Anyone who wishes to apply for jobs within Argyll and Bute Council can now do so at the click of a mouse, as all job vacancies are advertised on the My Job Scotland recruitment portal.
This change will bring many benefits to the recruitment process. Application forms can be filled out online, with applicants being informed about their progress via email. This minimises the paper, printing and postage costs that exist in the current recruitment process. Arranging interviews and notifying both successful and unsuccessful candidates can be done by email, allowing for further savings as well as quicker responses from both parties.
My job Scotland promotes local government as a dynamic career option, and is a cost effective way of creating a national platform of awareness of jobs in the council. This will allow a more competitive application process, with a wider variety of applicants to apply for jobs they previously would have had limited information on.
Jane Fowler, head of Improvement and Strategic HR said: “Using My Job Scotland will allow us to present the council as an interesting and regarding place to work on a national platform. As well as being cost effective, we will be able to attract a bigger variety of applicants offering different skills and experience, ensuring we have the capacity to get the best possible employees.
Anyone who would like to apply for jobs in Argyll and Bute Council needs to register on www.myjobscotland.gov.uk As well as allowing prospective candidates to apply for jobs with a variety of employers, the site provides the option to receive job alerts directly for future vacancies.
For people without access to emails, paper applications can be made available. Careers information will still be published on the council’s website.
For further information, visit www.argyll-bute.gov.uk or call the recruitment team on 01546 604286 or 01546 604034.
Tuesday, 1 February 2011
£2.6 million project to protect Irish and Scottish waterways from invasive plants
A £2.6 million project to protect the waterways of Ireland and Scotland will be launched today (Tuesday 1 February) at Queen’s University Belfast. This critical project aims to control invasive plants, such as the giant hogweed, which are taking over river banks; limiting their use for angling and recreation, destroying ecosystems, and causing health problems for those who come into contact with the aggressive plants.
Invasive species are the second biggest cause of biodiversity loss worldwide. Their economic impact in Europe has been estimated at over €12 billion per year, and they cost around £7.5 million to control each year in river corridors in Britain.
These species are plants that have been introduced to a place where they do not naturally occur. They can be bigger, faster growing or more aggressive than native plants, therefore upsetting the balance of the ecosystem. They may also have fewer natural predators to control numbers, meaning that native plants are often unable to compete and the invasive species quickly take over.
The EU funded CIRB project (Controlling Priority Invasive Species and Restoring Native Biodiversity) will control ‘invasive species’ like the giant hogweed, rhododendron, Japanese knotweed and Himalayan balsam, in river catchments in border regions of Ireland and Scotland.
The CIRB project will focus on the River Faughan in Co. Derry/Londonderry, the Newry Canal/Clanrye River, and the Rive Dee/River Glyde in Co. Louth, alongside twelve catchments within the Argyll, Ayrshire, Galloway and Tweed areas of Scotland.
CIRB project manager Dr Cathy Maguire from Queen’s School of Biological Sciences said: “As well as damaging natural biodiversity, invasive species can cause serious problems for local communities. They take over river banks, preventing their use for angling and recreation. The giant hogweed also contains toxic sap that can cause painful blisters on anyone who comes into contact with it.
“The CIRB project will allow us to develop new approaches to controlling invasive species and restoring river catchments. By combining the latest scientific research with action on the ground, and by engaging with local communities to train people in how to identify and control invasive plants, we can prevent further environmental, economic and social damage.”
Professor Christine Maggs, CIRB project leader and Head of Queen’s School of Biological Sciences, said: “These species, and their environmental, social and economic impact, are a growing problem in the UK and Ireland.
“Through the CIRB project, scientists at Queen’s, in partnership with the Rivers and Fisheries Trust Trusts of Scotland, Inland Fisheries Ireland and the University of Ulster, aim to control or eradicate invasive species and restore the natural biodiversity of our waterways.”
SEUPB’s Chief Executive, Pat Colgan, commended the project saying: “I would like to welcome the launch of this project, which addresses key objectives of the INTERREG IVA Programme concerning the sustainable development of the eligible region, as well as the EU’s broader objectives in environmental protection. This project is a great example of how the overarching priorities of the Programme can successfully be applied to local and region-specific environmental challenges.”
The CIRB project will run until December 2014 and is part financed by the European Union’s European Regional Development Fund through the INTERREG IVA Cross-border Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body.
Invasive species are the second biggest cause of biodiversity loss worldwide. Their economic impact in Europe has been estimated at over €12 billion per year, and they cost around £7.5 million to control each year in river corridors in Britain.
These species are plants that have been introduced to a place where they do not naturally occur. They can be bigger, faster growing or more aggressive than native plants, therefore upsetting the balance of the ecosystem. They may also have fewer natural predators to control numbers, meaning that native plants are often unable to compete and the invasive species quickly take over.
The EU funded CIRB project (Controlling Priority Invasive Species and Restoring Native Biodiversity) will control ‘invasive species’ like the giant hogweed, rhododendron, Japanese knotweed and Himalayan balsam, in river catchments in border regions of Ireland and Scotland.
The CIRB project will focus on the River Faughan in Co. Derry/Londonderry, the Newry Canal/Clanrye River, and the Rive Dee/River Glyde in Co. Louth, alongside twelve catchments within the Argyll, Ayrshire, Galloway and Tweed areas of Scotland.
CIRB project manager Dr Cathy Maguire from Queen’s School of Biological Sciences said: “As well as damaging natural biodiversity, invasive species can cause serious problems for local communities. They take over river banks, preventing their use for angling and recreation. The giant hogweed also contains toxic sap that can cause painful blisters on anyone who comes into contact with it.
“The CIRB project will allow us to develop new approaches to controlling invasive species and restoring river catchments. By combining the latest scientific research with action on the ground, and by engaging with local communities to train people in how to identify and control invasive plants, we can prevent further environmental, economic and social damage.”
Professor Christine Maggs, CIRB project leader and Head of Queen’s School of Biological Sciences, said: “These species, and their environmental, social and economic impact, are a growing problem in the UK and Ireland.
“Through the CIRB project, scientists at Queen’s, in partnership with the Rivers and Fisheries Trust Trusts of Scotland, Inland Fisheries Ireland and the University of Ulster, aim to control or eradicate invasive species and restore the natural biodiversity of our waterways.”
SEUPB’s Chief Executive, Pat Colgan, commended the project saying: “I would like to welcome the launch of this project, which addresses key objectives of the INTERREG IVA Programme concerning the sustainable development of the eligible region, as well as the EU’s broader objectives in environmental protection. This project is a great example of how the overarching priorities of the Programme can successfully be applied to local and region-specific environmental challenges.”
The CIRB project will run until December 2014 and is part financed by the European Union’s European Regional Development Fund through the INTERREG IVA Cross-border Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body.
Oifis na Sìde agus ro-aithrisean ann an Gàidhlig
Tha ro-aithrisean sìde rim faotainn ann an Gàidhlig a-nis air làrach-lìn Oifis na Sìde, a’ soillearachadh an fhiosrachaidh as ùire mun aimsir agus rabhaidhean sam bith a tha beò do 58,000 neach le Gàidhlig, agus a bharrachd air sin mòran luchd-ionnsachaidh air feadh na h-Alba.
Tha tòrr de ro-aithrisean na sìde a-nis air làrach-lìn “INVENT” a tha fo stiùir Oifis na Sìde a’ tairgse fiosrachadh ann an Gàidhlig agus Beurla, a’ tairgse ro-aithrisean mionaideach airson Alba fhèin, agus timcheall air 5,000 ro-aithris mionaideach son àiteachan eile feadh an UK.
Mar bhuidhinn ro-aithris sìde nàiseanta na h-Alba, tha Oifis na Sìde a’ lìbhrigeadh ro-aithrisean agus rabhaidhean ceithir uairean fichead an latha ach am faigh muinntir na dùthcha tighinn suas ris an aimsir. Bidh an leasachadh ùr seo annns an dòigh anns am bheil sinn a’ frithealadh ro-aithrisean a’ tairgse seirbheis a tha nas goireasaiche agus nas freagarraich do luchd-labhairt na Gàidhlig.
Thuirt Iain Forsyth, Ceannbhair Seirbheis Poblach na Sìde aig Oifis na Sìde: “Tha sinn fìor thoilichte a bhith ag obair còmhla ri Bòrd na Gàidhlig ach am faigheamaid ar ro-aithrisean a sgaoileadh tron Ghàidhlig.”
Thuirt Fiona Hyslop,BPA, Ministear na Gàidhlig ann an Riaghaltas na h-Alba: “Tha Riaghaltas na h-Alba làn-thaiceil ann a bhith a’ cruthachadh slighe dhan Ghàidhlig a tha seasmhach agus tèarainte. Tha Oifis na Sìde a’ tairgse cothroman do luchd-cleachdaidh na Gàidhlig a’ chànan a chleachdadh nan dòigh-beatha, agus tha leithid de cheum aig cridhe gach oidhirp a tha sinn a’ dèanamh àireamhan luchd-labhairt na Gàidhlig a mheudachadh.
Tha an taic a tha Oifis na Sìde a’ toirt dhan Ghàidhlig a’ cur gu mòr ri gach oidhirp a tha romhainn airson ginealach ùr de luchd-labhairt a chruthachadh agus tha sinn a’ cur fàilte air sin. Tha an obair seo a cur gu mòr cuideachd ri iomairtean eile a tha a’ tighinn air adhart ann an saoghal an fhoghlaim, na h-ealain agus cuibhreannan eile de bheatha poblach na h-Alba.”
Chuir Cathraiche Bhòrd na Gàidhlig Art MacCarmaig fàilte air an leasachadh. Thuirt esan: “Tha fàilte chridheil ga chur air an aithne seo a tha Oifis na Sìde a’ cur air luach na Gàidhlig agus mar a tha a’ bhuidhinn a’ cuideachadh le bhith ag àbhaisteachadh na Gàidhlig.
“Tha buaidh mhòr aig an t-sìde air beatha dhaoine air feadh na dùthcha agus ann an coimhearsnachd na Gàidhlig gu sònraichte tha beairteas de chànan agus briathrachas a thig beò tron leasachadh seo, agus a bheir dhuinn cothrom eile cur ri adhartas agus seasmhachd na Gàidhlig tro bhith ag àrdachadh inbhe agus follaiseachd. A bharrachd air sin, thèid sùilean agus cluasan an luchd-ionnsachaidh fhosgladh gu cothroman ùra an sgilean a thoirt air adhart ach am bi iad nas comhfhurtail leis an àrainneachd agus gnothaichean co-cheangailte ris an aimsir. Tha Oifis na Sìde rim moladh son a’ cheum seo agus tha fiughar agam coimhead ri leasachaidhean eile mar seo bho bhuidhnean eile.”
