WHITEFORD ATTENDS ST COMBS MEETING

SNP Westminster candidate for Banff & Buchan Eilidh Whiteford attended tonight's village meeting in St Combs.

The meeting was called following the malicious fire which completely destroyed the village hall at the weekend. Police announced today that a suspect has been arrested in connection with the fire and reported to the Procurator Fiscal.

Speaking afterwards, Eilidh Whiteford said:

"Naturally, people are angry and upset about the hall, but there's a strong community spirit in the village and everyone is committed to moving forward from this point.

"It's clear from listening to the concerns raised by residents that more needs to be done to tackle vandalism and anti-social behaviour in the village, including improving police response times to complaints. I'll be raising these issues with the authorities, and doing all I can to support the community in the days and weeks ahead."

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WHITEFORD & WATSON COMMENT ON CULTURE MINISTER'S VISIT TO ROSEHEARTY

SNP Westminster candidate for Banff & Buchan Eilidh Whiteford and local councillor Bob Watson have welcomed the backing of the Minister for Culture Michael Russell for the work of the Pitsligo Castle Trust.

Mr Russell performed the official unveiling of the new display panels detailing the aims of the Trust to consolidate Pitsligo Castle and to create the Peathill Jacobite and Heraldic Centre at a ceremony on Friday.

Councillor Watson has been a strong supporter of the work of the Trust and since becoming a member of the Pitsligo Castle/Peathill Kirk working group, has secured support from Director of Education for Aberdeenshire Bruce Robertson for the project. As a result, Aberdeenshire Council Education Department is now a partner in the initiative, and local schools, e.g., Fraserburgh Academy, Turriff Academy, Rosehearty Primary etc., are coming on board as part of their local history 'curriculum for excellence' agenda.

An Education Department working sub-group has also been formed to report back to Pitsligo Castle/Peathill Kirk working group in December, with their views on how they see the project develop and integrate with the education curriculum. With Councillor Watson's backing, the Trust also received £4750 of funding from Aberdeenshire Council to purchase the display panels unveiled by the Minister.

Commenting after attending Friday's event, Eilidh Whiteford said:

"The Pitsligo Castle Trust are to be congratulated on having made such excellent progress with the Peathill Kirk project.

"The North-east has a rich cultural heritage that deserves to be better known, and it's great to see efforts to transform the old kirk into a centre for education and research about the Jacobite era and Scottish heraldry steadily taking shape."

Local SNP councillor Bob Watson added:

"I am delighted that the Minister was able to accept my invitation to come to Peathill and see for himself the work being done by the Trust.

"This is a very exciting project led by an ambitious and knowledgeable group of volunteers and it is thoroughly deserving of Ministerial support."

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CULTURE MINISTER TO VISIT PORTSOY SALMON BOTHY

Minister for Culture, External Affairs & the Constitution Michael Russell MSP will be visiting Portsoy's historic Salmon Bothy, Links Road, Portsoy AB45 2SS on Friday 23 October at 1.15pm.

Mr Russell has been invited to visit by SNP Westminster candidate for Banff & Buchan Eilidh Whiteford.

Commenting, Eilidh Whiteford said:

"I am delighted that the Minister for Culture has accepted my invitation to visit the Portsoy Salmon Bothy this week.

"The Salmon Bothy is a real asset to the town and is being well used by locals and tourists alike. The exhibition celebrates Banffshire's traditional maritime industries, and some of the community activities going on in the Bothy also reflect that history, such as the boat building 'Faering Project' involving young people. With art, drama, photography and knitting groups, and a thriving folk club there's something for everyone.

"The Salmon Bothy has been supported by a range of funding bodies including the Scottish Government, which is testament to the hard work and commitment of those involved in bringing this project to fruition and I'm pleased the Minister will be able to see this at first hand during his visit."

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LOCAL MP DEMANDS DELIVERY DEADLINE ON EQUITABLE LIFE COMPENSATION

Speaking following an opposition day debate on the UK Government’s role in paying compensation to Equitable Life policyholders, local SNP MP Alex Salmond repeated calls for UK Ministers to accept the recommendations of the Ombudsman.

