UK Government "Must Consider Impact of Austerity on Housing Crisis"

Scottish National Party MP Dr Eilidh Whiteford has called on the UK government to consider the ongoing impact of its austerity agenda on housing.

Speaking during an opposition day debate in the House of Commons today, Dr Whiteford said that UK government cuts have left landlords struggling to invest in new housing stock, and have impacted on the ability of devolved and local governments to meet housing need.

Dr Whiteford said:

“Although much of housing policy in Scotland is devolved to the Scottish Parliament, the financial framework in which it operates is determined at Westminster. Scotland has had a 25 per cent real terms cut to its Capital budget since 2010, and ongoing austerity will restrict the ability of future Governments to respond adequately to a growing housing crisis.

“The SNP's commitment to housing is underlined by the fact that in spite of austerity cuts, the Scottish Government is on track to invest over £1.7 billion pounds to deliver 30,000 new affordable homes by next year – and we're already more than 90 per cent of the way there. That track-record compares favourably with other parts of the UK, and with previous administrations.

“We need a thriving private rented sector that’s an attractive and affordable option for tenants. The cost of buying a house means home ownership has hit a 30 year low, and demand for rented accommodation in both the private and social sector has soared, often driving up rents to eye-watering levels.

"For those on lower incomes, market rents in the current environment are just not realistic and so demand for social housing is at unprecedented levels too. However social housing by successive UK Governments has been a costly oversight – and a big mistake. The UK Government must understand why their approach is so short-sighted, short-term, and short-changes both tax payers and tenants.”

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Local MP Condemns 'Sleekit' Royal Mail Plans

Banff & Buchan MP Eilidh Whiteford has condemned the Tory UK Government’s plans to privatise the remaining 30% stake in the Royal Mail.

The local MP, who has long campaigned on Royal Mail issues, says the move further threatens the terms of the Universal Service Obligation – which safeguards postal services and deliveries in rural areas like Banff & Buchan.

The SNP’s Dr Whiteford has questioned the legitimacy of the move by the Tories, as they made no reference to it in the run up to the election.

Commenting, Eilidh said:

“Over the years many people have contacted me on a wide range of Royal Mail issues. They have done that because they value the service and, in particular, they value the Universal Service that is vital to health of our rural communities.

“Along with my SNP colleagues we resolutely opposed the privatisation of Royal Mail and we oppose the disposal of the remaining 30 percent stake in the company. The total sale of Royal Mail to the private sector is giving away the family jewels.

“Last year the National Audit Office concluded the sale of Royal Mail was rushed at the expense of value for money, but now the Tories are just carrying on regardless.

“The future of our Royal Mail services continues to be regularly raised with me in communities in Banff & Buchan. The implications of a privatised Royal Mail seeking to dilute or end the Universal Service would increase the cost of doing business in rural area, it could lead to centralised collection of mail and make life very difficult for those who rely on mail services in rural and remote areas.

“This is a sleekit manoeuvre by George Osborne – which he and David Cameron kept very quiet about during the general election campaign and the SNP will continue to argue against this every step of the way.”

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Fraserburgh charity praised for work with disabled

Banff & Buchan MP Eilidh Whiteford has praised Fraserburgh charity People First, following a constructive meeting on Friday to discuss the challenges faced by disabled people in the North-east.

The charity, founded in 1993, represents the interests of disabled people in Fraserburgh. The group is run by and for disabled people, and operates a lively drop in centre in the town’s Cross Street.

Dr Whiteford, who was recently announced as the SNP’s Westminster Spokesperson on Social Justice, met with staff and users at the group’s drop-in centre on Cross Street, to hear first hand how disabled people are being affected by the UK Government’s austerity programme.

The Banff & Buchan MP also took the opportunity to hand over a donation of £50.

Dr Whiteford said:

“It is always a pleasure to see first-hand the good work People First do in Fraserburgh, and to find out more about the challenges faced by disabled people living in Banff and Buchan.

“Much of what we discussed was directly related to what is happening at Westminster, and I will continue to hold the UK Government to account over the way it is attacking the welfare system, and the impact that this has on those with disabilities.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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."

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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.

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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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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."

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Sharp Rise in Foodbank Use is 'Shameful' Demonstration of Damage of Tory Austerity

A new report by the Trussell Trust showing that the number of people in Scotland using foodbanks rose by two thirds in the last year is the clearest demonstration possible of the damage Tory austerity cuts are causing and why a change of course is needed.

The report shows that more than 117,000 food parcels were distributed in Scotland by the Trussell Trust last year, including more than 36,000 which went to children. This is a 65 per cent increase on the previous year’s figure.

