MSP COMMENTS AFTER PRESENTING PETITION TO PROTECT FAMOUS POLICE PIPE BAND'S STATUS

Commenting after taking part in a delegation to present a petition to Strathclyde Police's Chief Constable voicing concerns over planned cuts for the Strathclyde Police Pipe Band SNP West of Scotland MSP, Stuart McMillan, said it had been a positive exercise to raise awareness of the concern about the band's future as a top level competitor.

The petition which has been sponsored by the Piping Times magazine has attracted over 3000 signatures and was presented to Strathclyde Police at their headquarters on Pitt Street in Glasgow.

Speaking after presenting the petition Mr McMillan, a piper himself who has played at Scottish Parliamentary events, said:

"Strathclyde Police Pipe Band is a national treasure which should be celebrated and promoted. As this is the Year of Homecoming it has been disappointing that its future has been in jeopardy.“I believe today's exercise was a positive and worthwhile one. It has helped raise awareness of this issue and the level of feeling about one of Scotland's world famous bands.

"It has to be stressed that the majority of the band are guest players and not serving police officers who could leave the band at any time. They could easily join any other band in the world.

"If further obstacles are placed in the way of the Strathclyde Police Pipe Band this could leave the band with only serving police officers who because of various shift patters will find it extremely difficult to practice together.

"The result of this would be that the standards would fall and the bands worldwide stature would suffer. This would adversely affect the reputation of Strathclyde Police as well.

"It is imperative that the future of the band is resolved and I would urge meaningful discussion to take place between all relevant parties. I hope today's presentation has gone some way to lifting the threat of the band being downgraded."

McMillan Urges Community Groups to Submit Application to Station Community Regeneration Fund

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP, West of Scotland) has today (Tuesday) urged community groups to submit an application to ScotRail for funding to make disused railway station buildings into a community project which would contribute to the local community. One of the stations which may have funding opportunities is Fort Matilda, Greenock.

Mr McMillan said;

"I would urge community groups in Inverclyde to seriously consider submitting an application to ScotRail's Station Community Regeneration Fund.

"The fund of £1million will see disused railway station buildings turned into hubs of the community which is of vital importance.

"It would be excellent to see the Fort Matilda station receive some of this funding and offer a community resource to the people of Inverclyde.

"Application forms can be downloaded from ScotRail's website where there is more information about the Station Community Regeneration Fund (SCRF)."

McMillan Backs Committee Energy Report

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Tuesday) backed the Scottish Parliament’s Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee report which supports the Scottish Government’s plans for Scotland to build a clean, green and renewable energy future.

Mr. McMillan also calls for the UK Government to release £150 million of potential investment in Scotland’s energy future.

The report also calls for action to tackle fuel poverty, to increase energy efficiency and to increase renewable energy production, creating thousands of green energy jobs.

Mr. McMillan said;

"There is no desire for new nuclear energy in Scotland and a real enthusiasm for building a clean, green future with new technologies putting Scotland at the forefront of a European energy revolution is much more welcome.

"This year long inquiry sets a clear path for Scotland’s energy future and supports the Scottish Government’s ambition of building a sustainable economy for Scotland.

"As the Scottish Government leads the way it is essential that the UK Government ends it’s lobbying for new nuclear and instead takes effective action to support Scotland’s ambition by releasing the £150 million of fossil fuel levy locked in a London bank account for investment in Scotland’s green future.

"With Scotland on course to surpass the target of 31% of electricity from renewable energy by 2011 and aiming for 50% by 2050 we are already making strides toward this green goal, and to creating 16,000 green energy jobs over the next decade.

"Alongside Scotland’s world leading Climate Change legislation we must now lead the world on action to cut and clean up our carbon use".

MSP and Councillor Meet With Transport Scotland on A78 Issue

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) along with Ward Councillor Innes Nelson have met with Transport Scotland to discuss the A78 and road safety. The meeting with Transport Scotland comes on the back of two consultations Mr McMillan undertook in the villages of Inverkip and Wemyss Bay. The meeting was an opportunity to represent the views of the hundreds of constituents who responded to the consultation and raised a number of issues about the A78 and road safety.

Mr McMillan said;

"I felt the meeting with Transport Scotland was very constructive and it gave both myself and Councillor Nelson an opportunity to represent the views of the many constituents who feel urgent actions is necessary to improve road safety on the A78.

