NFU Scotland has branded the UK Government’s response to the Business, Innovation, and Skills Committee report on the Draft Groceries Code Adjudicator Bill, as published over the weekend, as extremely disappointing.
Whilst some of the Select Committee’s smaller recommendations for change to the draft Bill have been accepted, the Union’s primary concern has not been adequately addressed. That is, that the bill does not go far enough to tackle the climate of fear that exists among suppliers and processors feeding into the retail sector.
NFU Scotland still believes that without guaranteed anonymity suppliers will not risk bringing instances of abuses of power to the attention of an adjudicator.
Chief Executive of NFU Scotland, Scott Walker, said:
“It is extremely disappointing that the UK Government have rejected some important recommendations for positive change to the draft Bill.
“While the bill remains hugely important, and is a step forward in terms of ensuring greater transparency within the food sector, the opportunity that is there to ensure this bill makes a real difference to the working lives of retail suppliers is in danger of being missed.
“The climate of fear that has existed for many years within the food sector is well documented, and understandably many suppliers are loath to complain when so much of their output may be directed at a single buyer. With this in mind, the one recommendation we just can not understand being rejected is the option for third parties to make complaint on behalf of a supplier. Without this additional layer of anonymity the likelihood of any complaints being made remains miniscule.
“Even at this late hour, we would urge the Government to think again, and look at taking on board the recommendation that information provided by third party sources should be enough to trigger an investigation. Without this being permissible, we see very little being done to encourage suppliers and processors to make a complaint when they feel they are being subjected to abuses of power.”
Thursday, 20 October 2011
BBC ALBA – WEEKLY PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS Saturday 29 October – Friday 4 November 2011
Title: SPL: Hearts v Kilmarnock
‘As-live’ coverage from the Scottish Premier League as Hearts host Kilmarnock at Tynecastle Stadium, Edinburgh.
Transmitted: Saturday 29 October
Time: 5.30 – 7.30pm
Title: Blas Music Festival 2011
Kirsteen MacDonald with more music and song from Blas 2011 including performances from Karen Matheson and Kathleen MacInnes.
Transmitted: Saturday 29 October
Time: 8.55 – 10.00pm
Title: Horo Gheallaidh / Celtic Music
World class musicians from the Celtic Connections festival drop in to give special, intimate performances at the Horo Gheallaidh ceilidh session's filmed in Glasgow and presented by Sarah Cruickshank. This week, Rachel Sermanni, Ireland's Glackin Brothers, Linda Macleod from Uist and Jamie McMenemy with Soig Siberil are among the guests. This is a unique opportunity to watch world-class artists up close, performing stripped down versions of their songs live on our sofa in a way you won't have seen them before.
Transmitted: Saturday 29 October
Time: 10.00 – 10.30pm
Title: Gach Creutar Beo / Highland Vets
A new series following the wild and wonderful world of Scottish vets.
We’re out on the farm with vet Iain Maclean in Wick as he's called out to a cow who has lost a lot of blood during calving, then he heads back to the surgery to tend to some cats. Following this, our next stop is Blair Drummond Safari Park, where the cats are a whole lot bigger and a whole lot wilder, as park vet Colin Scott gives his attention to the lions.
Transmitted: Monday 31 October
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Ceol Country
Anne Morrison presents highlights from the Kelso Country and Western Music Festival. Among the artists showcased at the festival are Henry Smith and Country Dreams and Chris Raddings.
In addition to the music, Anne takes part in a Western quick draw competition and samples the pre-gig nerves with a band as they introduce new material into their set.
Transmitted: Tuesday 1 November
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Eorpa
Another edition of Eorpa, reporting on the most interesting stories from around Europe.
Transmitted: Wednesday 2 November
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Na Geamannan / World Island Games
Shona hopes for a good showing at the Benbecula half-marathon but Donald MacInnes has a bad day at the clay pigeon shoot.
Transmitted: Thursday 3 November
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Air An Rathad / On The Road
'Air an Rathad'- it's all about cars! Presenters Fiona Mackenzie, Murray Macleod and Calum Iain Mackenzie are back with a new series of Scotland's very own car show. All the thrills and spills you expect from 'On the Road', with guest appearances from stunt driver Paul Swift, 'rollover' Roy Maclennan, and rally drivers David Bogie and Donnie Campbell. And let's not forget the weird and wonderful Wacky Races! There's more fun on the track as our presenters battle it out for the coveted Wacky Races Cup. Sit down and buckle up for the new series of Air an Rathad.
Transmitted: Thursday 3 November
Time: 10.00 – 10.30pm
Title: Grinn / Makeover
This week, hotelier John MacRitchie gets a re-style from experts Donna Macleod, Lynda MacMillan and John Comerford.
Transmitted: Friday 4 November
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Am Boireannach a Dh’ith Bo
As an artist, Heather Dewar has travelled the world for inspiration. But as a cook, her inspiration is her native Islay and its produce. A thrifty Gael, she loves food - but hates waste. But with rising food prices, there's never been a better time to re-embrace Heather's good old-fashioned thrifty kitchen skills. With this in mind, Heather's on a quest to find an animal to cook and eat, using the cuts of meat that people would normally cast aside.
Transmitted: Friday 4 November
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
‘As-live’ coverage from the Scottish Premier League as Hearts host Kilmarnock at Tynecastle Stadium, Edinburgh.
Transmitted: Saturday 29 October
Time: 5.30 – 7.30pm
Title: Blas Music Festival 2011
Kirsteen MacDonald with more music and song from Blas 2011 including performances from Karen Matheson and Kathleen MacInnes.
Transmitted: Saturday 29 October
Time: 8.55 – 10.00pm
Title: Horo Gheallaidh / Celtic Music
World class musicians from the Celtic Connections festival drop in to give special, intimate performances at the Horo Gheallaidh ceilidh session's filmed in Glasgow and presented by Sarah Cruickshank. This week, Rachel Sermanni, Ireland's Glackin Brothers, Linda Macleod from Uist and Jamie McMenemy with Soig Siberil are among the guests. This is a unique opportunity to watch world-class artists up close, performing stripped down versions of their songs live on our sofa in a way you won't have seen them before.
Transmitted: Saturday 29 October
Time: 10.00 – 10.30pm
Title: Gach Creutar Beo / Highland Vets
A new series following the wild and wonderful world of Scottish vets.
We’re out on the farm with vet Iain Maclean in Wick as he's called out to a cow who has lost a lot of blood during calving, then he heads back to the surgery to tend to some cats. Following this, our next stop is Blair Drummond Safari Park, where the cats are a whole lot bigger and a whole lot wilder, as park vet Colin Scott gives his attention to the lions.
