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.”

Read more...

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.”

Read more...

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."

Read more...

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.”

Read more...

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.”

Read more...

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."

Read more...

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.”

Read more...

Whiteford Congratulates New NFUS President

Banff & Buchan MP and SNP Westminster Agriculture spokesperson Dr Eilidh Whiteford has congratulated Allan Bowie on his election as the 61st President of the National Farmers Union of Scotland.

Eilidh Whiteford MP with Allan Bowie and SNP Euro-MP Ian Hudghton

Mr Bowie takes over the presidency from Nigel Miller, who steps down having served for four years.

Commenting, Eilidh said:

“I congratulate Allan Bowie on being elected to one of the most important jobs in Scottish farming.

“I have had the pleasure of meeting Allan when he was Vice-President at NFUS meetings, at local shows, in the House of Commons and in Brussels with my colleague Ian Hudghton MEP. The NFUS has an important role in providing a voice for its members and I pay tribute to Nigel Miller for his hard work on behalf of the industry over his four year-term.

“I’m sure Allan will be the first to acknowledge he will have a hard act to follow but I wish him every success in his efforts for Scottish farming.”

Read more...

New SNP Depute Leader Speaks at Local Burns Supper

Peterhead Branch SNP and Cruden Bay, Hatton & Longhaven Branch SNP held their annual joint Burns Supper in Longhaven Hall.

The event, which attracted over 70 guests, heard speeches from local MP and Westminster candidate Eilidh Whiteford and recently-elected SNP Depute Leader Stewart Hosie, MP for Dundee East.

SNP Council Group Leader and former Director of Education for Aberdeenshire Hamish Vernal gave the Address to the Haggis in fine style, and a highly entertaining rendition of Tam O’Shanter was provided by Gordon Mackay, who also provided the evening’s musical entertainment with his son, Ewan.

Local MP Eilidh Whiteford said:

“We were delighted Stewart Hosie was able to accept our invitation to speak at this year’s Burns Supper.

“The turnout was excellent and was a great celebration of the life and work of our national bard, Rabbie Burns. A huge thank you to everyone involved in the organisation of the night and especially to our guest speakers from far and near and our fantastic musicians.”

Read more...

Large Turnout for SNP Burns Supper in Fraserburgh

Around 180 guests attended last Saturday night’s Scottish National Party Burns Supper, held at Fraserburgh Leisure Centre. Former First Minister Alex Salmond MSP was guest of honour and proposed the immortal memory.

Banff & Buchan MP Dr Eilidh Whiteford chaired the evening’s proceedings, while Keith & Cullen councillor Gary Coull proposed the Toast to the Lassies, which was replied to by Cllr Pearl Paul, Leader of the SNP Group on Moray Council. Recitations were provided throughout the evening from Kevin Lamb and Sandy Noble gave the Address to the Haggis in fine style.

Commenting, local MP Dr Eilidh Whiteford said:

"I was delighted with the huge turnout, which is testament to the big increase in SNP membership experienced locally. The attendance at the Burns Supper is one of the biggest we’ve had and meant we had to put a limit on the number of tickets we could sell.

“Credit must go to the management and staff at Fraserburgh Leisure Centre for their efficiency on the night and of course the excellent meal they provided.

“The SNP in Banff & Buchan is going from strength to strength thanks to the efforts of our hardworking team of volunteers, which has expanded greatly over the last few months.”

Read more...

Parliamentarians Highlight Call for New Volunteers

Mediation service Avenue on the look-out for new counsellors

Local parliamentarians Eilidh Whiteford MP and Stewart Stevenson MSP have urged volunteers to come forward after meeting with a local counselling charity’s managers on Friday.

 Liz Wallace, Stewart Stevenson MSP,
Eilidh Whiteford MP, Arlene Harvey

Dr Whiteford and Mr Stevenson met with Chief Executive Liz Wallace and Contact Centre Manager Arlene Harvey at Avenue’s Peterhead base, to discuss the charity's work in the North-east. Avenue provides a range of counselling and mediation services to families dealing with relationship breakdown, and works with dozens of families locally.