Tha Oifis na Sìde cuideachd a’ foillseachadh ro-aithrisean sìde do na Pàircean Nàiseanta Albannach anns a’ Mhonadh Ruadh agus taobh Loch Laomainn, agus cuideachd Ro-Aithrisean Monaidh airson taobh an ear agus taobh an iar na Gàidhealtachd.
A bharrachd air a bhith nis a’ frithealadh ro-aithrisean ann an Gàidhlig, tha Oifis na Sìde a’ cur a-mach ro-aithrisean ann an Cuimris. Tha na ro-aithrisean anns na diofar chànan a-nis rim faotainn air làrach-lìn Oifis na Sìde.
Tha tòrr de ro-aithrisean na sìde a-nis air làrach-lìn “INVENT” a tha fo stiùir Oifis na Sìde a’ tairgse fiosrachadh ann an Gàidhlig agus Beurla, a’ tairgse ro-aithrisean mionaideach airson Alba fhèin, agus timcheall air 5,000 ro-aithris mionaideach son àiteachan eile feadh an UK.
Mar bhuidhinn ro-aithris sìde nàiseanta na h-Alba, tha Oifis na Sìde a’ lìbhrigeadh ro-aithrisean agus rabhaidhean ceithir uairean fichead an latha ach am faigh muinntir na dùthcha tighinn suas ris an aimsir. Bidh an leasachadh ùr seo annns an dòigh anns am bheil sinn a’ frithealadh ro-aithrisean a’ tairgse seirbheis a tha nas goireasaiche agus nas freagarraich do luchd-labhairt na Gàidhlig.
Thuirt Iain Forsyth, Ceannbhair Seirbheis Poblach na Sìde aig Oifis na Sìde: “Tha sinn fìor thoilichte a bhith ag obair còmhla ri Bòrd na Gàidhlig ach am faigheamaid ar ro-aithrisean a sgaoileadh tron Ghàidhlig.”
Thuirt Fiona Hyslop,BPA, Ministear na Gàidhlig ann an Riaghaltas na h-Alba: “Tha Riaghaltas na h-Alba làn-thaiceil ann a bhith a’ cruthachadh slighe dhan Ghàidhlig a tha seasmhach agus tèarainte. Tha Oifis na Sìde a’ tairgse cothroman do luchd-cleachdaidh na Gàidhlig a’ chànan a chleachdadh nan dòigh-beatha, agus tha leithid de cheum aig cridhe gach oidhirp a tha sinn a’ dèanamh àireamhan luchd-labhairt na Gàidhlig a mheudachadh.
Tha an taic a tha Oifis na Sìde a’ toirt dhan Ghàidhlig a’ cur gu mòr ri gach oidhirp a tha romhainn airson ginealach ùr de luchd-labhairt a chruthachadh agus tha sinn a’ cur fàilte air sin. Tha an obair seo a cur gu mòr cuideachd ri iomairtean eile a tha a’ tighinn air adhart ann an saoghal an fhoghlaim, na h-ealain agus cuibhreannan eile de bheatha poblach na h-Alba.”
Chuir Cathraiche Bhòrd na Gàidhlig Art MacCarmaig fàilte air an leasachadh. Thuirt esan: “Tha fàilte chridheil ga chur air an aithne seo a tha Oifis na Sìde a’ cur air luach na Gàidhlig agus mar a tha a’ bhuidhinn a’ cuideachadh le bhith ag àbhaisteachadh na Gàidhlig.
“Tha buaidh mhòr aig an t-sìde air beatha dhaoine air feadh na dùthcha agus ann an coimhearsnachd na Gàidhlig gu sònraichte tha beairteas de chànan agus briathrachas a thig beò tron leasachadh seo, agus a bheir dhuinn cothrom eile cur ri adhartas agus seasmhachd na Gàidhlig tro bhith ag àrdachadh inbhe agus follaiseachd. A bharrachd air sin, thèid sùilean agus cluasan an luchd-ionnsachaidh fhosgladh gu cothroman ùra an sgilean a thoirt air adhart ach am bi iad nas comhfhurtail leis an àrainneachd agus gnothaichean co-cheangailte ris an aimsir. Tha Oifis na Sìde rim moladh son a’ cheum seo agus tha fiughar agam coimhead ri leasachaidhean eile mar seo bho bhuidhnean eile.”
Tha Oifis na Sìde cuideachd a’ foillseachadh ro-aithrisean sìde do na Pàircean Nàiseanta Albannach anns a’ Mhonadh Ruadh agus taobh Loch Laomainn, agus cuideachd Ro-Aithrisean Monaidh airson taobh an ear agus taobh an iar na Gàidhealtachd.
A bharrachd air a bhith nis a’ frithealadh ro-aithrisean ann an Gàidhlig, tha Oifis na Sìde a’ cur a-mach ro-aithrisean ann an Cuimris. Tha na ro-aithrisean anns na diofar chànan a-nis rim faotainn air làrach-lìn Oifis na Sìde.
Usdaw urges MSPs to reject the Large Retailers Levy
The shopworkers union Usdaw has written to all MSPs urging them to reject the
Large Retailers Levy, branding Scotland's so called 'Big Shop Tax' a threat to
job creation and investment.
MSPs are likely to vote tomorrow (Wednesday 2 February) on the proposal, which
would impose a supplementary levy on all retail stores with a rateable value of
more than £750,000. The tax, which could be implemented from 1 April this year,
would increase the business rates of affected stores by nearly a third with some
stores facing an increase of nearly £500,000.
The Scottish Parliament's Local Government and Communities Committee voted
against the levy last week and Usdaw is hoping the full Parliament will do
likewise to protect jobs and future investment in Scotland's growing retail
sector.
John Hannett, Usdaw General Secretary said:
"The proposed levy is at such a high rate that it is likely to impact retailers'
decisions on whether to open new stores or expand existing ones, both of which
could mean Scotland losing out on major job creation and regeneration
opportunities."
"It might also mean smaller stores being built to avoid the levy. The average
number of jobs created in a large supermarket is over 600, whereas the average
number in a store that falls just under the limit is around 250 - a difference
of 350 jobs per store which could be lost to the Scottish economy."
"At a time when retail is one of the few sectors creating jobs, it seems
particularly ill-advised to jeopardise future investment by retailers and I hope
MSPs will realise this and vote against the levy."
Lawrence Wason, Usdaw's Scottish Divisional Officer added:
"The tax is also likely to impact on existing jobs and working hours, especially
in the large food supermarkets which operate on very low profit margins.
Managers would be under pressure to cut costs to reduce the impact of the levy
on their stores profitability and with staffing being one of the major costs for
retailers, they may consider stopping recruitment, reducing overall working
hours and in the worst cases, cutting the hours and jobs of existing staff."
Large Retailers Levy, branding Scotland's so called 'Big Shop Tax' a threat to
job creation and investment.
MSPs are likely to vote tomorrow (Wednesday 2 February) on the proposal, which
would impose a supplementary levy on all retail stores with a rateable value of
more than £750,000. The tax, which could be implemented from 1 April this year,
would increase the business rates of affected stores by nearly a third with some
stores facing an increase of nearly £500,000.
The Scottish Parliament's Local Government and Communities Committee voted
against the levy last week and Usdaw is hoping the full Parliament will do
likewise to protect jobs and future investment in Scotland's growing retail
sector.
John Hannett, Usdaw General Secretary said:
"The proposed levy is at such a high rate that it is likely to impact retailers'
decisions on whether to open new stores or expand existing ones, both of which
could mean Scotland losing out on major job creation and regeneration
opportunities."
"It might also mean smaller stores being built to avoid the levy. The average
number of jobs created in a large supermarket is over 600, whereas the average
number in a store that falls just under the limit is around 250 - a difference
of 350 jobs per store which could be lost to the Scottish economy."
"At a time when retail is one of the few sectors creating jobs, it seems
particularly ill-advised to jeopardise future investment by retailers and I hope
MSPs will realise this and vote against the levy."
Lawrence Wason, Usdaw's Scottish Divisional Officer added:
"The tax is also likely to impact on existing jobs and working hours, especially
in the large food supermarkets which operate on very low profit margins.
Managers would be under pressure to cut costs to reduce the impact of the levy
on their stores profitability and with staffing being one of the major costs for
retailers, they may consider stopping recruitment, reducing overall working
hours and in the worst cases, cutting the hours and jobs of existing staff."
ALTERNATIVE TO SUPERMARKET LEVY IS £30m "BLACK HOLE" IN BUDGET - says Mather
Jim Mather, MSP Argyll & Bute has expressed disappointment that opposition politicians are uniformly hostile to Scottish government proposals to impose a modest increase in business rates to be paid by the largest supermarket outlets that would bring those units into line with the level of rates that large commercial facilities pay elsewhere in the UK.
Jim Mather said:
"I am genuinely surprised at the degree of opposition that this proposal has raised, particularly as local politicians have earlier been vocal in raising concerns about the effect that large retail supermarket operations are having on town centre trading throughout Argyll & Bute.
Understandably the big four, Tesco, Asda, Morrisons and Sainsbury are vocal in their reaction to such a proposal but in reality the Scottish Government proposals are modest and will only bring the level of business rates that they may have to pay here into line with the level of rates they presently pay in England. Suggestions that this may inhibit expansion and employment provision should be judged in that light.
As proposed, this legislation would affect only one outlet within Argyll & Bute and the consequent budget income - around £30 million - would go some way to redressing the balance for small traders throughout the county. It has been demonstrated that at the level of profits that these giants generate this is a very minor tax adjustment.
I find it astonishing that Labour, along with LibDems and Tories, would seek to lop the Scottish budget by £30 million to keep large supermarkets happy. Could it be that the financial support that some political parties receive from the supermarkets is having undue influence here? These are the same politicians who appear unhappy that Council tax payers have benefited from four years of frozen Council tax which for band D taxpayers in Argyll & Bute has so far saved them £247.
Although they are resolutely opposed to SNP Local Income Tax plans Labour has still failed in more than three years to indicate how they will raise such revenue. It would appear that they and their allies would rather have pensioners pay more in Council tax than see highly profitable supermarket chains contribute just a little more to society."
Jim Mather said:
"I am genuinely surprised at the degree of opposition that this proposal has raised, particularly as local politicians have earlier been vocal in raising concerns about the effect that large retail supermarket operations are having on town centre trading throughout Argyll & Bute.
Understandably the big four, Tesco, Asda, Morrisons and Sainsbury are vocal in their reaction to such a proposal but in reality the Scottish Government proposals are modest and will only bring the level of business rates that they may have to pay here into line with the level of rates they presently pay in England. Suggestions that this may inhibit expansion and employment provision should be judged in that light.
As proposed, this legislation would affect only one outlet within Argyll & Bute and the consequent budget income - around £30 million - would go some way to redressing the balance for small traders throughout the county. It has been demonstrated that at the level of profits that these giants generate this is a very minor tax adjustment.