The SNP manifesto published this week commits SNP MPs to action that will help to tackle child poverty, by opposing further cuts to Child Benefit and Tax Credit and supporting increasing free childcare to 30 hours per week by 2020.

Commenting, Banff & Buchan SNP candidate Eilidh Whiteford said:

“The rise of foodbanks is utterly shameful and there is surely no clearer demonstration of the wilful damage that Tory austerity has caused to communities in Scotland and across the UK.

“Foodbank use has risen by two thirds and tens of thousands of children in Scotland have had to rely on food parcels in the last year.

“It is an absolute disgrace and the Tories’ studied complacency on this issue underlines why it is so important that we are able to lock David Cameron out of Downing Street.

“Meanwhile instead of committing to action, Labour has instead signed up to a further £30 billion of Tory austerity cuts.

“This cannot continue and there must be a change of course on the austerity that is doing so much damage to communities across Scotland.

“The SNP manifesto this week made clear that SNP MPs will oppose further cuts to Child Benefit and Tax Credits and support increasing free childcare to 30 hours per week by 2020.

“A strong team of SNP MPs will work with progressive voices across the UK to take action that helps tackle the scourge of child poverty and foodbank use.”

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Stronger for Banff & Buchan, Stronger for Scotland

EILIDH: "ENDING AUSTERITY IS NUMBER ONE PRIORITY"
Banff & Buchan SNP Candidate Eilidh Whiteford says the SNP’s number one priority is ending austerity and helping the thousands of families across the North-east who are struggling with low wages and cuts to the welfare system that are hitting household budgets hard.

Eilidh Whiteford has set out the SNP’s manifesto commitments for the General Election, pledging that a team of SNP MPs would be stronger for Scotland - and deliver progressive politics for Scotland and for the whole UK.

Along with SNP candidates across Scotland, Banff & Buchan SNP candidate Dr Whiteford has made the following commitments:

• The SNP are the only party offering an alternative to the Westminster cuts agenda. Our proposal for a modest spending increase of 0.5 per cent a year will enable at least £140 billion extra investment in the economy and public services.
• For the NHS this will mean an additional £9.5 billion spending above inflation across the UK by 2020/21 - £24 billion in total. This will deliver a total increase for NHS Scotland of £2 billion.
• I will back plans for an annual UK target of 100,000 affordable homes, and use additional capital investment to deliver a further expansion of house-building in Scotland.
• I will back an increase in the minimum wage to £8.70 by 2020.
• I will back the restoration of the 50p top income tax rate for those earning over £150,000.
• I will support an increase in the Employment Allowance from £2,000 per business per year to £6,000, to help smaller firms take on and retain additional staff.
• I will oppose the £3 billion cut in disability support that threatens to cut the income of a million disabled people by more than £1,000 a year.
• I will vote to retain the triple lock on pensions and protect the winter fuel allowance.

Eilidh Whiteford said that ending austerity is the SNP's number one priority in this election:

"The SNP has published a manifesto to make Scotland stronger at Westminster. The pledge I make to the people of Banff & Buchan is this. If you vote SNP on 7 May, the SNP will make your voice heard more loudly and clearly than it has ever been heard before at Westminster.

“I will work with SNP colleagues and other politicians who want to deliver progressive change and, above all else, end austerity and the damage it is doing to families and communities right here in Banff & Buchan.

“SNP candidates want to see modest spending increases - the equivalent of increasing departmental spending by 0.5 per cent above inflation - in each year of the next parliament.

"Under our proposal, the deficit and the national debt would still fall each year. But a slightly slower path to eliminating the deficit completely will still allow at least £140 billion extra to be invested in infrastructure and support for business, in protecting our public services, and in policies that will help to lift people out of poverty.

“The elimination of the deficit is important but it cannot continually be at the expense of those who have least, that's why we will back the restoration of the 50p tax rate for the highest earners, a mansion tax, and a bankers' bonus tax.

“We remain 100% opposed to Trident renewal at an eye watering cost of 100 billion pounds, which would be better spent in other public services and in ensuring we have an appropriate conventional defence, including maritime patrol aircraft to replace Nimrods.

"We will vote for an increase in health spending across the UK of £24 billion by 2020/21 - £9.5 billion above inflation. That will deliver a total increase to the budget of NHS Scotland of £2 billion by 2020/21 - and it will ensure that our NHS enters the next decade fully equipped for the challenges it faces.

"The SNP will always support independence - but this election is not about independence. It is about making Scotland stronger.

“Promises have been made by the other parties both during and since the referendum and they must be held to account to ensure those promises are kept.