Chief Executive Liz Wallace said:

“Demand for our services has grown exponentially in recent years across the North-east. We are crying out for new volunteers who have the skills to take up this challenging, but deeply rewarding work."

Speaking after the meeting, Dr Whiteford said:

“It was good to hear more about what Avenue does locally, supporting families – largely through the efforts of volunteers.

“It’s a service which is always looking to recruit volunteers able to commit some time on a regular basis, and who receive full training and support, to help with this worthwhile service. I would encourage anyone who thinks they might have a listening ear and some time to spare to come forward."

Mr Stevenson added:

“Without third sector organisations like Avenue, many families would fall through the net. Although the North-east is one of Scotland’s wealthier areas overall, there remain significant problems with deprivation – and the reality is that family breakdown can affect anyone. The work being done at Avenue is invaluable."

Read more...

Parliamentarians Pay Tribute to Last Provost of Foggie

Dr Eilidh Whiteford, MP for Banff & Buchan, and MSP Stewart Stevenson have paid tribute to former Aberchirder provost Robert Bremner, who passed away at the age of 95.

Mr Bremner, known affectionately as ‘Bingo’, was the last provost for the Burgh of Aberchirder in the mid-1970s. His community involvement spanned countless groups, with a notable contribution as President of Deveronvale Football Club.

Eilidh Whiteford commented:

“I was very sad to hear of Bingo’s passing. He was involved in so many community groups that different people will remember him for different things and that is a testament to his community spirit.”

“For my own part, I will never forget some of the first election results announcements that I attended. Having won a mandate from the people, Bingo would sign-off on stage by declaring ‘Foggieloan forever!’ He was a true character and will be greatly missed in his community.”

Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson added:

“Bingo was very active in community matters and I last saw him sitting on the dais at the Aberchirder 250th Anniversary celebrations in The Square taking in everything that was going on.

“It’s a mark of the man that he sponsored the production of a lapel badge with the Burgh arms on it to be given to every school pupil in the town. It’s the end of an era for Foggie and my condolences go to his family at this time.”

Read more...

Local MP & MSP Comment on Banff Tesco Announcement

Banff & Buchan MP Eilidh Whiteford and local MSP Stewart Stevenson have reacted to today’s announcement from Tesco on its intention to no longer develop the Canal Park site at Banff.

Click for STV story on Tesco plans across Scotland

The supermarket giant cited its recent poor business performance as the reason for cancelling 49 planned new stores in the UK, including the store earmarked for Banff.

Local MP Eilidh Whiteford will be meeting with the Chief Executive of Aberdeenshire Council on Monday to discuss the full implications of the announcement by Tesco that it will cancel its commitment to build a new store in Banff.

Commenting on the announcement, Eilidh Whiteford MP said:

"Tesco's announcement that it is cancelling plans for a new store in Banff will doubtlessly be viewed by local folk as a frustrating and disappointing conclusion to a saga that has rumbled on for a number of years.

"I have today sought an urgent meeting with the Chief Executive of the local council to discuss the full range of implications of this decision for the local community and the development of sports and recreation facilities in Banff and Macduff, which were an integral part of this plan.”

Today’s announcement comes almost exactly 10 years after local MSP Stewart Stevenson held a referendum on the then controversial proposals by Tesco to build on Canal Park. The referendum, which was conducted by post and had a 66% turnout, resulted in a 65%-35% vote in favour of allowing Tesco to proceed on the basis that money from the sale of the land would be used to fund sports and recreation facilities.

Commenting, Stewart Stevenson said:

“Tesco have been working on this development for over 10 years. Even with a clear indication of the support within the community to proceed it has taken an inordinate length of time to get to the position last year where designs for the new sports facilities were being consulted upon.

“The issue here is not so much that people want to see a huge supermarket on the outskirts of Banff but is about just wanting the eyesore which is currently there to be developed and also not holding back the provision of much-needed enhanced sporting and recreation facilities for Banff and Macduff.