I find it astonishing that Labour, along with LibDems and Tories, would seek to lop the Scottish budget by £30 million to keep large supermarkets happy. Could it be that the financial support that some political parties receive from the supermarkets is having undue influence here? These are the same politicians who appear unhappy that Council tax payers have benefited from four years of frozen Council tax which for band D taxpayers in Argyll & Bute has so far saved them £247.
Although they are resolutely opposed to SNP Local Income Tax plans Labour has still failed in more than three years to indicate how they will raise such revenue. It would appear that they and their allies would rather have pensioners pay more in Council tax than see highly profitable supermarket chains contribute just a little more to society."
It’s blooming marvellous in Argyll & Bute!
Four of the magnificent gardens in Argyll & Bute are set to pull in the crowds once again this winter, as VisitScotland kicks off the fifth year of its annual Scottish Snowdrop Festival on 1 February. Ardardan Walled Gardens in Cardross, Arduaine Gardens in Oban, Mount Stuart on Bute and Torosay Castle on the Isle of Mull are all featuring in the 2011 snowdrop festival.
Part of VisitScotland’s Winter White marketing campaign, the Scottish Snowdrop Festival will see more than 50 gardens from across the country throw open their gates for the first time this year, reminding people of the beauty of Scotland in the winter months. The festival is set to bring a welcome boost for the gardens and the surrounding tourism businesses as the industry goes through its traditionally quieter months.
In the year of Active Scotland, the festival is a great way to encourage visitors to get out and about and enjoy a range of gardens and forest walks that are famed for their stunning snowdrops between 1 February and 15 March.
David Adams McGilp, VisitScotland’s Regional Director, said: “The Snowdrop Festival represents an important part of our Winter White campaign, as we look to promote the natural beauty of Argyll & Bute, especially during those months that traditionally need a boost.
“The Snowdrop Festival allows visitors to experience Scotland’s natural assets within a variety of surroundings, including woodland walks, stately homes and scenic glens.”
The Snowdrop Festival runs from 1 February until 15 March. For more information on participating gardens and for information on offers and things to do throughout the winter months, visit www.visitscotland.com/snowdrops
Part of VisitScotland’s Winter White marketing campaign, the Scottish Snowdrop Festival will see more than 50 gardens from across the country throw open their gates for the first time this year, reminding people of the beauty of Scotland in the winter months. The festival is set to bring a welcome boost for the gardens and the surrounding tourism businesses as the industry goes through its traditionally quieter months.
In the year of Active Scotland, the festival is a great way to encourage visitors to get out and about and enjoy a range of gardens and forest walks that are famed for their stunning snowdrops between 1 February and 15 March.
David Adams McGilp, VisitScotland’s Regional Director, said: “The Snowdrop Festival represents an important part of our Winter White campaign, as we look to promote the natural beauty of Argyll & Bute, especially during those months that traditionally need a boost.
“The Snowdrop Festival allows visitors to experience Scotland’s natural assets within a variety of surroundings, including woodland walks, stately homes and scenic glens.”
The Snowdrop Festival runs from 1 February until 15 March. For more information on participating gardens and for information on offers and things to do throughout the winter months, visit www.visitscotland.com/snowdrops
BBC ALBA COMMEMORATES 70th ANNIVERSARY OF SS POLITICIAN GROUNDING
BBC ALBA COMMEMORATES 70th ANNIVERSARY OF SS POLITICIAN GROUNDING
To mark the 70th anniversary of the SS Politician grounding on rocks off the West Coast of Scotland, BBC ALBA is delighted to bring viewers three commemorative programmes including the much loved Whisky Galore! film.
Whisky Galore! – the classic 1949 Ealing comedy - Saturday 5 January at 10pm on BBC ALBA
Bound for Jamaica and America, the SS Politician ran aground on the island of Eriskay on 5 February 1941 with 28,000 cases of malt whisky aboard.
The inhabitants of the isolated, fictional island of Todday in the Outer Hebrides were largely unaffected by wartime rationing during that time. That was however until their supply of whisky ran out in 1943, when gloom descends on the dejected locals. However, the vessel that had foundered off their shores offered a chance opportunity for deliverance to those in need of their native drink. The islanders clashed with authority as they tried to outwit the English Home Guard commander, Captain Waggett who was determined to protect the cargo at all costs.
Cabhsair Eirisgeidh- Friday 4 February at 9pm on BBC ALBA
A documentary highlighting the improved ferry links and major engineering projects which have helped to make the island chain of the Outer Hebrides more accessible both to the mainland and to travellers within the islands, will also be broadcast on BBC ALBA on Friday 4 February at 9pm.
Through the lives of the islanders, Cabhsair Eirisgeidh follows one of the projects from inception to completion, the building of the Eriskay Causeway which took place between 1999 and 2002 and now links the island to the Uist mainland.
Am Politician – Saturday 5 February at 11.20pm on BBC ALBA
Presenter and producer Morag Stewart provides an insightful report into the whisky cargo aboard the SS Politician which went aground off Eriskay in February 1941, and explores the stories of the men who were sent to jail for 'salvaging' it. The programme also asks why the ship carried an intriguing amount of Jamaican currency on board as she made for Kingston, Jamaica and New Orleans, America.
To mark the 70th anniversary of the SS Politician grounding on rocks off the West Coast of Scotland, BBC ALBA is delighted to bring viewers three commemorative programmes including the much loved Whisky Galore! film.
Whisky Galore! – the classic 1949 Ealing comedy - Saturday 5 January at 10pm on BBC ALBA
Bound for Jamaica and America, the SS Politician ran aground on the island of Eriskay on 5 February 1941 with 28,000 cases of malt whisky aboard.
The inhabitants of the isolated, fictional island of Todday in the Outer Hebrides were largely unaffected by wartime rationing during that time. That was however until their supply of whisky ran out in 1943, when gloom descends on the dejected locals. However, the vessel that had foundered off their shores offered a chance opportunity for deliverance to those in need of their native drink. The islanders clashed with authority as they tried to outwit the English Home Guard commander, Captain Waggett who was determined to protect the cargo at all costs.
Cabhsair Eirisgeidh- Friday 4 February at 9pm on BBC ALBA
A documentary highlighting the improved ferry links and major engineering projects which have helped to make the island chain of the Outer Hebrides more accessible both to the mainland and to travellers within the islands, will also be broadcast on BBC ALBA on Friday 4 February at 9pm.
Through the lives of the islanders, Cabhsair Eirisgeidh follows one of the projects from inception to completion, the building of the Eriskay Causeway which took place between 1999 and 2002 and now links the island to the Uist mainland.
Am Politician – Saturday 5 February at 11.20pm on BBC ALBA
Presenter and producer Morag Stewart provides an insightful report into the whisky cargo aboard the SS Politician which went aground off Eriskay in February 1941, and explores the stories of the men who were sent to jail for 'salvaging' it. The programme also asks why the ship carried an intriguing amount of Jamaican currency on board as she made for Kingston, Jamaica and New Orleans, America.
Jamie McGrigor Speech on Coastguards Debate in Holyrood
: I congratulate Alasdair Allan on securing this important debate. I have received hundreds of messages from constituents in the Highlands and Islands on the importance of the coastguard, and I am very aware of people’s concerns. Following the debate, I will write to the United Kingdom transport secretary to express the sentiments of my constituents on the issue. Two of the remaining coastguard centres are in the Highlands and Islands—one is in Shetland and the other is in Stornoway. Those bases have undoubtedly provided an excellent service in the past.
As my colleague Jackson Carlaw said, we are all indebted for the countless lives that have been saved as a result of the bravery and professionalism of our coastguards. It is important that we do not lose the effectiveness of a system that is of huge importance to our island nation, with its archipelagos.
I asked local lifeboat volunteers from Oban for their points of view and they told me that since they lost the Oban coastguard station some years ago, they have operated through Clyde coastguard, which is now scheduled for closure. What will be of the greatest importance to them and to coastal communities such as theirs is that there is not a cut in sector officers, because they provide the local knowledge in any search. Local knowledge saves time, which saves lives. That will be important in maintaining the confidence of maritime communities in any new arrangements, which will require a great deal of efficiency from any new service. Whatever is put in place has to be super-efficient. We all know that our coastal waters are extremely dangerous and that cold water takes no prisoners.
I stress the huge importance of the auxiliary volunteer coastguards, who keep their eyes open on our coasts all year round. Many of those are farmers and crofters who live near the sea. For many generations such volunteers have been the eyes and ears of the coast, reporting immediately any incidents that seem to be out of the ordinary. They provide the initial watch, which can then be responded to by the rescue services or the police. There must be a good centre that can collate incoming information from the volunteers and respond with the appropriate action. Lines of communication must always remain open and voluntary service must be encouraged.
Oban and Appin rescue team, for example, has 16 coastguard rescue officers—all volunteers—on standby to respond to any coastal emergency. The coastguard teams cover a distance of 70 road miles between Loch Sween in the south and Appin in the north, including many small islands. The Oban team relies heavily on its flank teams at Crinan, Appin and Inveraray for initial response. The teams have a good relationship with other emergency services, which means that they are often called to assist in searches for missing persons or at road-traffic accidents. They are called out regularly for medical evacuations at Oban hospital and at diving incidents, which are on the increase as subsurface adventure tourism grows more popular.
I cannot stress enough the importance of the volunteers. I hope that as many as possible are included in any consultation that seeks to modernise Scotland’s coastguard services. I agree with Jackson Carlaw that we should all work together to ensure the best possible outcome of the consultation for Scotland’s vital coastguard provision.
As my colleague Jackson Carlaw said, we are all indebted for the countless lives that have been saved as a result of the bravery and professionalism of our coastguards. It is important that we do not lose the effectiveness of a system that is of huge importance to our island nation, with its archipelagos.
I asked local lifeboat volunteers from Oban for their points of view and they told me that since they lost the Oban coastguard station some years ago, they have operated through Clyde coastguard, which is now scheduled for closure. What will be of the greatest importance to them and to coastal communities such as theirs is that there is not a cut in sector officers, because they provide the local knowledge in any search. Local knowledge saves time, which saves lives. That will be important in maintaining the confidence of maritime communities in any new arrangements, which will require a great deal of efficiency from any new service. Whatever is put in place has to be super-efficient. We all know that our coastal waters are extremely dangerous and that cold water takes no prisoners.
I stress the huge importance of the auxiliary volunteer coastguards, who keep their eyes open on our coasts all year round. Many of those are farmers and crofters who live near the sea. For many generations such volunteers have been the eyes and ears of the coast, reporting immediately any incidents that seem to be out of the ordinary. They provide the initial watch, which can then be responded to by the rescue services or the police. There must be a good centre that can collate incoming information from the volunteers and respond with the appropriate action. Lines of communication must always remain open and voluntary service must be encouraged.
