WHITEFORD WELCOMES COMMITMENTS IN SNP FARMING MANIFESTO

The Scottish National Party has set out its ambition for Scotland’s rural communities as Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham and SNP MEP Alyn Smith pledged to protect Scotland’s rural jobs at the launch of the SNP’s Manifesto for Rural Scotland.

SNP Westminster candidate for Banff & Buchan Eilidh Whiteford has welcomed the manifesto commitment for SNP MEPs to work with and for Scotland’s farming communities in the fight over direct payments, CAP reform and Less Favoured Areas.

SNP MEPs will continue to speak for Scotland on ongoing issues such as sheep tagging - where the SNP has led the campaign against EU plans.

Welcoming the farming manifesto, Eilidh Whiteford said:

“The SNP’s track record in serving Scotland’s farmers over the past two years in Government has been second to none.

“For example, following discussions with farmers at New Deer Show with local MP Alex Salmond, the SNP’s farming manifesto in 2007 promised a truly independent subsidy appeals system. John Kinnaird was tasked with leading the review and the Scottish Government has accepted his recommendation of an independent system.

“On this, and a whole range of other issues such as waiving charges imposed by SEPA for disposal of sheep dip and water abstraction, promises are being delivered on because these policies are what farmers are telling the SNP they want to see implemented.

“I’m therefore confident that the pledges in our Euro-Election manifesto will find similar support in the industry.”

Commenting at the manifesto launch, Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham said:

"Scotland's agriculture industry is a huge asset to this country. It lies at the heart of our rural communities and supports jobs from Shetland to Selkirk.

“Working with communities, the SNP Scottish Government has invested around £200 million in our rural economy through our rural development programme, supporting thousands of jobs in rural Scotland and we have taken action to support Scotland’s quality produce through our national food strategy.

“SNP MEPs alongside Scottish ministers, will make sure those priorities are heard in the European Parliament, the European Commission and by the UK Government.”

SNP MEP Alyn Smith, who has been Scotland’s only full member of Europe’s Agriculture Committee during the last Parliament added:

"Scotland has very different priorities to those being pushed by politicians at Westminster, particularly when it comes to how our rural communities should be supported financially.

“As we undertake a review of the Common Agricultural Policy in the next Parliament, a strong voice for Scotland is more necessary than ever.

“A vote for the SNP on June 4th is a vote to protect Scotland’s jobs and rural communities.”

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PARTY PUTTING FISHERIES AT TOP OF AGENDA LAUNCHES MANIFESTO

SNP MEP and Member of the European Parliament's Fisheries Committee Ian Hudghton has pledged to fight for the return of powers over fisheries to fishing nations as he launched the SNP fisheries manifesto.

Speaking from the Macduff Shellfish plant, a state of the art fish processor in Mintlaw where he and local SNP Westminster candidate Eilidh Whiteford were meeting with management and staff to discuss the future of fisheries in Scotland, Mr Hudghton said:

“Scotland has some of the best marine resources in Europe and our fishing communities have what it takes to thrive once more.

“As businesses such as Macduff Shellfish illustrate, Scottish fisheries – and the many industries which feed into them – are major employers.

“Working together with SNP MEPs and fishing communities, the Scottish Government has been the first to put this vital industry at the top of the agenda. We will continue to work in partnership to ensure a long and prosperous future for the Scotland’s fisheries.

“In Government in Scotland, the SNP have established the Scottish Fisheries Council and worked to provide practical help – such as the Fishing Fuel Plan – to the fisheries industry.

“In Europe, the SNP is the only party who will speak up for Scotland’s coastal communities as the European Fisheries Policy is rewritten.

“We will campaign for the retention and expansion of historic fishing rights, for a greater voice for stakeholders in fisheries negotiations and for a new and sustainable approach to fisheries management.

“Powers over fisheries must be returned to Europe’s fishing nations, and the SNP is committed to bringing these powers home.

“A vote for the SNP at the forthcoming European elections is a vote for Scotland’s fishing industry and the vital jobs it supports."