Transmitted: Monday 31 October
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Ceol Country
Anne Morrison presents highlights from the Kelso Country and Western Music Festival. Among the artists showcased at the festival are Henry Smith and Country Dreams and Chris Raddings.
In addition to the music, Anne takes part in a Western quick draw competition and samples the pre-gig nerves with a band as they introduce new material into their set.
Transmitted: Tuesday 1 November
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Eorpa
Another edition of Eorpa, reporting on the most interesting stories from around Europe.
Transmitted: Wednesday 2 November
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Na Geamannan / World Island Games
Shona hopes for a good showing at the Benbecula half-marathon but Donald MacInnes has a bad day at the clay pigeon shoot.
Transmitted: Thursday 3 November
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Air An Rathad / On The Road
'Air an Rathad'- it's all about cars! Presenters Fiona Mackenzie, Murray Macleod and Calum Iain Mackenzie are back with a new series of Scotland's very own car show. All the thrills and spills you expect from 'On the Road', with guest appearances from stunt driver Paul Swift, 'rollover' Roy Maclennan, and rally drivers David Bogie and Donnie Campbell. And let's not forget the weird and wonderful Wacky Races! There's more fun on the track as our presenters battle it out for the coveted Wacky Races Cup. Sit down and buckle up for the new series of Air an Rathad.
Transmitted: Thursday 3 November
Time: 10.00 – 10.30pm
Title: Grinn / Makeover
This week, hotelier John MacRitchie gets a re-style from experts Donna Macleod, Lynda MacMillan and John Comerford.
Transmitted: Friday 4 November
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Am Boireannach a Dh’ith Bo
As an artist, Heather Dewar has travelled the world for inspiration. But as a cook, her inspiration is her native Islay and its produce. A thrifty Gael, she loves food - but hates waste. But with rising food prices, there's never been a better time to re-embrace Heather's good old-fashioned thrifty kitchen skills. With this in mind, Heather's on a quest to find an animal to cook and eat, using the cuts of meat that people would normally cast aside.
Transmitted: Friday 4 November
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
BBC ALBA ANNOUNCES LATEST VIEWING FIGURES
BBC ALBA, the Gaelic television channel, has today (Thursday 20 October) announced its most recent viewing figures.
The figures have been compiled over a four month period since the channel was made available on Freeview and Virgin Media’s Cable at the start of June this year.
During this period (June to September 2011), BBC ALBA has attracted a significant number of new viewers averaging a total claimed weekly reach of 12.9% of adults aged 16 and over, equating to 530,000 viewers.
The claimed fifteen minute plus reach for the channel over the same four month period was 10.6% which equates to 430,000 viewers per week.
In addition, the average time viewers spent watching BBC ALBA per week was 1 hour 40 minutes.
Prior to the channel being made available on Freeview, the total weekly reach for the channel was 220,000 viewers with the weekly fifteen minute plus reach being 179,000 viewers.
This figure is for those tuning into the channel in Scotland only and does not take account of anyone in the rest of the UK who may be viewing programmes on BBC ALBA. It also does not include the under-16 age group who may watch the schedule of children’s programming on offer.
Furthermore, a watch-again facility provides 10 hours of BBC ALBA content on the BBC iPlayer each week. Latest figures available, covering the period January to September 2011, found that there was an average of 29,000 requests per week for BBC ALBA content on iPlayer.
Channel executives have attributed the increase in viewing figures to the distinctive and high quality range of programmes offered, as well as the increased accessibility for viewers.
The figures have been compiled over a four month period since the channel was made available on Freeview and Virgin Media’s Cable at the start of June this year.
During this period (June to September 2011), BBC ALBA has attracted a significant number of new viewers averaging a total claimed weekly reach of 12.9% of adults aged 16 and over, equating to 530,000 viewers.
The claimed fifteen minute plus reach for the channel over the same four month period was 10.6% which equates to 430,000 viewers per week.
In addition, the average time viewers spent watching BBC ALBA per week was 1 hour 40 minutes.
Prior to the channel being made available on Freeview, the total weekly reach for the channel was 220,000 viewers with the weekly fifteen minute plus reach being 179,000 viewers.
This figure is for those tuning into the channel in Scotland only and does not take account of anyone in the rest of the UK who may be viewing programmes on BBC ALBA. It also does not include the under-16 age group who may watch the schedule of children’s programming on offer.
Furthermore, a watch-again facility provides 10 hours of BBC ALBA content on the BBC iPlayer each week. Latest figures available, covering the period January to September 2011, found that there was an average of 29,000 requests per week for BBC ALBA content on iPlayer.
Channel executives have attributed the increase in viewing figures to the distinctive and high quality range of programmes offered, as well as the increased accessibility for viewers.
Wednesday, 19 October 2011
NEW INTERACTIVE WEBSITE LAUNCHED FOR GAELIC LEARNERS
A new interactive website was launched today (Wednesday, 19 October) that provides a one-stop-shop for anyone interested in learning Gaelic.
LearnGaelic.net was launched at an event held at the Royal National Mòd in Stornoway and is the result of a unique collaboration between Bòrd na Gàidhlig, MG ALBA, the BBC, the Board of Celtic Studies Scotland and Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. LearnGaelic.net has also received financial support from the Scottish Government.
The core aim of the website is to present enhanced Gaelic learning resources in a single online portal where, through time, learners of all ages and abilities can source the help they require when learning the language.
The website is split up into three broad areas of content for adult learners focusing on beginners, intermediate and advanced, with a further three sections for young learners at stages under five, primary and secondary school, with detailed guidance for parents, carers and teachers.
The website draws together newly commissioned content including a brand new online dictionary and thesaurus, a searchable Gaelic terminology database and guidance on Gaelic grammar, all of which are essential tools for learners and users of Gaelic. Additional language tools are also available such as spellcheckers and web browsers.
A range of existing resources that offer quality Gaelic learning materials have also been incorporated into the website including more than 400 video clips from the popular television series Speaking our Language. Information about the Gaelic language and culture is also available through links with new resources recently launched by the Open University.
Dr Alasdair Allan MSP, Minister for Learning and Skills (with responsibility for Gaelic & Scots) was in attendance to endorse the new website, and said: “The Scottish Government is committed to a vibrant and sustainable future for Gaelic in Scotland, and with recent research showing high levels of interest in where and how people can learn the language, initiatives like LearnGaelic.net must be welcomed. As a Gaelic learner myself, I warmly welcome these new resources.
“The site should have something for everyone – beginners, youngsters and teachers – and I expect it to become an important resource in Gaelic education.”