Oban and Appin rescue team, for example, has 16 coastguard rescue officers—all volunteers—on standby to respond to any coastal emergency. The coastguard teams cover a distance of 70 road miles between Loch Sween in the south and Appin in the north, including many small islands. The Oban team relies heavily on its flank teams at Crinan, Appin and Inveraray for initial response. The teams have a good relationship with other emergency services, which means that they are often called to assist in searches for missing persons or at road-traffic accidents. They are called out regularly for medical evacuations at Oban hospital and at diving incidents, which are on the increase as subsurface adventure tourism grows more popular.
I cannot stress enough the importance of the volunteers. I hope that as many as possible are included in any consultation that seeks to modernise Scotland’s coastguard services. I agree with Jackson Carlaw that we should all work together to ensure the best possible outcome of the consultation for Scotland’s vital coastguard provision.
“Unintended consequences” of supporting people element of budget settlement recognised by COSLA
There was no way officers or elected representatives from Argyll and Bute Council could have anticipated or altered the greater-than-expected cut in Supporting People funding from the Scottish Government.
That’s the unequivocal message given to Argyll and Bute Council leader Dick Walsh, in a letter from COSLA chief executive Rory Mair. (Convention of Scottish Local Authorities)
Mr Mair said “Leaders agreed that the only change to the distribution of the Supporting People resources should be that the indicators used for distribution were updated to their current levels. The decision was reported to Scottish Government officials who carry out the distribution process. Unfortunately, through “a misinterpretation, misunderstanding or difference of view” a rather more complicated calculation was carried out”.
Mr Mair confirmed that the way the formula had been applied led to “much greater losses of resources for Argyll and Bute than you, your chief executive, your chief finance officer or COSLA officers could have predicted.”
Mr Mair’s letter concludes:
“It is clear to me that no-one in Argyll and Bute Council, either at officer or member level, could have or should have predicted the situation that has arisen.”
Councillor Walsh referred to Mr Mair’s letter in his response to a question raised at today’s council meeting.
Councillor Walsh said:
“The letter from COSLA confirms the stance we have taken from the outset – that the ‘supporting people’ allocation was a misinterpretation. Anyone who takes the time to read Mr Mair’s full letter, and the documents he sends with it, will see that no-one present at the COSLA meetings expected the supporting people allocations to radically change. The COSLA agreement should have ensured that updating the formula would lead to very little change and no volatility for any individual council’s supporting people allocation.
“Far from agreeing to accept this large cut, the chief executive and I are continuing the discussions we started with COSLA when the budget settlement was first announced, to see how the situation can be redressed.”
Argyll and Bute Council faces a 4.94% reduction in its funding from the Scottish Government, which is double the national average, leaving it with an actual budget reduction of between £15 million and £16 million for 2011/12.
That’s the unequivocal message given to Argyll and Bute Council leader Dick Walsh, in a letter from COSLA chief executive Rory Mair. (Convention of Scottish Local Authorities)
Mr Mair said “Leaders agreed that the only change to the distribution of the Supporting People resources should be that the indicators used for distribution were updated to their current levels. The decision was reported to Scottish Government officials who carry out the distribution process. Unfortunately, through “a misinterpretation, misunderstanding or difference of view” a rather more complicated calculation was carried out”.
Mr Mair confirmed that the way the formula had been applied led to “much greater losses of resources for Argyll and Bute than you, your chief executive, your chief finance officer or COSLA officers could have predicted.”
Mr Mair’s letter concludes:
“It is clear to me that no-one in Argyll and Bute Council, either at officer or member level, could have or should have predicted the situation that has arisen.”
Councillor Walsh referred to Mr Mair’s letter in his response to a question raised at today’s council meeting.
Councillor Walsh said:
“The letter from COSLA confirms the stance we have taken from the outset – that the ‘supporting people’ allocation was a misinterpretation. Anyone who takes the time to read Mr Mair’s full letter, and the documents he sends with it, will see that no-one present at the COSLA meetings expected the supporting people allocations to radically change. The COSLA agreement should have ensured that updating the formula would lead to very little change and no volatility for any individual council’s supporting people allocation.
“Far from agreeing to accept this large cut, the chief executive and I are continuing the discussions we started with COSLA when the budget settlement was first announced, to see how the situation can be redressed.”
Argyll and Bute Council faces a 4.94% reduction in its funding from the Scottish Government, which is double the national average, leaving it with an actual budget reduction of between £15 million and £16 million for 2011/12.
LOCHHEAD CONCERN OVER COASTGUARD SERVICES
UK Government cuts could compromise maritime safety
The future of the coastguard service in Scotland will be the subject of a Member's Business Debate in the Scottish Parliament today (January 27).
Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead will speak for the Scottish Government in debate. Speaking ahead of the debate Mr Lochhead said:
"The Scottish Government is extremely concerned by the UK Government's coastguard modernisation plans, which would result in the closure of three of Scotland's five Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centres (MRCCs).
"These unjustifiable proposals would leave Scotland with just 25 per cent of the co-ordination centres in the UK despite accounting for 60 per cent of the sea area. In anyone's book, that spells danger. Maritime safety – not financial savings – should be the driving force behind any review and the Scottish Government is closely examining the rational for the closure of any of these services.
"With ever increasing activity on Scotland’s seas – through oil and gas, offshore renewables, fishing and tourism – I have real concerns over the UK Government's ability to manage the coastguard service. That's why we are seeking views on how this valuable public service can best be managed in Scotland, including the merits of devolution.
“The UK Government announcement came as a complete surprise to the Scottish Government as there had been no formal discussion on the matter. This is unacceptable and is contrary to the 'respect agenda' agreed last year. The First Minister will be writing to the Prime Minister to express his disappointment that matters with clear implications for Scotland are not being handled sensitively."
The future of the coastguard service in Scotland will be the subject of a Member's Business Debate in the Scottish Parliament today (January 27).
Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead will speak for the Scottish Government in debate. Speaking ahead of the debate Mr Lochhead said:
"The Scottish Government is extremely concerned by the UK Government's coastguard modernisation plans, which would result in the closure of three of Scotland's five Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centres (MRCCs).
"These unjustifiable proposals would leave Scotland with just 25 per cent of the co-ordination centres in the UK despite accounting for 60 per cent of the sea area. In anyone's book, that spells danger. Maritime safety – not financial savings – should be the driving force behind any review and the Scottish Government is closely examining the rational for the closure of any of these services.
"With ever increasing activity on Scotland’s seas – through oil and gas, offshore renewables, fishing and tourism – I have real concerns over the UK Government's ability to manage the coastguard service. That's why we are seeking views on how this valuable public service can best be managed in Scotland, including the merits of devolution.
“The UK Government announcement came as a complete surprise to the Scottish Government as there had been no formal discussion on the matter. This is unacceptable and is contrary to the 'respect agenda' agreed last year. The First Minister will be writing to the Prime Minister to express his disappointment that matters with clear implications for Scotland are not being handled sensitively."
Council moves to resolve 'discrepancy' in teacher's redundancy procedures
Council wishes to allow compulsory redundancies in teaching profession
Argyll and Bute councillors have taken the first steps in aligning the redundancy procedure for teaching staff with those of other council staff. The move, agreed by the executive, would ensure equality and consistency are applied across the council’s workforce.
The Redundancy Policy and procedures have already been discussed in depth with the trades unions.
Councillors are being asked to implement an equivalent redundancy procedure for teaching staff to the current Local Government Employee (LGE) scheme, which applies to the rest of the council’s workforce.
Argyll and Bute Council inherited an employment guarantee for teachers from the former Strathclyde Regional Council. This arrangement, which dates back to the 1980s, includes the agreement that no teachers will be made compulsorily redundant.
No other council employees enjoy such protection.
The redundancy policy which the council agreed in November last year explicitly set down its intention to apply to all council employees.
It states that in the first instance the authority will try to reduce employee numbers on a voluntary basis. However, where this does not produce suitable volunteers, the council will seek to agree the criteria to be used when making compulsory redundancies with trades unions representatives.
Council leader and chair of the Executive, Councillor Dick Walsh, said: “This is an issue about consistency and equality. It is neither consistent nor equitable to have one group of employees treated more favourably in terms of job security than the rest”.“The retention of a clause which protects teaching staff from compulsory redundancy is not only at odds with the employment terms of the rest of the workforce, but also significantly limits the council’s options in terms of managing its budget and employee numbers .
“We have not made any secret of the severity of the budget challenges we face. Although compulsory redundancy is clearly the very last option we would consider as a means of meeting that challenge, it is nevertheless an important tool for any employer to have in order to effectively manage its workforce.
“This is about being fair across our workforce – nothing more.”
Argyll and Bute’s education service has been is tasked with finding savings of some £10.4million.
The retention of any surplus teachers, which would have to happen under the current arrangements, would have a significant impact on the education budget because the council would be forced to seek savings from other areas of education.
The trades unions – through the Education Joint Negotiating Committee - have expressed their opposition to the removal of the ‘no compulsory redundancies for teachers’ clause in the current agreement.
As a result of the failure to agree with the unions, the matter will now be referred to the National Joint Secretaries. A further report will be drawn up for councillors once that body has submitted its feedback.
Argyll and Bute councillors have taken the first steps in aligning the redundancy procedure for teaching staff with those of other council staff. The move, agreed by the executive, would ensure equality and consistency are applied across the council’s workforce.
The Redundancy Policy and procedures have already been discussed in depth with the trades unions.
Councillors are being asked to implement an equivalent redundancy procedure for teaching staff to the current Local Government Employee (LGE) scheme, which applies to the rest of the council’s workforce.
Argyll and Bute Council inherited an employment guarantee for teachers from the former Strathclyde Regional Council. This arrangement, which dates back to the 1980s, includes the agreement that no teachers will be made compulsorily redundant.
No other council employees enjoy such protection.
The redundancy policy which the council agreed in November last year explicitly set down its intention to apply to all council employees.
It states that in the first instance the authority will try to reduce employee numbers on a voluntary basis. However, where this does not produce suitable volunteers, the council will seek to agree the criteria to be used when making compulsory redundancies with trades unions representatives.
Council leader and chair of the Executive, Councillor Dick Walsh, said: “This is an issue about consistency and equality. It is neither consistent nor equitable to have one group of employees treated more favourably in terms of job security than the rest”.“The retention of a clause which protects teaching staff from compulsory redundancy is not only at odds with the employment terms of the rest of the workforce, but also significantly limits the council’s options in terms of managing its budget and employee numbers .
“We have not made any secret of the severity of the budget challenges we face. Although compulsory redundancy is clearly the very last option we would consider as a means of meeting that challenge, it is nevertheless an important tool for any employer to have in order to effectively manage its workforce.
“This is about being fair across our workforce – nothing more.”
Argyll and Bute’s education service has been is tasked with finding savings of some £10.4million.
The retention of any surplus teachers, which would have to happen under the current arrangements, would have a significant impact on the education budget because the council would be forced to seek savings from other areas of education.
The trades unions – through the Education Joint Negotiating Committee - have expressed their opposition to the removal of the ‘no compulsory redundancies for teachers’ clause in the current agreement.