“I will be contacting Tesco’s senior management on this as a matter of urgency as I do not want to see Canal Park and the associated buildings left in their current position for another 10 years."

Read more...

Whiteford and Stevenson Deliver Festive Cheer to Local Post Office

Banff & Buchan MP Eilidh Whiteford and Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson visited Royal Mail’s Banff Delivery Office to pass on Christmas wishes and thanks to our postmen and women at this, their busiest time of the year.

MSP & MP with Gerald Duncan and Calum Tawse

The MP and MSP were shown around the sorting process by Banff Delivery Office Manager, Ian Jackson, and met the postmen and women who are working hard doing their bit to sort and deliver cards and parcels in the Banff area this Christmas.

Commenting on Royal Mail’s work at Christmas Eilidh Whiteford MP said:

“I really value the opportunity to catch up with our hard working Royal Mail postmen and women in delivery offices each Christmas and witness first hand just how much effort is put into delivering for people at this time of year.

“We all rely very heavily on the Royal Mail, especially so at Christmas, and I would like to thank them for their commitment and wish them all the best over the busy festive period.”

Stewart Stevenson MSP added:

“Our postmen and women are working extremely hard to deliver Christmas cards, letters and parcels to people across the Banff area. It was our pleasure to drop in to see the workers, wish them well for Christmas, and deliver some festive cheer with a couple of boxes of chocolates."

Read more...

Workfare not Fair for New Fathers

SNP QUESTION UNCOVERS THE HARSH REALITY OF WESTMINSTER SANCTIONS
The SNP has today (Sunday) condemned Westminster’s failure to offer support to new fathers after it was revealed that the legal entitlement for Paternity Leave does not extend to jobseeker's allowance claimants in mandatory work or a community placement.

A parliamentary question tabled by SNP Work and Pensions spokesperson Dr Eilidh Whiteford MP uncovered that the legal entitlement to Paternity Leave is not available to people who are forced to work for their benefits.

SNP MSP Christian Allard – a single father - said:

“These unfair rules effectively leave new fathers who are working for their benefits without any rights to see their baby and partner whatsoever.

“Not only does the Westminster system demand people work for free but they don’t even get any time off to be with a new born child - and if they go off anyway then they will sanctioned – it is totally ridiculous.

“I understand exactly how hard it is being a lone parent and fortunately I have always had understanding and fair employers, but sadly the UK Government either don’t understand or just don’t care about this.”

Eilidh Whiteford MP added:

“The sanctioning of a new parent’s benefits who is in a workfare programme threatens to be hugely detrimental to vulnerable families and is grossly unfair. I will be pursuing the Department of Work and Pensions on this matter and will be seeking clarification of the moral and legal grounds on which it was implemented.”

Read more...

Scottish Interests Frozen Out of Vital Discards Talks

North-east representatives condemn Westminster’s silencing of Scottish Fisheries Minister

Banff & Buchan MP Dr Eilidh Whiteford has condemned the UK Government for its decision to refuse the Scottish Fisheries Minister the opportunity to speak at critical EU talks on discards this week.

The Scottish Government’s Fisheries Minister Richard Lochhead, who has been in post for 7 years, put in the request to the UK Government to speak in the talks. However, Conservative Lord deMauley was instead chosen to represent the UK in the discussions.

Matters being discussed at this week’s EU Council included the landing obligation, or ‘discards ban’, which fishing industry leaders have warned could be disastrous for Scottish fishing if key concessions are not won.

Commenting from Brussels, Mr Lochhead – who is Europe’s longest serving Fishing Minister – said:

“Today we found ourselves in the crazy position of un-elected Lord Rupert Ponsonby, 7th Baron de Mauley, representing the UK Government and making the briefest of interventions – after being passed a note by an official – on a crucial discussion on the issue of fish discards - an issue the Scots industry tell me is one of the most important they face.”

Banff & Buchan MP Dr Eilidh Whiteford, whose constituency hosts Europe’s largest fishing port, added her voice to the condemnation:

“This week’s Council meeting addressed issues which largely impact the Scottish industry yet an unelected Lord with next to no experience of fishing was chosen by Westminster to speak on the industry’s behalf. With the discards ban looming large on the horizon, we need the strongest voice for our fishermen. Instead, Scotland’s interests were completely frozen out of these critical talks.”

