Argyll & Bute CARE PROVIDER CALLS ON SOCIETY TO END ‘PREJUDICE AGAINST OLDER PEOPLE’ AT HOUSE OF LORDS COMMITTEE

Dr Chai Patel CBE FRCP, Chairman of HC-One – the UK’s third largest care home operator, which runs the Kintyre care home in Campbeltown – today gave evidence to the House of Lords calling for a fundamental shift in the way society thinks about social care for the elderly, and the introduction of care ‘navigators’ to help guide the elderly to the support services they need. Dr Chai Patel appeared before the House of Lords Public Service and Demographic Change Select Committee as an expert witness in health and the provision of social care in the community. Giving evidence alongside David Behan, Chief Executive, Care Quality Commission, Dr. Jennifer Dixon, Director, Nuffield Trust and Professor Christ Ham, Chief Executive, The King’s Fund, Dr Patel called on the Government to look at the success of new partnerships being forged between the private sector and charities to deliver kinder care. Dr Chai Patel, Chairman HC-One, said: “One year, one month and eighteen days ago, I became Chairman of HC-One – a company we formed in just 94 days following the collapse of Southern Cross, which threatened to leave thousands of vulnerable elderly people without a home. “Today we care for over 10,000 elderly residents in over 230 homes with a kind and dedicated staff team comprising over 14,000 people. Our goal is to run the kindest care homes in the country. “It is my strong and personally held belief that we have what amounts to a prejudice against older people in this country. This prejudice exists in society at large, and is seen in the public resources and policies affecting older people. We would never treat children as we treat old people in society.” Speaking about the challenges facing the social care funding system, Dr Chai Patel said: “All large systems have barriers in them. It’s the nature of the beast. We need to fundamentally change the attitudes within the system. “Many vulnerable elderly people are unable to make choices and there is nobody expert on their side. We need ‘navigators’ in the social care system to help guide service users and ensure they get the right care, in the right place, at the right time. “Technology can act as a catalyst for change within the system we have now. There are fantastic innovations taking place in nutrition, medication and dementia. There is really interesting work around life history and working with grandchildren. All of these are part of the progressive development of care services. “The independent sector is small, agile and can be pushy so is well placed to find solutions to problems encountered on a daily basis, while we wait for major reforms to come through. Right now HC-One is working with Macmillan to provide training to our staff to assist people in their last weeks of life, therefore easing the burden on the NHS. Partnerships like these are the way forward.” Speaking after the Committee, Chai Patel said: “Their Lordships have important issues to grapple with. I was pleased that HC-One had the opportunity to contribute to their work and I look forward to their report and an on-going debate about how we care for our elderly citizens now and in the future.” Working with Alzheimer’s Society and the Department of Health, HC-One has developed a new training programme to introduce patient centred dementia care treatments which track a patient’s progress and reduce the need for antipsychotic drugs. HC-One’s Touch training program allows care workers to top up their knowledge and gain more expertise through online interactive modules. Innovative ideas like these are part of HC-One’s journey to provide the kindest care.