"We were told that the current review of the North, South and Marina junctions will have, at least, the draft report completed by the end of July.

"Some of the aspects the review is looking into are the operation of the junctions, waiting times and accident statistics.

"Alongside this, Amey have been instructed to carry out a speed limit review of the A78, which is due to be reported on by August 2009.

"I am encouraged by the information Transport Scotland have passed on to both myself and Councillor Nelson at the meeting. However, I am under no illusion that this must lead to real and swift action being taken in order to improve road safety on this stretch of road."

Cllr Nelson said;

"I would like to thank Transport Scotland for allowing me to put forward residents concerns regarding travelling times and road safety on the A78, which runs the full length of our ward.

"These concerns include waiting times at two new sets of Traffic lights at Inverclyde Academy, skidding problems on the Bankfoot Roundabout and the potential for additional loading due to new housing developments.

"Our constructive dialogue is a positive step forward and I am hopeful that this will lead to future improvements to the road."

McMillan Welcomes Banking for Homeless People in Inverclyde

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has welcomed today’s (Monday’s) announcement from the Scottish Government that it is to roll out the ground breaking banking service for homeless people across Scotland.

Grand Central Savings provides homeless people, who may be excluded from traditional banks, with free, easy to use and accessible bank accounts.

Branches of the Glasgow bank, the first of its kind in Scotland, will now open in Renfrewshire, Inverclyde and Aberdeen.

The personal bank accounts help homeless people to store money in a safe place, gain employment and save up deposits to rent a flat.

Mr. McMillan said;

"We often forget how easy having a bank account makes life for most of us. Not having a bank account can often make it very difficult for homeless people to put down a deposit in order to rent a flat.

"That is why the Scottish Government is highly supportive of Grand Central Savings, an innovative approach to tackling and preventing homelessness, which is leading the way in the UK.

"Learning to manage personal finances is often a crucial aspect of re-settlement programmes after homelessness. It is vital in sustaining tenancies and preventing homelessness in Inverclyde.

"I am delighted this programme is being implemented throughout Scotland and that there will be a branch in Inverclyde.

"This is another example of the Scottish Government working towards a fairer Scotland".

MSP TO PRESENT PETITION TO PROTECT FAMOUS POLICE PIPE BAND'S STATUS

Tomorrow (Monday 29th June) SNP West of Scotland MSP Stuart McMillan will take part in a delegation presenting a petition to Strathclyde Police's Chief Constable voicing concerns over planned cuts for the Strathclyde Police Pipe Band.

Concerns have been raised for several months after it was discovered that the future of the world famous Pipe Band was uncertain when it was announced the band would only play at two of the five main piping competitions of the year.

The petition which has been sponsored by the Piping Times magazine has already attracted over 3000 signatures.

Speaking the day before presenting the petition Mr McMillan, a piper himself who has played at Scottish Parliamentary events, said:

"I am deeply concerned about this issue for what is one of Scotland's most famous pipe bands. The band have been at the top of their game for years and it would be a terrible mistake to see them downgraded.

"Not only are they top class players but they serve as ambassadors for the Scottish Police, Scotland and piping when playing here and abroad.

"The presence of the band has also undoubtedly increased good relations within the communities they work in."In essence it is a matter of confusion as to why the largest force in Scotland is not willing to continue the important work their band do.

"This is why I am helping present this petition and hope that the Chief Constable will help facilitate a reconsideration.

"There has been great concern across the piping community and further afield and I hope that the Chief Constable will take heed of these concerns."

McMillan Hosts Ocean Youth Trust Scotland Reception in Parliament

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Wednesday 24th June) hosted a reception for the Ocean Youth Trust Scotland (OYTS) in the Scottish Parliament. The reception was attended by a range of people such as Ambassadors of OYTS, Members of the Scottish Parliament, Trustees of Ocean Youth Trust Scotland, sponsors, youth groups and Mr & Mrs Mills who are patrons for OYTS. The reception was an opportunity to showcase the excellent work OYTS does with young people and highlighted the enjoyment to be had in sailing.

Mr. McMillan said;

"As Ambassador for the Ocean Youth Trust Scotland (OYTS) I was only too happy to welcome them to Parliament today in order to show MSP's the great work the OYTS does for young people.