As a result of the failure to agree with the unions, the matter will now be referred to the National Joint Secretaries. A further report will be drawn up for councillors once that body has submitted its feedback.
Scotland's forests protected says Scottish Government
Proposals in England to sell off national forest land do not stretch to Scotland said Environment & Climate Change Minister, Roseanna Cunningham.
Commenting on the launch of a Westminster consultation document on the future of national forests in England she said:
"Forestry has been devolved for a number of years now and any decisions on the future strategic direction of the Commission's forests in Scotland will be for Scottish Ministers.
"There may be a review in England but it has no remit whatsoever in Scotland.
"I would like to be clear that we have no plans to sell off all of Scotland's national forests. Far from it...the Scottish Government views our forests and woodlands as a national asset which should be protected and treasured.
"I think the majority of the public will have noticed the widespread backlash to the proposals being put forward in England. I'd suggest that this may well be the tip of the iceberg and opposition will grow stronger."
Commenting on the launch of a Westminster consultation document on the future of national forests in England she said:
"Forestry has been devolved for a number of years now and any decisions on the future strategic direction of the Commission's forests in Scotland will be for Scottish Ministers.
"There may be a review in England but it has no remit whatsoever in Scotland.
"I would like to be clear that we have no plans to sell off all of Scotland's national forests. Far from it...the Scottish Government views our forests and woodlands as a national asset which should be protected and treasured.
"I think the majority of the public will have noticed the widespread backlash to the proposals being put forward in England. I'd suggest that this may well be the tip of the iceberg and opposition will grow stronger."
COLONSAY IN LINE FOR AIR DISCOUNT SCHEME
Colonsay residents are in line for inclusion in a flagship air discount scheme.
The news came as the Scottish Government announced it is beginning the process of securing European Commission approval to continue the Air Discount Scheme (ADS) beyond March 2011.
The ADS, which began in 2006, benefits remote communities across the Highlands and Islands with reduced journey fares and times, and improved accessibility.
Membership of the scheme in the eligible areas is high and the Scottish Government is keen for the scheme to continue. If approved by the Commission, the discount would be secured for another four years, until March 2015.
The ADS currently gives residents of Orkney, Shetland, the Western Isles, Islay, Jura, Caithness and North West Sutherland a 40 per cent discount on the price of core air fares.
However, the Scottish Government has pledged to continue to look at ways of improving the scheme and increasing take-up even further. This includes requesting of the Commission that the scheme is expanded to the people of Colonsay.
This is in recognition of the transport challenges they face on a daily basis and in response to the recently improved indirect link to Glasgow through the Colonsay / Islay air service.
The news was welcomed by Councillor Robin Currie, Argyll and Bute’s spokesperson for rural and island affairs, housing and Gaelic.
“This is very welcome news, and is something I have been campaigning for on behalf of the residents of Colonsay for some time,” he said.
“With the Argyll Air Services now operating flights from Colonsay to Islay, people from Colonsay can now get to Glasgow within 2 hours rather than the 2 days that it took before. This is a major step forward and qualifying for the Air Discount Scheme is the icing on the cake.”
Transport Minister Keith Brown said: ““The Scottish Government understands how important this scheme is to our remote Highland and Island communities, and recognise the social and economic benefits that an extension to this scheme will continue to bring.
“We also want to ensure that more people in the eligible areas, particularly those on lower incomes, are taking full advantage and that scheme members continue to have help in visiting friends and family and for other forms of social inclusion that those in more populated parts of Scotland take for granted.
”Exchanges with the European Commission will be based around a four year approval, with discounts continued at the existing rate and we are hopeful that this will present no difficulties for the Commission.”
The news came as the Scottish Government announced it is beginning the process of securing European Commission approval to continue the Air Discount Scheme (ADS) beyond March 2011.
The ADS, which began in 2006, benefits remote communities across the Highlands and Islands with reduced journey fares and times, and improved accessibility.
Membership of the scheme in the eligible areas is high and the Scottish Government is keen for the scheme to continue. If approved by the Commission, the discount would be secured for another four years, until March 2015.
The ADS currently gives residents of Orkney, Shetland, the Western Isles, Islay, Jura, Caithness and North West Sutherland a 40 per cent discount on the price of core air fares.
However, the Scottish Government has pledged to continue to look at ways of improving the scheme and increasing take-up even further. This includes requesting of the Commission that the scheme is expanded to the people of Colonsay.
This is in recognition of the transport challenges they face on a daily basis and in response to the recently improved indirect link to Glasgow through the Colonsay / Islay air service.
The news was welcomed by Councillor Robin Currie, Argyll and Bute’s spokesperson for rural and island affairs, housing and Gaelic.
“This is very welcome news, and is something I have been campaigning for on behalf of the residents of Colonsay for some time,” he said.
“With the Argyll Air Services now operating flights from Colonsay to Islay, people from Colonsay can now get to Glasgow within 2 hours rather than the 2 days that it took before. This is a major step forward and qualifying for the Air Discount Scheme is the icing on the cake.”
Transport Minister Keith Brown said: ““The Scottish Government understands how important this scheme is to our remote Highland and Island communities, and recognise the social and economic benefits that an extension to this scheme will continue to bring.
“We also want to ensure that more people in the eligible areas, particularly those on lower incomes, are taking full advantage and that scheme members continue to have help in visiting friends and family and for other forms of social inclusion that those in more populated parts of Scotland take for granted.
”Exchanges with the European Commission will be based around a four year approval, with discounts continued at the existing rate and we are hopeful that this will present no difficulties for the Commission.”
COUNCIL CONTINUES TO EXPOSE BENEFIT CHEATS
Argyll and Bute Council is warning anyone trying to cheat the benefits system that they are likely to be tracked down and punished.
The warning came just days after two residents were prosecuted for claiming money to which they were not entitled.
Over the 18 months to September 30 last year, Argyll and Bute’s dedicated Counter Fraud Unit (CFU) continued to successfully uncover cases of benefit fraud.
During that time, three benefits cheats were successfully prosecuted by the council, a further 58 accepted formal cautions and nine others were issued with penalty fines.
Moreover a total of £176,942 of benefits was identified as being fraudulently claimed and is now being recovered.
These results further enhance the reputation of the council’s CFU which has previously been recognised by Audit Scotland as the top performing council in Scotland in terms of its sanction performance for 2007/2008, and was also praised for maintaining that level of performance through 2008/2009.
Commenting on the success, council leader Councillor Dick Walsh said: “The CFU is committed to ensuring that taxpayers’ money only goes to those who are entitled to it, and to taking tough action against those who try to make fraudulent claims.
“It is shocking that some people seem to think that they can cheat the system by claiming benefit to which they are not entitled. This obviously has financial repercussions for the honest taxpayer, and we are determined to do all we can to prevent it, including prosecuting offenders.
“Members of the public can help in our efforts, and I would urge anyone who suspects such a fraud anywhere in Argyll and Bute to call the fraud line on 0800 854 440 or report it online at www.argyll-bute.gov.uk in the benefit fraud pages under ‘Council and Government Services’. Confidentiality is of course respected at all times”.
Those prosecuted most recently by the council include:
A 68 year old man from Helensburgh who admitted failing to notify the council of the fact that he was receiving a private pension, and raked in a total of £3,744 in Housing and Council Tax Benefit to which he was not entitled. Sentence was deferred to allow him time to repay the cash.
A 34 year old woman from Sandbank, Dunoon who failed to tell both the council and the DSS that she had started work at a local call centre in August 2007. As well as having to pay back the £912 she had falsely claimed, she was also fined £225.
The warning came just days after two residents were prosecuted for claiming money to which they were not entitled.
Over the 18 months to September 30 last year, Argyll and Bute’s dedicated Counter Fraud Unit (CFU) continued to successfully uncover cases of benefit fraud.
During that time, three benefits cheats were successfully prosecuted by the council, a further 58 accepted formal cautions and nine others were issued with penalty fines.
Moreover a total of £176,942 of benefits was identified as being fraudulently claimed and is now being recovered.
These results further enhance the reputation of the council’s CFU which has previously been recognised by Audit Scotland as the top performing council in Scotland in terms of its sanction performance for 2007/2008, and was also praised for maintaining that level of performance through 2008/2009.
Commenting on the success, council leader Councillor Dick Walsh said: “The CFU is committed to ensuring that taxpayers’ money only goes to those who are entitled to it, and to taking tough action against those who try to make fraudulent claims.
“It is shocking that some people seem to think that they can cheat the system by claiming benefit to which they are not entitled. This obviously has financial repercussions for the honest taxpayer, and we are determined to do all we can to prevent it, including prosecuting offenders.
“Members of the public can help in our efforts, and I would urge anyone who suspects such a fraud anywhere in Argyll and Bute to call the fraud line on 0800 854 440 or report it online at www.argyll-bute.gov.uk in the benefit fraud pages under ‘Council and Government Services’. Confidentiality is of course respected at all times”.
Those prosecuted most recently by the council include:
A 68 year old man from Helensburgh who admitted failing to notify the council of the fact that he was receiving a private pension, and raked in a total of £3,744 in Housing and Council Tax Benefit to which he was not entitled. Sentence was deferred to allow him time to repay the cash.
A 34 year old woman from Sandbank, Dunoon who failed to tell both the council and the DSS that she had started work at a local call centre in August 2007. As well as having to pay back the £912 she had falsely claimed, she was also fined £225.
ECLECTIC MIX FROM CELTIC CONNECTIONS 2011 ON BBC ALBA
Celtic Connections 2011 has returned to Glasgow for its 18th year and BBC ALBA is in the thick of it and is delighted once again to bring viewers an exciting programme package covering some of the top performances and a variety of acts from this year’s event.
BBC ALBA viewers can enjoy a mix of concert performances and more intimate events from one of the world’s largest and most prominent winter music festivals around.
Cuirm @ Celtic continues on Saturday 5 February at 9pm with Julie Fowlis presenting highlights from the Sharon Shannon Big Band concert. The Irish accordion queen is in concert from Glasgow's Fruitmarket with guest appearances from contrasting vocalists including Heidi Talbot, Eleanor McAvoy and evergreen singer-songwriter Mundy. Such cross-genre camaraderie has been Shannon’s singular gift since her earliest days with the Waterboys, and she works her magic once again at the helm of a stellar instrumental cast.
Later in the year Cuirm @ Celtic – Taigh Ciùil will feature Gaelic and Irish singers and musicians in the more intimate setting of Glasgow’s Art Club. Presented by Julie Fowlis and from Ireland Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, lead singer of the band Danu, the series will feature music and song from the Gerry O’Connor Quartet, Na Caimbeulaich, Mairi MacInnes and young talent in the shape of Na Seudan Òg – Darren MacLean, Fiona Dunn, Catherine Tinney and Alasdair Whyte. Julie and Muireann will perfom a special set of duets and solo numbers and the audience will also have a chance to enjoy Ciorras, Donal Lunny’s band of all the talents and Colin Farrell.