North East MSP Christian Allard attended the SFF’s annual dinner in Edinburgh last week where he heard SFF President Ross Dougal call for Scottish ministers to take the lead in negotiations where appropriate. Mr Allard commented:

“Only last week, the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation supported calls for Scottish Ministers to be able to take the lead in fisheries negotiations. News of this farce will disappoint our fishermen at a time when they need the support most.”

Read more...

Parliamentarians Welcome Progress on Ambulance Response Times

MP & MSP secure commitment from Ambulance Service to improve in North Aberdeenshire

Following on a recent report that ambulances were failing to meet call-out target times in North Aberdeenshire, Dr Eilidh Whiteford MP and Stewart Stevenson MSP met with regional Scottish Ambulance Service chiefs to hear their plans on how to address the shortcomings.

The parliamentarians had earlier met with the chiefs and were told that the Service would produce a report aimed at identifying the improvements that were needed.

Commenting on the meeting, Banff & Buchan MP, Eilidh Whiteford, said:

“The Scottish Ambulance Service has made a welcome commitment to filling the current vacancies that exist in the north of Aberdeenshire and providing incentives to attract the best talent to the area. A fully staffed and trained service will go a long way to ensuring that residents in Banff and Buchan can come to expect improved response times."

"When I met with staff a few weeks ago, one of the priorities they identified was for additional A&E ambulance provision in Peterhead. I am very pleased that the Scottish Ambulance Service has listened, and has made a commitment to a second A&E ambulance in Peterhead which will go some way to relieving pressures at stations in Fraserburgh and Banff."

The Ambulance Service chiefs also informed the Parliamentarians that an additional paramedic response vehicle has been added to the station at Fraserburgh until a more detailed assessment of demand can be made.

Stewart Stevenson MSP added:

“The commitment of additional vehicles is a welcome step in addressing the demand profile that there is in Aberdeenshire. The extra paramedic vehicle in Fraserburgh and a commitment to assess the need for a second A&E ambulance based out of Peterhead will be key in bringing response times down."

Read more...

MP & Local Councillor on Official Opening of MACBI Centre

Banff & Buchan MP Eilidh Whiteford and Central Buchan SNP councillor Lenny Pirie have hailed the opening of the new MACBI Centre in Mintlaw.

Dr Whiteford and Cllr Pirie attended the official opening of the MACBI (Mintlaw & Central Buchan Initiative) community facility yesterday (Saturday), which attracted a large crowd of local people.

Commenting, Eilidh said:

“This really is a fantastic facility and credit must go to the hard-working local committee who have pushed this project forward over the past ten years.

“The Centre will be a real boost for Mintlaw and Central Buchan and provide facilities for a range of organisations and community groups. Indeed, I’ve already held one of my surgeries in it a few months ago and can vouch for the facilities.

“I’m delighted for the committee that their hard work has paid off so handsomely and I’m sure they now look forward to seeing the building being very well-used by the local community.”

Cllr Lenny Pirie added:

“It was a great pleasure to attend the official opening and see just how well-received the new building has been by the local community.

“It boasts a great range of facilities from fitness areas to meeting space and will be a tremendous asset to the growing communities of Mintlaw and Central Buchan.”

Read more...

Whiteford and Smith Highlight Success of Local Egg Producer

Banff and Buchan MP Dr Eilidh Whiteford and Scottish MEP Alyn Smith have highlighted the success of local egg producer AJ Duncan in a visit to the company’s egg-producing facility near Turriff.

Alyn Smith MEP,
Milan Copic, General Manager of Egg Production at AJ Duncan,
and Dr Eilidh Whiteford MP

Dr Whiteford, who is the SNP’s Agriculture Spokesperson at Westminster, and Alyn Smith, who is the sole Scottish representation on the European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee, visited the Fortrie-based business last week as part of their summer tour of rural communities.