"By encouraging teamwork, working on confidence and a number of other essential skills the OYTS provide a stable and safe environment for young people to enjoy sailing.

"I was delighted to welcome Iona Bruce to speak about her own experiences with OYTS and Keith Brown MSP as Minister for Schools and Skills to highlight the support the Scottish Government gives to such organisations.

"I look forward to continuing my role as Ambassador for the OYTS and wish the team every success for the coming months and in their new offices in Greenock which I hope to be visiting in the month of July".

McMillan Welcomes Parliament Backing For Climate Change Action

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) is delighted the Scottish Parliament has today backed world leading climate change legislation from the SNP Government, putting Scotland at the forefront of global efforts to tackle international climate change.

Mr. McMillan said;

"Scotland’s climate change legislation is world leading and it is now up to all of us to live up to our ambition and take real steps to combat climate change.

"This bill is just the start of the process of meeting our commitment to lead the world in tackling climate change.

"Crucially this bill not only sets significant targets but includes the means to get there with actions to improve energy efficiency at home with council tax discounts as incentives and in all public buildings as well as measures to inform the public of the climate change challenge ahead of us.

"It is now for us in Inverclyde to live up to this challenge, and for those meeting at Copenhagen in December to follow Scotland’s lead and to take bold action with ambitious targets".

McMillan writes to Council Over Lack of FOI Response

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Wednesday) written to the Chief Executive of East Dunbartonshire Council to ascertain why the Council did not offer a detailed response to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request by Inclusion Scotland for information on accessible housing for disabled people in East Dunbartonshire. The Council were one of only two local authorities, out of thirty two, who did not respond under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 with detailed information about accessible housing for disabled people in Scotland.

Mr McMillan said;

"I am disappointed to see that East Dunbartonshire Council did not offer a detailed response to Inclusion Scotland for their report into accessible housing for disabled people in Scotland.

"It's important that local authorities provide such information to make them accountable and to highlight what they are doing to address a specific issue, such as housing for disabled people.

"I have been made aware the Council did not offer a response as the cost was over their Freedom of Information Request cost threshold . However, it seems strange that 30 of the 32 local authorities in Scotland were able to give a detailed response.

"Therefore, I felt it necessary and important to write to the Chief Executive of East Dunbartonshire Council to clarify the matter and to ask what provision is in place for accessible housing for disabled people within East Dunbartonshire."

McMillan Welcomes Signing of PACE Partnership Protocol

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Tuesday) welcomed the announcement by the Scottish Government that eighteen of Scotland's key organisations and agencies have signed up to the PACE Partnership Protocol. The Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) is in place to ensure that local and national public sector agencies respond to potential and proposed redundancies as quickly, effectively and as consistently as possible.

Mr McMillan said;

"I am delighted to hear the news that eighteen organisations and agencies have taken vital steps in helping safeguard jobs in Scotland by signing up to the PACE Partnership Protocol.

"It's important that the infrastructure and mechanisms are in place to deal with sudden redundancies throughout Scotland and this protocol will help people get back into employment as quickly as possible.

"PACE is an important national strategy for dealing with redundancies in Scotland and having organisations such as Citizens Advice Bureau and Skills Development Scotland working alongside this strategy will help ease Scotland through these difficult economic times.

"I would urge constituents who are fearful for their employment to check the Skills Development Scotland website for information on PACE and how to obtain support and guidance."

McMillan Signs Anne Frank Declaration

Stuart McMillan MSP has thrown his support behind Anne Frank Scotland. Mr McMillan recently signed the Anne Frank Declaration with fellow MSP's in celebration of the 80th anniversary of Anne Frank's birth.

Mr McMillan, pictured signing the Anne Frank Declaration, said:

"It is vitally important that we keep the message of Anne Frank alive and thriving and groups such as the Anne Frank Trust are helping achieve this.

"The Anne Frank Trust do excellent work throughout Scotland and it is great to see the positive messages of Anne Frank being remembered and remaining pertinnent in modern society.

"I hope the story of Anne Frank never gets lost and the strength displayed in her diaries can be instilled in generations to come".

