceans because it raises awareness at an international governmental level. I wish it success and hope that we will hold further such debates in our Parliament. This morning, I listened on Radio 4 to a man who has swum in the sea at the north pole and in a lake on Mount Everest at more than 17,000ft. When he was asked why he did not wear a wet or dry suit, he said that using such devices would eliminate the impact of the contribution that he is making to recognition of the environment's importance. I congratulate him on his bravery and hope that people continue to make waves.
BOOST FOR TRAD MUSIC AWARDS AS MG ALBA AGREES TWO YEAR SPONSORSHIP
MG ALBA (The Gaelic Media Service) has announced today (Thursday 3 June) that it is to continue its sponsorship of the Scots Trad Music Awards with a new two-year agreement covering the event in 2010 and also 2011. The announcement was made by Alasdair Morrison, Chairman of MG ALBA at the Òran Sang conference being staged at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig on Skye.
The MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2010 will take place in the Perth Concert Hall on Saturday 4 December with BBC ALBA broadcasting coverage of the event and also a concert featuring a number of prize winners. MG ALBA is the partner with the BBC in BBC ALBA.
News of the sponsorship and the continuing television coverage has been warmly welcomed by Hands Up For Trad which organises the awards. Simon Thoumire, Director of Hands Up for Trad and the Producer of the Trad Awards said “The sponsorship of the Scots Trad Music Awards by MG ALBA since 2008 has helped greatly to raise the profile of the awards and also the profile of Traditional music in Scotland. The television coverage from BBC ALBA has also brought the music to a wider audience and I am delighted that this will continue for another two years.”
Speaking at the conference Alasdair Morrison said “MG ALBA is pleased to once again be sponsoring the Scots Trad Music Awards which recognise the best of Scottish Traditional and Gaelic music and song. Since coming on air in September 2008, BBC ALBA has achieved wide acclaim and an excellent reputation for its coverage of the Traditional and Gaelic music scene in Scotland and our audiences greatly appreciate seeing their favourite kind of music on BBC ALBA.”
Arthur Cormack, Chief Executive of Fèisean nan Gàidheal said: “The Trad Music Awards are a great showcase for, and celebration of, Scottish Traditional Music - even more so now with the support of MG ALBA and the fact that the awards are broadcast on BBC ALBA. We also support the event as it is presented bilingually and Gaelic language and traditional music are linked within our work and we welcome the continued support of MG ALBA and also the continuing coverage provided by BBC ALBA.”
The MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2010 will take place in the Perth Concert Hall on Saturday 4 December with BBC ALBA broadcasting coverage of the event and also a concert featuring a number of prize winners. MG ALBA is the partner with the BBC in BBC ALBA.
News of the sponsorship and the continuing television coverage has been warmly welcomed by Hands Up For Trad which organises the awards. Simon Thoumire, Director of Hands Up for Trad and the Producer of the Trad Awards said “The sponsorship of the Scots Trad Music Awards by MG ALBA since 2008 has helped greatly to raise the profile of the awards and also the profile of Traditional music in Scotland. The television coverage from BBC ALBA has also brought the music to a wider audience and I am delighted that this will continue for another two years.”
Speaking at the conference Alasdair Morrison said “MG ALBA is pleased to once again be sponsoring the Scots Trad Music Awards which recognise the best of Scottish Traditional and Gaelic music and song. Since coming on air in September 2008, BBC ALBA has achieved wide acclaim and an excellent reputation for its coverage of the Traditional and Gaelic music scene in Scotland and our audiences greatly appreciate seeing their favourite kind of music on BBC ALBA.”
Arthur Cormack, Chief Executive of Fèisean nan Gàidheal said: “The Trad Music Awards are a great showcase for, and celebration of, Scottish Traditional Music - even more so now with the support of MG ALBA and the fact that the awards are broadcast on BBC ALBA. We also support the event as it is presented bilingually and Gaelic language and traditional music are linked within our work and we welcome the continued support of MG ALBA and also the continuing coverage provided by BBC ALBA.”
St VALERY ANNIVERSARY REMEMBERED BY MATHER
There are few towns or villages across the Highlands and Islands that do
not have a memorial or a street or a building that carries some
reference to St Valery en Caux. Commemorative ceremonies have been
recently held to mark the 70th anniversary of the successful evacuation
of more than 300,000 of our troops from the beaches of Dunkirk. In its
scale and in its successful conclusion it was a truly astounding
occasion. The events at Saint Valery that took place in June 1940 almost
two weeks after Dunkirk had an equally profound effect on communities
all over the Highlands and should be recalled with equal pride stated
Jim Mather MSP Argyll & Bute.
Jim Mather said:
Many now living in the Highlands and Islands will have not much recall
about the events at St Valery 70 years ago when a remnant of the British
Army was given the task of fighting a rearguard action to hold up hugely
superior German forces, including Panzer regiments, advancing on the
Channel beaches. Within this force and fighting alongside French troops
were soldiers of the 51st Highland Division, territorial soldiers from
most parts of the Highlands. They eventually were penned in at the
small fishing village of St Valery where, on 12th June surrounded and
finally out of food and ammunition, they were ordered to lay down their
arms and surrender. This was done with extreme reluctance. General Erwin
Rommel, prior to his desert experiences, was in command of the German
army and paid tribute to the courage of the forces he had encountered.
For most of those captured the war was over. They were involved in long
forced marches across Northern France and through Germany to Prisoner of
War (POW) camps in the East. Many died through hunger, wounds and
exhaustion. Some hardy individuals managed to escape and encountered
amazing experiences crossing France and Spain to get back to the UK to
rejoin the war effort. The Highlanders reformed and played a crucial
part in the successful campaigns across North Africa and through Sicily
and Italy.
Our French allies remember the price paid at St Valery and a memorial
high on the cliffs above the town, inscribed in English French and
Gaelic, is the site of annual parades to commemorate what took place.
The legend reads; "La a bhlair is math na cairdean" ;"On the day of
battle it is good to have friends."
There are very few veterans of St Valery around now to recall the
events of June 1940 but we should remember what took place there, the
price that was paid and the reason why St Valery has a very special
resonance within our communities."
not have a memorial or a street or a building that carries some
reference to St Valery en Caux. Commemorative ceremonies have been
recently held to mark the 70th anniversary of the successful evacuation
of more than 300,000 of our troops from the beaches of Dunkirk. In its
scale and in its successful conclusion it was a truly astounding
occasion. The events at Saint Valery that took place in June 1940 almost
two weeks after Dunkirk had an equally profound effect on communities
all over the Highlands and should be recalled with equal pride stated
Jim Mather MSP Argyll & Bute.