Hòro Gheallaidh (The Celtic Sessions), produced by MacTV is also filmed in collaboration with Celtic Connections and will return to BBC ALBA for a 5th series later in 2011, with an eclectic mix of music comprising blue grass, folk, celtic and world music of the highest quality.
This year’s series has a distinctly international feel, as musicians from across the globe visiting Glasgow for the Celtic Connections festival drop-in to the Hòro Gheallaidh sessions. A unique chance to listen to artists from all over the world giving special, intimate performances, it’s an exciting opportunity to watch world-class artists up close, performing stripped down versions of their music in a way you won’t have seen before.
Shetland group Fiddlers Bid take their native island’s acclaimed fiddle tradition to a new cultural crossover as they join forces with Japanese folk group Humbert Humbert. Similarly Ireland reaches out with the new collaboration of Donegal sisters The Henry Girls and the vintage Americana sound of The Fox Hunt from West Virginia. Fresh from touring with Mumford and Sons, Stornoway and Newton Falconer, rising talent singer/songwriter Rachel Seramani from Carrbridge takes time out of a an already busy year ahead to perform two of her own songs.
An electrifying performer who first appeared on television in Scotland with a memorable showing on Gaelic arts programme Tacsi, now Basque accordionist Kepa Junkera makes a welcome return to Glasgow and BBC ALBA. Also returning to Hòro Gheallaidh is Daimh, one of Scotland’s best traditional bands with the compelling Gaelic vocals of Lewis-born singer Calum Alex Macmillan.
Additional artist include the multi-talented writer and singer from Belfast, Brian Kennedy who has been in the music business for 20 years now as well as Barra’s Cathy Ann Macphee who brings her indisputable track record as one of the first pioneers of introducing Gaelic song to an international audience.
For some of the best television coverage from this year’s Celtic Connections festival tune in to BBC ALBA.
BBC ALBA viewers can enjoy a mix of concert performances and more intimate events from one of the world’s largest and most prominent winter music festivals around.
Cuirm @ Celtic continues on Saturday 5 February at 9pm with Julie Fowlis presenting highlights from the Sharon Shannon Big Band concert. The Irish accordion queen is in concert from Glasgow's Fruitmarket with guest appearances from contrasting vocalists including Heidi Talbot, Eleanor McAvoy and evergreen singer-songwriter Mundy. Such cross-genre camaraderie has been Shannon’s singular gift since her earliest days with the Waterboys, and she works her magic once again at the helm of a stellar instrumental cast.
Later in the year Cuirm @ Celtic – Taigh Ciùil will feature Gaelic and Irish singers and musicians in the more intimate setting of Glasgow’s Art Club. Presented by Julie Fowlis and from Ireland Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, lead singer of the band Danu, the series will feature music and song from the Gerry O’Connor Quartet, Na Caimbeulaich, Mairi MacInnes and young talent in the shape of Na Seudan Òg – Darren MacLean, Fiona Dunn, Catherine Tinney and Alasdair Whyte. Julie and Muireann will perfom a special set of duets and solo numbers and the audience will also have a chance to enjoy Ciorras, Donal Lunny’s band of all the talents and Colin Farrell.
Hòro Gheallaidh (The Celtic Sessions), produced by MacTV is also filmed in collaboration with Celtic Connections and will return to BBC ALBA for a 5th series later in 2011, with an eclectic mix of music comprising blue grass, folk, celtic and world music of the highest quality.
This year’s series has a distinctly international feel, as musicians from across the globe visiting Glasgow for the Celtic Connections festival drop-in to the Hòro Gheallaidh sessions. A unique chance to listen to artists from all over the world giving special, intimate performances, it’s an exciting opportunity to watch world-class artists up close, performing stripped down versions of their music in a way you won’t have seen before.
Shetland group Fiddlers Bid take their native island’s acclaimed fiddle tradition to a new cultural crossover as they join forces with Japanese folk group Humbert Humbert. Similarly Ireland reaches out with the new collaboration of Donegal sisters The Henry Girls and the vintage Americana sound of The Fox Hunt from West Virginia. Fresh from touring with Mumford and Sons, Stornoway and Newton Falconer, rising talent singer/songwriter Rachel Seramani from Carrbridge takes time out of a an already busy year ahead to perform two of her own songs.
An electrifying performer who first appeared on television in Scotland with a memorable showing on Gaelic arts programme Tacsi, now Basque accordionist Kepa Junkera makes a welcome return to Glasgow and BBC ALBA. Also returning to Hòro Gheallaidh is Daimh, one of Scotland’s best traditional bands with the compelling Gaelic vocals of Lewis-born singer Calum Alex Macmillan.
Additional artist include the multi-talented writer and singer from Belfast, Brian Kennedy who has been in the music business for 20 years now as well as Barra’s Cathy Ann Macphee who brings her indisputable track record as one of the first pioneers of introducing Gaelic song to an international audience.
For some of the best television coverage from this year’s Celtic Connections festival tune in to BBC ALBA.
New planning system success - says A&B Council
Argyll and Bute Council’s Planning Department has achieved its best performance since 2007, signifying that both Scotland’s new planning system and significant internal changes have proven to be successful.
The last quarter of 2010’s performance measurements highlighted that the planning department are determining 90% of household applications within a two month period, and 75% of all applications within their appropriate timescale; being two months for small scale development applications, and four months for major applications. Customer satisfaction and productivity are also on the increase, sharing this positive trend of improvement. Argyll and Bute Council is now the leading rural authority in planning developments, with performance some 25% above the average of other comparable Scottish Local Authorities.
Councillor Danny Kelly, Chairman of the Planning, Protective Services and Licensing Committee, is pleased with the overall performance.
“There is still great interest in the development industry in Argyll and Bute and I am pleased that our planning department is assisting and facilitating sustainable growth. There have been a number of innovative and radical reforms in the planning department in the past 18 months, such as e-planning and creation of a single committee and I am glad to see these changes are helping to deliver improvements in performance.
“We are keen to engage with anyone who may be interested in undertaking a home improvement or building project in 2011 to ensure you have the correct consents in place before works begin. We have also brought our ‘comment on a planning application’ and ‘apply for permission’ links to the home page of the council website, so that there is improved access to these and other popular pages.”
More information on planning applications, including how to apply for permission, is available on the council’s website: www.argyll-bute.gov.uk
The last quarter of 2010’s performance measurements highlighted that the planning department are determining 90% of household applications within a two month period, and 75% of all applications within their appropriate timescale; being two months for small scale development applications, and four months for major applications. Customer satisfaction and productivity are also on the increase, sharing this positive trend of improvement. Argyll and Bute Council is now the leading rural authority in planning developments, with performance some 25% above the average of other comparable Scottish Local Authorities.
Councillor Danny Kelly, Chairman of the Planning, Protective Services and Licensing Committee, is pleased with the overall performance.
“There is still great interest in the development industry in Argyll and Bute and I am pleased that our planning department is assisting and facilitating sustainable growth. There have been a number of innovative and radical reforms in the planning department in the past 18 months, such as e-planning and creation of a single committee and I am glad to see these changes are helping to deliver improvements in performance.
“We are keen to engage with anyone who may be interested in undertaking a home improvement or building project in 2011 to ensure you have the correct consents in place before works begin. We have also brought our ‘comment on a planning application’ and ‘apply for permission’ links to the home page of the council website, so that there is improved access to these and other popular pages.”
More information on planning applications, including how to apply for permission, is available on the council’s website: www.argyll-bute.gov.uk
BBC ALBA – WEEKLY PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS Saturday 5 February – Friday 11 February 2011
Title: Cuirm @ Celtic Connections 2011
Julie Fowlis presents the Sharon Shannon Big Band in concert from Glasgow's Fruitmarket during Celtic Connections. With guest appearances from Eleanor McEvoy, Heidi Talbot and Mundy.
Transmitted: Saturday 5th February 2011
Time: 21:00
Title: Whisky Galore
1943: The remote Hebridean island of Todday is thrown into despair when the its whisky runs out. Salvation arrives when a ship carrying 40,000 cases of whisky flounders on the island's rocks. But the islanders clash with authority in the shape of Home
Guard commander - Captain Waggett. Classic Ealing Comedy.
Transmitted: Saturday 5th February 2011
Time: 22:00
Title: Am Politician
Morag Stewart reports on the whisky cargo aboard the SS Politician which went aground off Eriskay in February 1941, the men who were sent to jail for 'salvaging' it, and asks why the ship carried an intriguing amount of Jamaican currency on board as she made for Kingston and New Orleans.
Transmitted: Saturday 5th February 2011
Time: 23:20
Title: Trusadh: Addiction
Addiction is described as a dysfunctional coping strategy and whether it is alcohol, narcotics, gambling or food, addiction affects thousands in this country bringing misery to many and death to some.
Trusadh - Addictions examines this vast topic through the prism of "commonality" and is led by recovering addict Norrie Macdonald. Norrie has been free of alcohol for ten years and his experience from a settled, idyllic upbringing in Lewis, through education in Glasgow and years of abuse to finally facing his addiction is charted, with supplementary testimony from fellow addicts and professionals, over the course of this 60 minute documentary.
Since then his life has been very active. He maintains a strong relationship with his ex-wife and children, he became captain of the local golf club and though he is a self effacing individual he hopes his story is an inspiration to others who find themselves locked in addiction.
Trusadh - Addictions illuminates the often secretive world of suffering and the shame of addiction and by doing so helps our understanding of those who find themselves trapped.
Transmitted: Monday 7th February 2011
Time: 21:00
Title: Thar an Aiseag / Ferry Tales
The ferry is an intrinsic part of life in many communities throughout Scotland. From large vessels to small motor boats, the ferries transport people, goods and livestock from islands and peninsulas, providing a crucial connection with mainland Scotland.
Over a year, this series follows the people that run and use Scotland's ferries, often in the most beautiful scenic areas of Scotland. From family run businesses to large corporations, all striving to deliver the best service, despite the daily challenges of weather, timetables and engineering problems. From holiday travellers to commuters and school children, the ferry is vital to people for all sorts of reasons.
In this programme, the crew and staff of Orkney's MV Pentalina, including the new Polish captain are kept busy. There is a special passenger on the Kerrera ferry; and two ferries depart for Westray with an unusual load.
Transmitted: Tuesday 8th February 2011
Time: 20:30
Title: Eorpa
Another edition of Eorpa, reporting on the most interesting stories from around Europe.
Transmitted: Wednesday 9th February 2011
Time: 20:30
Julie Fowlis presents the Sharon Shannon Big Band in concert from Glasgow's Fruitmarket during Celtic Connections. With guest appearances from Eleanor McEvoy, Heidi Talbot and Mundy.
Transmitted: Saturday 5th February 2011
Time: 21:00
Title: Whisky Galore
1943: The remote Hebridean island of Todday is thrown into despair when the its whisky runs out. Salvation arrives when a ship carrying 40,000 cases of whisky flounders on the island's rocks. But the islanders clash with authority in the shape of Home
Guard commander - Captain Waggett. Classic Ealing Comedy.