SNP Westminster candidate for Banff & Buchan Eilidh Whiteford added:

"Scotland is highly regarded worldwide for the quality of its fish and shellfish. The fishing, processing and aquaculture sectors support thousands of jobs directly and indirectly, often in rural and coastal communities, and make a huge contribution to our economy. In these difficult times it is vital we ensure they have a sustainable and profitable future.

“These are tough times for the fishing industry. Success stories like Macduff Shellfish show how consumers around the world recognise the quality of the seafood exported from the North-east.”

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WHITEFORD COMMENTS ON NTS HADDO ANNOUNCEMENT

Commenting on the announcement today by the National Trust for Scotland that there is to be no further reduction in visitor services or access at Haddo House, near Methlick, SNP Westminster candidate for Banff & Buchan Eilidh Whiteford said:

"I am pleased that the National Trust for Scotland are not proposing any further cutbacks or reductions in visitor access at Haddo House.

“It is still extremely disappointing that the Trust felt the need to do this during the year of the Homecoming, but with the support of local councillors, we now have access to a tour in the morning where that wasn’t the case under the Trust’s proposals.

"I visited Haddo House last summer and it is a truly magnificent building with a wonderful history. We need to maintain the visitor attractions we have in this area and I hope that the visitor numbers during this season will lead to a review of this decision by the Trust and we can return to full access for next year."

Mid-Formartine SNP councillor Allan Hendry, who is a member of the committee which approved the support for Haddo House, commented:

“This will come as a relief to the staff there and the local community who undoubtedly get a spin off to the local economy from the visitors attracted to Haddo House.

“I am pleased that no further cuts are being proposed. The National Trust for Scotland must now up its game and market Haddo more effectively.”

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SNP COMMITTED TO BRINGING POWER OVER FISHERIES HOME

PARTY PUTTING FISHERIES AT TOP OF AGENDA LAUNCHES MANIFESTO

SNP MEP and Member of the European Parliament's Fisheries Committee Ian Hudghton has pledged to fight for the return of powers over fisheries to fishing nations as he launched the SNP fisheries manifesto.

Speaking from the Macduff Shellfish plant, a state of the art fish processor in Mintlaw where he and local SNP Westminster candidate Eilidh Whiteford were meeting with management and staff to discuss the future of fisheries in Scotland, Mr Hudghton said:

“Scotland has some of the best marine resources in Europe and our fishing communities have what it takes to thrive once more.

“As businesses such as Macduff Shellfish illustrate, Scottish fisheries – and the many industries which feed into them – are major employers.

“Working together with SNP MEPs and fishing communities, the Scottish Government has been the first to put this vital industry at the top of the agenda. We will continue to work in partnership to ensure a long and prosperous future for the Scotland’s fisheries.

“In Government in Scotland, the SNP have established the Scottish Fisheries Council and worked to provide practical help – such as the Fishing Fuel Plan – to the fisheries industry.

“In Europe, the SNP is the only party who will speak up for Scotland’s coastal communities as the European Fisheries Policy is rewritten.

“We will campaign for the retention and expansion of historic fishing rights, for a greater voice for stakeholders in fisheries negotiations and for a new and sustainable approach to fisheries management.

“Powers over fisheries must be returned to Europe’s fishing nations, and the SNP is committed to bringing these powers home.

“A vote for the SNP at the forthcoming European elections is a vote for Scotland’s fishing industry and the vital jobs it supports."

SNP Westminster candidate for Banff & Buchan Eilidh Whiteford added:

"Scotland is highly regarded worldwide for the quality of its fish and shellfish. The fishing, processing and aquaculture sectors support thousands of jobs directly and indirectly, often in rural and coastal communities, and make a huge contribution to our economy. In these difficult times it is vital we ensure they have a sustainable and profitable future.

“These are tough times for the fishing industry. Success stories like Macduff Shellfish show how consumers around the world recognise the quality of the seafood exported from the North-east.”

Read more...