Jim Mather said:
Many now living in the Highlands and Islands will have not much recall
about the events at St Valery 70 years ago when a remnant of the British
Army was given the task of fighting a rearguard action to hold up hugely
superior German forces, including Panzer regiments, advancing on the
Channel beaches. Within this force and fighting alongside French troops
were soldiers of the 51st Highland Division, territorial soldiers from
most parts of the Highlands. They eventually were penned in at the
small fishing village of St Valery where, on 12th June surrounded and
finally out of food and ammunition, they were ordered to lay down their
arms and surrender. This was done with extreme reluctance. General Erwin
Rommel, prior to his desert experiences, was in command of the German
army and paid tribute to the courage of the forces he had encountered.
For most of those captured the war was over. They were involved in long
forced marches across Northern France and through Germany to Prisoner of
War (POW) camps in the East. Many died through hunger, wounds and
exhaustion. Some hardy individuals managed to escape and encountered
amazing experiences crossing France and Spain to get back to the UK to
rejoin the war effort. The Highlanders reformed and played a crucial
part in the successful campaigns across North Africa and through Sicily
and Italy.
Our French allies remember the price paid at St Valery and a memorial
high on the cliffs above the town, inscribed in English French and
Gaelic, is the site of annual parades to commemorate what took place.
The legend reads; "La a bhlair is math na cairdean" ;"On the day of
battle it is good to have friends."
There are very few veterans of St Valery around now to recall the
events of June 1940 but we should remember what took place there, the
price that was paid and the reason why St Valery has a very special
resonance within our communities."
Wednesday, 2 June 2010
BBC ALBA – WEEKLY PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS Saturday 12 June – Friday 18 June 2010
Title: Tilleadh Dhachaidh / Coming Home
Alina MacAskill Simpson hopes to make the journey of a lifetime, to return the body of her great uncle from Australia, back to Scotland.
Iain Archie MacAskill, the Bard of Berneray, died in 1934. He spent the last few years of his life in poverty and his poems and letters spoke of his wish to return to the Hebrides and his beloved Berneray. Now 76 years later, Alina intends to honour her Uncle's unfulfilled wish.
To realise her dream Alina has to raise £6000 in six short months. Will she make it? A remarkable story of one woman's determination to honour her Uncle and give him the respect and dignity that are long overdue.
Transmitted: Monday 14th June 2010
Time: 21:00
Title: Cuide Ri Cathy – Margo MacDonald
Cathy MacDonald meets up with famous MSP and campaigner, Margo MacDonald.
Transmitted: Monday 14th June 2010
Time: 22:00
Title: Turus a Bhradain/The Salmon's Journey
Neen Mackay's Scottish fishing odyssey continues with a look at East coast angling.
Transmitted: Tuesday 15th June 2010
Time: 20:30
Alina MacAskill Simpson hopes to make the journey of a lifetime, to return the body of her great uncle from Australia, back to Scotland.
Iain Archie MacAskill, the Bard of Berneray, died in 1934. He spent the last few years of his life in poverty and his poems and letters spoke of his wish to return to the Hebrides and his beloved Berneray. Now 76 years later, Alina intends to honour her Uncle's unfulfilled wish.
To realise her dream Alina has to raise £6000 in six short months. Will she make it? A remarkable story of one woman's determination to honour her Uncle and give him the respect and dignity that are long overdue.
Transmitted: Monday 14th June 2010
Time: 21:00
Title: Cuide Ri Cathy – Margo MacDonald
Cathy MacDonald meets up with famous MSP and campaigner, Margo MacDonald.
Transmitted: Monday 14th June 2010
Time: 22:00
Title: Turus a Bhradain/The Salmon's Journey
Neen Mackay's Scottish fishing odyssey continues with a look at East coast angling.
Transmitted: Tuesday 15th June 2010
Time: 20:30
NFUS wants balance between food production and forestry
NFU Scotland has told a major forestry conference that Scottish agriculture will continue to contribute towards Scottish Government targets of expanding woodland cover, but that policy priorities must focus on food production and having active farmers manage the land.
At the ‘Forestry in the Low Carbon Economy’ conference in Dunblane today (Wednesday, June 2), the Union’s president Jim McLaren said woodland creation does present opportunities for farmers by way of alternative income streams, biodiversity and improving a farm’s carbon balance. However, he added that farming and food production must remain at the forefront of policymakers’ minds when considering a future land use strategy for Scotland.
At the conference, Mr McLaren said:
“As an industry committed to quality food production, we are not convinced that the Scottish Government’s current objective of having a quarter of Scotland’s productive land under trees represents the best use of Scotland’s finite land resource.
“In fact, future land use should not be a choice between farming or forestry, renewables or conservation. All can be accommodated if the policy framework that drives land use decisions can be more coherent and more integrated.
“As we start to tease out a land use strategy for Scotland, we recognise that farming and forestry can be complementary activities but there needs to be clear ground rules on when and where planting should take place. We do not want to see planting of trees on prime arable land and planting on our carbon-rich peatlands will not be permitted. The result is that any drive for increased planting would be focussed on our hills and uplands - the very same land that is the engine room of Scotland’s crucial livestock sector.
“We do accept that there is an important role for forestry within Scottish farming, and woodlands can be integrated into agricultural land use without compromising the ability to produce livestock and crops or the significance of those activities to local economies, biodiversity and communities. The right trees in the right places can bring a host of benefits, not least in terms of meeting ambitious targets in relation to tackling climate change.
“From an individual farmer's perspective, small-scale woodlands can yield a range of management benefits and diversified income streams including timber production, livestock shelter, renewable energy and carbon offsetting. However, there is a danger that the Scottish Government’s forestry targets may only be met by the creation of large-scale standings seen too often in the past.
“We also need to recognise that encouragement for planting more trees is casting a shadow over those farming tenanted ground. We do not want to reach the stage where incentives for tree planting encourages landlords to invoke rules which permit them to take back land for non-agricultural use such as trees. Once again, the impact would be felt on our overall capacity to produce food.” Ends
At the ‘Forestry in the Low Carbon Economy’ conference in Dunblane today (Wednesday, June 2), the Union’s president Jim McLaren said woodland creation does present opportunities for farmers by way of alternative income streams, biodiversity and improving a farm’s carbon balance. However, he added that farming and food production must remain at the forefront of policymakers’ minds when considering a future land use strategy for Scotland.
At the conference, Mr McLaren said:
“As an industry committed to quality food production, we are not convinced that the Scottish Government’s current objective of having a quarter of Scotland’s productive land under trees represents the best use of Scotland’s finite land resource.
“In fact, future land use should not be a choice between farming or forestry, renewables or conservation. All can be accommodated if the policy framework that drives land use decisions can be more coherent and more integrated.
