McMillan Says No April Fools

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) and member of the Scottish Parliament’s Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee has today welcomed a number of SNP Government initiatives rolled out across Inverclyde on 1 April to help constituents financially.

As well as a further full council tax freeze, prescription charges will be reduced to £4 paving the way for the complete abolition of prescription charges.

People in Inverclyde will also see the Small Business Bonus Scheme fully implemented with hundreds of small businesses paying no rates at all, and many more seeing rates reduced even further.

Mr. McMillan said;

"The SNP Government can’t be accused of being April Fools when we see prescription charges cut again, another council tax freeze, further cuts for small businesses and much more.

"The Scottish Government are actively helping people in Inverclyde during this economic downturn. It’s a pity the same can’t be said for the UK Government.

"Time and again we are seeing measures from the SNP Government to tackle the inefficiencies caused by successive previous administrations and I am sure these new actions will be welcomed across Inverclyde".

McMillan Welcomes Scottish Government’s Energy Assistance Package

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) and member of the Scottish Parliament’s Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee has welcomed the Scottish Government’s Energy Assistance package.

The package is backed by £60 million of funding and will see efforts to tackle fuel poverty focussed on those that need it most in Inverclyde – expanding the scheme from simply covering pensioners to supporting families with young children.
The package offers help with central heating and insulation, free benefit and tax credit checks to boost incomes and tariff checks to ensure people are paying the correct amounts on their bill.

Mr. McMillan said;

"I am pleased to see the SNP Government is continuing to lead the way in tackling fuel poverty.

"The new Energy Assistance Package delivers the right kind of support to those who need it most and will make sure those facing fuel poverty in Inverclyde have access to the benefits, tariffs and help with the installation of central heating or insulation where it is needed.

"Energy company’s contributions to tackling fuel poverty are welcome but they could go further. Energy prices increased by 40% in the last year but are only now falling by 4%.

"Similarly the UK Government must adopt OFGEM’s recommendation that energy companies should stop penalising customers based on their method of payment.

"Previous schemes missed many of those who struggled to pay their bills and left some, particularly those with young children, in fuel poverty.

"This is real help for people in Inverclyde. Anyone who is struggling to pay their bills, or unable to heat their house should speak to Energy Savings Scotland, to Citizen’s Advice or to their energy company for help and support".

McMillan Welcomes Hard-Hitting Anti-Gun Campaign

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has welcomed the Scottish Government’s hard-hitting campaign warning of the dangers and consequences of using air and replica guns.

Washroom ads, on-line gaming ads, internet virals, posters, leaflets and a dedicated website spell out the punishments, a fine or jail sentence, and highlight the potential consequences such as injuring or killing a person or animal or being challenged by a police armed response unit.

The campaign follows the refusal by the Home Office to review and update the Firearms legislation, devolve the powers to the Scottish Government or allow Scotland to pilot a simple licensing system for airguns.

Mr. McMillan said;

"The simple fact is that these weapons can cause injury and they can even kill - they are dangerous.

"It is only right that people are warned of the dangers and the consequences of using such weapons.

"The law around air and replica guns is too confusing and needs to be reformed. However the Home Secretary refuses to either do this or devolve the powers so that the Scottish Government can.

"This campaign goes a long way to make clear to people in Inverclyde that air and replica guns are not toys and that there can be very few, if any, reasons to be out on the streets with them.
"I would urge anyone in Inverclyde who has an air or replica gun with no good reason to get rid of it safely by handing it in to the police. Also, any members of the public who are concerned about any weapon should call Crimestoppers Scotland on 0800 555 111".

McMillan Encourages Constituents to Challenge Energy Companies Over Payments

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) and member of the Scottish Parliament’s Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee is encouraging consumers in Inverclyde to challenge energy suppliers over direct debit arrangements.

An OFGEM review has followed complaints by customers late last year about significant increases in amounts they were being asked to pay and has recommended that energy suppliers must be more transparent about direct debit payments.

Following publication of the review Mr. McMillan said;

"Action to ensure companies provide greater clarity for those paying by direct debit is a welcome step forward for people in Inverclyde.

"There have been long-standing complaints about the way payments are increased without proper warning and the new regulations should help consumers know where they stand.

"There has been a real need for changes to make it easier for customers to know when charges are being increased and give them an opportunity to challenge them.

