MP & Councillors Hail Leviathan As 'Absolutely Fantastic'

Banff & Buchan MP Eilidh Whiteford and Peterhead South & Cruden SNP councillors Stephen Smith and Stuart Pratt have hailed Friday night’s street performance in Peterhead of ‘’Leviathan’ as ‘absolutely fantastic’.

Around 600 young people took part in the colourful parade which was watched by a crowd of several thousand people as it wound its way around Peterhead town centre. Dr Whiteford and Councillors Smith and Pratt were among the crowd to see the parade start off from Peterhead Community Centre.

Commenting, Eilidh Whiteford MP said:

“This was a wonderful spectacle to witness. A huge amount of work had obviously been put in by the young people to their costumes, the floats and the music.

“The efforts of the performers were clearly appreciated by those who turned out to see the parade.”

Councillor Stephen Smith commented:

“This was a very colourful display and also highly reflective of Peterhead’s whaling heritage.

“I’m delighted for the young people involved that they received such strong support from the townspeople of the Peterhead for their efforts.”

Councillor Stuart Pratt added:

“The turnout tonight was an absolutely fantastic achievement and all those involved in making this event such a success deserve our congratulations.”

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Whiteford Presents TESCo 'Computers For Schools'

Banff & Buchan MP Dr Eilidh Whiteford will present several Banffshire Schools and playgroups with computer equipment donated by Tesco as part of the Computers for Schools scheme.

Dr Whiteford will be met by Store Manager Andy Tennant at the Tesco Store, Carmelite Street, Banff on Friday 4 November (tomorrow) at 11.00am.

Schools and playgroups being presented with equipment are:

• Banff Primary
• Macduff primary
• Banff Academy
• Hopscotch Playgroup

One teacher and two pupils from each will also be in attendance.

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Contribution Concerns Over UK Pension Proposals

Commenting on the UK Government’s revised proposals for public sector pensions, SNP Work and Pensions spokesperson Eilidh Whiteford MP urged the Treasury to re-consider its policy on increasing contribution rates in the manner proposed at a time when members of the public face real financial pressures.

Dr Whiteford said:

“The Treasury must think again over its policy on increasing contribution rates at a time when people face real financial pressures.

“My concern is that we will see workers withdraw from pension plans because they cannot afford the increase in contributions, and in the longer term leave many wondering if they can even afford retirement.

“Most recipients of pensions are receiving only a few thousand pounds per year, not the sort of gold-plated pensions highlighted in the media, and it is women who will be hardest hit by these changes.

“The issue of pension reform requires consent to be built but, with the UK Government making clear they will slash the Scottish Budget if the Scottish Government does not implement the short term increase in pension contributions, that consent is not being achieved.

“Public sector workers, are rightly concerned about the impact of changes to their pensions by the UK Government – and the UK Government must think again.”

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Local MP In Talks Over MIntlaw Post Office Service

Banff & Buchan MP Eilidh Whiteford has received an assurance from Post Office bosses that a temporary service will be provided to customers in Mintlaw tomorrow (Thursday).

The MP contacted Royal Mail after the Post Office branch was closed pending an investigation into alleged irregularities. The move has left the largest village in Buchan without a Post Office for several days now.

Speaking after her discussions with Royal Mail, Dr Whiteford said:

“I have spoken to Royal Mail this morning to ask what steps they are taking to provide a temporary Post Office service while they continue their investigations.

“Royal Mail have given me an assurance that temporary arrangements have been put in place that will allow the Mintlaw Post Office to open on Thursday morning between 9.00am and 1.00pm.

“Should their investigations continue into next week, arrangements have also been made for a morning service on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday next week. However, Royal Mail hope to resume normal service as soon as possible.

“I welcome the steps taken by Royal Mail to minimise disruption to customers while their investigations continue, and hope the temporary arrangements will help mitigate the inconvenience to members of the community. Mintlaw is an important crossroads in the Buchan area and I hope a full, normal service will be restored as soon as possible.”

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