“As we start to tease out a land use strategy for Scotland, we recognise that farming and forestry can be complementary activities but there needs to be clear ground rules on when and where planting should take place. We do not want to see planting of trees on prime arable land and planting on our carbon-rich peatlands will not be permitted. The result is that any drive for increased planting would be focussed on our hills and uplands - the very same land that is the engine room of Scotland’s crucial livestock sector.
“We do accept that there is an important role for forestry within Scottish farming, and woodlands can be integrated into agricultural land use without compromising the ability to produce livestock and crops or the significance of those activities to local economies, biodiversity and communities. The right trees in the right places can bring a host of benefits, not least in terms of meeting ambitious targets in relation to tackling climate change.
“From an individual farmer's perspective, small-scale woodlands can yield a range of management benefits and diversified income streams including timber production, livestock shelter, renewable energy and carbon offsetting. However, there is a danger that the Scottish Government’s forestry targets may only be met by the creation of large-scale standings seen too often in the past.
“We also need to recognise that encouragement for planting more trees is casting a shadow over those farming tenanted ground. We do not want to reach the stage where incentives for tree planting encourages landlords to invoke rules which permit them to take back land for non-agricultural use such as trees. Once again, the impact would be felt on our overall capacity to produce food.” Ends
NATURE PRESENTER TERRY NUTKINS MAKES A CASH PLEA TO HELP CONSERVE SCOTLAND’S WILDLIFE TREASURES
CUIDE RI CATHY – TERRY NUTKINS
Monday 7th June, 10pm, BBC ALBA
Iconic wildlife presenter Terry Nutkins tells Cathy MacDonald that the Government must take greater action in order preserve the rich array of wildlife found across Scotland.
Speaking during the latest programme of the Cuide ri Cathy series on BBC ALBA, Terry strongly criticises the lack of funding given to aid wildlife conservation and explains his view that greater subsidies are required for the country’s fishermen to stop sea stocks diminishing to dangerously low levels.
Terry says: “The government have to put more money in. I’d like to see all the fishing off the west coast of Scotland stopped for a few years and I’d like to see the government give the fishermen a subsidy – the same amount of money they would earn from fishing.
“The government give billions of subsidies to all these big bankers, so I’d like to see them give money to all our fishermen to control fishing more and safeguard all the fish on our coasts for a few years so the stocks can build up again.”
Terry spends a day with Cathy in the Highlands, a place close to his heart having spent most of his life residing in the area. Fondly recognised by several generations from programmes such as Animal Magic and The Really Wild Show, Terry remains as passionate about animals and wildlife as he did at the height of his presenting career.
The Englishman takes Cathy to the Sea Life sanctuary in Oban, an attraction with which he has a close association, before they spend an afternoon sailing on a boat trip from the Firth of Lorn round the islands of Scarba and Jura, in search of some marine wildlife in their natural habitat.
During their time together Terry tells Cathy about his early childhood, spending all of his spare time at London Zoo up until the age of 12. He then moved to the Highlands where renowned Scottish naturalist and author Gavin Maxwell became his legal guardian, with Terry helping to tend and care for animals whilst becoming ever more immersed in his passion for wildlife.
Such enthusiasm for nature and wildlife needs to be nurtured from an early age, Terry explains, although he argues that the axing of TV shows such as the ones he used to feature on will not help. However, with the correct Government assistance, Terry maintains that there can be a bright future for wildlife conservation in Scotland.
CUIDE RI CATHY will be broadcast on BBC ALBA on Monday 7 June at 22.00 and is available on Sky channel 168 & Freesat channel 110.
Monday 7th June, 10pm, BBC ALBA
Iconic wildlife presenter Terry Nutkins tells Cathy MacDonald that the Government must take greater action in order preserve the rich array of wildlife found across Scotland.
Speaking during the latest programme of the Cuide ri Cathy series on BBC ALBA, Terry strongly criticises the lack of funding given to aid wildlife conservation and explains his view that greater subsidies are required for the country’s fishermen to stop sea stocks diminishing to dangerously low levels.
Terry says: “The government have to put more money in. I’d like to see all the fishing off the west coast of Scotland stopped for a few years and I’d like to see the government give the fishermen a subsidy – the same amount of money they would earn from fishing.
“The government give billions of subsidies to all these big bankers, so I’d like to see them give money to all our fishermen to control fishing more and safeguard all the fish on our coasts for a few years so the stocks can build up again.”
Terry spends a day with Cathy in the Highlands, a place close to his heart having spent most of his life residing in the area. Fondly recognised by several generations from programmes such as Animal Magic and The Really Wild Show, Terry remains as passionate about animals and wildlife as he did at the height of his presenting career.
The Englishman takes Cathy to the Sea Life sanctuary in Oban, an attraction with which he has a close association, before they spend an afternoon sailing on a boat trip from the Firth of Lorn round the islands of Scarba and Jura, in search of some marine wildlife in their natural habitat.
During their time together Terry tells Cathy about his early childhood, spending all of his spare time at London Zoo up until the age of 12. He then moved to the Highlands where renowned Scottish naturalist and author Gavin Maxwell became his legal guardian, with Terry helping to tend and care for animals whilst becoming ever more immersed in his passion for wildlife.
Such enthusiasm for nature and wildlife needs to be nurtured from an early age, Terry explains, although he argues that the axing of TV shows such as the ones he used to feature on will not help. However, with the correct Government assistance, Terry maintains that there can be a bright future for wildlife conservation in Scotland.
CUIDE RI CATHY will be broadcast on BBC ALBA on Monday 7 June at 22.00 and is available on Sky channel 168 & Freesat channel 110.
Tuesday, 1 June 2010
FILMG TAKES "THE UPPER HAND"
FilmG, MG ALBA’s ground breaking Gaelic online short film competition will officially launch today (Tuesday 1st June) for the third year, with this year’s theme ‘Làmh an Uachdar’ (‘The Upper Hand’) being revealed.
BBC ALBA presenters, Fiona MacKenzie and Calum MacAulay will join pupils of Ardnamurchan and Mallaig High Schools to launch FilmG 2010, during an afternoon of celebration at Ardnamurchan High School in Strontian. The Ardnamurchan pupils took the upper hand in last year’s competition when they won Best Film in the Young People’s category in FilmG 2009.
Also in attendance will be Donald Campbell, Chief Executive of MG ALBA, who said, “One of the appeals of FilmG is that it is easy to enter, for Gaelic and non-Gaelic speakers. It offers a window for novices, enthusiasts, amateurs and those already working in media to showcase their talent on screen, and success in the competition can open doors to more opportunities. FilmG’s first winner has been shown at film festivals all over the world and is currently showing in Bangalore, while some of last year’s winners are now starting to develop their next short films with us. FilmG opens doors to new experiences and opportunities in the world of Gaelic digital media, and we encourage as many people as possible to take part.”