"No one should just accept the new monthly payments being sought if they think they are too high. It has to be asked why when prices are currently supposed to be falling, that companies are still seeking increases in direct debit payments.

"I would, therefore, encourage anyone in Inverclyde receiving such a demand just now to challenge it".

McMillan Puts Pressure on Inverclyde Council Over Road Safety

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has written to Inverclyde Council’s Safe, Sustainable Communities Committee urging them to consider his recent consultation in relation to the A78 Trunk Road at Inverkip and Wemyss Bay.

Mr. McMillan undertook the consultation following numerous representations from constituents regarding their concerns for safety on the road.

Mr. McMillan said;

"I have written to the council with the results of my consultation and have made them aware that I am more than happy to come before the Committee to discuss my consultations.

"This is an issue which has featured heavily in correspondence from my constituents and, following the overwhelming response to my consultation, I am only too aware as to the strength of feeling on these road safety concerns.

"I am now looking for a way to take forward these results with the council, and will keep the pressure on, in order for those residents in Inverkip and Weymss Bay to feel safer on their roads".

McMillan Raises Employment Needs for Inverclyde

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has today raised a question in the Scottish Parliament chamber seeking to ascertain what the Scottish Government is doing to help people who are looking for employment in Inverclyde. The question comes on the back of recent statistics which highlight that 10 people are applying for each job centre vacancy in Scotland.

Mr McMillan said;

"Inverclyde has suffered vast job losses in the past between shipbuilding, heavy engineering and most recently electronics, and now that the UK economy is in a recession Inverclyde and every other part of Scotland face even more job losses due to the UK Government’s shambolic handling of the economy.

"I felt it necessary to ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to help the people of Inverclyde and Scotland during these difficult economic times.

"It's important that real and decisive action is taken to help those out of work obtain employment and I believe the Scottish Government is trying to do so.

"Therefore, I welcome the Scottish Government's continued commitment to tackling employment issues in Inverclyde and Scotland, which people are facing today."

McMillan Calls on Council to Reverse Teacher Cuts

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has today (Thursday) written to the Director of Education at Inverclyde Council to urge him to reverse cuts in the number if teachers employed by the Council and to ascertain why teacher numbers in publicly funded schools (pre-school; primary & secondary) have dropped from 907 in 2007 to 860 in 2008. The figures for Inverclyde local authority area have come to light in the National Statistics Publication for Scotland (24th March 2009) document.

Mr McMillan said;

"I was disappointed to read the recent statistics which highlight that the number of teachers in publicly funded schools have dropped 5% in Inverclyde from 2007 to 2008.

"This drop in teacher numbers comes on the back of increased funding per pupil from 2006-07 to 2007-08 of 6.7% in primary schools and 2.3% in secondary schools in Inverclyde. This is a golden opportunity to provide smaller class sizes and better education for all children which makes it vital that sufficient teacher numbers are in place within Inverclyde to undertake the education of our pupils.

"I felt it necessary to write to the Director of Education to ascertain why there has been a drop in teacher numbers and to ask what is currently being done by the Council to address this issue.

McMillan Says ‘National Spring Clean’ Can Keep Inverclyde Beautiful

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) is encouraging people in Inverclyde to take part in April’s National Spring Clean.

Organised by Keep Scotland Beautiful the campaign runs throughout April, and communities in Inverclyde are encouraged to show pride in their local area by helping to keep it clean and tidy.

Mr. McMillan said;

"I hope people in Inverclyde will take this opportunity to play their part in sprucing up the area as spring approaches.

"The Scottish Government has provided additional funding to support events across Scotland, so I hope that even more than the 20,000 people who took part nationwide last year will get involved this year.

"During this Year of Homecoming, when we are expecting many extra visitors to Scotland, it will be great if community pride helps keep Inverclyde looking at its very best.

"I am looking forward to helping out the pupils at Earnhill Primary School in Greenock with their National Spring Clean event on 24 April and hope other schools and community groups will take up the opportunity to do their bit too.

"It’s easy to get involved and more information is available on existing events and help to plan your own on the website http://springclean.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/".

McMillan Visits Small Business in Kirkintilloch

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) visited Kirkintilloch's latest coffee house, Papa Kawa, on Friday to learn more about the opportunities for small businesses in the East Dunbartonshire area. Mr McMillan, accompanied by Cllr David Ritchie and Cllr Gillian Renwick, were keen to meet a new business who were creating jobs and contributing to the local economy.