AJ Duncan were recently honoured with a Scottish Egg Quality Award and the two politicians took the opportunity on their visit to congratulate the company on their success.

Dr Whiteford commented:

“I was interested to hear of the scale of investment that AJ Duncan have made into egg production at this facility and this award is well-earned recognition for the quality of the final product at Fortrie. I congratulate David Green, Milan Copic and all involved at AJ Duncan in driving the success of this local business.”

"It was also important to have the opportunity to discuss the failure of the EU to ensure welfare standards of hens across the EU. Scottish farmers have invested heavily in improving welfare standards and I will continue to press their case at Westminster to ensure that they are not disadvantaged by other Member States who have failed to implement improved conditions for laying hens."

Alyn Smith added:

“I was deeply impressed by the scale and organisation of production at the AJ Duncan farm. Having an award-winning and ambitious company based here is a major boost for the local rural economy and I wish all at AJ Duncan every success in the future as they seek to go from strength-to-strength.”

Whiteford and Smith were treated to a tour of the company’s facility, followed by a meeting with Dave Green, AJ Duncan’s Chief Executive, to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the company.

Dave Green, Chief Executive of AJ Duncan, commented after the visit:

“It was a delight to welcome Eilidh and Alyn to the farm. Their support and that of the wider community is very important for a company with local roots like AJ Duncan. We also appreciate their willingness to be approached and to assist us wherever possible, and we look forward to welcoming them back to AJ Duncan in the not too distant future.”

Read more...

Whiteford and Smith: Only a YES Offers a Real Future for Farming

Rural tour for YES campaign generates local interest
Peterhead, 5 August: Banff and Buchan MP Dr Eilidh Whiteford and Scottish MEP Alyn Smith have been taking the case for a Yes vote next month to the north-east’s farming communities in two local meetings last week.

Councillor Lennie Pirie, Eilidh Whiteford MP, Alyn Smith MEP

At meetings in Strichen on Wednesday and Rosehearty on Thursday, the MP and MEP gave speeches and took questions from undecided voters still to make their minds up before the vote. Both made the point that for Scotland’s agricultural sector to thrive, Scotland needs the full powers of independence within the European Union.

For the next six years, Westminster representation in Europe has delivered a deal which represents a real-terms cut to the funding Scottish farmers receive – including a settlement which leaves Scotland at the absolute bottom of the European league table for Pillar 1 and 2 funding. In addition, the UK Government have so far refused to hand over £230 million worth of convergence funding which was only secured because of Scotland’s history of poor area payments.

With independence, Scotland’s farmers would be guaranteed a seat at the top table, an increase to our representation in the European Parliament, and the ability to name a Scottish European Commissioner.

The meetings come following a poll by Survation on behalf of the Mail on Sunday on August 3, which showed that voters were switching dramatically to Yes in the North East of Scotland – with 48.6% of respondents backing independence, 39.8% for no, and 11.6% undecided.

Dr Whiteford said:

“These meetings were a fantastic opportunity for those in the farming community who haven’t made up their minds to ask questions, and to hear the facts. Alyn and I have vigorously fought the corner of our farmers in Europe and at Westminster. However, it is only by giving the Scottish Government the full power to defend our farming interests that we can secure a better funding deal from Europe.”

“Our farming communities have nothing to gain from a No vote – and everything to gain from a Yes.”

Alyn Smith added:

“The Common Agricultural Policy hasn’t worked as well as it could for Scottish farmers. That’s a reflection of successive poor deals, negotiated on Scotland’s behalf by a Westminster Government which doesn’t prioritise our crucial agricultural sector, and which is ideologically opposed to the idea of subsidising industries – even ones as important as our farming sector.”

“With independence, we could only negotiate a better deal than the one negotiated by Westminster. Any deal which leaves our farmers at the absolute bottom of the table for Pillar 1 and 2 funding is simply not good enough – and while I will continue to represent our farming interests vigorously in the European Parliament, the only way to do this more effectively is to untie the Scottish Government’s hands with a Yes vote.”

Read more...