The competition is open to all over the age of 12, to make three to five minute short films in Gaelic. Non Gaelic speakers and learners are particularly encouraged to get involved and have fun with the language through this creative project. Two distinct categories exist, one for films submitted from the 12-17 age group, the other for adult submissions, with an array of awards available in each. The top prize in the 12-17 age group is for Best Film - £1,500, while some of the fantastic prizes on offer in the Adult category include Best Drama - £2,500 and Best Documentary Film - £2,500.
The FilmG 2010 website will go live today with full details of this year’s competition, all the categories and prizes, and how to enter. The deadline for entries is 19 November 2010.
As in previous years, the competition will also be offering training and development support in the form of online video tutorials and hands-on workshops. Details of these will be posted on the website throughout June.
All winning films and finalist entries from FilmG 2009 are available to watch at www.filmg.co.uk.
BBC ALBA presenters, Fiona MacKenzie and Calum MacAulay will join pupils of Ardnamurchan and Mallaig High Schools to launch FilmG 2010, during an afternoon of celebration at Ardnamurchan High School in Strontian. The Ardnamurchan pupils took the upper hand in last year’s competition when they won Best Film in the Young People’s category in FilmG 2009.
Also in attendance will be Donald Campbell, Chief Executive of MG ALBA, who said, “One of the appeals of FilmG is that it is easy to enter, for Gaelic and non-Gaelic speakers. It offers a window for novices, enthusiasts, amateurs and those already working in media to showcase their talent on screen, and success in the competition can open doors to more opportunities. FilmG’s first winner has been shown at film festivals all over the world and is currently showing in Bangalore, while some of last year’s winners are now starting to develop their next short films with us. FilmG opens doors to new experiences and opportunities in the world of Gaelic digital media, and we encourage as many people as possible to take part.”
The competition is open to all over the age of 12, to make three to five minute short films in Gaelic. Non Gaelic speakers and learners are particularly encouraged to get involved and have fun with the language through this creative project. Two distinct categories exist, one for films submitted from the 12-17 age group, the other for adult submissions, with an array of awards available in each. The top prize in the 12-17 age group is for Best Film - £1,500, while some of the fantastic prizes on offer in the Adult category include Best Drama - £2,500 and Best Documentary Film - £2,500.
The FilmG 2010 website will go live today with full details of this year’s competition, all the categories and prizes, and how to enter. The deadline for entries is 19 November 2010.
As in previous years, the competition will also be offering training and development support in the form of online video tutorials and hands-on workshops. Details of these will be posted on the website throughout June.
All winning films and finalist entries from FilmG 2009 are available to watch at www.filmg.co.uk.
Monday, 31 May 2010
NFUS BIDS TO BOOST SCOTLAND’S HILL FARMING SECTOR
Case made for substantial LFA uplift in Standard area
In a bid to boost the fortunes of all Scotland’s hill farmers, and arrest the ongoing decline in Scottish cattle and sheep numbers, NFU Scotland has delivered a fresh set of proposals to the Scottish Government suggesting improvements to the delivery of the Less Favoured Areas Support Scheme (LFASS).
The Union believes its model will better recognise the importance of active livestock farmers across all of Scotland’s hills and uplands, secure them an improved payment rate and help maximise the huge economic, social and environmental benefits delivered by the scheme.
In June 2009, Cabinet Secretary Richard Lochhead announced plans to increase LFASS payment rates in the Fragile and Very Fragile areas of the scheme by 38 percent – 19 percent in 2010 and 19 percent for next year’s scheme. NFU Scotland has been concerned that while the increase in the payment rates to the Fragile and Very Fragile areas delivers much needed additional support, those active hill units in the Standard area of the scheme, found across much of Scotland, merit similar levels of assistance.
The Union’s proposed modifications would ensure LFASS payments, from 2011, are targeted at those actively farming in LFA areas, wherever they are in Scotland. The proposals would also help iron out any anomalies in the scheme brought about by the “re-basing” exercise carried out in 2009, when scheme recipients were required to provide up-to-date livestock numbers to ensure payments were going to those truly active.
The Union believes that its proposed model of delivery – using different minimum stocking densities on different categories of LFA land - will free up money that can now be used to boost LFASS payments to hill farmers in the Standard area by between 15 and 38 percent. Variable stocking densities will also iron out concerns of hill farmers that the re-basing exercise will not take several categories of stock – ewe hoggs and maiden heifers – into consideration.
NFU Scotland President, Jim McLaren said:
“LFASS is a fundamentally important scheme to the health and wellbeing of Scotland’s hills and uplands and is key to tackling the Scottish industry’s mounting concerns over declining cattle and sheep numbers. We have submitted proposals to the Scottish Government on how we think delivery of that funding can be changed to better recognise the contribution made by those producing stock across the whole LFA area.
“We believe an increase in LFASS payments for land in the Standard area, alongside those increases already agreed for the Fragile and Very Fragile areas, would make a massive contribution to the real costs of looking after livestock in these parts. We have proposed modifications to ensure LFASS payments, from 2011, will deliver just that.
“The re-basing exercise that asked LFASS producers to update their stock numbers has already been completed. Along with our proposed introduction of variable minimum stocking densities for LFASS 2011, this has the potential to free up funding within the LFASS budget. We think there are opportunities to use that funding to secure significant increases in the payment rates paid to active producers in the LFASS Standard area and deliver a real shot in the arm to livestock production across a huge chunk of Scotland’s hills and uplands.” Ends
Notes:
· Currently, the single minimum stocking density threshold for all farms in LFASS (regardless of grazing category) is 0.12 LU/ha. NFU Scotland has proposed that this be changed to a range of variable minimum stocking densities, to be introduced to LFASS 2011. The key reason for this proposal is to make up for the loss of ewe hoggs and under 20 month heifers in the recent re-calculation of stocking densities. Excluding these livestock categories would mean that the most extensive hill units might have their eligible hectares restricted further and could have seen LFASS payments reduced while being no less active.
· NFU Scotland has already requested that the Scottish Government model a number of possible variable minimum stocking density options. The Scottish Government has carried out this analysis. The Union believes that the analysis shows that funds would be freed up within the existing LFASS budget, and has now asked that the Scottish Government consider the following scheme changes.
- Secure the LFASS budget to 2013. Re-basing is intended to update LFA activity and the introduction of variable minimum stocking densities must not be used as a vehicle to reduce LFASS expenditure.
- Retain the existing payment rate increases, as announced in June 2009, for the Fragile and Very Fragile areas to LFASS 2013.