"A vote for this SNP manifesto on May 7th will make Scotland's voice heard at Westminster more strongly than it has ever been before. And a stronger voice for Scotland will mean new, better and more progressive politics at Westminster - for everyone."

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The SNP manifesto may be downloaded here votesnp.com/docs/manifesto.pdf.

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Whiteford & Hudghton in Visit to New Deer Bakery

SNP President and Member of the European Parliament Ian Hudghton has joined Banff & Buchan SNP candidate Eilidh Whiteford campaigning in Central Buchan.

Whilst in New Deer, the pair stopped off at the Kindness Bakery on Main Street to meet with owner Mark Kindness and staff and toured the production line.

Commenting, Eilidh Whiteford said:

“Kindness Bakery is a significant local employer and it was a pleasure to meet up with Mark and to hear of some of the issues facing local businesses at this time.

“Rural small businesses are the lifeblood of their local communities and I was pleased to hear of the firm’s plans and recent successes with new clients.”

SNP President Ian Hudghton added:

“I was very impressed with the bakery operation at New Deer and also the range of products which is produced there. It’s clear that Mark and the staff there have a passion for this long-established business and I wish them continued success.”

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Whiteford Attends Last Broch Home League Game of Season

Banff & Buchan SNP candidate Eilidh Whiteford joined Broch SNP councillor Charles Buchan at Bellslea Park on Saturday to cheer on Fraserburgh FC at their last league home game of the season.

The SNP candidate donned her black and white Broch scarf to watch new manager Mark Cowie’s first game in charge of the team.

Commenting after the match, Eilidh said:

“Despite the result, I had a great afternoon at Bellslea in the Fraserburgh sunshine and I’m grateful to Club Chairman Finlay Noble for his hospitality on the day.

“The club has been very much a part of the fabric of the town for the last 105 years and I wish Mark Cowie every success as he takes the team forward next season.”

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Allard and Whiteford Welcome Record Voter Numbers in Scotland

SNP MSP Christian Allard (North East Scotland) and Banff and Buchan Westminster candidate, Dr Eilidh Whiteford, has welcomed the latest figures on the number of people registered to vote with the Electoral Commission in local councils, Scottish Parliament, and UK Parliamentary elections.

March, 2015 figures show that this number now sits at 4,035,394, which is the highest it has ever been for Scotland. This figure surpasses last year’s record of 4,027,187.

With the exception of 2009, the number of people registered to vote in elections has risen every year in Scotland. The number of people registered to vote last year also broke records with 4,285,323 registered to vote in the referendum on Scottish independence – however, this figure also takes 16-17 year olds into account who are not yet entitled to vote in parliamentary or local elections.

North East Scotland constituencies have seen records of their own with regards to levels of registered electorate. As of March 2015, West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine had 73,096 people registered to vote – the highest number recorded for that constituency. Gordon constituency also has a record number of people registered with 79,002 people signed up to vote.

In 2004, Banff and Buchan constituency had 65,684 people registered to vote. As of March 2015, that number has now risen to 68,532.

The deadline for electoral registration before the 2015 UK General Election is Monday, 20th April. Online registration can be found at: www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

Commenting, Christian Allard MSP said:

“Democracy works when people get involved. It is great to see such high numbers of people interested in their politics and registering to vote.

“People across the North-East, and across Scotland as a whole, have felt the sting of Westminster cuts to our services. With wages being driven down in real terms, and the cost of living spiralling out of control, it is clear to see that the economic recovery is not being felt by many.

“People want great change as a result of this UK General Election. I urge all who have not yet done so, to register to vote.”

SNP Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Banff and Buchan, Dr. Eilidh Whiteford also commented:

"There is a re-energisation of politics in Scotland and people are once again engaged and prepared to act on issues which they feel strongly about. I welcome the rise in numbers of people in Banff & Buchan registered and would urge anyone hoping to vote, to take action now to get on the register."

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Whiteford Calling - World Famous Phone Box in Urgent Need of Repairs

Banff & Buchan SNP candidate Eilidh Whiteford is calling on BT to take urgent action to spruce up one of the area’s unlikely visitor attractions before the tourist season gets underway.

While out campaigning in Pennan, the SNP candidate had it drawn to her attention just what a sorry state the village’s famous red telephone box was in, with the door off its hinges and in need of a lick of paint. The phone box was made famous by the 1983 film ‘Local Hero’, which was filmed in Pennan and still attracts film buffs who locals say make it one of the most-used telephone kiosks in the country.