Transmitted: Saturday 5th February 2011
Time: 22:00
Title: Am Politician
Morag Stewart reports on the whisky cargo aboard the SS Politician which went aground off Eriskay in February 1941, the men who were sent to jail for 'salvaging' it, and asks why the ship carried an intriguing amount of Jamaican currency on board as she made for Kingston and New Orleans.
Transmitted: Saturday 5th February 2011
Time: 23:20
Title: Trusadh: Addiction
Addiction is described as a dysfunctional coping strategy and whether it is alcohol, narcotics, gambling or food, addiction affects thousands in this country bringing misery to many and death to some.
Trusadh - Addictions examines this vast topic through the prism of "commonality" and is led by recovering addict Norrie Macdonald. Norrie has been free of alcohol for ten years and his experience from a settled, idyllic upbringing in Lewis, through education in Glasgow and years of abuse to finally facing his addiction is charted, with supplementary testimony from fellow addicts and professionals, over the course of this 60 minute documentary.
Since then his life has been very active. He maintains a strong relationship with his ex-wife and children, he became captain of the local golf club and though he is a self effacing individual he hopes his story is an inspiration to others who find themselves locked in addiction.
Trusadh - Addictions illuminates the often secretive world of suffering and the shame of addiction and by doing so helps our understanding of those who find themselves trapped.
Transmitted: Monday 7th February 2011
Time: 21:00
Title: Thar an Aiseag / Ferry Tales
The ferry is an intrinsic part of life in many communities throughout Scotland. From large vessels to small motor boats, the ferries transport people, goods and livestock from islands and peninsulas, providing a crucial connection with mainland Scotland.
Over a year, this series follows the people that run and use Scotland's ferries, often in the most beautiful scenic areas of Scotland. From family run businesses to large corporations, all striving to deliver the best service, despite the daily challenges of weather, timetables and engineering problems. From holiday travellers to commuters and school children, the ferry is vital to people for all sorts of reasons.
In this programme, the crew and staff of Orkney's MV Pentalina, including the new Polish captain are kept busy. There is a special passenger on the Kerrera ferry; and two ferries depart for Westray with an unusual load.
Transmitted: Tuesday 8th February 2011
Time: 20:30
Title: Eorpa
Another edition of Eorpa, reporting on the most interesting stories from around Europe.
Transmitted: Wednesday 9th February 2011
Time: 20:30
RETAILERS SET OUT FIVE KEY QUESTIONS SWINNEY MUST ANSWER OVER LEVY
Scottish Finance Secretary John Swinney must answer five key questions when he appears before the Local Government and Communities Committee of the Scottish Parliament later today (Wednesday) to give evidence on his proposed Large Retailer Levy.
The Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC), which represents the full range of retail businesses in Scotland, is challenging the myths which have been deployed in an attempt to justify singling out a small number of firms within a single sector for extra taxation. Retailers have united to warn of the threat this levy poses to future job creation and investment in Scotland. John Swinney must answer these questions:
- Why has this been described as an out-of-town tax when it also affects town and city centre premises?
- How can you depict this tax as beneficial to smaller businesses when it is not raising any additional income for them, beyond what was already being provided by the small business bonus scheme?
- How can you claim to support economic growth while at the same time penalising companies who create thousands of jobs?
- What is your justification for singling out one particular part of one particular sector? Did you consider the contributions which might have been made by, for example, the energy industry or the banks?
- Have you assessed the potential damage to future investment and job creation which will be caused by making Scotland the most expensive part of the UK in which to locate a major store?
Scottish Retail Consortium Director, Fiona Moriarty, said: “It is extremely worrying that there is so little clarity on a key budget proposal so late in the day. The issues we urge the Finance Secretary to address are ones which we have been seeking explanations for since this misconceived tax was first announced.
“The consequences for Scotland of this tax are extremely serious. There will be fewer large retail stores opening in the future and fewer existing stores will be expanded. That means a reduction in future job creation, both at the major retailers and at businesses which support them.
“Last week members of the Scottish Parliament’s Finance Committee made it clear they felt there were flaws with the proposed large retailer levy. Their report on the draft budget specifically highlighted the contradiction between the measure’s intention to support town centres and the fact it will increase taxes for some key town centre stores. This is not the only anomaly which needs to be explained.
“How is this levy a tax on out-of-town development, when it also hits city centre stores on some of Scotland’s most prestigious streets? How does this levy help smaller enterprises, when the money it raises will not be dedicated to additional small business support or the regeneration of our urban areas?
“Retailers with sites in Scotland are committed to the country. They employ local people, help them develop skills and already pay large sums in tax and to support local regeneration efforts. The contribution the retail sector makes to the Scottish economy is substantial and will grow, providing this anti-retail levy is rejected.”
The Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC), which represents the full range of retail businesses in Scotland, is challenging the myths which have been deployed in an attempt to justify singling out a small number of firms within a single sector for extra taxation. Retailers have united to warn of the threat this levy poses to future job creation and investment in Scotland. John Swinney must answer these questions:
- Why has this been described as an out-of-town tax when it also affects town and city centre premises?
- How can you depict this tax as beneficial to smaller businesses when it is not raising any additional income for them, beyond what was already being provided by the small business bonus scheme?
- How can you claim to support economic growth while at the same time penalising companies who create thousands of jobs?
- What is your justification for singling out one particular part of one particular sector? Did you consider the contributions which might have been made by, for example, the energy industry or the banks?
- Have you assessed the potential damage to future investment and job creation which will be caused by making Scotland the most expensive part of the UK in which to locate a major store?
Scottish Retail Consortium Director, Fiona Moriarty, said: “It is extremely worrying that there is so little clarity on a key budget proposal so late in the day. The issues we urge the Finance Secretary to address are ones which we have been seeking explanations for since this misconceived tax was first announced.
“The consequences for Scotland of this tax are extremely serious. There will be fewer large retail stores opening in the future and fewer existing stores will be expanded. That means a reduction in future job creation, both at the major retailers and at businesses which support them.
“Last week members of the Scottish Parliament’s Finance Committee made it clear they felt there were flaws with the proposed large retailer levy. Their report on the draft budget specifically highlighted the contradiction between the measure’s intention to support town centres and the fact it will increase taxes for some key town centre stores. This is not the only anomaly which needs to be explained.
“How is this levy a tax on out-of-town development, when it also hits city centre stores on some of Scotland’s most prestigious streets? How does this levy help smaller enterprises, when the money it raises will not be dedicated to additional small business support or the regeneration of our urban areas?
“Retailers with sites in Scotland are committed to the country. They employ local people, help them develop skills and already pay large sums in tax and to support local regeneration efforts. The contribution the retail sector makes to the Scottish economy is substantial and will grow, providing this anti-retail levy is rejected.”
ONLY ONE SUPERMARKET IN ARGYLL AND BUTE WILL BE TAXED - says Russell
SNP Prospective Candidate for Argyll & Bute Michael Russell MSP has revealed that only one supermarket in the whole of the constituency will be affected by the so called “Supermarket Tax”. But if the tax is struck out of the Scottish Budget by the Opposition parties , then every council tax payer in the area may have to fork out instead.
Commenting on the announcement that Labour, Tories and the Lib Dems had joined forces to oppose the tax, Mr Russell said:
“This modest proposal is designed to raise additional revenue at a difficult time - revenue that will be used , amongst other things, to help small business and invest in town centres. Indeed so modest is the proposal that only one supermarket in this whole constituency will be affected. Tescos in Oban will pay £17,500 more than it does now - apart from that no other local store will be touched. That £17,500 will make virtually no difference to its high level of profit.
Yet the Opposition parties , driven not by principal but merely by anti-SNP posturing, are now seriously suggesting that this is too much and that instead other measures should be taken including the possible raising of council tax for every council tax payer including pensioners and single parents !
The Liberals in particular seem to have taken leave of their senses. Instead of seeking fairness in taxation, they are determined to make those with least pay most. Just weeks ago the Liberals were calling for more money for town centres and for small businesses and opposing what they called “excess profits” by supermarket groups. Now they are intending to vote against the very things they support !
I would appeal to the Opposition Parties to think again. Otherwise here in Argyll Tesco will be laughing all the way to the bank whilst local citizens dig ever deeper to pay their council tax - a tax which the SNP has worked hard to freeze for the past four years.
Commenting on the announcement that Labour, Tories and the Lib Dems had joined forces to oppose the tax, Mr Russell said:
“This modest proposal is designed to raise additional revenue at a difficult time - revenue that will be used , amongst other things, to help small business and invest in town centres. Indeed so modest is the proposal that only one supermarket in this whole constituency will be affected. Tescos in Oban will pay £17,500 more than it does now - apart from that no other local store will be touched. That £17,500 will make virtually no difference to its high level of profit.
Yet the Opposition parties , driven not by principal but merely by anti-SNP posturing, are now seriously suggesting that this is too much and that instead other measures should be taken including the possible raising of council tax for every council tax payer including pensioners and single parents !
The Liberals in particular seem to have taken leave of their senses. Instead of seeking fairness in taxation, they are determined to make those with least pay most. Just weeks ago the Liberals were calling for more money for town centres and for small businesses and opposing what they called “excess profits” by supermarket groups. Now they are intending to vote against the very things they support !
I would appeal to the Opposition Parties to think again. Otherwise here in Argyll Tesco will be laughing all the way to the bank whilst local citizens dig ever deeper to pay their council tax - a tax which the SNP has worked hard to freeze for the past four years.
COASTGUARD CLOSURE THREAT TO BE DEBATED AT HOLYROOD
Western Isles MSP Dr Alasdair Allan has been successful in securing a
debate about the proposed closure by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency
(MCA) of all but one of the present Scottish Coastguard centres. Jim
Mather, MSP Argyll & Bute has welcomed his colleague's success in this
and sees this as an opportunity for MSPs from the other Scottish parties
to make clear their opposition to this drastic example of the coalition
government's application of savage cuts in public services.
Jim Mather said:
"These proposals would see the work of five coastguard stations around
the complex Scottish coastline effectively centralised into the Aberdeen
facility with the possible support of one daylight hours centre at
either Lerwick or Stornoway -the location of this has yet to be
finalised. We have been here before and some will recall the
unsuccessful campaign to prevent the effective shutdown of coastguard
presence in Oban more than ten years ago.
This would leave two full time UK centres to cover the entire UK
coastline with several sub-centres to fill in the gaps in day time. It
must bring to question concerns about safety, the loss of local
knowledge and the sheer scale of the task left to the remaining
facilities.