Sean Batty, STV weather presenter and current Gaelic learner, said: “I am so glad that this website has been set up, it really is great to finally see all the Gaelic resources pulled together into one contained site. It took me weeks to find a course to learn Gaelic in my local area as there was no one place to look and check.
“Learners like myself will find this new site absolutely fantastic as there are so many learning resources to hand which are very well organised into categories. For a learner it's vital that materials are easy to find and are well laid out, otherwise someone can lose interest very quickly and stop the learning process.
“My hope is to speak enough Gaelic by 2013 so that I can be involved in some way when the Mòd comes to Paisley. I know that this user friendly site will really help me learn more outside my evening classes and I hope that it will encourage more people to start on the journey of learning our language.”
A dedicated freephone helpline will also be made available from Friday 21 October which will allow users to gain expert advice, directed to appropriate resources pertinent to their individual needs, as well as being assessed on their level of fluency.
In addition, for those also keen to learn Gaelic on a face-to-face basis, full details are available on where you can find Gaelic classes and courses in your area.
LearnGaelic.net was launched at an event held at the Royal National Mòd in Stornoway and is the result of a unique collaboration between Bòrd na Gàidhlig, MG ALBA, the BBC, the Board of Celtic Studies Scotland and Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. LearnGaelic.net has also received financial support from the Scottish Government.
The core aim of the website is to present enhanced Gaelic learning resources in a single online portal where, through time, learners of all ages and abilities can source the help they require when learning the language.
The website is split up into three broad areas of content for adult learners focusing on beginners, intermediate and advanced, with a further three sections for young learners at stages under five, primary and secondary school, with detailed guidance for parents, carers and teachers.
The website draws together newly commissioned content including a brand new online dictionary and thesaurus, a searchable Gaelic terminology database and guidance on Gaelic grammar, all of which are essential tools for learners and users of Gaelic. Additional language tools are also available such as spellcheckers and web browsers.
A range of existing resources that offer quality Gaelic learning materials have also been incorporated into the website including more than 400 video clips from the popular television series Speaking our Language. Information about the Gaelic language and culture is also available through links with new resources recently launched by the Open University.
Dr Alasdair Allan MSP, Minister for Learning and Skills (with responsibility for Gaelic & Scots) was in attendance to endorse the new website, and said: “The Scottish Government is committed to a vibrant and sustainable future for Gaelic in Scotland, and with recent research showing high levels of interest in where and how people can learn the language, initiatives like LearnGaelic.net must be welcomed. As a Gaelic learner myself, I warmly welcome these new resources.
“The site should have something for everyone – beginners, youngsters and teachers – and I expect it to become an important resource in Gaelic education.”
Sean Batty, STV weather presenter and current Gaelic learner, said: “I am so glad that this website has been set up, it really is great to finally see all the Gaelic resources pulled together into one contained site. It took me weeks to find a course to learn Gaelic in my local area as there was no one place to look and check.
“Learners like myself will find this new site absolutely fantastic as there are so many learning resources to hand which are very well organised into categories. For a learner it's vital that materials are easy to find and are well laid out, otherwise someone can lose interest very quickly and stop the learning process.
“My hope is to speak enough Gaelic by 2013 so that I can be involved in some way when the Mòd comes to Paisley. I know that this user friendly site will really help me learn more outside my evening classes and I hope that it will encourage more people to start on the journey of learning our language.”
A dedicated freephone helpline will also be made available from Friday 21 October which will allow users to gain expert advice, directed to appropriate resources pertinent to their individual needs, as well as being assessed on their level of fluency.
In addition, for those also keen to learn Gaelic on a face-to-face basis, full details are available on where you can find Gaelic classes and courses in your area.
Positive food standards inspection
Independent inspectors who looked into the work of Argyll and Bute Council’s food standards team have been positive about what they found.
The Food Standards Agency (Scotland) visited the council for three days last month to carry out a rigorous audit on the environmental health service’s levels of compliance with the relevant food safety legislation.
The resulting report confirms that the team is performing well, with competent and professional staff championing food safety issues across Argyll and Bute.
It also identified several areas requiring further attention, which the council has already drawn up an action plan to address.
The auditors targeted Argyll and Bute, Highland and Aberdeenshire councils for inspections, as these are the three main local authorities regulating food manufacturing and processing in Scotland. Argyll and Bute was selected because it regulates:
One of Europe’s main shellfish sectors
The main scallop sector in Scotland
One of the main salmon smoker sectors in Scotland
The inspectors looked at the council’s food safety enforcement performance, joined enforcement staff on visits to selected premises and assessed the appropriateness of systems, processes and enforcement levels undertaken by the team.
Councillor Daniel Kelly, chair of the planning, protective services and licensing committee, said he was very pleased with the overall report.
“We take our responsibilities in the area of food safety extremely seriously, and it is very satisfying that the inspectors have had so many positive things to say about how we’re doing,” he added.
“The audit recognises the exemplary work being undertaken by Argyll and Bute Council’s environmental health service to protect food safety and - more widely - the general public, and I am delighted that it identified three major areas of best practice, including our very comprehensive inspection procedures.
“The report also highlights several areas in which we could improve our work, and an action plan is already being implemented to address these.
“Overall, it is reassuring that the inspectors concluded that our team is committed to keeping food safety at the top of the agenda for the protection of Argyll and Bute’s residents and visitors.”
The full report will be available for viewing on the Food Standards Agency’s website at www.food.gov.uk once it is formally published in November 2011.
Independent inspectors who looked into the work of Argyll and Bute Council’s food standards team have been positive about what they found.
The Food Standards Agency (Scotland) visited the council for three days last month to carry out a rigorous audit on the environmental health service’s levels of compliance with the relevant food safety legislation.
The resulting report confirms that the team is performing well, with competent and professional staff championing food safety issues across Argyll and Bute.
It also identified several areas requiring further attention, which the council has already drawn up an action plan to address.
The auditors targeted Argyll and Bute, Highland and Aberdeenshire councils for inspections, as these are the three main local authorities regulating food manufacturing and processing in Scotland. Argyll and Bute was selected because it regulates:
One of Europe’s main shellfish sectors
The main scallop sector in Scotland
One of the main salmon smoker sectors in Scotland
The inspectors looked at the council’s food safety enforcement performance, joined enforcement staff on visits to selected premises and assessed the appropriateness of systems, processes and enforcement levels undertaken by the team.
Councillor Daniel Kelly, chair of the planning, protective services and licensing committee, said he was very pleased with the overall report.
“We take our responsibilities in the area of food safety extremely seriously, and it is very satisfying that the inspectors have had so many positive things to say about how we’re doing,” he added.