Mr McMillan said:

"I was delighted to be welcomed by Papa Kawa's owner John Paul Glenday to hear of his plans to sustain and develop the business during these tough economic times.

"I was encouraged to see this new business open in East Dunbartonshire.

"In the current climate we too often hear of companies closing down so it is great to meet enthusiastic business people who are intent on bucking this trend. I would like to wish this new business venture every success for the future in creating jobs and prosperity within the local economy of East Dunbartonshire."

McMillan Welcomes Accelerated Funding for Higher Education

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has today welcomed the recent announcement by the Scottish Government that accelerated funding of £20.5 million has been brought forward. The Scottish Government has brought forward the capital in response to current economic conditions in order to create and maintain modern facilities where people can get the skills and qualifications they need to get into work, remain in work and contribute to Scotland's economic future.

Mr McMillan said;

"I welcome the announcement by the Scottish Government that they are to bring forward capital investment to help higher education.

"This funding will see James Watt College benefit to the sum of £675,000, which is an increase of around 38% from capital allocation in 2008/09.

"It is important that the Scottish Government invest in future generations and this acceleration of capital allocation will allow many more people in Scotland to benefit from Higher Education, which can only help Scotland's economy through a better educated workforce who are more able to undertake employment."

Councillor and MSP support Bishopbriggs Residents Against Boundary Changes

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) and Ward 6 Councillor Gordan Low today (Friday) highlighted their support for residents in Bishopbriggs who may be affected by boundary changes at the next review. Mr McMillan and Councillor Low visited the area of Wallace Drive, Wallace Place and Wallace Gate to witness first hand, where under proposals in the Boundary Commission review, such houses may be removed from the East Dunbartonshire Council catchement area.

Councillor Low said;

"The residents of Wallace Drive, Wallace Place and Wallace Gate consciously chose to live in Bishopbriggs (either specifically moving into the area or moving from other areas of Bishopbriggs) to obtain the benefits of living in East Dunbartonshire.

"The changes being proposed by the Boundary Commission for Scotland will see those residents no longer remaining within the catchment area of East Dunbartonshire, which is unacceptable.

"As their local representative I entirely oppose the proposal of the Boundary Commission to move them to Glasgow."

Mr McMillan said;

"I am pleased to have the opportunity to support my colleague Councillor Low in his campaign to make sure those residents who currently live in Bishopbriggs remain so after any boundary changes.

"The constituents moved to the area for the benefits of living within East Dunbartonshire and this is where they wish to remain. I hope the Boundary Commission for Scotland will listen to local residents and elected representatives as they unanimously say we are against such changes."

McMillan Hands Over Charity Cheque to The Park Centre

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has today (Friday) handed over a charity cheque for £50.00 to the Park Centre in Kirkintilloch. The cheque was from Communication Research Ltd (ComRes), and obtained by Mr McMillan to give to a charity or organisation of his choosing for completing a research project with ComRes.

Mr McMillan said;

"I am delighted to have the opportunity to hand over this cheque to the Park Centre in Kirkintilloch and hope this will provide some assistance to the centre.

"The Park Centre is a worthy choice for this cheque and I am sure it will be put to good use in helping those involved continue to do good work within the local community.

"I would like to thank Dr Allan for allowing me to come to the Park Centre and meet with representatives. I was very interested to see the excellent services that the centre provides and wish them every success for the future.

McMillan Delighted with £20 million to Fight Cancer Over the Next Year

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has commented on over £20 million being invested over the next year to ensure Scotland's radiotherapy equipment remains at the cutting edge of cancer treatment.

Mr. McMillan said;

"This is great news for people in Inverclyde who will benefit from over £2.4 million of funding being invested into NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde for radiotherapy equipment.

"This funding will ensure the provision to offer modern, dynamic equipment which will improve the detection and treatment of cancer.

"In-line with the actions set out in Scotland's cancer action plan, Better Cancer Care, this investment will help to advance and improve upon the kind of treatment and high quality services we all want in place for patients.

"The commitment to improving prevention, detection and treatment remains the key goal in NHS Scotland's approach to reducing the incidence of cancer and the impact of cancer has on patients and their families. This funding will further realise that commitment for those in Inverclyde facing treatment".

McMillan Welcomes Falling Prescription Charges

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has welcomed the Scottish Parliament decision to back SNP Government proposals to reduce prescription charges.