- Introduce variable minimum stocking rates as per the NFU Scotland model under LFASS 2011 - to recover the loss of ewe hoggs and under 20 month heifers in the calculation of stocking density following the re-basing exercise.
- Increase payment rates by 38 percent for A and B land in the Standard area for LFASS 2011-2013. This would be on a par with the increases already secured for all LFA land in the Fragile and Very Fragile areas, and would absorb approximately £2.5 million of the freed up funds within the LFASS budget.
- Increase payment rates by 15 percent for C and D land in the Standard area for LFASS 2011-2013. This would absorb approximately £3 million of the freed up funds within the LFASS budget.
· In recent discussions with the Scottish Government, the issue of dairy farming within the LFA has arisen. Outside the milk quota ring-fenced areas of Argyll and the Islands and Orkney and Shetland, dairying is not deemed an eligible activity and LFA dairy farms do not receive LFASS. NFU Scotland has previously argued that if new money became available, then dairy farming should be included within the LFASS scheme. We await a decision from Scottish Government on whether it intends to include dairy farming as an eligible activity in the future.
In a bid to boost the fortunes of all Scotland’s hill farmers, and arrest the ongoing decline in Scottish cattle and sheep numbers, NFU Scotland has delivered a fresh set of proposals to the Scottish Government suggesting improvements to the delivery of the Less Favoured Areas Support Scheme (LFASS).
The Union believes its model will better recognise the importance of active livestock farmers across all of Scotland’s hills and uplands, secure them an improved payment rate and help maximise the huge economic, social and environmental benefits delivered by the scheme.
In June 2009, Cabinet Secretary Richard Lochhead announced plans to increase LFASS payment rates in the Fragile and Very Fragile areas of the scheme by 38 percent – 19 percent in 2010 and 19 percent for next year’s scheme. NFU Scotland has been concerned that while the increase in the payment rates to the Fragile and Very Fragile areas delivers much needed additional support, those active hill units in the Standard area of the scheme, found across much of Scotland, merit similar levels of assistance.
The Union’s proposed modifications would ensure LFASS payments, from 2011, are targeted at those actively farming in LFA areas, wherever they are in Scotland. The proposals would also help iron out any anomalies in the scheme brought about by the “re-basing” exercise carried out in 2009, when scheme recipients were required to provide up-to-date livestock numbers to ensure payments were going to those truly active.
The Union believes that its proposed model of delivery – using different minimum stocking densities on different categories of LFA land - will free up money that can now be used to boost LFASS payments to hill farmers in the Standard area by between 15 and 38 percent. Variable stocking densities will also iron out concerns of hill farmers that the re-basing exercise will not take several categories of stock – ewe hoggs and maiden heifers – into consideration.
NFU Scotland President, Jim McLaren said:
“LFASS is a fundamentally important scheme to the health and wellbeing of Scotland’s hills and uplands and is key to tackling the Scottish industry’s mounting concerns over declining cattle and sheep numbers. We have submitted proposals to the Scottish Government on how we think delivery of that funding can be changed to better recognise the contribution made by those producing stock across the whole LFA area.
“We believe an increase in LFASS payments for land in the Standard area, alongside those increases already agreed for the Fragile and Very Fragile areas, would make a massive contribution to the real costs of looking after livestock in these parts. We have proposed modifications to ensure LFASS payments, from 2011, will deliver just that.
“The re-basing exercise that asked LFASS producers to update their stock numbers has already been completed. Along with our proposed introduction of variable minimum stocking densities for LFASS 2011, this has the potential to free up funding within the LFASS budget. We think there are opportunities to use that funding to secure significant increases in the payment rates paid to active producers in the LFASS Standard area and deliver a real shot in the arm to livestock production across a huge chunk of Scotland’s hills and uplands.” Ends
Notes:
· Currently, the single minimum stocking density threshold for all farms in LFASS (regardless of grazing category) is 0.12 LU/ha. NFU Scotland has proposed that this be changed to a range of variable minimum stocking densities, to be introduced to LFASS 2011. The key reason for this proposal is to make up for the loss of ewe hoggs and under 20 month heifers in the recent re-calculation of stocking densities. Excluding these livestock categories would mean that the most extensive hill units might have their eligible hectares restricted further and could have seen LFASS payments reduced while being no less active.
· NFU Scotland has already requested that the Scottish Government model a number of possible variable minimum stocking density options. The Scottish Government has carried out this analysis. The Union believes that the analysis shows that funds would be freed up within the existing LFASS budget, and has now asked that the Scottish Government consider the following scheme changes.
- Secure the LFASS budget to 2013. Re-basing is intended to update LFA activity and the introduction of variable minimum stocking densities must not be used as a vehicle to reduce LFASS expenditure.
- Retain the existing payment rate increases, as announced in June 2009, for the Fragile and Very Fragile areas to LFASS 2013.
- Introduce variable minimum stocking rates as per the NFU Scotland model under LFASS 2011 - to recover the loss of ewe hoggs and under 20 month heifers in the calculation of stocking density following the re-basing exercise.
- Increase payment rates by 38 percent for A and B land in the Standard area for LFASS 2011-2013. This would be on a par with the increases already secured for all LFA land in the Fragile and Very Fragile areas, and would absorb approximately £2.5 million of the freed up funds within the LFASS budget.
- Increase payment rates by 15 percent for C and D land in the Standard area for LFASS 2011-2013. This would absorb approximately £3 million of the freed up funds within the LFASS budget.
· In recent discussions with the Scottish Government, the issue of dairy farming within the LFA has arisen. Outside the milk quota ring-fenced areas of Argyll and the Islands and Orkney and Shetland, dairying is not deemed an eligible activity and LFA dairy farms do not receive LFASS. NFU Scotland has previously argued that if new money became available, then dairy farming should be included within the LFASS scheme. We await a decision from Scottish Government on whether it intends to include dairy farming as an eligible activity in the future.
Jamie McGrigor's speech in the Member's Debate on Pentland Ferries in the Scottish Parliament.
Jamie McGrigor (Highlands and Islands) (Con): I, too, congratulate my good friend and Highlands and Islands MSP colleague Mary Scanlon on securing an important debate. I put on record my thanks to Andrew Banks and all his team at Pentland Ferries and my appreciation for the excellent service that they provide to my constituents. He comes from an ancient line of marine pilots who have navigated the Pentland Firth, which is one of the most dangerous sea channels in the world, for generations.
As I say, his company provides an excellent service. My constituents are fortunate indeed that Pentland Ferries offers a fast, frequent, reliable, efficient and competitively priced service that provides the choice of an alternative to the NorthLink service and increased capacity. Andrew Banks also provides an invaluable service to farmers and crofters in the transport of their livestock. He does all that at no cost to the taxpayer. His ferry service runs through one of the most challenging areas of sea in the marine world. It is the type of business that we should be commending and promoting in today's Scotland.