“The audit recognises the exemplary work being undertaken by Argyll and Bute Council’s environmental health service to protect food safety and - more widely - the general public, and I am delighted that it identified three major areas of best practice, including our very comprehensive inspection procedures.
“The report also highlights several areas in which we could improve our work, and an action plan is already being implemented to address these.
“Overall, it is reassuring that the inspectors concluded that our team is committed to keeping food safety at the top of the agenda for the protection of Argyll and Bute’s residents and visitors.”
The full report will be available for viewing on the Food Standards Agency’s website at www.food.gov.uk once it is formally published in November 2011.
The Food Standards Agency (Scotland) visited the council for three days last month to carry out a rigorous audit on the environmental health service’s levels of compliance with the relevant food safety legislation.
The resulting report confirms that the team is performing well, with competent and professional staff championing food safety issues across Argyll and Bute.
It also identified several areas requiring further attention, which the council has already drawn up an action plan to address.
The auditors targeted Argyll and Bute, Highland and Aberdeenshire councils for inspections, as these are the three main local authorities regulating food manufacturing and processing in Scotland. Argyll and Bute was selected because it regulates:
One of Europe’s main shellfish sectors
The main scallop sector in Scotland
One of the main salmon smoker sectors in Scotland
The inspectors looked at the council’s food safety enforcement performance, joined enforcement staff on visits to selected premises and assessed the appropriateness of systems, processes and enforcement levels undertaken by the team.
Councillor Daniel Kelly, chair of the planning, protective services and licensing committee, said he was very pleased with the overall report.
“We take our responsibilities in the area of food safety extremely seriously, and it is very satisfying that the inspectors have had so many positive things to say about how we’re doing,” he added.
“The audit recognises the exemplary work being undertaken by Argyll and Bute Council’s environmental health service to protect food safety and - more widely - the general public, and I am delighted that it identified three major areas of best practice, including our very comprehensive inspection procedures.
“The report also highlights several areas in which we could improve our work, and an action plan is already being implemented to address these.
“Overall, it is reassuring that the inspectors concluded that our team is committed to keeping food safety at the top of the agenda for the protection of Argyll and Bute’s residents and visitors.”
The full report will be available for viewing on the Food Standards Agency’s website at www.food.gov.uk once it is formally published in November 2011.
Independent inspectors who looked into the work of Argyll and Bute Council’s food standards team have been positive about what they found.
The Food Standards Agency (Scotland) visited the council for three days last month to carry out a rigorous audit on the environmental health service’s levels of compliance with the relevant food safety legislation.
The resulting report confirms that the team is performing well, with competent and professional staff championing food safety issues across Argyll and Bute.
It also identified several areas requiring further attention, which the council has already drawn up an action plan to address.
The auditors targeted Argyll and Bute, Highland and Aberdeenshire councils for inspections, as these are the three main local authorities regulating food manufacturing and processing in Scotland. Argyll and Bute was selected because it regulates:
One of Europe’s main shellfish sectors
The main scallop sector in Scotland
One of the main salmon smoker sectors in Scotland
The inspectors looked at the council’s food safety enforcement performance, joined enforcement staff on visits to selected premises and assessed the appropriateness of systems, processes and enforcement levels undertaken by the team.
Councillor Daniel Kelly, chair of the planning, protective services and licensing committee, said he was very pleased with the overall report.
“We take our responsibilities in the area of food safety extremely seriously, and it is very satisfying that the inspectors have had so many positive things to say about how we’re doing,” he added.
“The audit recognises the exemplary work being undertaken by Argyll and Bute Council’s environmental health service to protect food safety and - more widely - the general public, and I am delighted that it identified three major areas of best practice, including our very comprehensive inspection procedures.
“The report also highlights several areas in which we could improve our work, and an action plan is already being implemented to address these.
“Overall, it is reassuring that the inspectors concluded that our team is committed to keeping food safety at the top of the agenda for the protection of Argyll and Bute’s residents and visitors.”
The full report will be available for viewing on the Food Standards Agency’s website at www.food.gov.uk once it is formally published in November 2011.
Tuesday, 18 October 2011
MOVING DOCUMENTARY ON BBC ALBA EXPLORES MANY OF THE STIGMAS OF BIPOLAR
BBC ALBA Monday 24 October, 9pm
The mental health condition, Bipolar has become increasingly known in recent years with many celebrities and public figures talking openly about the illness.
In a moving documentary as part of BBC ALBA’s Trusadh series, Suas is sìos nam Inntinn : Bipolar & Me, Rhoda Meek (29) who has strong family links to the Island of Tiree but now lives in the Glasgow area, takes viewers on a personal journey providing an insight into living with the illness as well as exploring the many stigmas that those with mental health problems experience.
Hearing from others who have experienced mental health problems, Rhoda learns how they have managed to cope with difficulties. Amongst those that she speaks to is her father, Professor Donald Meek, as well as the psychologist Dr Rachel MacLeod.
Rhoda Meek has suffered from depression since she was a teenager. At 19 she was a presenter on the children’s programme, Dè a-nis? Bubbly and with a ‘give anything a go’ attitude, you would never have known that beneath the surface, she was battling with depression through these years.
Two years ago, Rhoda found herself having intense mood swings, going from being in a great mood to becoming extremely irritable, it was then she was diagnosed with Bipolar II disorder.
According to the Mental Health Foundation, mental health issues affect 1 in 4 people, however, despite this high prevalence, Rhoda is all too aware of the fear that often surrounds the illness.
The programme will look at how difficult it is for people to accept that they, or a family member, are experiencing mental health problems, and how hard it is to acknowledge and to speak out.
Produced by MacTV for BBC ALBA ‘Trusadh: Suas is sìos nam Inntinn : Bipolar & Me’ will be broadcast on Monday 24 October at 9pm.
The mental health condition, Bipolar has become increasingly known in recent years with many celebrities and public figures talking openly about the illness.
In a moving documentary as part of BBC ALBA’s Trusadh series, Suas is sìos nam Inntinn : Bipolar & Me, Rhoda Meek (29) who has strong family links to the Island of Tiree but now lives in the Glasgow area, takes viewers on a personal journey providing an insight into living with the illness as well as exploring the many stigmas that those with mental health problems experience.
Hearing from others who have experienced mental health problems, Rhoda learns how they have managed to cope with difficulties. Amongst those that she speaks to is her father, Professor Donald Meek, as well as the psychologist Dr Rachel MacLeod.