Prescription charges will fall from the beginning of April after the Scottish to £4 for ordinary prescriptions and to £38 for pre-payment certificates

Mr. McMillan said;

"In these tough economic times reducing prescription charges will particularly help many people in Inverclyde who need medicines but find it difficult to afford them.

"The Scottish Government is bringing down the cost of prescription drugs and we will see this tax on ill health abolished.

"The early evidence of last year's reduction show that it is those with long term conditions who have to live with the cost of medicines who have benefited most from these cuts.

"Prescription charges are a tax on ill health and are unacceptable in a modern society.

"This move to reduce charges to £4 for ordinary prescriptions and by £10 for those with long term conditions will be welcomed in Inverclyde and shows the SNP working toward the complete abolition of prescription charges".

McMillan Welcomes Govt Action to Tackle Antisocial Behaviour

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has today welcomed the recent publication by the Scottish Government and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) on how to tackle anti social behaviour within our communities. The Framework has been drawn together following a lengthy review of national antisocial behaviour policy.

Mr McMillan said;

"I welcome the recent publication by both the Scottish Government and COSLA which outlines ways of confronting and tackling anti social behaviour, within our communities.

"Just recently I have been contacted by constituents in Inverclyde who are fed up with youth disorder and anti social behaviour within their community and they want this scourge addressed as a top priority.

"The four pillars of the Framework recognise that early and effective intervention is a vital step in tackling anti social behaviour and I believe the Scottish Government is working hard to rid our streets and communities of such problems."

McMillan Welcomes Record Police Numbers

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has welcomed the announcement by the Scottish Government that a police force projection survey has highlighted that the Scottish Government is on course to exceed it’s commitment to deliver 1000 more police on Scotland’s streets by 2011. The study shows police numbers could increase by 1250 between 2007 and 2011.

Mr McMillan said;

"I am pleased to see the Scottish Government is on course to deliver its commitment to deliver 1000 more police officers throughout Scotland.

"I'm sure people in Inverclyde will be reassured in the knowledge that the Scottish Government is delivering on its commitment to deliver more officers on our streets and in our communities.

"In the Strathclyde area we are set to see an extra 450 officers on our streets with a further 75 in Tayside, nearly 200 in Lothian and Borders and an extra 98 officers in Grampian.

"I look forward to tomorrows (Thursday) Scottish Parliament debate being held on the number of police in our communities as this is an opportunity to welcome the progress the Scottish Government is making in creating safer and stronger communities."

McMillan Welcomes Support for Struggling Home Owners

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has welcomed further support being offered by the Scottish Government to help home owners who are struggling with mortgage payments. The £35 million Home Owners Support fund will see a new Mortgage to Shared Equity Scheme and a new, improved Mortgage to Rent scheme put in place by the Scottish Government.

Mr McMillan said;

"The implementation of these two new schemes will see further support being offered by the Scottish Government to home owners throughout Inverclyde.

"I believe the fund is vital to ensuring that constituents have the necessary support and advice when it comes to dealing with mortgage payments.

"Therefore, It's important that anyone who thinks they may be at risk of losing their home should get down to their local Citizens Advice Bureau, money advice centre or call one of the help lines and find out how they can access this vital help."

McMillan Wishes Scott and Travis Luck on Fundraising Journey

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) met Scott Cunningham and his guide dog Travis in the Scottish Parliament to hear about their upcoming trek along the West Highland Way in support of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association (Guide Dogs).

On 4th April, Scott and Travis will embark on their fifth long distance trek. On the trip, Scott, a massive Rangers fan, and Travis will be accompanied by a number of former Rangers players as well as two Royal Marines.

So far, the duo’s adventures have raised over £60,000 for the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association helping to buy and train nine dogs.

Mr. McMillan said;

"As co-convener of the Scottish Parliament Cross Party Group on Visual Impairment I was delighted to meet Scott and Travis to wish them well on their feat.

"Guide dogs are a lifeline for many with visual impairments and the Association does a fantastic job in providing support. As with all charities they rely on funding through a variety of means and this trek is an inspiring choice of action.

"The upcoming trek will raise vital funds for Guide Dogs and I’m sure it will inspire many to embrace other challenges big or small.

"I wish Scott and Travis the best of luck in their adventure".

McMillan Welcomes SPS Offer To Hold Open Evening On Prison Issue

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has welcomed the offer from Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prisons Services (SPS) to attend or organise an open evening to engage with the local community of Bishopbriggs about the development of the new prison. Mr Ewart made the offer in a letter addressed to Mr McMillan, on the back of a meeting they had, which was also attended by Councillor Gordan Low and Anne McNair.