Mr Salmond believes that a deadline for delivery of a compensation scheme is now needed, following last week's ruling by the High Court that slammed the UK Government's handling of the compensation issue

Commenting, Mr Salmond said:

"The UK Government must stop prevaricating and pay up. This saga has dragged on long enough – with many of my constituents in Banff & Buchan being affected. After ten years what policyholders deserve now is a clear deadline for the delivery of a compensation scheme. It is unacceptable and unfair for Downing Street to let this drag on indefinitely.

"It was a decade of regulatory failure that led to this mess, and we have had a decade of dither in dealing with it ever since. It is disgraceful that policyholders have had to go through so much. Thousands of policyholders have died since this process began, and many surviving policyholders are still being denied justice.

"UK Ministers must finally accept their responsibilities and bring forward a scheme to compensate all those who have suffered through the UK Government's regulatory failures."

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WHITEFORD & STEVENSON WELCOME MACDUFF PROJECT'S FUNDING SUCCESS

19 October 2009

SNP Westminster candidate for Banff & Buchan Eilidh Whiteford and local MSP Stewart Stevenson have welcomed the announcement from Cabinet Secretary for Finance & Sustainable Growth John Swinney that the Moray Street Insulation Project in Macduff has been awarded grant funding from the Scottish Government.

Aberdeenshire Council is to receive £168,580 for the energy efficiency project as part of the Scottish Government's first Energy Efficiency Design Awards which is aimed at helping to cut bills for people living in fuel poverty and reduce emissions.

Commenting on the announcement, Eilidh Whiteford said:

"I'm extremely pleased that Macduff is one of the communities which will benefit from this funding from the Scottish Government.

"It shows that it is the SNP Government which is acting to reverse decades of underfunding in Scotland's housing under successive Unionist governments. This investment in Macduff's housing stock is very welcome indeed."

Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson added:

"The Moray Street Insulation Project in Macduff consists of 20 solid granite flats. Aberdeenshire Council will re-point the buildings, install internal wall insulation, insulate the floors and upgrade the heating systems with energy efficient boilers, resulting in a 40 per cent reduction in emissions, which is good news for the environment but particularly for the residents."

Announcing the awards, Cabinet Secretary for Finance & Sustainable Growth John Swinney said:

"Around a quarter of Scotland's properties, particularly older buildings, are classed as 'hard to treat' and the Energy Efficiency Design Awards encourage innovation in designing energy saving solutions for existing homes. The winning projects have all demonstrated a unique approach to make the biggest impact on bills and emissions, taking into account the type and location of the building.

"In Energy Saving Week, it is important to realise we can all do our bit now to stop wasting energy and reduce our emissions - and save some money too."

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WHITEFORD BACKS RNID SCOTLAND’S CHECKS FOR A HEALTHY HEARING FUTURE

SNP Westminster candidate for Banff & Buchan Eilidh Whiteford has joined RNID Scotland’s call for people to value their hearing and take the charity’s specially developed hearing check.

At the Scottish National Party conference in Inverness, Eilidh took RNID’s five-minute hearing check, which assesses your ability to hear someone speaking with background noise – similar to being in a crowded room – and helps identify whether you have a hearing loss.

Commenting, Eilidh Whiteford said:

“Many people don’t realise how important their hearing is in their everyday lives, until they start to lose it. I’m lending my voice to RNID Scotland’s Hearing Matters campaign, which is encouraging you to look after your hearing by visiting www.rnid.org.uk/check or dialling 0844 800 3838 and take immediate action to avoid experiencing unnecessary isolation from friends, family and colleagues.”

Delia Henry, Director of RNID Scotland, says:

“On average, people take 15 years to deal with their hearing loss and, in that time, a person’s quality of life can be greatly reduced. We urge people in Banff & Buchan to follow Eilidh’s example take our check today, so that you can start addressing any hearing loss and ensure you don’t miss out on leading a fulfilling and active life.”

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CURRENT REVIEW IS OPPORTUNITY TO SCRAP COMMON FISHERIES POLICY – WHITEFORD

SNP Conference delegates reiterated their support for scrapping the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) at their Annual Conference in Inverness.

Among those leading the calls were SNP Westminster candidate for Banff & Buchan Eilidh Whiteford and SNP President and Euro-MP Ian Hudghton.

