MP Visits Woodhead Bros. Turriff Plant

Banff & Buchan MP Eilidh Whiteford has visited Morrisons Supermarkets’ subsidiary, Woodhead Brothers of Turriff, at the invitation of General Manager, Michael Tough. The SNP MP was given a presentation on the history of the facility, before making a tour of the premises to meet with the staff and observe the factory processes in full production.

Commenting on her visit, Dr Whiteford said:

Fr (l-r) :  Michael Tough, Dr. Eilidh Whiteford MP,  Lesley Dalgarno

Back: Ricardo Da Rocha, Euan Irvine, Gordon Taylor,
Malcolm Baillie, Lenny Grant and Roy Stuart

“I was very pleased to visit Woodhead Brothers in Turriff and see the facilities for myself. Apart from its status as a major employer in Turriff, Woodhead Brothers also fulfils a vital service to the agricultural industry across Scotland, and makes a valuable contribution to the economy.

“I was very impressed by the high standards of efficiency and hygiene throughout the production line, and the pride and interest which the staff and management have in both their produce and their work.

“I was particularly interested by the quality and care which goes in to the manufacturing of ‘own brand’ produce for Morrison’s Supermarkets. While ‘own brand’ goods in many supermarkets are marketed as economy lines, it is clear that both Morrisons and Woodhead Brothers regard theirs as a premium product - manufactured to the highest standards.”

The MP’s tour of the factory ended with a round-the-table discussion with the management team on the future of the food industry in the North-east of Scotland.

General Manager for Woodhead Brothers Michael Tough added:

“It was a pleasure to show Eilidh around our site in Turriff and demonstrate the high standards we set ourselves as well as telling her about the history of the site and the company.

“Her visit allowed us to show her one of the things that makes us different as a supermarket – controlling the sites where our food is produced and working closely with farmers.

“We look forward to developing a relationship with Eilidh and working closely with her in the future.”

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Passport Question Reveals Computer Costs Tripled

LABOUR HAUNTED BY SPENDING DISASTERS

‘WASTEFUL WESTMINSTER’ SHOULD LEARN FROM SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY

Just days after UK Ministers revealed they were to axe Labour’s disastrous £12 billion NHS computer scheme, a parliamentary question obtained by the SNP has found that the cost of another IT system, purchased for the Passport Agency, has more than tripled to £365 million.

The question tabled by Banff and Buchan MP Dr Eilidh Whiteford revealed that the original Siemens contract had been estimated at between £80 and £100 million over a ten year period, however, the final cost totalled £365 million.

Commenting, Dr Whiteford said:

“At a time when household budgets are under real pressure, revelations over how wasteful Westminster has been with taxpayers’ money are an absolute scandal.

“Serious questions must be asked about how the cost of the Passport Agency computer system was able to more than treble – and the first of those questions should be raised with the former Ministers who signed the contracts.

“As Labour meet for their conference it is incredible that, as the people responsible for pouring this money down the drain, they now try and convince us that they have a credible plan for the economy. People will not be fooled.

“This week alone we have learnt that hospitals in England could close as a result of Labour’s crippling PFI legacy, that a £12 billion NHS computer scheme has had to be scrapped and now that another IT projects costs have trebled.

“Westminster needs to take a leaf out of the Scottish Government’s book on efficiency. The SNP Government has pursued a vigorous programme of efficiency and public sector reform that is delivering results and driving improvements. In the first two years of the programme, it has exceeded its targets by 300 million pounds and 400 million pounds. Last year, 2.276 billion pounds of efficiency savings were made - 673 million pounds above the target - through new ways of using resources, collaborating across public services or improving procurement.

“That money is being reinvested in the public sector to deliver frontline services or lever in new efficiencies. This is an impressive level of delivery that Westminster should learn from.”

Dr Whiteford’s question to the Home Office:

Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the original estimate, at current prices, was for the cost to the public purse of the Siemens IT system for the Passport Agency; what the final cost, at current prices, was at the time of completion; and whether additional costs have been incurred since completion. [65627]

Damian Green: At the time of contract award, the anticipated contract value was between £80 to £100 million over a 10-year period. The contract duration extended to 11 years at a total cost of approximately £365 million. The increase in costs over the term of the Siemens contract can be attributed to numerous factors including additional demand for passports, enhancements of the IT infrastructure
and business processes to accommodate changes in policy, response to changes in security threats and customer service improvements.

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmhansrd/cm110719/text/110719w0001.htm#110719112001686

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Anna Ritchie Performers Impress Local MP

Banff & Buchan MP Eilidh Whiteford attended the launch of the CD produced by the pupils of Anna Ritchie School in Peterhead last night.

The MP was invited by the school to a concert in the school hall where pupils performed songs from the CD, entitled “True Colours”.

Commenting after the performance, Eilidh said:

“The pupils at Anna Ritchie really gave a great performance and impressed the large audience of parents, relatives and friends.

“When I visited the school back in June I was able to see the children rehearsing so I knew then that this was going to be something really special and they didn’t disappoint.

“I congratulate the pupils, staff and Headteacher Ishbel Cruickshank on producing such an amazing piece of work.”

The Anna Ritchie School was established in 1963 for the education of children with learning difficulties.

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MP Visits Broch Heritage Centre Open Day

Commenting on her visit to Fraserburgh Heritage Centre Open Day, Banff & Buchan MP Dr Eilidh Whiteford said:

“It was a great pleasure to visit Fraserburgh Heritage Centre and its volunteers to share in their special day. It is one of my very favourite visitor attractions, and the range of demonstrations, displays, and performances which ran throughout the afternoon made it an occasion to remember.

“The range of exhibits illustrates the history and heritage of the Broch, from the town’s maritime history to the stunning creations of Bill Gibb - and records the contributions which have been made to the modern world by the eminent sons and daughters of Fraserburgh.

“But what makes Fraserburgh Heritage Centre a truly outstanding venue is its many ‘hands on’ interactive displays. This is not a museum which says ‘Do Not Touch,’ but rather ‘Please Touch’. I hope that those who were unable to join the many people who attended the Open Day will take the opportunity to pay a visit to the Heritage Centre and see it for themselves.

“At a time when the Heritage Centre and neighbouring lighthouse museum are working hard to secure new sources of funding, it’s more important than ever that local people show their support for these invaluable community assets.”

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