BBC ALBA – WEEKLY PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS Saturday 22 December – Friday 28 December 2012 / Saturday 29 December 2012 – Friday 4 January 2013

Title: Pupadaidh as t-Fhoghar / Poopety in the Fall When Autumn arrives, the town of Balthazarville falls silent as Bonifacio the mischievous storyteller disappears. Pupadaidh and his friends go on a quest to find the rouge, a journey that takes them to the belly of the earth where the meet a whale who has very special stories of her own to tell.. Transmitted: Saturday 22 December Time: 5.00 – 5.30pm Title: SPL – Celtic v Ross County The latest full-match coverage from the SPL as Celtic host Ross County at Celtic Park, Glasgow. Transmitted: Saturday 22 December Time: 5.30 – 7.30pm Title: Spors na Bliadhna / Sports Review 2012 A look back at a memorable sporting year including the London Olympics, tennis, shinty, rugby, football and much more. Transmitted: Saturday 22 December Time: 7.30 – 8.30pm Title: Belladrum 2012 Highlights: Cridhe Tartan Highlights from the Belladrum 2012: Tartan Heart Festival including Vintage Trouble, The South & We are Scientists. Transmitted: Saturday 22 December Time: 9.00 – 9.55pm Title: Deasbad na Bliadhna / 2012 News Debate A debate on some of the most important stories, locally, nationally, and internationally which took place over the past year, with Iain MacLean, Hugh Dan MacLennan, Anna MacLeod and Murray MacLeod. Transmitted: Sunday 23 December Time: 7.30 – 8.00pm Title: A’ Nollaig aig Peppa / Peppa’s Christmas It's Christmas Eve and Peppa and George are busy posting their letters to Santa Claus. Peppa would like a yoyo and George wants a train set, but 'oh dear' poor Santa has lost his list! However everything turns out for the best and the family spend a very Happy Christmas in front of their huge big tree. Transmitted: Monday 24 December Time: 5.00 – 5.10pm Title: Seo am Pleana/Island Flying This year one of the world's most unique air services, Loganair, celebrates 50years in business. Kirkwall based pilot Stuart Linklater's daily flights are only minutes long. Pilot Mairi Nicholson's favourite runway is fine shell-sand, and baggage handler Shonnie Mackay can expect anything at Benbecula Airport. Transmitted: Monday 24 December Time: 9.05 – 10.05pm Title: Dr Finlay’s Casebook Fifty years on, we join the young, newly graduated Finlay, as embarks on his medical career in Dr Cameron's Tannochbrae practice. In this special Christmas episode of the classic Scottish drama, Doctors Finlay, Cameron and Snoddy along with Janet all enter into the Christmas spirit! Transmitted: Monday 24 December Time: 10.05 – 11.00pm Title: Oidhche Naomh / Christmas Eve Service BBC ALBA's Christmas Eve service Oidhche Naomh comes from St Mary & St Finnan Church, Glenfinnan in Lochaber. The ecumenical celebration will feature soloists Margaret Ford and Robert Robertson along with youngsters from Lochaber Music School, Fèis Loch Abar and Mallaig High School Choir. The Kilmallie Singers and members of other churches throughout the area will join the local congregation in well-known Gaelic Carols. Transmitted: Monday 24 December Time: 11.00pm – 12.05am Title: Am Balach anns a’ Bhuilgean / Boy in the Bubble Rupert Shelley, is a ten year old boy who falls hopelessly in love for the first time ever. When it all goes horribly wrong, he wishes never to experience heartache again. Turning to a book of magic, he invokes a spell to shield him from emotion forever..... leaving him stuck in a bubble! Transmitted: Tuesday 25 December Time: 6.05 - 6.15pm Title: The Band From Rockall Calum and Rory Macdonald, Runrig songwriters share the very personal story of their first solo album project. Part video diary and part music performance, this is an intimate account of the making of the album and of the recording process, a journey which offers an insight into the creative inspiration for their song writing and the musical ethos behind the recording. Transmitted: Tuesday 25 December Time: 8.05 – 9.05pm Title: Rockettes Anne Lundon delves into the world of cheerleading following the glitz and glamour of Scotland's pro-dance team the Rockettes. Transmitted: Tuesday 25 December Time: 9.05 – 10.05pm Title: Daniel O’ Donnell: 30 Bliadhna de Cheol Celebrating 30 years in show business, Daniel O'Donnell performs a special concert with some surprise guests. Transmitted: Tuesday 25 December Time: 10.05 – 11.15pm Title: Soillse – Air Toir nan Ailbhean Molach / Mammoth Hunters Ever since the international ban on elephant hunting, Russia has cornered the market in ivory. But this ivory comes from mammoths; whose skeletons are constantly being