Rhoda Meek has suffered from depression since she was a teenager. At 19 she was a presenter on the children’s programme, Dè a-nis? Bubbly and with a ‘give anything a go’ attitude, you would never have known that beneath the surface, she was battling with depression through these years.
Two years ago, Rhoda found herself having intense mood swings, going from being in a great mood to becoming extremely irritable, it was then she was diagnosed with Bipolar II disorder.
According to the Mental Health Foundation, mental health issues affect 1 in 4 people, however, despite this high prevalence, Rhoda is all too aware of the fear that often surrounds the illness.
The programme will look at how difficult it is for people to accept that they, or a family member, are experiencing mental health problems, and how hard it is to acknowledge and to speak out.
Produced by MacTV for BBC ALBA ‘Trusadh: Suas is sìos nam Inntinn : Bipolar & Me’ will be broadcast on Monday 24 October at 9pm.
BBC ALBA TO BROADCAST ANNUAL SCOTLAND V IRELAND SHINTY-HURLING MATCH
The annual clash between Scotland and Ireland’s native sports, when Scotland's national shinty team takes on Ireland's national hurling team, will be broadcast on BBC ALBA.
Ireland will welcome Scotland at Athy, Co. Kildare in the first test of this year's shinty/hurling international series taking place on Saturday 22 October. Full match coverage will be provided by BBC ALBA on Sunday 23 October at 4pm.
The return leg will be played on Saturday 29 October when Scotland will host their Irish counterparts at Bight Park in Inverness.
Captain Norman Campbell is hoping that he can lead the national team to success this year after last year’s title went to Ireland who won 7-21 to 5-23 on aggregate.
The programme will also have a special feature with Scotland manager Drew McNeill, highlights from last year’s Internationals as well as a feature looking ahead to the new six-part shinty entertainment series ‘Caman’ to feature on BBC ALBA later in the year.
Coverage of this hurling-shinty international series will be provided by mneTV for BBC ALBA.
Ireland will welcome Scotland at Athy, Co. Kildare in the first test of this year's shinty/hurling international series taking place on Saturday 22 October. Full match coverage will be provided by BBC ALBA on Sunday 23 October at 4pm.
The return leg will be played on Saturday 29 October when Scotland will host their Irish counterparts at Bight Park in Inverness.
Captain Norman Campbell is hoping that he can lead the national team to success this year after last year’s title went to Ireland who won 7-21 to 5-23 on aggregate.
The programme will also have a special feature with Scotland manager Drew McNeill, highlights from last year’s Internationals as well as a feature looking ahead to the new six-part shinty entertainment series ‘Caman’ to feature on BBC ALBA later in the year.
Coverage of this hurling-shinty international series will be provided by mneTV for BBC ALBA.
Monday, 17 October 2011
David MacBrayne Group Publishes 2010/11 Annual Report
The David MacBrayne Group, which comprises the principal operators of the Clyde and Hebrides ferry services and the Northern Isles ferry services, today (Thursday, October 13, 2011) published its Annual Report for 2010/2011.
The Annual Report includes the company’s main subsidiaries, CalMac Ferries Ltd and NorthLink Ferries Ltd, and its other subsidiaries including Cowal Ferries Ltd, which operated the Gourock/ Dunoon service until the end of June 2011, when another subsidiary, Argyll Ferries Ltd, took over.
For the first time, as required by the Scottish Government, the consolidated financial statements have been moved from UK GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS.)
David MacBrayne Group Chairman Peter Timms said: “2010/2011 was a good year with several highlights including the completion of MV Finlaggan, our first new vessel in 4 years, winning the Gourock-Dunoon tender, and both operating companies receiving prestigious awards.
“CalMac was named ‘Public Transport Operator of the Year’ for both 2010 and 2011, and named ‘Best Ferry Company’ for both 2010 and 2011 in the prestigious Guardian and Observer Travel Awards. The latter is particularly pleasing as it is voted for by customers who have had such a positive and memorable experience that they wished us to be recognised in this way.”
NorthLink was awarded a ‘healthy living’ award as part of a Scottish Government initiative to encourage healthier eating.”
Mr Timms reported positive increases in freight figures on both CalMac and NorthLink routes, although there were mixed results for the group in terms of passengers and cars.
He said:”The increase in freight metre carryings; up 5% on the Clyde and Hebrides routes and up 4% on the Northern Isles routes was very encouraging, especially in the current economic climate, and demonstrates how much freight traffic has become the backbone of our lifeline services. On CalMac services, passenger and car carryings decreased by 1% and 3% respectively compared with the previous year, while on NorthLink services passenger carryings were up 1% while car carryings were down by 3% compared with the previous year.”
In his foreword to the report, which was laid before the Scottish Parliament today, Mr Timms reported that both of the main operating companies, CalMac Ferries Ltd. and NorthLink Ferries Ltd., performed satisfactorily in terms of the operational and functional targets set within their respective contracts with the Scottish Government.
In addition, both CFL and NFL both achieved levels at or close to 100% for punctuality and reliability, after weather and other causes of disruptions were taken into account.
He said revenue from fares and other sources at £82.6m and operating costs at £176.7m were largely in line with expectations. The group recorded an operating profit for 2010/11 of £3.2m although a technical adjustment resulting from the adoption of IFRS, which takes into account the market value of the fuel hedge at each Balance Sheet date , results in a loss before tax of £0.9m. This technical adjustment has an equal but opposite effect on the previous year’s profit before tax.
Mr Timms said:”Increased fuel and vessel chartering costs was the main reason for an increase in grants received from the Scottish Government which rose to £97.3m, an increase of 2.7% compared with the previous year.”
He also highlighted that David MacBrayne has improved efficiency, effectiveness and economy in the exercise of its functions, which resulted in £3.2m contractual “clawback” payments being made to Scottish Government under the terms of the Public Service Contracts for Ferry Services.
The Annual Report of the David MacBrayne Group is available on the internet at www.david-macbrayne.co.uk/reports.
The Annual Report includes the company’s main subsidiaries, CalMac Ferries Ltd and NorthLink Ferries Ltd, and its other subsidiaries including Cowal Ferries Ltd, which operated the Gourock/ Dunoon service until the end of June 2011, when another subsidiary, Argyll Ferries Ltd, took over.
For the first time, as required by the Scottish Government, the consolidated financial statements have been moved from UK GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS.)
David MacBrayne Group Chairman Peter Timms said: “2010/2011 was a good year with several highlights including the completion of MV Finlaggan, our first new vessel in 4 years, winning the Gourock-Dunoon tender, and both operating companies receiving prestigious awards.