I was delighted to attend the recent book launch of "Pentland Hero", which is published by the leading Scottish publisher Birlinn, and I recommend it to all my MSP colleagues, because it is a very good read, and to anyone who has an interest in how we can support free enterprise and improve ferry services in Scotland.
The book sets out just how many obstacles Andrew Banks faced in trying to establish his service and compete with NorthLink, with its multimillion-pound Government subsidy. His success is all the more remarkable, given that he overcame those obstacles and won on what would appear to be an unfair playing field. Policy makers need to understand what enables his company to operate so successfully that, had it received subsidy equivalent to that which is received by NorthLink, it would have been able to offer a free service on the lifeline Scrabster to Stromness route, which would have saved the taxpayer around £20 million a year.
I believe that Andrew Banks offered to do much the same on the Campbeltown to Ballycastle route for no subsidy but was again ignored by the Scottish Government.
Although the debate focuses on Pentland Ferries, I commend Western Ferries, which operates, without subsidy, in my native Argyll and Bute and provides a first-class and customer-responsive service on the Gourock to Dunoon route. Western Ferries, too, offers an alternative option at no cost to the taxpayer.
The successful operations of Pentland Ferries and Western Ferries surely demonstrate that the private sector has much to offer the ferry sector in Scotland. We await with great interest the results of the Government's ferries review. We will continue to argue strongly that enterprising businessmen, such as Andrew Banks, who provide good ferry services should be able to compete fairly for more routes around Scotland's coastline.
I will end with a quote:
"This book tells the story of one man fighting an industrial bully. It amplifies the lone voice of the consumer against the battalions of 'we-know-best' government monopolists, who have never turned in anything approaching a profit."
Those are not my words, but the words of Lord Robertson.
As I say, his company provides an excellent service. My constituents are fortunate indeed that Pentland Ferries offers a fast, frequent, reliable, efficient and competitively priced service that provides the choice of an alternative to the NorthLink service and increased capacity. Andrew Banks also provides an invaluable service to farmers and crofters in the transport of their livestock. He does all that at no cost to the taxpayer. His ferry service runs through one of the most challenging areas of sea in the marine world. It is the type of business that we should be commending and promoting in today's Scotland.
I was delighted to attend the recent book launch of "Pentland Hero", which is published by the leading Scottish publisher Birlinn, and I recommend it to all my MSP colleagues, because it is a very good read, and to anyone who has an interest in how we can support free enterprise and improve ferry services in Scotland.
The book sets out just how many obstacles Andrew Banks faced in trying to establish his service and compete with NorthLink, with its multimillion-pound Government subsidy. His success is all the more remarkable, given that he overcame those obstacles and won on what would appear to be an unfair playing field. Policy makers need to understand what enables his company to operate so successfully that, had it received subsidy equivalent to that which is received by NorthLink, it would have been able to offer a free service on the lifeline Scrabster to Stromness route, which would have saved the taxpayer around £20 million a year.
I believe that Andrew Banks offered to do much the same on the Campbeltown to Ballycastle route for no subsidy but was again ignored by the Scottish Government.
Although the debate focuses on Pentland Ferries, I commend Western Ferries, which operates, without subsidy, in my native Argyll and Bute and provides a first-class and customer-responsive service on the Gourock to Dunoon route. Western Ferries, too, offers an alternative option at no cost to the taxpayer.
The successful operations of Pentland Ferries and Western Ferries surely demonstrate that the private sector has much to offer the ferry sector in Scotland. We await with great interest the results of the Government's ferries review. We will continue to argue strongly that enterprising businessmen, such as Andrew Banks, who provide good ferry services should be able to compete fairly for more routes around Scotland's coastline.
I will end with a quote:
"This book tells the story of one man fighting an industrial bully. It amplifies the lone voice of the consumer against the battalions of 'we-know-best' government monopolists, who have never turned in anything approaching a profit."
Those are not my words, but the words of Lord Robertson.
COUNCIL AGREES DATES FOR EDUCATION BUDGET CONSULTATION
Argyll and Bute Council has agreed the details of its informal consultation exercise regarding the education budget.
As agreed at the Executive meeting on May 17, four events have now been organised at which key stakeholders will be invited to discuss how the council spends its education budget.
The sessions will be in Lochgilphead on June 8, Helensburgh on June 10, Oban on June 16 and Dunoon on June 17.
Councillor Isobel Strong, Argyll and Bute’s spokesperson for Education and Lifelong Learning, said: “The purpose of the sessions is to consult with key interest groups on the provision of education, make them aware of the Council’s current budget position and get their views on how the authority should prioritise areas of spend within education.
“This will not be a discussion on individual schools. What we are seeking people’s views on is education as a whole, and how Argyll and Bute can best meet future challenges whilst still maintaining our commitment to providing high quality education to the children and young people in our area.”
The meetings will be opened by Councillor Strong and moderated by Keir Bloomer, formerly vice-chair of Learning and Teaching Scotland and a member of the group which wrote ‘A Curriculum for Excellence’.
During each event there will be smaller breakout discussion sessions. Mr Bloomer will then head a session to summarise the views which were raised in the smaller groups.
The list of those invited is:
Head teachers and senior school management
Parent Council representatives
Union representatives
Local members
Local media
HMIE area representatives
Two senior pupils nominated from each secondary school
As agreed at the Executive meeting on May 17, four events have now been organised at which key stakeholders will be invited to discuss how the council spends its education budget.
The sessions will be in Lochgilphead on June 8, Helensburgh on June 10, Oban on June 16 and Dunoon on June 17.
Councillor Isobel Strong, Argyll and Bute’s spokesperson for Education and Lifelong Learning, said: “The purpose of the sessions is to consult with key interest groups on the provision of education, make them aware of the Council’s current budget position and get their views on how the authority should prioritise areas of spend within education.
“This will not be a discussion on individual schools. What we are seeking people’s views on is education as a whole, and how Argyll and Bute can best meet future challenges whilst still maintaining our commitment to providing high quality education to the children and young people in our area.”
The meetings will be opened by Councillor Strong and moderated by Keir Bloomer, formerly vice-chair of Learning and Teaching Scotland and a member of the group which wrote ‘A Curriculum for Excellence’.
During each event there will be smaller breakout discussion sessions. Mr Bloomer will then head a session to summarise the views which were raised in the smaller groups.