discovered in the frozen earth of Siberia. A market estimated at 2.5 million dollars and whose central point is Hong Kong. Transmitted: Wednesday 26 December Time: 8.05 – 9.00pm Title: Celtic Chicago Kathleen MacInnes takes in Chicago with a host of musical pals as the Celtic Connections Festival arrives in the U.S. Transmitted: Wednesday 26 December Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm Title: Cuirm @ Celtic: Chicago Kathleen MacInnes hosts a very special concert from the Harris Theatre, Chicago with a stellar cast including Julie Fowlis, Session A9 agus Admiral Fallow. Transmitted: Thursday 27 December Time: 8.55 – 9.00pm Title: Air An Rathad / On the Road Fiona is in the Cairngorms in search of the Abominable Snowman, helped in her quest by the Skoda Yeti. Murray is practising his handbrake turns in Ashaig as he takes part in the Skye Rally Club's Auto Test, and Cudig has the team reminiscing over days gone by as he shares this week's classic - the Bedford CA Van. Calum Iain has the scent of victory in Wacky Races, but will pride come before a fall? Tune in to this week's Air an Rathad to find out! Transmitted: Thursday 27 December Time: 10.00 – 10.30pm Title: Fear nam Miorbhail Animated feature recounting the life of Christ. Transmitted: Friday 28 December Time: 5.45 – 7.15pm Title: Na Trads / Scottish Traditional Music Awards 2012 Highlights Highlights from the Trad Awards, 2012. Onstage and behind-the-scenes with Mary Ann Kennedy, Tony Kearney and Linda MacLeod. Transmitted: Friday 28 December Time: 9.00 – 11.30pm Title: PRO12 Live Rugby – Edinburgh v Glasgow LIVE PRO12 rugby as Edinburgh host Glasgow in the all-important 1872 Cup decider. Transmitted: Saturday 29 December Time: 4.00 – 6.00pm Title: Scottish Premier League – Hibernian v Celtic The latest full-match coverage from the SPL as Hibernian host Celtic at Easter Road, Edinburgh. Transmitted: Saturday 29 December Time: 6.00 – 8.00pm Title: Hebridean Celtic Music Festival – The Proclaimers Strikingly individual, twin brothers Craig and Charlie Reid have enjoyed huge success across the globe. Regularly gracing festival stages across the world, The Proclaimers return to the Hebrides with a 1-hour special of some of their best sets from Hebcelt 2012. Transmitted: Saturday 29 December Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm Title: Naidheachdan Araid na Bliadhna / Unusual News Stories of the Year Unusual News Stories of the Year: A selection of unusual, funny stories from the news over the past year. Transmitted: Sunday 30 December Time: 6.30 – 7.00pm Title: Air Chall ‘s Air Lorg / Lost and Found One day a boy finds a penguin on his doorstep. Although at first unsure what to do, the boy becomes determined to help the penguin find his way back home…even if that means rowing all the way to the South Pole! Transmitted: Monday 31 December Time: 5.00 – 5.30pm Title: About Britain: Isle of Skye In 1954, Richard Dimbleby and a BBC film crew visited the Isle of Skye to record an episode of the early British television series About Britain. In this programme he gives viewers across the United Kingdom an insight into life on the island, meeting local characters and gaining an understanding of the lifestyle and culture of islanders, as well as spending some time with the Skye Mountain Rescue team and with Dame Flora Macleod at Dunvegan Castle. This programme was originally broadcast in September 1954. Transmitted: Monday 31 December Time: 8.35 – 9.25pm Title: Barbara Dickson Documentary profile of the acclaimed actress and singer, Barbara Dickson, examines her career in interview and sing. Guest singers include Billy Connolly and Rab Noakes. Transmitted: Monday 31 December Time: 9.30 – 10.30pm Title: Ceol Dannsa Today’s Scottish country dance musicians pay tribute to the stars of yesteryear. John Carmichael presents a sensational evening of Scottish country dance music. Transmitted: Monday 31 December Time: 10.30 – 11.30pm Title: Ceilidh na Bliadhna’ Uire - Inbhirnis 2012/13 Hogmanay Ceilidh 2012, live from Achnagairn House, Kirkhill, by Beauly. Presented by Kirsteen MacDonald and Derek 'Pluto' Murray. Live music from… Mànran, Kathleen MacInnes, Calum Alex MacMillan, Rona Lightfoot, Duncan Chisholm and Dingwall Choir. We also join the Red Hot Highland Fling in Inverness for fireworks coverage and numbers from Skerryvore. Come and ceilidh on us! Transmitted: Monday 31 December Time: 11.30pm – 1.15am Title: An Drochaid : A Bridge Rising The epic, feel-good story of a modern rebellion. The campaign against the tolls on the Skye bridge pitted plucky Scottish islanders against the might of the Government and the Bank of America, over