This is, of course, presently a Westminster decision but it is important
that MSPs are given the opportunity to make clear their opinions and I
welcome Alasdair Allan's motion and the terms of its strong opposition
to those proposals. I sincerely hope and trust that MSPs from all
parties will join with him in registering their support and the need for
a reappraisal of this action."
debate about the proposed closure by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency
(MCA) of all but one of the present Scottish Coastguard centres. Jim
Mather, MSP Argyll & Bute has welcomed his colleague's success in this
and sees this as an opportunity for MSPs from the other Scottish parties
to make clear their opposition to this drastic example of the coalition
government's application of savage cuts in public services.
Jim Mather said:
"These proposals would see the work of five coastguard stations around
the complex Scottish coastline effectively centralised into the Aberdeen
facility with the possible support of one daylight hours centre at
either Lerwick or Stornoway -the location of this has yet to be
finalised. We have been here before and some will recall the
unsuccessful campaign to prevent the effective shutdown of coastguard
presence in Oban more than ten years ago.
This would leave two full time UK centres to cover the entire UK
coastline with several sub-centres to fill in the gaps in day time. It
must bring to question concerns about safety, the loss of local
knowledge and the sheer scale of the task left to the remaining
facilities.
This is, of course, presently a Westminster decision but it is important
that MSPs are given the opportunity to make clear their opinions and I
welcome Alasdair Allan's motion and the terms of its strong opposition
to those proposals. I sincerely hope and trust that MSPs from all
parties will join with him in registering their support and the need for
a reappraisal of this action."
SCOTLAND’S ROLE IN FEEDING THE NINE BILLION
NFU Scotland, the nation’s leading farming organisation, which represents 9,000 Scottish farmers, crofters, growers and other rural businesses, has welcomed today’s publication of the Foresight report on Global Food and Farming Futures and highlighted the role Scottish farmers are already playing in feeding people while maintaining Scotland’s famous landscape.
Today’s Foresight report which highlights Scotland’s ambitious aim of reducing all greenhouse gas emissions by 42% by 2020 (compared to a UK target of 34%), also explores a number of themes, including ensuring affordable food supplies; stability in food prices; that food production mitigates against climate change; the maintenance of biodiversity and ecosystems, and ending hunger.
Some of the 400 experts who contributed to the paper are based in Scotland and are in regular contact with NFUS representatives. NFUS is also building on the ‘Producing more with less’ document which it published earlier this year as a joint commitment on climate change with QMS and SAOS.
NFUS is also adamant that the good work taking place on farms to ensure a continuous and sustainable supply of food is not being reflected in the marketplace and that it is just as important that the nation’s supply chain be reformed in order that this good work can be continued.
NFU Scotland’s President, Jim McLaren commented on the report, saying:
"This hugely important and influential report must drive the issues of food security and sustainable agricultural production to the very top of the political agenda.
"The good news is that for Scottish farmers to play their part in meeting the future food requirements outlined in this report, it will require evolution rather than revolution. Scotland already has a proven ability in producing quality food in a way that protects and enhances the environment upon which that very production depends. The joint industry commitment on climate change, delivered by NFU Scotland, QMS and SAOS last year, clearly highlighted that Scottish agriculture can effectively meet food security demands whilst maintaining the countryside and doing so with less environmental impact per unit of production than it has ever done before.
"The reality is that Scottish farmers are already delivering on the report's central theme of a "sustainable intensification of farming". Improving efficiency and reducing waste on Scottish farms has already seen our farmers produce more food while using fewer inputs. At this moment in time, the biggest barrier to that positive trend continuing is the dysfunctional nature of many of our supply chain arrangements. It is absolutely essential that producer commitment to efficiency and sustainable farming is met with a similar commitment from the marketplace.
"The importance of science and technology in mitigating the impact of climate change while allowing the agricultural industry to meet the huge demands on food production decades from now are also well explained in the report. While difficult decisions may lie ahead with regard to the uptake of technology such as GM, it is crucial that the debate on such issues gathers momentum and that science rather than emotion dominates the discussion."
Today’s Foresight report which highlights Scotland’s ambitious aim of reducing all greenhouse gas emissions by 42% by 2020 (compared to a UK target of 34%), also explores a number of themes, including ensuring affordable food supplies; stability in food prices; that food production mitigates against climate change; the maintenance of biodiversity and ecosystems, and ending hunger.
Some of the 400 experts who contributed to the paper are based in Scotland and are in regular contact with NFUS representatives. NFUS is also building on the ‘Producing more with less’ document which it published earlier this year as a joint commitment on climate change with QMS and SAOS.
NFUS is also adamant that the good work taking place on farms to ensure a continuous and sustainable supply of food is not being reflected in the marketplace and that it is just as important that the nation’s supply chain be reformed in order that this good work can be continued.
NFU Scotland’s President, Jim McLaren commented on the report, saying:
"This hugely important and influential report must drive the issues of food security and sustainable agricultural production to the very top of the political agenda.
"The good news is that for Scottish farmers to play their part in meeting the future food requirements outlined in this report, it will require evolution rather than revolution. Scotland already has a proven ability in producing quality food in a way that protects and enhances the environment upon which that very production depends. The joint industry commitment on climate change, delivered by NFU Scotland, QMS and SAOS last year, clearly highlighted that Scottish agriculture can effectively meet food security demands whilst maintaining the countryside and doing so with less environmental impact per unit of production than it has ever done before.
"The reality is that Scottish farmers are already delivering on the report's central theme of a "sustainable intensification of farming". Improving efficiency and reducing waste on Scottish farms has already seen our farmers produce more food while using fewer inputs. At this moment in time, the biggest barrier to that positive trend continuing is the dysfunctional nature of many of our supply chain arrangements. It is absolutely essential that producer commitment to efficiency and sustainable farming is met with a similar commitment from the marketplace.
"The importance of science and technology in mitigating the impact of climate change while allowing the agricultural industry to meet the huge demands on food production decades from now are also well explained in the report. While difficult decisions may lie ahead with regard to the uptake of technology such as GM, it is crucial that the debate on such issues gathers momentum and that science rather than emotion dominates the discussion."
HAPPY LANTERN-FREE CHINESE NEW YEAR
NFU Scotland has joined farming organisations across the UK in wishing well all those who celebrate the Chinese New Year, which begins this Thursday 3 February, but has urged all those taking part to resist the temptation to light ‘sky lanterns’, which may be released into the air as part of the festivities.
Sky lanterns, which have become increasingly popular in the UK in recent years at many celebrations including weddings and large parties, are made from very fine pieces of paper held in a balloon shape by a thin metal wire or piece of bamboo, which can cause serious harm to livestock if they are ingested or become entangled. They also present a risk to dry standing crops, trees and farm buildings if they land whilst still alight.
NFUS will be writing to EU Commissioner John Dalli, who, in response to a recent question from UK MEP Julie Girling, acknowledged the risk that sky lanterns pose to livestock, in particular. This recognition is welcome, but the suggestion that farmers could take preventive measures ‘such as checking regularly the grounds or inserting magnets in cattle stomachs,’ as per the Commissioner’s recommendations, is absurd.
NFU Scotland Livestock Policy Manager, Penny Johnston said:
“As the popularity of releasing flying lanterns at parties and other events grows, the problems they can cause for farmers are becoming increasingly apparent. Across the UK, there have been numerous reports of harm to livestock, and in some instances death, when lanterns have landed in farmers’ fields, and cattle have ingested the metal wires.
“There is a further risk to cattle when grass is cut and ensiled for winter feed, and the wire is chopped up and subsequently contained in hay or silage. The lanterns also pose a fire hazard to dry standing crops, forestry and farm buildings, not to mention the problem of unsightly litter they cause.
“In Scotland, the situation appears to be less acute than it is south of the border. Some of our members have told us of their concerns but mercifully, no cases of actual harm to animals crops or buildings have been reported to NFUS, although we continue to ask our members to let us know if there is an incident. However, while sky lanterns continue to be used, it is just a matter of time; several members of NFUS staff have found sky lantern remains on or near farmland in Renfrewshire, Aberdeenshire and near Edinburgh in recent weeks.
“In response to the issue, the UK’s farm unions wrote to sky lantern manufacturers to urge them to tackle the problem. Until they are made from materials which are either consumed by the flame before they reach the ground or of a substance which biodegrades quickly and will not harm livestock if they become entangled in or ingest it, then the sale and use of sky lanterns should be banned, as is the case in Germany and Lithuania.
“With regard to Commissioner Dalli’s comments, farmers check their ground routinely, but it is impossible to survey every area of the farm frequently and at close enough range to detect pieces of litter such as sky lantern remains, particularly if they fall in a standing crop. Nor would a magnet in one or more of a cow’s five stomachs be of much help once a wire, or several pieces of wire have been ingested.”
Sky lanterns, which have become increasingly popular in the UK in recent years at many celebrations including weddings and large parties, are made from very fine pieces of paper held in a balloon shape by a thin metal wire or piece of bamboo, which can cause serious harm to livestock if they are ingested or become entangled. They also present a risk to dry standing crops, trees and farm buildings if they land whilst still alight.
NFUS will be writing to EU Commissioner John Dalli, who, in response to a recent question from UK MEP Julie Girling, acknowledged the risk that sky lanterns pose to livestock, in particular. This recognition is welcome, but the suggestion that farmers could take preventive measures ‘such as checking regularly the grounds or inserting magnets in cattle stomachs,’ as per the Commissioner’s recommendations, is absurd.
NFU Scotland Livestock Policy Manager, Penny Johnston said:
“As the popularity of releasing flying lanterns at parties and other events grows, the problems they can cause for farmers are becoming increasingly apparent. Across the UK, there have been numerous reports of harm to livestock, and in some instances death, when lanterns have landed in farmers’ fields, and cattle have ingested the metal wires.
“There is a further risk to cattle when grass is cut and ensiled for winter feed, and the wire is chopped up and subsequently contained in hay or silage. The lanterns also pose a fire hazard to dry standing crops, forestry and farm buildings, not to mention the problem of unsightly litter they cause.
“In Scotland, the situation appears to be less acute than it is south of the border. Some of our members have told us of their concerns but mercifully, no cases of actual harm to animals crops or buildings have been reported to NFUS, although we continue to ask our members to let us know if there is an incident. However, while sky lanterns continue to be used, it is just a matter of time; several members of NFUS staff have found sky lantern remains on or near farmland in Renfrewshire, Aberdeenshire and near Edinburgh in recent weeks.
“In response to the issue, the UK’s farm unions wrote to sky lantern manufacturers to urge them to tackle the problem. Until they are made from materials which are either consumed by the flame before they reach the ground or of a substance which biodegrades quickly and will not harm livestock if they become entangled in or ingest it, then the sale and use of sky lanterns should be banned, as is the case in Germany and Lithuania.
“With regard to Commissioner Dalli’s comments, farmers check their ground routinely, but it is impossible to survey every area of the farm frequently and at close enough range to detect pieces of litter such as sky lantern remains, particularly if they fall in a standing crop. Nor would a magnet in one or more of a cow’s five stomachs be of much help once a wire, or several pieces of wire have been ingested.”
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