The list of those invited is:
Head teachers and senior school management
Parent Council representatives
Union representatives
Local members
Local media
HMIE area representatives
Two senior pupils nominated from each secondary school
SCOTCH WHISKY IS A CORNERSTONE OF THE SCOTTISH ECONOMY
PR from Scotch Whisky Association
- New study reveals Scotch Whisky’s massive economic impact across Scotland -
Figures released today (Sunday 30 May 2010) reveal that Scotch Whisky is worth £4 billion a
y ear in added value to the Scottish economy - with the industry spending in excess of £1.1 billion
annually on supplies produced north of the Border.
A new study - The Economic Impact of Scotch Whisky Production in Scotland - by Verso
Economics, also reveals the industry’s annual turnover in Scotland is now £6.4 billion and that
after oil & gas the sector remains the country’s leading manufactured export , with shipments of
£3.1 billion a year.
The spending with Scottish suppliers, which includes £200 mi llion on cereals, helps support
35,000 Scottish jobs, with the industry itself directly employing 10,300 people across the country.
The study, commissioned by The Scotch Whisky Association, also reveals:
Spending with Scottish suppliers has increased by 61% since 2000
Export value has grown by 42% since 2000 (from £2.2 billion)
Capital spending of £355 million a year, of which nearly a third is invested in Scotland
Scotch Whisky’s economic impact is as significant as tourism - with employees adding
twelve times more value per head
Industry productivity at £262,000 per employee is six times the Scottish average
One fifth of Scotch Whisky jobs are in the more fragile rural communities across the
Highlands & Islands
Scotch Whisky supports double the numb er of Scottish jobs than those in aerospace &
defence, as well as a similar number to those employed in Scottish universities
The majority of employment is found in Strathclyde (52%), Central Scotland & Fife (17%),
Grampian (14%), and Lothian (11%)
Welcoming the study's conclusions, Gavin Hewitt, SWA Chief Executive, said:
"Scotch Whisky's importance to Scotland is clear. The study confirms Scotch Whisky is a
cornerstone of the Scottish economy, supporting 35,000 jobs and generati ng around £4 billio n in
added value. That economic impact benefits every corner of Scotland, with distillers spending
over £1 billion across the supply chain.
"The new UK Government wants to support manufacturing and exporters, and build a fairer tax
system. It could combine all three objectives by reforming an unfair duty regime which
undermines the competitiveness of the Scotch Whisky industry. The alcohol duty structure is no
longer fit for purpose, discriminating against Scotch Whisky at home and sending out the wrong
message overseas.
“ We are pleased the new Coalition Government has announced it will review alcohol taxation.
The aim must be to put in place a fairer and more socially responsible regime where all alcohol is
taxed according to conten t. With the right support, the Scotch Whisky industry can deliver even
more to communities across Scotland."
- New study reveals Scotch Whisky’s massive economic impact across Scotland -
Figures released today (Sunday 30 May 2010) reveal that Scotch Whisky is worth £4 billion a
y ear in added value to the Scottish economy - with the industry spending in excess of £1.1 billion
annually on supplies produced north of the Border.
A new study - The Economic Impact of Scotch Whisky Production in Scotland - by Verso
Economics, also reveals the industry’s annual turnover in Scotland is now £6.4 billion and that
after oil & gas the sector remains the country’s leading manufactured export , with shipments of
£3.1 billion a year.
The spending with Scottish suppliers, which includes £200 mi llion on cereals, helps support
35,000 Scottish jobs, with the industry itself directly employing 10,300 people across the country.
The study, commissioned by The Scotch Whisky Association, also reveals:
Spending with Scottish suppliers has increased by 61% since 2000
Export value has grown by 42% since 2000 (from £2.2 billion)
Capital spending of £355 million a year, of which nearly a third is invested in Scotland
Scotch Whisky’s economic impact is as significant as tourism - with employees adding
twelve times more value per head
Industry productivity at £262,000 per employee is six times the Scottish average
One fifth of Scotch Whisky jobs are in the more fragile rural communities across the
Highlands & Islands
Scotch Whisky supports double the numb er of Scottish jobs than those in aerospace &
defence, as well as a similar number to those employed in Scottish universities
The majority of employment is found in Strathclyde (52%), Central Scotland & Fife (17%),
Grampian (14%), and Lothian (11%)
Welcoming the study's conclusions, Gavin Hewitt, SWA Chief Executive, said:
"Scotch Whisky's importance to Scotland is clear. The study confirms Scotch Whisky is a
cornerstone of the Scottish economy, supporting 35,000 jobs and generati ng around £4 billio n in
added value. That economic impact benefits every corner of Scotland, with distillers spending
over £1 billion across the supply chain.
"The new UK Government wants to support manufacturing and exporters, and build a fairer tax
system. It could combine all three objectives by reforming an unfair duty regime which
undermines the competitiveness of the Scotch Whisky industry. The alcohol duty structure is no
longer fit for purpose, discriminating against Scotch Whisky at home and sending out the wrong
message overseas.
“ We are pleased the new Coalition Government has announced it will review alcohol taxation.
The aim must be to put in place a fairer and more socially responsible regime where all alcohol is
taxed according to conten t. With the right support, the Scotch Whisky industry can deliver even
more to communities across Scotland."
A83 Lochgilphead to Inveraray
- 4 Road Improvement Schemes.
Planned closures for a £675,000 package of improvements on the A83 will now start at the later time of 9pm.
The works, announced earlier this week, were scheduled to start at 8pm but this change has been adopted as a result of customer feedback.
A spokesperson for Scotland Transerv said
"The views of local communities are always important to us and that is why we will now be starting works an hour later than scheduled. This new timetable, agreed with Argyll and Bute Council, will provide communities and tourists in the area with better access during these essential maintenance works.
"We would like to thank the community for their feedback on this programme and request their continued patience whilst these carriageway works, which will benefit road users with a better road for years to come, are being undertaken."
Notes to editors
The schemes are currently programmed to be constructed, in separate two week slots, between 30 May and 25th of June 2010 and are programmed as follows:
A83 Birdfield (30th May 2010 until 11th June 2010.)
A83 Minard (30th May 2010 until 11th June 2010.)
A83 Duncholgan (6th June 2010 until 18th June 2010)
A83 Dalchenna point (13th June 2010 until 25th June 2010)
Due to the narrow carriageway in this area, night-time road closures are necessary to ensure safety to road workers and road users alike. The work was originally programmed to be carried out between 8pm and 6am Sunday night to Friday morning. Transport Scotland has now agreed to change the timings to between 9pm and 6am Sunday night to Friday morning. Scotland Transerv will closely monitor the impact this may have on the community to ensure that there are no negative aspects.
Planned closures for a £675,000 package of improvements on the A83 will now start at the later time of 9pm.
The works, announced earlier this week, were scheduled to start at 8pm but this change has been adopted as a result of customer feedback.