the building of a privately funded toll bridge which became the only way on or off the island. This film tells an untold, bittersweet story of passion, legal challenge and financial wrangling through the testimony of some of those who took part. Transmitted: Tuesday 1 January Time: 8.05 – 9.05pm Title: Machairazzi Machairazzi celebrates the 20th anniversary of the first ever Gaelic soap Machair. Members of the cast including Tony Kearney and Dolina MacLennan romp through some of the shows most compelling moments. Watch out for the celebrations and heartache, love and laughter, captivating characters, gripping stories and dramatic explosions. This trailblazing Gaelic soap has it all. Transmitted: Tuesday 1 January Time: 9.05 – 10.05pm Title: Dr Finlay’s Casebook: A Present From Father Fifty years since the first broadcasts of this classic Scottish drama, we join the newly graduated Dr Finlay as he embarks on his medical career working for Dr Cameron in his Tannochbrae practice. In this special Hogmanay episode, the ambitious and headstrong young Doctor Finlay, played by the dapper Bill Simpson, is faced with a unsettling dilemma which calls his professional judgement into question. But the stakes are high as a family fortune is at risk. Drs Cameron and Snoddy have their say and Janet offers her customary words of wisdom but Dr Finlay has the last word - or does he? Transmitted: Tuesday 1 January Time: 10.05pm Title: SPL Live - Ross County v Inverness Live SPL action as Ross County and Inverness face each other at Victoria Park, Dingwall, in the New Year derby. Transmitted: Wednesday 2 January Time: 3.00 – 5.00pm Title: Is Blath an Fhuil / The Blood is Strong Archive series looking at recent Gaelic history and emigration – episode one of three. Transmitted: Wednesday 2 January Time: 6.30 – 7.20pm Title: Soillse – Slighe gu Saorsa / Flight to Freedom This is the story of the biggest aerial translocation in the history of wildlife conservation world-wide. Over a period of six days, four ILL 76 flights were undertaken from South Africa to Angola. Sixteen elephants were captured in Tuli (Botswana), crated and transported by road to Louis Trichardt Air force base for their flight to Cabo Ledo, followed by giraffe, zebra and wildebeests. Transmitted: Wednesday 2 January Time: 9.05 – 10.00pm Title: Is Blath an Fhuil / The Blood is Strong Archive series looking at recent Gaelic history and emigration – episode two of three. Transmitted: Thursday 3 January Time: 6.35 – 7.30pm Title: Mod 2012 : Mod nan Coisirean Mary Ann Kennedy presents a selection of choral music from choirs who took part in the Lovat and Tullibardine competition at the recent Dunoon Mod. Also included are a range of winners from the rural choir competitions. Transmitted: Thursday 3 January Time: 8.55 – 9.55pm Title: Air an Rathad Old friend 'Rollover Roy' is competing in the Speyside Rally with a new car and a new navigator - can they keep the car upright this time? Fiona enjoys taking a furry friend for a spin in the new mini roadster, uber cool but a tad chilly for the Scottish climate! Cudig's final classic of the series is the Landrover, a reliable workhorse loved my millions; and it's a thrilling end to Wacky Races - if you think it's a done deal, think again! Transmitted: Thursday 3 January Time: 9.55 – 10.30pm Title: Is Blath an Fhuil / The Blood is Strong Archive series looking at recent Gaelic history and emigration – episode three of three. Transmitted: Friday 4 January Time: 6.25 – 7.20pm Title: PRO12 Live Rugby – Edinburgh v Leinster Live action with Edinburgh and Leinster in the RaboDirect Pro 12 competition. Transmitted: Friday 4 January Time: 7.30 – 9.25pm

NFUS LEADERSHIP CANDIDATES ANNOUNCED

There will be a new face in NFU Scotland’s Presidential team for its Centenary year but there will be no voting at the Union’s AGM at St Andrews in February 2013. The post of President, currently held by Nigel Miller, is open for election every two years. Nigel, having completed his first two years, is eligible to stand for a further two years as President and is the only nominee for the position. The two Vice-Presidential posts are both for one-year terms. The current NFUS Vice President Allan Bowie has been nominated, having been a Vice President since February 2009. The other Vice Presidential nominee is the Union’s Livestock Committee Chairman, Rob Livesey. He will replace John Picken, who stands down after 2 years in the role. Although there will be no voting, the formalities of having candidates proposed, seconded and elected will take place at the Union’s Council meeting on Tuesday 12 February 2013 at the Fairmont Hotel, St