Commenting, Eilidh said:

“Pennan is one of the iconic tourist destinations on the Moray Firth, made famous by ‘Local Hero’, which over 30 years later still draws people to the village.

“One of the biggest stars of the film is the red telephone box from where the American oil executive calls home to the USA. It was therefore very disappointing to see it in the condition it was in, badly in need of a spruce-up and with the door propped-up against the wall having come off its hinges.

“I’ve contacted BT on the matter and I hope that they will take action to remedy the situation in time for the tourist season.”

Local SNP councillor for Pennan, Ross Cassie added:

“It was very sad to see this cinema icon in such a poor state. Even on a rainy afternoon when I went to see it, Pennan was full of tourists, many of them taking photographs of the phone box. I hope BT will get this repaired soon.”

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Blow for Labour as 2010 Election Candidate Backs SNP's Whiteford

Banff & Buchan SNP candidate Eilidh Whiteford’s campaign received a major boost today as one of her opponents from the 2010 Election publicly backed her candidacy.

Glen Reynolds, who stood for the Labour Party in Banff & Buchan at the last General Election has given his backing to Eilidh Whiteford and the SNP.

Speaking on the day nominations for the constituency closed, Glen Reynolds said:

"I left the Labour Party because the Labour Party left me. Key Labour figures now talk about being anchored to the 'centre ground'. For 'centre ground', you can read the economic status quo, and I do not believe that is the right political approach for this area.

“I support Eilidh Whiteford because she will work for change, as she has been doing as an MP for the last five years. I believe Labour has become too close to the Tories in its values and outlook. For myself, this heavy hearted change to the SNP from Labour does not happen overnight, at least not when you have been steeped in Labour activism, having been a parliamentary candidate twice, supported by UNISON, and having been a Labour Councillor.

“Eilidh represents all that was important to me about my political values which have been jettisoned by Labour. And she is a rarity amongst many Westminster politicians - she is someone you can trust, not just with fighting to overcome austerity measures, but to work hard for you at Westminster, not for the status quo but for a change in the direction that Westminster threatens."

Glen was also previously Labour’s candidate for Berwick in the 2005 election and has been an elected councillor.

Welcoming the backing from Glen Reynolds, Eilidh Whiteford said:

“I’m delighted to have Glen’s support. Glen was a principled opponent at the 2010 election and I’m very pleased indeed to welcome him as a principled fellow-campaigner in 2015.

“In many ways, the journey Glen has made over the last few years is being mirrored across the country, certainly in the Labour Party, but also by supporters of other parties who are increasingly coming to the view that the Westminster system of government is failing people in Scotland and that better decisions will be made closer to home by people who are accountable to us.”

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Photography contest showcases the best of Strichen

Banff & Buchan MP Eilidh Whiteford was on hand at the weekend to present prizes to the winners of a special photography contest.

Strichen Community Park challenged amateur photographers to snap the park looking at its best. The contest was a runaway success with visitors from as far afield as Australia submitting photographs via the Park's Facebook page. Over 100 entries were submitted and on Saturday at the Park, the winners were revealed as Debbie Breese from New Aberdour for 1st and 3rd prizes, with Lee-ann McLean of Inverallochy scooping 2nd prize.

Eilidh Whiteford, who presented the prizes to the lucky winners, commented:

"The Strichen Community Park is one of the real beauty spots in Banff & Buchan and has been increasingly popular in recent years.

"There were some beautiful shots of the Park through all the seasons and the winning entries were really quite special. What a fantastic advert for the Park and for the North-east."

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Eilidh ranked one of Scotland's hardest working MPs

New figures from the House of Commons Library have revealed Eilidh Whiteford to be one of Scotland's hardest working Members of Parliament.

The SNP MP for Banff & Buchan ranks 9th out of 59 Scottish MPs for contributions to debates - making over 500 speeches and interventions since her election in 2010.

In the period 2010-2015, Eilidh has also asked over 700 parliamentary questions.

The statistics put the Banff & Buchan MP's parliamentary contributions well ahead of some high-profile Scottish MPs including the former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, the former Chancellor Alistair Darling and LibDem MP Charles Kennedy.

Commenting, Eilidh said:

"When I was elected in 2010, I promised to work my socks off for my constituents and that is what I have done to the best of my ability. I have spoken in a lot of debates and I have asked a lot of questions of this ConDem UK Government but that is exactly what Banff & Buchan needs and expects.

"Banff & Buchan is a diverse community and I have spoken on issues from farming and fishing to broadband and support for the vulnerable.

​"Being the MP for Banff & Buchan these last 5 years has been an immense privilege which I am keen to continue."

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