McMillan Welcomes New Councillor for Inverclyde South-West

Stuart McMillan MSP was delighted to welcome Innes Nelson, SNP, as the new Councillor for Inverclyde South-West following Thursday's by-election victory. The by-election was triggered following the death of Cllr Kenny Ferguson

Commenting on the victory, Mr McMillan said:"This is an excellent victory for Innes and I am looking forward to working with him on a number of issues locally. He fought a wonderful campaign and managed to take a 13% swing from Labour to win the seat, previously such a swing would have been unthinkable but this is yet another statement of confidence in the SNP locally and nationally

"Innes Nelson will make an excellent councillor for Inverclyde South West and his well-deserved victory reflects on how the SNP is addressing the issues that matter to people locally.

"More importantly this is a great tribute to the late Cllr Ken Ferguson whose untimely death led to this by-election. As sole SNP councillor for the multi-member ward of Inverclyde South West his hard work has left a strong legacy for the SNP."

MSP joins Guide Dogs campaign to ‘Say NO to shared streets’

Stuart McMillan MSP (West of Scotland SNP ) has experienced for himself a dangerous new street design that puts blind and partially sighted people, disabled and elderly people, and young children in danger, at an event held by Guide Dogs.

The MSP tried out a mock shared surface street whilst blindfolded as part of Guide Dogs ‘Say NO to shared streets’ campaign. These streets – when the road and pavement are built at the same level with the kerb removed – force all road users to make ‘eye contact’ to establish who moves first which obviously undermines the safety, confidence and independence of vulnerable pedestrians.

Young children will also be put at risk as from an early age they are taught to stop, look, and listen and then safely cross the road. If the kerb is no longer there, how can they be safe?

The MSP was safe from the usual cars, buses and cyclists that blind and partially sighted people have to contend with on shared surface streets, but experienced how dangerous these streets are, and how important safe and accessible towns and high streets are for vulnerable pedestrians.

Jane Horsburgh, Guide Dogs Policy Manager for Scotland, commented: "We know that shared surface streets are dangerous and discriminate against the safety and independence of vulnerable pedestrians. If people can’t tell where the road begins and the pavement ends, how can you feel safe?

"We need everyone in Scotland to get behind our campaign so that they are free to use their town centres and high streets as they wish – instead of them becoming no-go areas."

The ‘Say NO to shared streets’ campaign to stop these streets being developed has received support from over 20 disability organisations from across the UK including RNID, Capability Scotland, Inclusion Scotland, Leonard Cheshire Disability, and Arthritis Care.
People can find out more about Guide Dogs ‘Say NO to shared streets’ campaign and Take Action at http://www.blogger.com/www.guidedogs.org.uk/sharedstreets Simply fill in a few details and concerns about shared surface streets, and a personal message will be sent to their MSP. It only takes a minute but gives vital support to the campaign.
Visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/sharedstreets for more information on the campaign.

McMillan Welcomes Fund To Provide Practical Help for Victims

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Wednesday) welcome the announcement by the Scottish Government that a fund designed to provide practical help to victims of crime has been set up by Victim Support Scotland. The Victims Fund will help to meet the immediate needs of victims in the aftermath of a crime. The Scottish Government has provided a contribution of £30,000 to kick start the fund - which will be run by Victim Support Scotland's Campaign Board.

Mr McMillan said;

"I am pleased to see the Scottish Government along with Victim Support Scotland have set up a designated fund to provide practical help to victims of crime in Scotland.

"Being a victim of crime can have long term emotional and physical consequences.

"Therefore, this fund is essential in helping re-build people's lives which have unfortunately been devastated by crime.

"No longer can, and will, criminals get away with wrongdoing and with record numbers of police officers on the streets I hope many criminals are caught long before they are able to ruin further people's lives."

McMillan Responds to Free-to-Air Consultation

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has made a submission to the Free-to-air listed events review. The review is looking at the arrangements which seek to protect the free-to-air broadcasting of certain sporting events that are deemed to be of national importance. The current arrangements have been in force since the last review in 1998.

Mr McMillan said;

"It's important that the Free-to-air review takes into consideration showing more sporting and cultural events on terrestrial, free-to-air television rather than them being broadcast on private networks.

"Before being elected I submitted a public petition to the Scottish Parliament calling for BBC Scotland to provide coverage of all Scotland national team matches. I said then and still feel now that it is appalling that Scotland’s national broadcaster does not have the rights to show every Scotland national game.

"I feel it is important that international competitive football matches for the home nations are shown on terrestrial television. At the moment there is a monopoly on Scottish international football matches between BSKYB and Setanta.