Mr McMillan said;

"I am delighted that the Scottish Prison Service are willing to attend or organise an open evening which will allow the local community of Bishopbriggs the opportunity to hear first hand about the development of the new prison.

"This issue has gripped the local community for sometime now and many people are anxious to hear from those in charge how the decision is taken to name a prison.

"I have since written back to Mr Ewart taking him up on his offer to attend or organise an open evening and suggested that the SPS liaise with my office and the local newspapers to gain maximum exposure. I hope we can arrange an open evening in the near future to give the people of Bishopbriggs some peace of mind on the issue of naming the new prison."

McMillan Welcomes Passing Of Asbestos Compensation Bill

Commenting after todays successful passing of the Damages (Asbestos-related Conditions) (Scotland) Bill SNP MSP Stuart McMillan (West of Scotland) said the Act would now help people with certain asbestos diseases seek recompense for being negligently exposed to asbestos.

The Act aims to protect those sufferers from a House of Lords judgement south of the border which would deny them taking such action.

Mr McMillan, who secured a Parliamentary debate on the issue in November 2007, said:

"It is a great pleasure to cast my vote this evening in support of this Act and to have helped those campaigners involved in moving this campaign and Bill forward.

"As someone whose family members have worked in the shipyards I am pleased that an issue of justice and peoples' health is being so overwhelmingly backed by Scottish Parliamentarians.

"I am pleased the Scottish Government has listened to the arguments and acted quickly on this issue.

"It is equally welcome that the Scottish Parliament has also responded positively, and I am sure that the vast majority of the population in Scotland will be supporting this legislation this evening.

"Today I will once again I ask the insurance industry to be proactive in moving this forward and not to challenge the will of this Parliament."

McMillan Encourages Groups to Apply for Funding

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has today urged that community groups and voluntary organisations apply to Inverclyde Council for funding from the Grants to Voluntary Organisations Fund. Over £400,000 of funding will be available during the financial year 2009/10.

Mr McMillan said;

"I would encourage all community groups and voluntary organisations to seriously consider applying for funding from the Council's Grants to Voluntary Organisations Fund.

"This is an excellent opportunity to obtain vital funding which could help enable the future of groups and organisations in Inverclyde.

"The grants can be used to purchase new equipment or help with the running costs which will allow constituents of Inverclyde to continue to reap the benefits from their groups and organisations.

"The closing date for the next round of applications is Friday 27th March 2009 and the meeting to decide the outcome of the applications will be held on Thursday 7th May 2009."

Asbestos pay-out law to be passed

FROM BBC.CO.UK 11/03/2009

Plans to compensate people in Scotland for past exposure to asbestos are expected to be passed by MSPs.

The new law would overturn a House of Lords ruling which said damages could not be claimed for pleural plaques, a benign scarring of the lungs.

Insurers and some health experts said the move would be an expensive mistake.

Diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer have been diagnosed in hundreds of Scots - many of them former Clydeside shipyard workers.

If parliament passes the Damages (Asbestos-related Conditions) (Scotland) Bill, the Lords judgement - which stated sufferers could no longer use pleural plaques as a basis for a damages claim against the negligence of an employer - would still apply in England and Wales.

Pleural plaques - small areas of benign scarring on the lungs - are an indicator of exposure to asbestos and Law Lords had ruled it should not be open to compensation claims because it was not a disease and had no symptoms.

Although pleural plaques do not cause or develop into a more serious asbestos-related condition, they do signify an increased risk of developing mesothelioma because of exposure to asbestos.

The bill has won cross-party support at Holyrood, although the parliament's justice committee earlier warned the Scottish Government may have to pay out millions following claims from employees who worked in former naval shipyards.

SNP West of Scotland MSP Stuart McMillan, whose family members have worked in the shipyards, said: "This decision by the House of Lords has caused a great amount of anger and dismay in the west of Scotland communities where people have been affected by this condition for doing nothing more than earning an honest wage."

The Association of British Insurers claimed passing the bill would send out the wrong message about the seriousness of pleural plaques.

Professor Anthony Seaton, who has cared for patients with asbestos-related conditions, previously told MSPs the legislation would allow the "worried well" to claim for damages.
He also claimed doctors were failing to inform plaques sufferers of the benign nature of their condition, which was being confused with fatal diseases.

