Eilidh tours Fraserburgh's centre of excellence for whitefish

Dr. Eilidh Whiteford MP has today toured Young’s Fraserburgh, which is now Young’s Seafood Limited’s Centre of Excellence for White Fish processing and packaging.

Dr. Eilidh Whiteford, the MP for Banff & Buchan, saw the progress, investment, job creation and development underway at the site. Since announcing plans to make the Fraserburgh site the Centre of Excellence for White Fish in June 2014, Young’s has rebranded the site from Macrae to Young’s Fraserburgh, made a multi-million pound investment into the site as part of the expansion programme and appointed new senior managers to the team. The expansion programme means that the site now employs between 600 and 700 people, with more roles during busy seasons, in the local community. During her visit, Eilidh met the management, new members of the team who have benefitted from job creation and saw the new equipment installed at the site.

Commenting on her visit, Dr. Eilidh Whiteford MP, said:

“I’m pleased to see the development, investment and job creation underway at Young’s Fraserburgh. Fish processing makes a significant contribution to the local economy, with a strong skill base in the community and it is fantastic that there are so many employment and development opportunities here.”

Darren Beecham, Managing Director of Young’s Fraserburgh, said:

“We are delighted to show Dr. Eilidh Whiteford MP the progress we have made with our plans for Young’s Fraserburgh. Development continues and we’re grateful for the continued support of our MP.”

Pete Ward, Chief Executive of Young’s Seafood Limited, said:

“Having made a number of changes and a significant investment into our site, to develop it into our White Fish Centre of Excellence, we’re very pleased with the progress made to date. We are committed to continuously improving our operations, striving for manufacturing excellence, and providing our customers and consumers with the best value and best quality fish.”

SNP will fight Tory social security cuts 'every step of the way'

Ahead of the Queen’s Speech, the SNP has made clear that it will fight the Tories’ plans for £12bn in welfare cuts ‘every step of the way’ – and that promoting an alternative to continued cuts will be the party’s key priority at Westminster.

The Tory’s commitment to further welfare cuts comes as new statistics published last week show that around a third of the UK population experienced poverty in at least one year between 2010 and 2013 – higher than the EU average of 25%.

During the General Election campaign, the SNP promoted an end to austerity with modest increases in public spending – and SNP MPs will use the party’s unprecedented mandate to put ending cuts at the heart of Westminster’s agenda.

Commenting, SNP Westminster Social Justice spokesperson Dr Eilidh Whiteford said:

“We are already well aware of what to expect from the Tory government in this Queen’s speech, with the continuation of the relentless assault on the poor and a further £12bn in cuts to social security – and the SNP will lead the fight against these cuts every step of the way.

“With Labour all over the place and each of their leadership candidates seemingly getting ready to race even further to the right, the SNP is the only real opposition to unfair Tory cuts in the House of Commons – and people in Scotland can be assured that we will fight George Osborne and David Cameron’s plans to impose more cuts on disadvantaged people at every turn.

“The UK Government’s continued commitment to the savage welfare cuts that are inflicting such hardship on so many people underlines why they can’t be allowed to take decisions on social security on Scotland’s behalf any more. The Scottish Parliament needs full powers over employment and social security to allow us to support and empower people – and SNP MPs will fight to have these powers delivered to Scotland.

“At the General Election, people in Scotland gave the SNP an unprecedented democratic mandate to put an end to the cuts agenda which is hurting people across our communities – and we will use this mandate to work with progressive allies both inside and outside of Westminster to lead the fight against Tory austerity and put forward a better plan to benefit people in Scotland and right across the UK.”

SNP Call on Labour to Challenge Tories on Austerity

LABOUR SHOULD CHOOSE AUSTERITY DEBATE FOLLOWING QUEEN’S SPEECH
The Scottish National Party has called on Labour to use a House of Commons debate to challenge the Tories on austerity.

Labour will have the opportunity to choose debate topics for each of the five themed Queen’s Speech debates over the next week.

The Tory’s commitment to further welfare cuts comes as new statistics published last week show that around a third of the UK population experienced poverty in at least one year between 2010 and 2013 – higher than the EU average of 25 per cent.

During the General Election campaign, the SNP promoted an end to austerity with modest increases in public spending.

Commenting, SNP Westminster Social Justice spokesperson Dr Eilidh Whiteford said:

“Labour need to show some backbone and use the Queen's Speech to challenge the Tories on their austerity measures.

