AMBASSADORS COULD BOOST EXCELLENCE IN SCOTTISH TOURISM

RECOGNITION FOR THOUSANDS WORKING TO CREATE THE SCOTTISH EXPERIENCE

Scotland should set up a network of ambassadors in our tourism and cultural industries to improve the profile of working in hospitality, tourism and entertainment, improve standards and reward excellence.

The idea to recognise Scotland's ambassadors across the country has been put forward by SNP MSP and Tourism committee member Stuart McMillan in a letter to the Minister for Tourism.

"This weekend thousands of people will take part in one of Scotland's major tourist attractions, working to make our Hogmanay celebrations an internationally renowned success. Everyone of those people has the potential to be an Ambassador for Scotland.

So much of the impression people have of Scotland is down to the service they receive and the people they meet and I want to see Scotland build on the best of what is on offer.

Too often we think of promoting Scotland as a job for tourist bodies, government agencies or fancy diplomats. In fact we all have a part to play. Everyone working in our hotels, bars and restaurants, hosting events at our theatres and concert halls or in our museums and tourist venues is an ambassador for Scotland.

There should be wider recognition across the whole range of industries and spheres that play a part in our tourism and cultural life of the efforts people put in and of the high standards and achievements across Scotland. And there should be better sharing of knowledge and information so anyone in any part of the tourist industry is able to represent what's best about Scotland.

Recognising the best efforts of people around the country from receptionists or cleaners in our hotels who make our visitors feel welcome, to our top chefs, our tour guides or the bands on the big stages in Edinburgh and Glasgow this Hogmanay would build pride in the experience Scotland offers to the world.

We are all Scotlandâ's front of house and are an essential part of the image we portray to the world.

I believe we can and should do more to improve levels of excellence, to raise the profile of our tourist industry in all its forms and to recognise the real difference individuals can make to people's impression of Scotland. I have written to the Tourism Minister proposing the establishment of a network of Ambassadors for Scotland to ensure we are all offering the best possible experience to visitors from overseas."

Dear Jim

As a passionate advocate of Scotlandâ's tourism industry and the experience we offer to the rest of the world I am writing to ask you to look into the idea of establishing a network of ambassadors for Scotland.

Everyone in Scotlandâ's tourism and indeed many other industries is an ambassador for Scotland. So much of the impression people visiting have of Scotland is dependent on the people they meet and service they receive.

I believe it is important that we recognise properly the efforts of those acting as ambassadors in this way, at every level of the industry, but also that we support people in the industry to share their knowledge, improve their skills and be able to offer an even better front of house for Scotland to the world.

This could vary from simple measures such as using tour guides or those with knowledge of an areaâ's history to ensure staff in local hotels and restaurants have the information they need to discuss the areas of interest and the stories behind them. Or that there are opportunities for those in hospitality to experience the cultural offerings they could recommend to tourists at local theatres or concert halls.

Our top chefs could, as ambassadors, not only promote as many do â Scotlandâ's fantastic produce â but provide masterclasses for others involved in hospitality. While our leading bands and artists could be supported to team up with the tourist industry and promote Scotland at home and abroad â something which I am aware happens particularly with traditional music from the US and Canada.

There are many people involved in Scotlandâ's front of house and many ideas as to how we can inspire the best possible standards of service across the country. I believe recognising and rewarding the best at all levels is a key part of building pride in the industry and those employed within it and that a programme such as ambassadors for Scotland offers that opportunity.

I would be keen to discuss this with you in the future and to work with the government and tourist industry to look at how we could take such an idea forward. With key events of the Commonwealth games and Ryder cup putting Scotland on the world stage again I believe we must do all we can to ensure that every part of the experience we offer visitors is an excellent experience of Scotland.

Yours sincerely

Stuart McMillan, MSP
West of Scotland.

McMillan Welcomes Fair Water Charging for Scotland

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Wednesday) welcomed the announcement from Scottish Water that combined water and waste water service charges will remain steady for households across Scotland during 2011/2012.

Mr McMillan said;

"In these financially difficult times this is good news for hard pressed families and shows that the Scottish Government has been overseeing our public finances effectively.

"With plans to deliver a council tax freeze these charges will be a welcome relief to many families and households.