The Scottish Government has said the Ministry of Defence had historically accepted liability in such cases and expected that to continue.

The bill also covers pleural thickening and asbestosis.

McMillan Welcomes Housing Cash Boost

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has today welcomed over £34 cash boost for affordable housing across Inverclyde over the next year.

The Scottish Government funding will enable work to begin on new and improved homes for rent or low-cost ownership in the area. It is the second year of the £1.5 billion programme announced in 2008 to provide 21,500 new or improved affordable homes across Scotland by 2011.

Mr. McMillan said;

"When the SNP Government came into office they made it clear one of their main priorities would be to increase enormously the volume of affordable homes in Scotland. This package of £34.5 million for Inverclyde is a massive boost to the local housing situation and the local economy.

"One of the most common forms of complaint I hear when I have my surgeries relate to housing matters, and the Scottish Government's drive to increase the provision of affordable homes is recognition of that. The problem of a lack of affordable housing is not one specific to Inverclyde but one which is felt across Scotland.

"I am delighted the Scottish Government is therefore addressing the housing problem head on and this announcement is exactly what is required in Inverclyde during the current economic downturn".

SCOTLAND WINS HOMECOMING FRIENDS AROUND THE WORLD

SNP MSPs have been winning friends for Scotland as part of Homecoming 2009.

MSPs have written to their counterparts in towns and cities across the world that have Scottish namesakes or connections to build links between the towns.

As a result towns and cities in Scotland, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and America are now building new connections with possible visits and exchanges in the future.

This has included:

· Jamie Hepburn made contact not only with Croy in Switzerland and Kilsyth in Australia but also received a response from California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger as he connected California in Falkirk to the US State.

· Adam Ingram (South of Scotland) contacted the Mayor in Ayr, Australia and a delegation will be visiting Ayr, Scotland later on in the year.

· After contact from Stuart McMillan (West of Scotland) the Mayor of Greenock Australia has asked for information about Greenock Scotland to include in the town newsletter. Mr McMillan has also had a response from Greenock, Ontario.

· Fiona Hyslop (Lothians) has established a link with the Mayor of Armadale, West Australia, host of W.A’s largest Highland gathering – who sent back examples of their Armadale tartan and will promote homecoming at the event.

· Responses from New Edinburgh in Canada to Shirley Anne Somerville, East Dundee in Illinois to Joe FitzPatrick and Roseanna Cunningham will be welcoming visitors from Perth in Tasmania.

Central Scotland MSP Jamie Hepburn said;

"I was delighted to receive the letter from Arnold Schwarzenegger, in which he set out his support for Scotland's year of Homecoming. As the Governor of California there is an obvious link with our very own California here in Scotland, not far from Falkirk.

"Homecoming gearing up to be a real success I know when our visitors from sister cities leave Scotland they will be copying the Terminator and saying i'll be back."

Adam Ingram MSP for South of Scotland is looking forward to a delegation from Ayr Australia heading to Ayr Scotland.

"This is a great way to build links around the world and I am confident that these international relationships, built up during Homecoming, will have lasting benefit for Scotland.

Stuart McMillan MSP who made contact with Greenock South Australia as well as Greenock Ontario commented;

"I wrote to Greenock Australia after discovering the Australian town was named after Greenock Scotland by a European explorer in 1839.

"There are towns across Inverclyde with namesakes all over the world and I look forward to welcoming any visitors from our sister towns and cities to Scotland during this year of Homecoming and beyond".

McMillan Supports No Smoking Day in East Dunbartonshire

No Smoking Day (11 March) is encouraging smokers in East Dunbartonshire to take the first step and kick the habit. In its 26th year, No Smoking Day is encouraging smokers to quit, save thousands of pounds and take the opportunity to find out about help and support available.

Stuart McMillan MSP is supporting this year’s No Smoking Day campaign and is supporting events across East Dunbartonshire. Thousands of No Smoking Day events are taking place all over the UK. There will be customised Double-Decker Buses, interactive stalls, dance displays and a ‘Hollywood’ premiere style event!! And many sports activities including local football clubs getting involved. Stop smoking services, fire and rescue services, supermarkets, and many more are out and about to help and support smokers who are ready to take the first step!

Stuart McMillan MSP(SNP, West of Scotland) said;

"No Smoking Day is a fantastic campaign to help and support smokers who want to stop smoking.