“We are already well aware of what to expect from the Tory government in this Queen’s speech, with the continuation of the relentless assault on the poor and a further £12bn in cuts to social security – and the SNP will lead the fight against these cuts every step of the way.

“The UK Government’s continued commitment to the savage welfare cuts that are inflicting such hardship on so many people underlines why they can’t be allowed to take decisions on social security on Scotland’s behalf any more. The Scottish Parliament needs full powers over employment and social security to allow us to support and empower people – and SNP MPs will fight to have these powers delivered to Scotland.

“With Labour all over the place and each of their leadership candidates seemingly getting ready to race even further to the right, the SNP is the only real opposition to unfair Tory cuts in the House of Commons – and people in Scotland can be assured that we will stand up for Scotland in Westminster."

Macduff youngsters welcomed to Westminster

Pupils from Macduff Primary School have enjoyed a first-hand experience of what goes on in the UK Parliament, following last week’s visit to the House of Commons.

Banff & Buchan MP Eilidh Whiteford welcomed the pupils for a look at what happens behind the scenes in the UK Parliament. The youngsters visited Westminster Hall, Central Lobby, and the House of Lords debating chamber.

Speaking after the visit, Eilidh said:
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“It was a pleasure to welcome the pupils to Parliament. I’ve given talks to Macduff’s P6 and 7 classes frequently in recent years, and it’s a great experience for them to come down and see the Westminster Parliament and learn about its quirky traditions. They ask questions worthy of any politician in the Commons debating chamber and there is no doubt a few budding politicians in their ranks.”

A little part of Macduff Primary remained in London following their visit. A flag, designed by pupils at the school, will fly in Parliament square for one week alongside flags designed by schools across the UK to commemorate Westminster’s 750th anniversary. The Macduff Primary design will represent the historic country of Banffshire.

Whiteford & Allard Welcome Record Fish Landings

Banff & Buchan MP Eilidh Whiteford and North East MSP Christian Allard have welcomed news of record fish landings in Scotland.

The value of fish landed in Scotland increased by 19% to £513m in 2014, according to figures released by the Scottish Government today. The volume of landings has also increased over the last year by 31% to 480,400 tonnes.

Mackerel continues to be the most valuable stock, accounting for £195 million of Scottish landings.

Commenting on the latest Scottish fish landing statistics, Eilidh Whiteford said:

“The fishing industry remains a critical employer in Banff & Buchan and despite all the challenges of the last year, these figures indicate that the Scottish industry is resilient and has a profitable and prosperous future ahead of it.

“Going forward, I am confident that the Scottish Government will continue to press for the best deal for our fishing industry, and do all that it can to promote Scotland’s quality produce to international markets.”

Christian Allard, MSP for North-east Scotland, added:

“As someone who has worked in the fishing for well over 30 years, it is great to see an increase in the value and volume of fish landings in Scotland.

“The amount of fish being caught is definitely back in both size and quantity. It is important that local people are given the option of Scottish fish before imports.

“Recently, I praised supermarket Aldi’s decision to promote Scottish fish in their stores. I hope to see more of this throughout our food retail outlets, as it is clear there is scope for growth in local seafood retail to coincide with the growth in local fish landings.”

Leadership roles for Whiteford

Banff & Buchan MP Eilidh Whiteford has been appointed to two prominent leadership positions in the SNP Group at Westminster.

Dr Whiteford, who was re-elected last week with the largest majority in the history of Banff & Buchan, has been appointed as the SNP Group Secretary and as Spokesperson for Work & Pensions. The appointments came as the SNP Group, which now represents 56 out of 59 Scottish seats, met for the first time in Westminster.

The front bench appointment will see Dr. Whiteford go head-to-head with Iain Duncan Smith on some of the most controversial aspects of the Tory’s welfare reform agenda.

Speaking following her appointment, Dr. Whiteford said:

“I’m delighted to accept this appointment, and continue in the role as the SNP’s spokesperson for Work and Pensions.

“With further Tory cuts looming, it is perhaps more important than ever before that SNP MPs stand up for the most vulnerable and provide an anti-austerity voice in Westminster.”

Whiteford Secures Biggest-Ever Vote in History of Banff & Buchan

PERCENTAGE SHARE IS BIGGEST SINCE 1931

TORY VOTE DOWN ON 2010
Banff & Buchan MP Eilidh Whiteford secured the biggest-ever vote in the history of the constituency since its creation at Thursday’s election.