Speaking to a packed conference hall, Eilidh Whiteford said:

"These are exceptionally challenging times for our fishing industry. The recession is putting our fishermen under intense pressure, with lower fish prices compounding the underlying problems caused by the failures of the Common Fisheries Policy. There's universal agreement that the CFP has failed, and the current Review of the CFP is an opportunity to scrap it. However, change won't happen soon enough for our fishermen.

"The Scottish Government has been working hard to cushion the industry from the effects of the recession, building evidence to show the economic impact of current EU measures on the industry, and offering additional financial support for fuel efficiency and safety measures. The Scottish fleet has led the rest of Europe in pioneering conservation methods, and needs to see rewards for its efforts. We need to end the scandal of discards by allowing our fishermen to land more of what they catch.

"When the Tories took us into the CFP in the 1970s, the Heath Government said at the time: 'Scottish fishing is expendable'. The last 30 years have seen a catalogue of neglect and betrayal by successive London governments. Only when decision making power is brought back to Scotland will we see an end to the bureaucracy and mismanagement that characterise the current regime."

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SALMOND WELCOMES TEMPORARY PO FACILITIES FOR MINTLAW

Banff & Buchan MP Alex Salmond has welcomed notification from Post Office Ltd. that services will be resumed at Mintlaw with the provision of a temporary Post Office with effect from Thursday 22nd October.

Speaking from his Peterhead Constituency Office, Mr. Salmond remarked:

“Following my intervention with the Managing Director of Post Office Ltd. on the temporary closure of Mintlaw Post Office, I am pleased to hear that the branch will re-open in temporary premises at 9 South street, Mintlaw, AB42 5EL, just 200 yards from its former location.

“I had cause to take issue with the Chief Executive of Post Office Ltd. over the sudden closure of Mintlaw Post Office, without satisfactory alternative arrangements being put in place, and the poor communication which was associated with the closure.

“However, I am very satisfied with the temporary arrangements which have now been put in place, and I trust that this will have provided a salutary lesson for the Post Office management, should the temporary closure of any other essential facilities prove necessary in future.”

The opening hours of the temporary office will be:

Mon 9.00am – 5.00pm
Tue 9.00am – 5.00pm
Wed 9.00am – 1.00pm
Thu 9.00am – 5.00pm
Fri 9.00am – 5.00pm
Sat 9.00am – 5.00pm

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SNP CANDIDATE APPLAUDS FRASERBURGH HERITAGE FAIR

Commenting on the highly-successful Fraserburgh Heritage Fair which took place at the weekend, SNP Westminster candidate for Banff & Buchan Eilidh Whiteford said:

"I was delighted to be able to drop in to Fraserburgh Heritage Centre on Saturday and take in the Heritage Fair.

"It really was a fantastic occasion with so much for all age groups. The Heritage volunteers really made it come alive and they deserve congratulations for organising such a successful event."

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WATSON WELCOMES MINISTERIAL VISIT TO ROSEHEARTY

Local SNP councillor Bob Watson has welcomed the confirmation that the Minister for Culture Michael Russell MSP is to visit Peathill Kirk, Rosehearty, next week as a guest of the Pitsligo Castle Trust.

Mr Russell will perform the official unveiling of the new display panels detailing the aims of the Trust to consolidate Pitsligo Castle and to create the Peathill Jacobite and Heraldic Centre at a ceremony on Friday 23 October.

Councillor Watson has been a strong supporter of the work of the Trust and since becoming a member of the Pitsligo Castle/Peathill Kirk working group has secured support from Director of Education for Aberdeenshire Bruce Robertson for the project. As a result, Aberdeenshire Council Education Department is now a partner in the initiative, and local schools, e.g., Fraserburgh Academy, Turriff Academy, Rosehearty Primary etc., are coming on board as part of their local history 'curriculum for excellence' agenda. An Education Department working sub-group has also been formed to report back to Pitsligo Castle/Peathill Kirk working group in December, with their views on how they see the project develop and integrate with the education curriculum.

Commenting, Councillor Bob Watson said:

"In line with the Scottish Government's desire that bodies such as the National Trust and Historic Scotland should, as far as possible, indulge in 'joined up working', the National Trust for Scotland has also 'come on board' as an advisory non finance contributory partner.