Andrews, following the Union’s AGM and Centenary dinner the previous day. The Union’s council is a body made up from representatives of each of the Union’s 74 branches. A round of regional AGMs is scheduled for January 2013 and, with the agreement of regional boards, it is intended that the Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates will attend these events. NFU Scotland Chief Executive, Scott Walker said: “NFU Scotland remains a lead organisation in Scottish agriculture because of the time and effort that those who hold office – whether at branch, region or national level – are prepared to put aside for their fellow farmers. “Nigel, Allan and Rob will take up office in February at a hugely important time for the industry with the CAP Reform process gathering momentum. In addition, every sector of our farming industry faces a growing list of challenges. This is a team with the skills and knowledge to meet those challenges on behalf of our members. “However, 2013 will also be a year of celebration as we mark our Centenary. Upon election, these three officeholders, with their wealth of experience and enthusiasm, will create a great platform to drive the Union into its next 100 years.” Commenting on his nomination, Rob Livesey said: “I am passionate about Scottish agriculture and the crucial role that the Union has in securing a positive future for it. Whether through my time as a branch chairman or my four years as Livestock Committee chair, I have thoroughly enjoyed the rough and tumble of agri-politics. The time is right to have a go at a higher level. “My previously role as a farm manager and my current farming business gives me a very broad understanding and deep appreciation of what mixed farming means to Scotland’s hills and uplands and I hope that will bring balance to the top team. “This is a hugely exciting time for the Union and for Scottish farming. I want to contribute positively to Union business and Scottish farming in 2013 but that will owe much to the hard work of my wife, Kath and son Iain, allowing me to spend time away from the farm to enjoy this new challenge.”

Draft proposals for A83 put forward for Taskforce consideration

Ministerial update on landslip mitigation work A draft feasibility study has been published which looks at options to minimise the effects of landslips at the Rest and Be Thankful, and removes traffic pinch points and improves pedestrian safety on the A83. The findings were put to the A83 Taskforce to allow proper consideration of the options available before a final plan is agreed. Speaking after the third meeting of the Taskforce in Arrochar today, Mr Brown said: “The last few weeks have been a challenge for local communities who have had to endure another landslip at the Rest and Be Thankful only last month and all of the impact and inconvenience this brings. This has brought our work sharply into focus, and all the more timely is the draft feasibility study which has been presented to the Taskforce today. “The analysis of the problems and potential solutions offered by the consultants tasked with the work is detailed and thorough and will give the Taskforce considerable food for thought. There are a number of options put forward, and I now look to the Taskforce members to digest the findings before we seek to agree a way forward. “Elsewhere, work on the emergency diversion route has taken more strides forward, and since the Taskforce last met a formal legal agreement with the landowner has been put in place which has allowed the contractor to progress works on the section of the Old Military Road which sits on private land. Construction is progressing swiftly with the team on the ground working flat out to deliver an emergency route for use by the end of next month, subject to weather and no unforeseen engineering problems arising. The new emergency route will give us an alternative option to keep traffic moving along the A83 in the event the road is forced to close at the Rest and Be Thankful, and I look forward to seeing the new road for myself when finished. “Significant investment has been provided towards minimising the effects of landslides at the Rest and Be Thankful, including construction of the emergency diversion route. Coupled with the next phase of works to install protective debris netting which has started this week, investment on landslip mitigations works at the Rest and Be Thankful sits at over £3.7 million. “A good deal of very positive work has been carried out, with more hard work and tough decisions ahead. With the Taskforce set up to ensure we and our partners remain resolute and focussed on the task at hand, every effort