MSP & MP Pay Tribute to Former MP Hamish Watt

Hamish Watt
1925 - 2014

Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson and Banff & Buchan MP Dr Eilidh Whiteford have paid tribute to former MP Hamish Watt, who died peacefully at his home at the weekend.

Dr Eilidh Whiteford MP said:

“Hamish was the MP for my home town of Macduff in the 1970s and his victory in the Banffshire Constituency in 1974 was part of the big breakthrough for the SNP in the North-east.

“It is thanks to the hard work done by people like Hamish Watt during that time in building up the support for the party based on a reputation for speaking up for our local communities and helping people with the issues of the day, that we are where we are now, only five months out from a Referendum on Independence.

“Hamish will be sorely missed and it is so sad he will not be with us on the 18th of September. My condolences go to his family at this very sad time, who I know will take comfort from the fact that his was a life full of achievement.”

Stewart Stevenson MSP said:

"Hamish was one of the first eleven in every sense of the word. As the Parliamentary Whip for the group of eleven SNP MPs elected in 1974, he played a key role in keeping Scotland on the political agenda.

"And in his contribution to the wider party and community, he undertook his role as MP for Banffshire with passion and commitment.

"In recent times he would pitch up at my surgeries in Rathven to make sure I had the benefit of his sage and measured advice. I welcomed that and was always impressed by his continuing engagement in topical issues.

"He will be much missed by his community, his political colleagues, his friends but most of all by his family.

"I know that he was immensely proud of his daughter Maureen's achievements as an MSP and I extend my sympathies to her and all who will miss Hamish."

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MP & MSP Congratulate Peterhead FC on Historic Win

Local MSP Stewart Stevenson and MP Eilidh Whiteford have congratulated Peterhead Football Club on winning the League Two title.

Stewart Stevenson MSP commented:

“I would like to congratulate Jim McInally and all of the players at Peterhead FC on winning the League Two title. Not only is this the club’s first trophy since coming into the national league but the club have managed to clinch the championship in style with three games of the season left to play.

“The title win comes just off the back of Peterhead’s prolific striker Rory McAllister becoming the first player from outside the Premiership to win the SPFL Player of the Month Award for March. Whilst top performances from individual players have helped the team this season, the winning of this title has come about due to the hard work and determination of everyone involved at the club.”

Eilidh Whiteford MP said:

“Not only is this excellent news for Peterhead FC but it is also something that the whole town and surrounding area should be proud of.

“Stewart and I wish the team all the best of luck for next season in League One.”

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Whiteford Meets Macduff Youngsters In Run Up To Parliament Trip

Banff & Buchan MP Dr Eilidh Whiteford has spoken warmly of her time at Macduff Primary School, after meeting with P7 and P6/7 pupils on Friday.

Dr Whiteford gave a short talk and took questions from the youngsters, many of whom will be visiting Westminster later this year. The questions covered topics as diverse as an MP’s day-to-day duties, the upcoming referendum, Dr Whiteford’s previous jobs, and how to become a Member of Parliament.

Speaking after the event, Dr Whiteford said:

“It was a pleasure to meet with pupils and staff to take the opportunity to discuss life as an MP. The pupils had excellent questions to ask, and the discussion was a lively and engaging one.

“It was also, of course, a pleasure to be shown around my own former primary school - I look forward to my next visit!”

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UK Government Welfare Reform Putting More Women in Poverty

"WOMEN HAVE THE MOST TO GAIN FROM INDEPENDENCE"
Women are at greater risk of deeper and sustained poverty because of the UK government’s welfare reform, a new publication from a group of Scottish organisations has said.

The report published by Engender Scotland, Close the Gap, Scottish Women’s Aid, Scottish Women’s Convention, Zero Tolerance and Scottish Refugee Council said cuts to welfare spending create further barriers to women’s full participation in society, including within their communities and in political spaces – and where women’s disposable income is reduced, spending on children decreases leading to higher levels of child poverty.

£14.9 billion worth of cuts have been made to benefits, tax credits, pay and pensions since 2010 -74% of which has been taken from women’s incomes.

Commenting, Banff & Buchan MP and SNP Spokesperson for Work and Pensions Dr Eilidh Whiteford said:

“This is a damning report on the UK Government’s welfare reform.

“The UK Government have had a woeful record over the last four years when it comes to women. The welfare state is being dismantled by Westminster, and women are being the hardest hit.

"It is only with the financial powers of an independent Scotland that we can deliver the policies the SNP are pledged to - such as transforming childcare, building up to 1,140 hours for all children from age one to primary school, which will help more women into the workplace. We will be able to increase the minimum wage by at least the cost of living every year, and reverse the welfare reforms that hit women the hardest - particularly the plan to pay benefits to the household instead of directly to second earners, most of whom are women. These are just some of the things we can, should and must achieve with a Yes vote. Women have the most to gain from independence.”

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