"I’m encouraging smokers in East Dunbartonshire to take the first step on No Smoking Day and give up cigarettes for good! There will be events taking place in Bishopbriggs, Kirkintilloch, and Twechar

"In this current economic climate, hardworking families are finding it particularly difficult. If you stop smoking today, within a month you are £170 better off.

"Visit your local stop smoking service for help and advice on how to stop smoking and increase your chances of success by up to four times."

Dan Tickle, Chief Executive of No Smoking Day, the charity behind the annual health awareness campaign, says,

"Good luck to all smokers in East Dunbartonshire who are taking the first step to improving their health in the best possible way on 11 March. Stopping smoking is the ultimate lifestyle overhaul. You’ll feel fitter and healthier and have more energy and more money! Good luck!"

For more information about stopping smoking go to:
http://www.blogger.com/www.nosmokingday.org.uk
http://www.nosmokingday.org.uk/organisers/eventssearch.php?statu

McMillan Welcomes Govt initiative to tackle knife crime amongst youths

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has today welcomed the recent announcement by the Scottish Government to invest £500,000 in a new initiative to discourage young people from carrying a knife. The 'No Knives Better Lives' initiative will make young people aware of the dangers and consequences of carrying a knife.

Mr McMillan said;

"I am delighted to see the Scottish Government is investing funding in a new initiative to tackle knife crime and to make young people aware of the consequences of carrying a knife.

"This is an important step in trying to change Scotland's culture of violence and to educate our young people of the reasons why its dangerous to carry a knife.

"I believe the Scottish Government is addressing the blade culture, which is evident within a minority of people, especially young people, in this country and demonstrate that carrying a knife will lead to consequences."

McMillan Welcomes Record Police Numbers

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has welcomed the record number of police in the Strathclyde force.

The number of police has increase by 131 in the last quarter alone and by 336 in the last year meaning there is more police in Strathclyde than ever before.

Mr. McMillan said;

"This is just one more example of the SNP Government delivering for people in Inverclyde.

"We have seen significantly more police on our streets and in less than two years in office the Scottish Government has put nearly 500 more police on the streets. That is a massive improvement on previous successive Governments.

"People in Inverclyde are seeing a real difference in terms of a police presence and I have ever confidence we can see even more police on the streets in years to come".

MSP Welcomes Enterprise Minister to Stepper Technology, Greenock

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has today welcomed the Minister for Enterprise, Energy & Tourism, Jim Mather MSP to Stepper Technology, Greenock.

Mr. McMillan helped arrange the visit on behalf of Thomas Smith who is the Managing Director and owner of Stepper Technology.

Mr McMillan said;

"I am delighted the Minister for Enterprise is able to come to Greenock and visit Stepper Technology's facilities.

"The organisation has gone from strength to strength over recent years and has been able to increase their turnover which is very impressive. I greatly enjoyed touring the facility with the Minister and Tom Smith who is the Managing Director.

"I know Mr Smith has been looking forward to the Minister's visit and showcasing the work his team do in offering tools that have been refurbished to the specification of the original equipment manufacturer (OEM)".

Mr Smith, Stepper Technology MD said;

"We are very happy to have Jim Mather MSP here today – it is a great honour to have a minister from the Scottish Government opening our factory.

"I am proud of the achievements of the Scottish Government to date.

"I lived and worked in Switzerland for many years and saw that a small country, with a similar population to Scotland could prosper on the international stage.

"And as you can see today the Scottish Government are active in supporting small firms like ours to do just that".

McMillan Calls on Cairns to Oppose Royal Mail Privatisation

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has called on Inverclyde MP David Cairns to oppose UK Government plans to privatise Royal Mail.

SNP MPs have signed EDM 428 lodged by Labour MP Geraldine Smith. He is now calling on the Inverclyde/East Dunbartonshire MP who have not already backed the EDM to sign up and stand up for Scotland’s vital postal services.

Mr. McMillan said;

"Plans to privatise Royal Mail are absolute madness, and so far David Cairns has failed to stand up against Lord Mandelson’s plans.

"The future of Royal Mail as a public service is of vital interest to Scotland and every community and small business should make known their opposition to this crazy scheme.

"We have witnessed the damage done to the Post Office by Labour’s closure plan. We cannot diminish our postal services further.

"David Cairns must wake up to his constituents concerns and reject the UK Government’s plans outright".