is being made to deliver workable solutions to mitigate against landslips at the Rest and Be Thankful and more generally improve the performance of the A83 for the benefit of road users across Argyll.” Lead Councillor for Development and Infrastructure at Argyll & Bute Council, John Semple added: “Argyll and Bute Council is committed to helping make our communities better connected not just for commerce, trade and tourism but to reduce exclusion of remote and fragile areas. The options identified today provide a strong and well-proportioned basis for taking that commitment forward through the A83 Task Force. “Over the next few weeks we will be studying the options and weighing up which provides the best all round solution. I am particularly keen to see that the disturbance caused by whichever option is progressed minimises the impact on Argyll businesses during construction. We must ensure the strong message is sent that Argyll is open for business. “I am also very pleased that other pinch-points and safety issues on the A83 are being tackled. When complete, these measures will significantly improve the journey from Campbeltown to the central belt and improve safety for all road users. The most welcoming reassurance we have had today is that all of the options provided will, once complete, render the flashing warning signs redundant.” BACKGROUND 1. The draft feasibility study can be found here http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/road/maintenance/landslides/A83-rest-and-be-thankful 2. Membership of the Taskforce includes representatives from Argyll and Bute Council, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, HITRANS, Mid Argyll Chambers of Commerce, timber and tourism groups, ferry operators and National Farmers Union, Transport Scotland, and its consultants. 3. A new Transport Scotland web portal has been set-up on the RABT: http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/road/maintenance/prioritising-and-maintaining/landslides/A83-rest-and-be-thankful 4. Transport Scotland considers that the Old Military Road has a number of advantages over the forest track as an emergency diversion. It is wider with no steep slopes over most of its length. The engineering is simpler and the alignment is generally straighter with less severe consequences, should a vehicle leave the road. In addition, the road construction is more substantial reducing the need for thick resurfacing layers to be laid to carry traffic loads.. Some of this road is privately owned and permission is necessary from the landowner before construction starts. This includes accommodation work, compensation and agreement to the procedures that would be set in place when the road is required for use. These complex and voluntary arrangements can take some time to agree but commitment has been confirmed by the landowner to allow us to plan ahead as fast as possible. 5. Earlier this year Transport Scotland announced a study to investigate the feasibility of improvements on the A83 trunk road. The study has looked closely at what more can be done in managing the effects of landslides at the Rest and be Thankful, including long-term engineering options such as rock shelters, stabilisation using vegetation techniques and investigating alternative access routes to mid Argyll. The Taskforce will consider its findings before a final report is published. 6. In recent years, the Scottish Government has invested over £16 million on the maintenance of the trunk road section of the A83. For example, Transport Scotland has carried out a route accident reduction plan study along the entire length of the A83 trunk road from Arrochar to Furnace. The resulting scheme was broken down into three phases to allow construction over a two year period, to the value of £615,000. The works installed included surfacing, high friction surfacing, signing, lining and bend assessment works to provide drivers with a consistent message when approaching challenging bends along the route. 7. Transport Scotland is the Scottish Government’s national transport agency responsible for; aviation, bus, freight and taxi policy; coordinating the National Transport Strategy for Scotland; ferries, ports and harbours; impartial travel services; liaising with regional transport partnerships, including monitoring of funding; local roads policy; major public transport projects; national concessionary travel schemes; rail and trunk road networks; sustainable transport, road safety and accessibility; the Blue Badge Scheme. Transport Scotland is an Executive agency accountable to Scottish Ministers. http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/