CRUDEN BAY MAN’S FLOWER SHOW SUCCESS

Cruden Bay man Derek Stephen walked off with the trophy for most points in the cut flowers section at Cruden Bay Flower Show.

Mr Stephen was exhibiting at the village show which was held last Saturday and took the top award in the section with his selection of cut flowers. During the show, Mr Stephen met up with SNP Westminster candidate for Banff & Buchan Eilidh Whiteford, who was one of the judges of the Best Kept Garden competition.

Commenting after the show, Eilidh Whiteford said:

"There was a fantastic display of flowers, plants and vegetables at the show. It was quite clear to observers that a tremendous amount of hard work goes in over the year to achieve that sort of quality.

“I was pleased to meet with Mr Stephen, whose enthusiasm was well-rewarded with the many prizes he won on Saturday.”

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RORA HALL BENEFITS FROM LOCAL MP’s VIEWS ON ECONOMY

SNP Westminster candidate for Banff & Buchan Eilidh Whiteford was in Rora last week presenting the hall committee with a cheque on behalf of local MP Alex Salmond.

The hall was the recipient of a £75 donation received by Mr Salmond for taking part in a survey on the economy carried out by a respected research organisation.

Banff & Buchan MP Alex Salmond explained:

“From time to time in my capacity as local Member of Parliament, I receive requests to take part in opinion surveys from research organisations, which normally offer a small fee for taking part. I donate these fees to worthy causes and organisations within the constituency and I was pleased to pass on this latest one to Rora Hall.

“I am aware that the hall committee have recently refurbished their hall and built an extension so I hope that this small amount will come in useful.”

Commenting, Eilidh Whiteford said:

“Village halls fulfill an extremely useful social function and it is vital that they are well-used and get the support that they deserve from their community.

“I have been at functions and events at Rora Hall several times now and it is a lovely facility. The hall committee are very proud of their new hall and have a busy programme of events throughout the year.

“I am pleased to be able to help them in some small way.”

Forthcoming events being held by Rora Hall Committee include a Quiz Night on Saturday 22 August and a concert during September.

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LOCAL COUNCILLOR & CANDIDATE JUDGE VILLAGE'S GREEN-FINGERED EFFORTS

Cruden Bay's green-fingered gardening enthusiasts had their efforts judged on Wednesday night by Peterhead South & Cruden councillor Stephen Smith and SNP Westminster candidate for Banff & Buchan Eilidh Whiteford.

A large entry of 26 gardens across the village were competing for the titles of 'Best Kept Garden', Best Senior Citizen's Garden' and 'Most Productive Garden' in the annual competition organised by Cruden Bay Horticultural Society.

Councillor Stephen Smith commented:

"It was a great honour to be asked by Cruden Bay Horticultural Association to judge the garden competition this year, but it was very difficult choosing the winners.

"All of the gardens we visited had much to commend them and it was clear that a lot of very hard work goes into these gardens from their proud owners."

Commenting after the judging, Eilidh Whiteford said:

"The gardens we visited were just beautiful and everyone who was entered into the competition should feel proud of their efforts.

"It was especially pleasing visiting people who didn't know their garden had been entered and had been nominated by local people because of the fantastic display. To be nominated by the community in that way is quite a reward for your efforts."

The winners will be announced and presented with their prizes at Cruden Bay Flower Show on Saturday 9 August in Port Erroll Public Hall, Cruden Bay.

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TOPPING & WHITEFORD WELCOME FRASERBURGH REGENERATION CASH

Local SNP councillor Brian Topping and SNP Westminster candidate for Banff & Buchan Eilidh Whiteford have warmly welcomed today's announcement by the Scottish Government that Fraserburgh is to benefit from an award of over £¼ million towards town centre regeneration.

Councillor Topping has been a driving force in pushing for Fraserburgh to benefit from the scheme and raised the matter at a meeting of the full Aberdeenshire Council back in March, where he received a commitment from the Provost that the council would be fully supportive of a bid going forward for funding.

Commenting on the success, Councillor Brian Topping said:

"I am ecstatic at this news and for the Broch and for Fraserburgh Development Trust.

"When the SNP Government introduced this scheme I said right from the start that the Broch should be in there demanding a slice of the funding. I was delighted when I managed to get the backing of the Provost at a meeting of the full council for my proposal and I am looking forward to this money making a positive difference to our town centre.

“The SNP Government is to be congratulated for continuing to take action to protect our local communities from the effects of the "Downing Street Downturn". Along with the small business bonus which has seen rates slashed or removed for our local small businesses, this scheme will help deliver tangible benefits for our town centres."

SNP Westminster candidate for Banff & Buchan Eilidh Whiteford added:

"This is great news for Fraserburgh and I congratulate Brian on his role in helping to achieve this.

"Brian has been a key player in helping get Aberdeenshire Council to swing its weight behind this project, which has delivered this success for the Broch. I congratulate everyone involved in this achievement, particularly the Fraserburgh Development Trust."

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