A spokesperson for Scotland Transerv said
"The views of local communities are always important to us and that is why we will now be starting works an hour later than scheduled. This new timetable, agreed with Argyll and Bute Council, will provide communities and tourists in the area with better access during these essential maintenance works.
"We would like to thank the community for their feedback on this programme and request their continued patience whilst these carriageway works, which will benefit road users with a better road for years to come, are being undertaken."
Notes to editors
The schemes are currently programmed to be constructed, in separate two week slots, between 30 May and 25th of June 2010 and are programmed as follows:
A83 Birdfield (30th May 2010 until 11th June 2010.)
A83 Minard (30th May 2010 until 11th June 2010.)
A83 Duncholgan (6th June 2010 until 18th June 2010)
A83 Dalchenna point (13th June 2010 until 25th June 2010)
Due to the narrow carriageway in this area, night-time road closures are necessary to ensure safety to road workers and road users alike. The work was originally programmed to be carried out between 8pm and 6am Sunday night to Friday morning. Transport Scotland has now agreed to change the timings to between 9pm and 6am Sunday night to Friday morning. Scotland Transerv will closely monitor the impact this may have on the community to ensure that there are no negative aspects.
COUNCIL WARNS OF RAISED SHELLFISH TOXIN LEVELS
Raised levels of naturally occurring algal toxins have been identified in two areas of Argyll and Bute.
Monitoring work undertaken by the council has found increased levels of the toxins at Stonefield on Loch Fyne, and in the Sound of Gigha.
Eating shellfish such as cockles, mussels or razor fish from these areas may pose a risk to human health, and notices to warn the public and casual gatherers have been posted at various locations on the shore.
Commercial shellfish harvesters in these areas have been contacted, and steps have been taken to postpone harvesting until algae levels subside.
The council continues to monitor the situation, and when the levels subside the warning notices and restrictions will be removed.
It is a sensible precaution to avoid eating shellfish from these areas until further notice. A futher statement will be issued when the levels have sufficiently dropped.
For further information, please contact the council’s environmental health team on 01631 567920
Monitoring work undertaken by the council has found increased levels of the toxins at Stonefield on Loch Fyne, and in the Sound of Gigha.
Eating shellfish such as cockles, mussels or razor fish from these areas may pose a risk to human health, and notices to warn the public and casual gatherers have been posted at various locations on the shore.
Commercial shellfish harvesters in these areas have been contacted, and steps have been taken to postpone harvesting until algae levels subside.
The council continues to monitor the situation, and when the levels subside the warning notices and restrictions will be removed.
It is a sensible precaution to avoid eating shellfish from these areas until further notice. A futher statement will be issued when the levels have sufficiently dropped.
For further information, please contact the council’s environmental health team on 01631 567920
Ardbeg Supernova Returns - Distillery PR
– SN2010 Launched Today –
Ardbeg – the iconic malt whisky distillery on the remote island of Islay – has launched the second edition of its award winning single malt Supernova, described by the Company as “the peatiest Ardbeg ever”.
A preview bottling of the first edition sold out last year in a record 112 minutes when it was offered for sale online – making it the fastest selling whisky in the Distillery’s 195-year history. It was snapped up online in an exclusive offer to members of the Ardbeg Committee, a group of 53,000 Ardbeg fans across 112 countries.
The second edition – Ardbeg SN2010 – challenges the palate with the same phenomenal levels of peatiness as the 2009 release but with a higher strength at 60.1 per cent ABV and a deeper, earthier character. This second limited edition release is at least 40 per cent more “peaty” than the Distillery’s renowned and already very heavily peated flagship – Ardbeg Ten Years Old.
The 2009 edition of Ardbeg Supernova – which takes its name from the “galactic explosion” as stars end their lives – was awarded the prestigious accolade of “Best Scotch Whisky of the Year” in Jim Murray’s latest Whisky Bible.
Hamish Torrie, Brand Director Ardbeg, said: “With its hot, sizzling and grainy sensations that effervesce and explode on the tongue followed by a powerful peaty punch, this is truly yet another galactic explosion of aromas. Limited supplies of Ardbeg SN2010 coupled with last year’s record sell out, means we are anticipating it may not be available for long.”
Dr Bill Lumsden, Head of Distilling and Whisky Creation, commented: “We believe with Ardbeg SN2010, we have created a compelling whisky which will again, like the 2009 release, both delight and challenge those looking for an ‘out-of-this-world’ whisky experience. The intensity of flavours is Ardbeg at its most powerful and peaty and yet we always have that delightful layered, sweet complexity that makes Ardbeg such a sensational dram.”
Ardbeg SN2010 will be available from 31 May in limited quantities online at www.Ardbeg.com and at specialist whisky shops at a price of around £80.00 in the UK.
Ardbeg – the iconic malt whisky distillery on the remote island of Islay – has launched the second edition of its award winning single malt Supernova, described by the Company as “the peatiest Ardbeg ever”.
A preview bottling of the first edition sold out last year in a record 112 minutes when it was offered for sale online – making it the fastest selling whisky in the Distillery’s 195-year history. It was snapped up online in an exclusive offer to members of the Ardbeg Committee, a group of 53,000 Ardbeg fans across 112 countries.
The second edition – Ardbeg SN2010 – challenges the palate with the same phenomenal levels of peatiness as the 2009 release but with a higher strength at 60.1 per cent ABV and a deeper, earthier character. This second limited edition release is at least 40 per cent more “peaty” than the Distillery’s renowned and already very heavily peated flagship – Ardbeg Ten Years Old.
The 2009 edition of Ardbeg Supernova – which takes its name from the “galactic explosion” as stars end their lives – was awarded the prestigious accolade of “Best Scotch Whisky of the Year” in Jim Murray’s latest Whisky Bible.
Hamish Torrie, Brand Director Ardbeg, said: “With its hot, sizzling and grainy sensations that effervesce and explode on the tongue followed by a powerful peaty punch, this is truly yet another galactic explosion of aromas. Limited supplies of Ardbeg SN2010 coupled with last year’s record sell out, means we are anticipating it may not be available for long.”
Dr Bill Lumsden, Head of Distilling and Whisky Creation, commented: “We believe with Ardbeg SN2010, we have created a compelling whisky which will again, like the 2009 release, both delight and challenge those looking for an ‘out-of-this-world’ whisky experience. The intensity of flavours is Ardbeg at its most powerful and peaty and yet we always have that delightful layered, sweet complexity that makes Ardbeg such a sensational dram.”
Ardbeg SN2010 will be available from 31 May in limited quantities online at www.Ardbeg.com and at specialist whisky shops at a price of around £80.00 in the UK.
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