"Every little helps and all households will feel the benefit of improved services at reduced prices.

"The Scottish Government is doing its best to assist householders in these difficult times and today’s water charges by Scottish Water underscore that hard work."

Notes;

Scottish Water release -

Scottish Water Household Charges Held

21 December 2010

Scottish Water’s combined water and waste water service charges will remain steady for households across Scotland during 2011/2012.

Annual council tax bills which will be delivered through letter boxes in the next few months will include combined water and waste water service charges that come into effect from April 2011.

The average water charge for households across Scotland in 2011/12 will continue to be around £324.

Although charges in England and Wales have not yet been set the average household charge in Scotland is expected to continue to be less than the average household bill in England and Wales and lower than the average in most of the companies south of the border. It is also considerably lower than other utility charges.

This is the third year running that Scottish Water’s household charges have remained at this level.

This signals continued stability in water and waste water bills for Scotland, at the same time as Scottish Water is delivering one of the largest investment programmes per household in the UK.

Richard Ackroyd, chief executive, said:

“Our customers are increasingly seeing value in the charges they pay and the improved service they are receiving. The quality of our drinking water is the best it has ever been, we are continuing to improve the natural environment of Scotland, leakage is being tackled and our customer service is being improved.

“We believe these charges are a fair deal for our customers in these challenging economic conditions.

“These charges are helping to pay for the current £2.5 billion investment programme which is delivering the investment that Scotland needs in its water infrastructure while providing thousands of construction jobs. Millions of people are turning on their taps to clearer, fresher drinking water, a cleaner environment and improved customer service as a result.

“We are working hard to ensure that in the next few years, charges remain steady while we continue to deliver vital investment.”

McMillan Visits Children & Staff at Port Glasgow Nursery to see Christmas Tree

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) on Friday 17th December visited Tree Tops Community Nursery in Port Glasgow to meet with the children and staff and to also see their Christmas tree in all its sparking decorations and lights.

Mr McMillan had nominated the Christmas tree for Tree Tops Community Nursery after he was given the opportunity to do so by the Forestry Commission whereby he could donate a six foot tree to an organisation of his choosing.

Mr McMillan said;

"It was great to, once again, visit Tree Tops Community Nursery and meet with the children and staff.

"I think they all seem to be delighted with the Christmas tree which has taken pride of place in the nursery.

"I hope everyone at Tree Tops Community Nursery has a Merry Christmas and Santa is good to all the children."

Jools Masterson, Nursery Manager, Tree Tops Community Nursery said;

"The parents and children absolutely delighted with the Christmas tree.

"Tree Tops Community Nursery Company Ltd by Guarantee with Charitable Status would like to say a special thanks Stuart McMillan MSP for donating the Christmas Tree to our organization.

MSP Concerned with Proposed Coastguard Cuts

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has voiced his concerns over the plans announced by the UK Government – which could see Scotland left with only one coastguard station manned 24 hours a day.

The Department of Transport have announced a consultation on modernisation of Coastguard Services proposing the establishment of one Maritime Operations Centres, located at Aberdeen, with a sub-centre based in either Stornoway or Shetland operating during daylight hours. In all, the proposals from the UK Government will see the number of maritime co-ordination centres cut from 18 to 8.

Mr McMillan said;

"These cuts being proposed by the UK Government put saving money ahead of saving lives, and are a totally irresponsible step.

"The scale of these cuts seems entirely arbitrary and it is outrageous that the UK Government has tried to sneak out this announcement, which could have a major consequences in terms of jobs and maritime cover, especially in the Inverclyde area where we have the Clyde Coastguard (Clyde MRCC) based at the Navy Buildings in Greenock.

"I have written numerous letters to the previous Labour UK Government and have also written to the present Con/Dem coalition over their proposals for Navy Buildings in Greenock but the response I have received every time has been less than satisfactory. They seem to be invoking delay tactics on making a decision about the Navy Buildings.

"It's vital the UK Government listen to the many concerns which are being voiced about these proposed cuts and think twice about implementing them as it will have serious consequences for safety and jobs."