"I would urge the consultation to consider adding Scotland’s competitive international football matches to the list of ‘crown jewels."

McMillan Welcomes Damages Act Coming Into Force

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has today (Wednesday) welcomed the Damages (Asbestos-related Conditions) (Scotland) Act 2009 coming in to force in Scotland.

Mr. McMillan said;

"Today marks history in the process of this Act and a great achievement for all those who have campaigned tirelessly for the rights of pleural plaques and asbestos related conditions sufferers to seek compensation.

"Having campaigned on this issue myself since before becoming elected I know the time and effort groups and individuals such as Clydeside Action on Asbestos and Councillor Kenny MacLaren have put in to get where we are today.

"The Scottish Government should also be commended for their action on this following the absurd House of Lords ruling and it is just another example of the SNP working with the interests of the Scottish people in mind at all times.

"I hope this legislation coming in to force in Scotland will allow sufferers some comfort to know they have the right to seek compensation. I also hope other nations within the UK push forward to overrule the House of Lords on this issue.

"I spoke on a number of occasions in the Scottish Parliament on this Bill and Act and have seen the process through to the end.

I am proud of what the Scottish Parliament has achieved in this Act as it is an example of elected representatives using their power to make a real difference to people’s lives".

McMillan Raises Finance Question in Parliament

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has today (Thursday) raised in the Scottish Parliament the issue of financial support for people who are made redundant or are facing redundancy. This comes on the back of the recent job losses at TSC, Hewlett Packard and the reported loss of 30 jobs at the Royal Bank of Scotland’s mortgage centre in Greenock.

Mr McMillan said;

"These are difficult economic and financial times for constituents who are struggling to pay their bills and it's important that support is readily available for constituents.

"We have recently witnessed a number of redundancies in the Inverclyde area which is disturbing. Therefore, I was keen to know what the Scottish Government is doing to help those people who are facing redundancy or have recently been made redundant.

"Its vital that adequate financial assistance is in place for those who are unfortunately made redundant.

"Therefore I am pleased to hear the Scottish Government are committed to helping those who face redundancy through Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE).

"I would urge people who are feeling the threat of redundancy to contact PACE on free phone 0808 100 1855 or visit www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk/redundancy".

McMillan Calls For Tighter Lending Legislation

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has today supported calls to the UK Government to tighten lending legislation following report from Citizens Advice Scotland highlights the increasing levels of consumer debt in Scotland to legal lenders.

Mr. McMillan supports calls to introduce legislation that would cap interest rates - a policy that has been in use in several European countries.

Mr. McMillan said;

"In Inverclyde Citizens Advice Bureaux is dealing with growing numbers of clients seeking advice on debt repayment and management and if lenders were acting more responsibly in the advice and loans they give out, many people would not be in the difficult debt positions that they now find themselves.

"Unfortunately a significant number of lenders have shown they simply cannot be trusted to behave responsibly. What is clear is consumers need protection from legal lenders as well as from loan sharks.

"It is time for the UK Government to act to cap interest rates – not only for doorstep lenders but for the banks, building societies and store cards charging exorbitant rates and using undue pressure to extract repayments.

"The Scottish Government supports the work of Citizen’s Advice Scotland as it provides help to those facing mounting debts, and is supporting home owners with investment in alternatives to repossession and new proposals to tighten up the law".

McMillan Welcomes Free Carer Health Checks

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP, West of Scotland) has welcomed an offer of free health checks for local people who care unpaid for ill, frail or disabled friends or family members during this year’s Carers Week.

Lloydspharmacy has teamed up with charity Carers Scotland and Carers UK to offer free heart health checks (normally worth £15) to carers from 8th-14th June. The checks include cholesterol, blood pressure and diabetes checks and can are available from Lloydspharmacies in Bearsden and Kirkintilloch.

There are 11,656 carers in East Dunbartonshire and this scheme will allow them to receive vital and necessary health checks.

Mr McMillan said;

"The unpaid care provided to friends and family by carers makes such an important contribution to our society and local communities - we have got to make sure their own health doesn’t suffer as a result.

"Practical initiatives like this partnership between our local Lloydspharmacy and Carers Scotland will help carers to look after themselves, and I would urge carers to take up this excellent opportunity to have their health checked."

Patrick Begley, Director of Carers Scotland said;

"Carers with the heaviest caring responsibilities are twice as likely to suffer ill health as the general public.