"Seeing the potential of the Pitsligo Castle/Peathill Kirk project for the economic development of the Rosehearty area, I encouraged Pitsligo Castle/Peathill Kirk Trust to apply for funding from the Banff & Buchan Area Committee to go towards marketing the project. With my recommendation and support in committee, the project received £4750. That money has been used to pay for the production of display banners which will be used at events throughout Aberdeenshire and beyond to promote the project, an information leaflet, and the construction of a web site: www.pitsligo-castle.org.uk

"I am therefore absolutely delighted that the Minister for Culture Michael Russell will be visiting the Trust to see for himself this exciting project."

SNP Westminster candidate for Banff & Buchan Eilidh Whiteford added:

"I was pleased to be able to visit Peathill Kirk at their recent Doors Open Day and see the excellent progress they are making for myself.

"The 'Friends' have done an exceptional amount of work in recent years to move this project forward and I know that Bob has been working hard as their local councillor to support them in their aims. I'm very pleased that Michael Russell is taking time out from his schedule to give his endorsement to the project and it is a great reflection on the 'Friends' and their efforts to date."

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WHITEFORD & TOPPING DELIVER CONGRATS FROM FIRST MINISTER TO BROCH CENTENARIAN

SNP Westminster candidate for Banff & Buchan Eilidh Whiteford and Fraserburgh councillor Brian Topping dropped in on retired teacher Vi Johnston yesterday to deliver some special 100th birthday wishes.

Miss Johnston received a bouquet of flowers from Councillor Topping on behalf of Aberdeenshire Council. A letter with a message of congratulations from First Minister and local MP Alex Salmond MP was delivered by Eilidh Whiteford.

Speaking to the Fraserburgh Herald afterwards, Eilidh Whiteford said:

"I was delighted to meet Miss Johnston, and pass on the good wishes of the First Minister. Vi had a steady stream of visitors and well-wishers dropping by, and certainly seemed to be enjoying her day. We had a lively chat about her life as a teacher, and life in the Broch over the years. I'm sure her party went with a swing."

Councillor Brian Topping added:

“Delivering these good wishes on such occasions is one of the more pleasant civic duties I have to carry out on behalf of the council from time to time and I was delighted to be able to present Vi with her bouquet on behalf of the council.”

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WHITEFORD OFFICIALLY ADOPTED AS BANFF & BUCHAN CANDIDATE

SNP Westminster candidate for Banff & Buchan Eilidh Whiteford was officially adopted by the local Constituency Association on Saturday night as their candidate for the next UK General Election.

Eilidh has been campaigning across the constituency since being selected in 2007 but the political tradition of holding an 'adoption meeting' as the election approaches was continued on Saturday at an event in New Deer Public Hall attended by over 120 people.

Local MP Alex Salmond and Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Richard Lochhead spoke in support of Eilidh, who was unanimously adopted. Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson and Euro-MP Ian Hudghton officiated at the event.

Speaking in New Deer on Saturday night, Eilidh Whiteford said:

"I'm very honoured to be the SNP candidate for Banff & Buchan.

"The SNP's priority right now is protecting jobs and working for recovery. At the next General Election the choice will be between London parties intent on slashing public spending, or the SNP, defending our interests and moving Scotland forward.

"My top priority will be to stand up for our local industries and way of life."

Banff & Buchan MP Alex Salmond said:

"In Eilidh Whiteford people can be sure that we have a strong local voice to stand up for our vital interests.

"I am delighted that Eilidh will be leading the campaign in Banff & Buchan for the SNP at the next UK election, whenever Gordon Brown decides to call it.

"I know that Eilidh will work hard to earn the trust of voters in this constituency and build on the proud record of service provided to constituents by their SNP representatives at all levels – councillors, MEPs, MPs and MSPs."

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Richard Lochhead MSP added:

"The SNP Government has achieved much for Scotland's farming and fishing industries – but we could do so much more with our own independent representation at the top table in Europe.

"We must never forget that it was the Conservatives who devastated much of the Scottish fishing industry with their dismissal of the industry as "expendable" and taking us into the Common Fisheries Policy.

"Eilidh Whiteford will be a strong voice at Westminster, defending our industries and interests from an uncaring London Government."

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