“CalMac was named ‘Public Transport Operator of the Year’ for both 2010 and 2011, and named ‘Best Ferry Company’ for both 2010 and 2011 in the prestigious Guardian and Observer Travel Awards. The latter is particularly pleasing as it is voted for by customers who have had such a positive and memorable experience that they wished us to be recognised in this way.”
NorthLink was awarded a ‘healthy living’ award as part of a Scottish Government initiative to encourage healthier eating.”
Mr Timms reported positive increases in freight figures on both CalMac and NorthLink routes, although there were mixed results for the group in terms of passengers and cars.
He said:”The increase in freight metre carryings; up 5% on the Clyde and Hebrides routes and up 4% on the Northern Isles routes was very encouraging, especially in the current economic climate, and demonstrates how much freight traffic has become the backbone of our lifeline services. On CalMac services, passenger and car carryings decreased by 1% and 3% respectively compared with the previous year, while on NorthLink services passenger carryings were up 1% while car carryings were down by 3% compared with the previous year.”
In his foreword to the report, which was laid before the Scottish Parliament today, Mr Timms reported that both of the main operating companies, CalMac Ferries Ltd. and NorthLink Ferries Ltd., performed satisfactorily in terms of the operational and functional targets set within their respective contracts with the Scottish Government.
In addition, both CFL and NFL both achieved levels at or close to 100% for punctuality and reliability, after weather and other causes of disruptions were taken into account.
He said revenue from fares and other sources at £82.6m and operating costs at £176.7m were largely in line with expectations. The group recorded an operating profit for 2010/11 of £3.2m although a technical adjustment resulting from the adoption of IFRS, which takes into account the market value of the fuel hedge at each Balance Sheet date , results in a loss before tax of £0.9m. This technical adjustment has an equal but opposite effect on the previous year’s profit before tax.
Mr Timms said:”Increased fuel and vessel chartering costs was the main reason for an increase in grants received from the Scottish Government which rose to £97.3m, an increase of 2.7% compared with the previous year.”
He also highlighted that David MacBrayne has improved efficiency, effectiveness and economy in the exercise of its functions, which resulted in £3.2m contractual “clawback” payments being made to Scottish Government under the terms of the Public Service Contracts for Ferry Services.
The Annual Report of the David MacBrayne Group is available on the internet at www.david-macbrayne.co.uk/reports.
Over 30 wave and tidal sites now leased around UK
The Crown Estate today, 12 October 2011, announced eight new offshore site
agreements for wave and tidal energy projects, taking the total number of UK
projects to over 30. The new sites are from the second application window
for projects in connection with the Scottish Government’s Saltire Prize (in
Scottish waters) and demonstration projects, which opened in April 2011.
The projects are in a variety of locations around the UK coast, with the
majority off Scotland and including sites off Wales and Northern Ireland.
They range from small technology test schemes for short term installation to
commercial projects with up to 30 MW potential generating capacity.
Scottish Government Energy Minister Fergus Ewing said: “Scotland has the
potential to lead the world in wave and tidal energy, with a quarter of
Europe's tidal stream and a tenth of its wave energy potential. These new
projects around the north and west of Scotland bring the total number of
planned developments in Scotland to 25, including 1.6GW in the Pentland
Firth and Orkney waters strategic area. Today’s announcement further
reinforces the growing momentum and appetite for investment in marine
renewables and demonstrates the breadth of activity taking place around
Scotland’s coast.”
Carwyn Jones, First Minister of Wales, said: “The recently completed Marine
Renewable Energy Strategic Framework (MRESF) offers a unique data set to
assist developers in Wales and we are working with key partners, like The
Crown Estate, to take the industry forward. As one of the most advanced UK
tidal projects, already the subject of an environmental impact assessment
and in the consents process, Marine Current Turbines’ Skerries project near
Anglesey is an outstanding example of the future potential for marine energy
development off the Welsh coast.”
Arlene Foster, Minister for Enterprise Trade and Investment at the Northern
Ireland Executive, said: “Building on Northern Ireland’s proud heritage of
research and development in wave and tidal energy (for example the work of
Queen’s University Belfast which underpins Wavegen’s OWC technology), we are
delighted to see Swedish company Minesto plan to test its technology in
Strangford Lough. In collaboration with The Crown Estate, we will soon be
announcing opportunities for commercial scale offshore wind and tidal
development.”
Rob Hastings, Director of the Marine Estate, The Crown Estate, said: “Our
announcement today is a further indication of how UK companies are taking
strides forwards towards commercial deployment of wave and tidal energy,
particularly in Scotland. In the last six months we have continued to see
strong interest in wave and tidal leases. The Crown Estate’s growing wave
and tidal team looks forward to working with the companies to overcome
development barriers and see the projects come to fruition.”
This is the first time some of these developments have been proposed
publicly, reflecting the early stage they are at in the development process.
A key part of the development phase is consultation and community
engagement, and all developers will now begin or continue discussing their
plans with stakeholders local to each site. In most cases, the rights
awarded are ‘agreements for lease’ – exclusivity agreements for areas of
seabed. Using these agreements the project developers will survey the sites
and design projects in preparation to install generation devices in future.
Before construction begins and prior to The Crown Estate issuing leases for
any of the sites, the developers will need to obtain statutory consents from
relevant government regulators, such as Marine Scotland or the Marine
Management Organisation. This normally requires completion of an
Environmental Impact Assessment, and the statutory consenting process itself
includes further consultation with stakeholders to ensure developments
proceed only after the views of interested parties have been taken into
account.
The third application window for Saltire Prize and demonstration projects,
which could result in more leases being awarded as soon as March 2012, will
open on 24 October 2011. For further details, see The Crown Estate website.
Today’s announcement refers to the following sites and companies:
Wave
· Bernera - Pelamis Wave Power Limited
· Moray Firth - AWS Ocean Energy Limited
Tidal stream
· West Islay - Marine Energy Limited
· Mull of Kintyre - Nautricity Limited
· Bluemull Sound - Nova Innovation Limited
· Sanda Sound - Oceanflow Development Limited
· Wales, Skerries - Marine Current Turbines Limited
· Northern Ireland, Strangford Lough - Minesto UK Limited
Contact:
· Andrew Doe on 020 7851 5340 or andrew.doe@thecrownestate.co.uk
agreements for wave and tidal energy projects, taking the total number of UK
projects to over 30. The new sites are from the second application window
for projects in connection with the Scottish Government’s Saltire Prize (in
Scottish waters) and demonstration projects, which opened in April 2011.
The projects are in a variety of locations around the UK coast, with the
majority off Scotland and including sites off Wales and Northern Ireland.
They range from small technology test schemes for short term installation to
commercial projects with up to 30 MW potential generating capacity.