Eilidh Whiteford MP with Gordon MP Alex Salmond
and Stuart Donaldson, MP for West Aberdeenshire & Kincardine

The SNP candidate polled 27,487 votes, a massive 60.2% of the poll. This surpasses even Alex Salmond’s result in 1997 when he achieved what was then the record of 55.8% of the vote. In fact, you have to go back to the General Election of 1931 in the former constituency of East Aberdeenshire to find a larger percentage share of the vote for any candidate.

The full result in Banff & Buchan was:

Eilidh Whiteford	SNP	27,487	60.2%	(+18.9%)
Alex Johnstone	Con	13,148	28.8%	(-2.0%)
Sumon Hoque	Lab	2,647	5.8%	(-8.2%)
David Evans	LD	2,347	5.1%	(-6.2%)
SNP Majority		14,339	31.4%
Turnout			66.5%	(+5.7%)

Commenting after her re-election, Eilidh said:

“I am humbled by the overwhelming vote of confidence that I have received from the people of Banff & Buchan.

“The results from across Scotland show very clearly that people want Westminster to listen more carefully to their priorities - ending austerity, keeping the NHS public, and delivering substantial more powers for Scotland.

“My job will be to make those voices heard, and to continue to serve the communities that have placed their trust in me.”

North East Business Leaders Back SNP on Jobs

Six key business leaders in the North East of Scotland have endorsed the campaigns of their local SNP candidates.
These endorsements provide a snapshot of the hundreds of local businessmen and women who backed a Business for Scotland letter putting forward the view that a strong Scottish business economy would provide a substantial boost for jobs.

• Eilidh Whiteford, SNP candidate for Banff and Buchan, has been backed by Jim Gray Sr, founder of manufacturing giants, Gray & Adams Ltd.
• Alex Salmond, SNP candidate for Gordon, has been backed by Paddy Crerar, CEO of Crerar Management Limited, one of the country’s leading independent hotel management companies, who operate Thainstone House Hotel in the Gordon constituency

• Angus Robertson, SNP candidate for Moray, has been backed by Chairman of Elgin-based Springfield Properties, Sandy Adam.
• Stuart Donaldson, SNP candidate for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine, has been backed by Gordon Henderson, owner of thriving local company Foxlane Garden Centre, who provide vital employment for people with learning disabilities.
• Callum McCaig, SNP candidate for Aberdeen South, has been backed by the owner of the Marcliffe Hotel and Spa and prominent local businessman, Stewart Spence
• Kirsty Blackman, SNP candidate for Aberdeen North, has been backed by Kenny Anderson, Managing Director of Anderson Construction and Cancer Charity Chairman.

Commenting during a visit to Gray and Adams Ltd with Eilidh Whiteford, Alex Salmond, SNP candidate for Gordon, said:

“Right across the North East of Scotland, businessmen and women are backing SNP candidates that they know will support the business community at every turn.

“The austerity agenda of the three Westminster parties is hampering growth and holding businesses back while the impending threat to tear Scotland out of the EU hangs over our companies.

“The SNP has a strong record of supporting North East business and the SNP Government in Scotland has used the powers of devolution to support Scottish business where possible, by measures such as the introduction of the Small Business Bonus which has provided vital support to the small businesses that are important employers and the lifeblood of our communities.

“A strong team of SNP MPs will use our influence at Westminster to build on this record, demanding increased support for Scottish companies and the Scottish economy, to boost competitiveness and support jobs.

“This election is Scotland’s opportunity to stand together like never before and speak with one voice, regardless of what party you supported previously. With businesses and voters increasingly backing the SNP, we must unite together, speaking for the benefit of our business community, to ensure that Scotland’s voice is heard at Westminster and cannot be ignored.”

SNP candidate for Banff and Buchan, Eilidh Whiteford, added:

"I am delighted to have the support of Jim Gray, who built one of the most successful businesses in the North-east and is a major employer here in Banff & Buchan.

“By electing an SNP MP, people in Banff & Buchan can be confident that they will have a strong voice at Westminster fighting for what matters to them - jobs, the NHS and more powers for Scotland.

“It has been a privilege to serve the communities of Banff & Buchan these last 5 years and I hope to continue to have the opportunity to put their aspirations to the top of the Westminster agenda."

Jim Gray Sr, founder of Gray & Adams Ltd., added:

"I am pleased to give my support to Eilidh Whiteford to be re-elected as MP for Banff & Buchan.

“Over the last 5 years, she has proven to be an MP attentive to the needs of local communities and local business and has never shied away from fighting our corner.

“Eilidh grew up in this area and has its best interests at heart. She will be a strong voice for the communities of Banff & Buchan at Westminster, and deserves our support once again."