"Too often carers suffering from stress, isolation and exhaustion are unable to find time to get checkups and end up ignoring their own health problems to continue to care.

"This offer will allow carers to get their health checked there and then, when they pop into their local Lloydspharmacy."

McMillan Hails European Election Victory

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has hailed the Inverclyde European election results as a massive success for the Scottish National Party.

Winning by 164 votes put the SNP ahead of Labour in the local results.

Mr. McMillan said;

"These are truly spectacular results for the SNP.

"This is fantastic vote of confidence in the SNP Government and a damaging blow to Gordon Brown's frail Labour Government in Westminster.

"While the SNP Government is delivering policies that are helping people all across Scotland Labour in London are floundering with the economy and a Prime Minister who has little support. It's now time for a UK General Election to let people have their say".

McMillan Speaks at Alzheimer Scotland Conference

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has today (Friday) spoken at the Alzheimer Scotland 'Living Positively with Dementia' Conference. Mr McMillan was invited to speak at the conference by Vaughan Jones, Dementia Support & Development Worker, Inverclyde Services. Mr McMillan gave the opening address to the Conference at James Watt College, Waterfront Campus, Greenock.

Mr McMillan said;

"I was delighted to be invited by Inverclyde Services to speak at the 'Living Positively with Dementia' Conference and give the opening address.

"I recently met with Vaughan and others in Inverclyde to discuss the issue of dementia and one of the main topics of discussion was that Scotland does not have a national strategy to deal with dementia.

"Therefore, I was pleased to hear last week from Shona Robison MSP, Public Health Minister that the first national strategy on dementia is on its way.

"This national strategy is vital as the statistics highlight that around 67,000 people in Scotland suffer from dementia and 6,500 new cases are diagnosed each year. The treatment costs for people suffering dementia is some £1.6bn per annum.

"I welcome the working partnership between the Scottish Government, Alzheimer Scotland and the Scottish Dementia Working Group and look forward to witnessing a national strategy on dementia coming into force.

McMillan Secures Meeting with Transport Scotland to Discuss A78 Inverkip

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has today (Friday) received confirmation from Transport Scotland that they are to meet with him to discuss his consultation's of Inverkip and Wemyss Bay villages regarding the A78 Trunk Road. Mr McMillan has written numerous correspondence on behalf of constituents to Transport Scotland about the consultation findings and has been keen to arrange a meeting with the organisation before the A78 Safety Partnership next meets on 30th June in Ayr. The meeting with Transport Scotland will take place on Friday 26th June.

Mr McMillan said;

"I am delighted to have secured a meeting with Transport Scotland to discuss the findings of my consultations in Inverkip and Wemyss Bay.

"This will allow me to represent the views of the constituents who have responded in their hundreds to my consultations.

"Its vital that road safety is looked at on the A78 Trunk Road, especially in the light of recent accidents which have caused large delays for commuters.

"I will be urging Transport Scotland to seriously consider taking forward the views of my constituents and ensuring that the three month review being carried out by Amey is a thorough investigation of road safety on the A78."

McMillan Seeks Parliament Debate on Boundary Proposals

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has today (Tuesday) lodged a Parliamentary motion in the hope that it will secure enough signatures to have a debate in the Scottish Parliament chamber about the boundary proposals at Princes Gate Development, Bishopbriggs.

Mr McMillan said;

"I recently met with residents of Princes Gate development along with Councillor Gordan Low to discuss the boundary proposals and any concerns they may have.

"The residents made me aware that they are completely against the proposals and do not want to see the development move into the Glasgow local authority area.

"I said to the residents I would raise this issue in Parliament and try to gain a members' debate.

"It's important that the views of the residents in Princes Gate development are heard and I hope members from all parties will sign my motion."

McMillan Hands Over Charity Cheque

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has handed over a charity cheque for £50.00 to the Friends of Wemyss Bay Station. 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 Friends of Wemyss Bay Station and hope this will provide some assistance with bringing the station back to its former glories.

"I was pleased to meet with the Friends recently and see their plans for restoring the station.

"Since my first meeting with the Friends of Wemyss Bay Station I lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament congratulating their work.

"I would like to thank Nancy Cameron and others for allowing me to come to the station and handover the charity cheque. I wish them every success for the future and look forward to re-visiting Wemyss Bay Station."