Scottish Government Energy Minister Fergus Ewing said: “Scotland has the
potential to lead the world in wave and tidal energy, with a quarter of
Europe's tidal stream and a tenth of its wave energy potential. These new
projects around the north and west of Scotland bring the total number of
planned developments in Scotland to 25, including 1.6GW in the Pentland
Firth and Orkney waters strategic area. Today’s announcement further
reinforces the growing momentum and appetite for investment in marine
renewables and demonstrates the breadth of activity taking place around
Scotland’s coast.”
Carwyn Jones, First Minister of Wales, said: “The recently completed Marine
Renewable Energy Strategic Framework (MRESF) offers a unique data set to
assist developers in Wales and we are working with key partners, like The
Crown Estate, to take the industry forward. As one of the most advanced UK
tidal projects, already the subject of an environmental impact assessment
and in the consents process, Marine Current Turbines’ Skerries project near
Anglesey is an outstanding example of the future potential for marine energy
development off the Welsh coast.”
Arlene Foster, Minister for Enterprise Trade and Investment at the Northern
Ireland Executive, said: “Building on Northern Ireland’s proud heritage of
research and development in wave and tidal energy (for example the work of
Queen’s University Belfast which underpins Wavegen’s OWC technology), we are
delighted to see Swedish company Minesto plan to test its technology in
Strangford Lough. In collaboration with The Crown Estate, we will soon be
announcing opportunities for commercial scale offshore wind and tidal
development.”
Rob Hastings, Director of the Marine Estate, The Crown Estate, said: “Our
announcement today is a further indication of how UK companies are taking
strides forwards towards commercial deployment of wave and tidal energy,
particularly in Scotland. In the last six months we have continued to see
strong interest in wave and tidal leases. The Crown Estate’s growing wave
and tidal team looks forward to working with the companies to overcome
development barriers and see the projects come to fruition.”
This is the first time some of these developments have been proposed
publicly, reflecting the early stage they are at in the development process.
A key part of the development phase is consultation and community
engagement, and all developers will now begin or continue discussing their
plans with stakeholders local to each site. In most cases, the rights
awarded are ‘agreements for lease’ – exclusivity agreements for areas of
seabed. Using these agreements the project developers will survey the sites
and design projects in preparation to install generation devices in future.
Before construction begins and prior to The Crown Estate issuing leases for
any of the sites, the developers will need to obtain statutory consents from
relevant government regulators, such as Marine Scotland or the Marine
Management Organisation. This normally requires completion of an
Environmental Impact Assessment, and the statutory consenting process itself
includes further consultation with stakeholders to ensure developments
proceed only after the views of interested parties have been taken into
account.
The third application window for Saltire Prize and demonstration projects,
which could result in more leases being awarded as soon as March 2012, will
open on 24 October 2011. For further details, see The Crown Estate website.
Today’s announcement refers to the following sites and companies:
Wave
· Bernera - Pelamis Wave Power Limited
· Moray Firth - AWS Ocean Energy Limited
Tidal stream
· West Islay - Marine Energy Limited
· Mull of Kintyre - Nautricity Limited
· Bluemull Sound - Nova Innovation Limited
· Sanda Sound - Oceanflow Development Limited
· Wales, Skerries - Marine Current Turbines Limited
· Northern Ireland, Strangford Lough - Minesto UK Limited
Contact:
· Andrew Doe on 020 7851 5340 or andrew.doe@thecrownestate.co.uk
Argyll and Bute Council’s spending over £1,000 is published
Argyll and Bute Council is taking part in a Scottish Government initiative to publish information on spending over £1,000.
The council already provides the Scottish Procurement Information Hub with information on what it spends and this is enhanced by company information from commercial databases.
The information from 2010 - 11 financial year is now available here http://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/spotlight-spend
You can find details of all payments to suppliers and contractors totalling £1,000 or more.
Leader of Argyll and Bute Council, Councillor Dick Walsh said, “Argyll and Bute Council is committed to being financially transparent wherever possible. By making this information on our spending over £1,000 available online, people will have a much better idea of where their money goes. I’d encourage anyone with questions to e-mail spotlightonspend@argyll-bute.gov.uk and we will get back to you.”
The entries marked as “redacted” are those where the name of the supplier is an individual person. The name but not the amount is concealed to comply with Data Protection legislation.
The information on expenditure is categorised on the website by commodity or service provided. This information comes from the supplier databases, such as the Thomsons Local Directory. It relates to the stated business of the company, which may be different to the nature of the business carried out for Argyll and Bute Council.
Information on all contracts let by the council is being added to the Scottish Procurement Information Hub and this will be published next to the expenditure information.
The council already provides the Scottish Procurement Information Hub with information on what it spends and this is enhanced by company information from commercial databases.
The information from 2010 - 11 financial year is now available here http://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/spotlight-spend
You can find details of all payments to suppliers and contractors totalling £1,000 or more.
Leader of Argyll and Bute Council, Councillor Dick Walsh said, “Argyll and Bute Council is committed to being financially transparent wherever possible. By making this information on our spending over £1,000 available online, people will have a much better idea of where their money goes. I’d encourage anyone with questions to e-mail spotlightonspend@argyll-bute.gov.uk and we will get back to you.”
The entries marked as “redacted” are those where the name of the supplier is an individual person. The name but not the amount is concealed to comply with Data Protection legislation.
The information on expenditure is categorised on the website by commodity or service provided. This information comes from the supplier databases, such as the Thomsons Local Directory. It relates to the stated business of the company, which may be different to the nature of the business carried out for Argyll and Bute Council.
Information on all contracts let by the council is being added to the Scottish Procurement Information Hub and this will be published next to the expenditure information.
Have your say on the council’s budget
Argyll and Bute Council’s budget consultation will run from Monday 10 October to Friday 25 November and we want to hear about the council services that are important to you.
Although the Council will not set the budget until February, by launching this consultation now your councillors have the opportunity to hear from as many people across our area as possible. This helps the decision making process which will shape how council services are delivered in the future.
Last year the consultation had a real impact on influencing where the council spent its money. You told us that you wanted more money spent on roads, education and social care which we did. In roads we agreed to invest £15m over the next three years, and we protected education and adult care with the lowest reductions in budget of 5.5% and 5.9% over three years. We also agreed to protect front line services by reducing budgets for non essential functions such as travel, subsistence, venue hire and advertising and by increasing fees and charges.
You will be able to take part in the consultation online by going to our website at www.argyll-bute.gov.uk, by attending one of our community planning events or by filling in one of the postcards which will be locally available and putting it in the suggestion box.
Speaking on the consultation Argyll and Bute Council Leader Dick Walsh said, “Your council manages its finances well. However, we know we are going to receive less funding this year and in future years from the Scottish Government. This combined with additional demand pressures from new legislation and from changes in our population mean that we have to look long and hard at the services we offer. I am proud of the high standard of service offered by your council but we know that we won’t be able to provide all the services we did previously. We also know that there will be changes to the way other services are delivered. Last year was the first year we ran a budget consultation and the feedback from communities helped us in the way we structured this year’s budget. This year the Council will again have to take very difficult decisions regarding the way we deliver our services. I would encourage as many people as possible to get involved. It’s only by telling us what services are important to you that we can realise our potential together and take the decisions that will have the least impact on people’s lives.”
Although the Council will not set the budget until February, by launching this consultation now your councillors have the opportunity to hear from as many people across our area as possible. This helps the decision making process which will shape how council services are delivered in the future.
Last year the consultation had a real impact on influencing where the council spent its money. You told us that you wanted more money spent on roads, education and social care which we did. In roads we agreed to invest £15m over the next three years, and we protected education and adult care with the lowest reductions in budget of 5.5% and 5.9% over three years. We also agreed to protect front line services by reducing budgets for non essential functions such as travel, subsistence, venue hire and advertising and by increasing fees and charges.
You will be able to take part in the consultation online by going to our website at www.argyll-bute.gov.uk, by attending one of our community planning events or by filling in one of the postcards which will be locally available and putting it in the suggestion box.
Speaking on the consultation Argyll and Bute Council Leader Dick Walsh said, “Your council manages its finances well. However, we know we are going to receive less funding this year and in future years from the Scottish Government. This combined with additional demand pressures from new legislation and from changes in our population mean that we have to look long and hard at the services we offer. I am proud of the high standard of service offered by your council but we know that we won’t be able to provide all the services we did previously. We also know that there will be changes to the way other services are delivered. Last year was the first year we ran a budget consultation and the feedback from communities helped us in the way we structured this year’s budget. This year the Council will again have to take very difficult decisions regarding the way we deliver our services. I would encourage as many people as possible to get involved. It’s only by telling us what services are important to you that we can realise our potential together and take the decisions that will have the least impact on people’s lives.”
Referendum on Separation for Scotland
The Scottish Affairs Committee is today launching two new inquiries relating to a potential referendum on Separation for Scotland.
The first inquiry will focus on the processes and mechanics by which such a referendum would be organised and conducted. The Committee would particularly welcome submissions on the following questions:
1. Which jurisdiction should conduct such a referendum and what is the legal and/or moral basis for such a determination?
2. How should such a referendum be initiated e.g. should it be via provision in the Scotland Bill?
3. What should be the process for determining the timing of a referendum?
4. How should the eligibility criteria for voting in such a referendum be determined?
5. What is the role of the UK Government, the Scottish Government/Executive and the Electoral Commission in the process?
6. What lessons can be learned for the process of conducting a referendum from the experience of other referenda in the UK, including the March 2011 referendum for the devolution of further law making powers to the Welsh Assembly Government?
The Committee welcomes initial written evidence from interested parties on any, or all, aspects of this inquiry by 18 November 2011. Should you wish to submit written evidence after this date, please contact Committee staff.
The second inquiry will seek to identify those issues which will need to be resolved before a referendum is held in order to allow voters to make an informed choice.
Rt Hon Michael Moore MP, Secretary of State for Scotland, has identified six areas where clarification is required:
1. Bank regulation
2. Pension payments
3. The national currency
4. Membership of international organisations
5. Scotland’s defences
6. Costs of Separation
At this stage the Committee would welcome suggestions as to:
a) What matters require to be clarified amongst these broad themes?
b) What additional issues need to be resolved or clarified in advance of a referendum?
The Committee takes the view that Separation would be a major step for Scotland, with an impact upon all our lives, and needs to be considered rationally as well as emotionally.
The Committee welcomes initial written evidence from interested parties on any, or all, aspects of the inquiry by 11 November 2011. Should you wish to submit written evidence after this date, please contact Committee staff.
Submissions should be in Word or rich text format and sent by e-mail to scotaffcom@parliament.uk. Do not send in pdf format. The body of the e-mail must include a contact name, telephone number and postal address. The e-mail should also make clear who the submission is from.
Submissions must address the terms of the inquiry and should not, as a rule, exceed 2,000 words. Paragraphs should be numbered for ease of reference, and the document should include an executive summary.
Information on the Committee’s future meetings is available on the What’s On section of the Scottish Affairs Committee homepage
The first inquiry will focus on the processes and mechanics by which such a referendum would be organised and conducted. The Committee would particularly welcome submissions on the following questions:
1. Which jurisdiction should conduct such a referendum and what is the legal and/or moral basis for such a determination?
2. How should such a referendum be initiated e.g. should it be via provision in the Scotland Bill?
3. What should be the process for determining the timing of a referendum?
4. How should the eligibility criteria for voting in such a referendum be determined?
5. What is the role of the UK Government, the Scottish Government/Executive and the Electoral Commission in the process?
6. What lessons can be learned for the process of conducting a referendum from the experience of other referenda in the UK, including the March 2011 referendum for the devolution of further law making powers to the Welsh Assembly Government?
The Committee welcomes initial written evidence from interested parties on any, or all, aspects of this inquiry by 18 November 2011. Should you wish to submit written evidence after this date, please contact Committee staff.
The second inquiry will seek to identify those issues which will need to be resolved before a referendum is held in order to allow voters to make an informed choice.
Rt Hon Michael Moore MP, Secretary of State for Scotland, has identified six areas where clarification is required:
1. Bank regulation
2. Pension payments
3. The national currency
4. Membership of international organisations
5. Scotland’s defences
6. Costs of Separation
At this stage the Committee would welcome suggestions as to:
a) What matters require to be clarified amongst these broad themes?
b) What additional issues need to be resolved or clarified in advance of a referendum?
The Committee takes the view that Separation would be a major step for Scotland, with an impact upon all our lives, and needs to be considered rationally as well as emotionally.
The Committee welcomes initial written evidence from interested parties on any, or all, aspects of the inquiry by 11 November 2011. Should you wish to submit written evidence after this date, please contact Committee staff.
Submissions should be in Word or rich text format and sent by e-mail to scotaffcom@parliament.uk
Submissions must address the terms of the inquiry and should not, as a rule, exceed 2,000 words. Paragraphs should be numbered for ease of reference, and the document should include an executive summary.
Information on the Committee’s future meetings is available on the What’s On section of the Scottish Affairs Committee homepage
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