Scottish Parliamentary motion by Stuart McMillan MSP;

S3M-07619.1 Stuart McMillan (West of Scotland) (Scottish National Party): Coastguard Centre Cuts— As an amendment to motion S3M-7619 in the name of Alasdair Allan (Coastguard Centre Cuts), insert at end ", and considers that the proposed reduction in coastguard centres will have a direct impact on maritime safety on the River Clyde, where the Clyde Coastguard is currently based at the Navy Buildings in Inverclyde, and that any cuts will thus have a detrimental effect on the local economy and employment”.

Short Title: Coastguard Centre Cuts

S3M-07619 Alasdair Allan (Western Isles) (SNP): That the Parliament notes with concern the public consultation document launched by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency that envisages what are believed to be drastic reductions in the number of maritime operations centres in the United Kingdom; notes that the proposed reductions would leave only two 24-hour centres operating, based in Aberdeen and in Southampton/Portsmouth; further notes that these would be supported by seven sub-centres and only one would be in Scotland at either Shetland or Stornoway; notes that this would result in the five operations centres in Scotland being reduced to two; believes that this raises serious questions about the future operation of the coastguard given that centres will now be covering what it considers to be such huge areas and that this has clear implications for many members of staff, *and believes that these proposals require to be rethought.*

# - Members’ Business

McMillan Raises Support for Retailers with Minister

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP) and Member of the Scottish Parliament Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee has today (Thursday) in the Scottish Parliament chamber raised, with the Minister for Enterprise, the issue of financial assistance provided by the Scottish Government to retailers, throughout Scotland, with the aim of creating jobs, supporting the local economy and bolstering tourism.

Mr McMillan said;

"With severe financial restrictions being placed upon the Scottish budget, by the UK Government, I was keen to know what guarantees the Scottish Government is providing to online businesses trying to promote economic growth and opportunities in Inverclyde and the west of scotland .

"It’s vital that during these difficult economic times the Scottish Government continues to support and offer assistance to retailers where possible.

"These retailers are the life blood of many communities as the provide local employment opportunities which supports the economy.

"Therefore, I hope the Scottish Government continues to recognise the importance of our local retailers and their role in society."

McMillan Highlights Winter Resilience

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has spoken out on Inverclyde’s reaction to the ongoing snowy conditions.

During a debate in the Scottish Parliament on winter resilience Mr. McMillan spoke of his own experiences and that of others in Inverclyde affected by the snow.

Following the debate Mr. McMillan said;

"I was keen to highlight my experiences both growing up in Port Glasgow and currently where I live in Greenock.

"I know that compared to others last week I got off extremely lightly with my travel plans to Parliament but I empathise with those caught out by the heavier than expected snow fall.

"Inverclyde was by no means the only local authority who gave an initial poor response to the conditions and in their defence the sheer volume of snow in such a short space of time was extremely difficult to contend with.

"I hope that the snow forecast for this week and continuing over the festive period will be dealt with more swiftly in Inverclyde and across the country and in a more appropriate manner, I certainly know that the new Transport Minister, Keith Brown MSP, is doing everything he can to keep on top of the situation.

"The Scottish Government have worked up a six-point plan in how to deal with such a situation again and I know this will go a long way to alleviate any potential problems if we all play our part in keeping Inverclyde safe this winter."

ENDS

Note to Editors:

Measures in the Scottish Government's six-point plan include:

- Storing additional salt and grit at key locations on the national trunk road network for quicker access

- Using traffic management resources to enable diversions where necessary

- Further improving the Operating Companies resources by adapting vehicles, such as landscaping vehicles, for clearing snow

- Using the option of removing trunk road and motorway central barriers to allow easy access to blocked or broken down vehicles

- Working with the Police to consider how we can stack HGVs if conditions deteriorate in order to keep traffic moving

- Providing central Scotland's Trunk Road Incident Support Service (TRISS) emergency response vehicles with welfare kits of blankets and supplies

Stuart McMillan MSP's speech can be found in full here from 8.30am on Friday 17 December: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/officialReports/index.htm

McMillan Speaks up for Damages Bill

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has spoken in the Scottish Parliament during a private members bill on Damages.

The Bill aims to go further than previous legislation and implement the recommendations of the Scottish Law Commission in its report entitled Damages for Wrongful Death (Scottish Law Commission 2008).

During the debate Mr. McMillan said;

"Although I'm not a member of the Justice Committee anymore, I did sign the proposal for the bill after meeting with Bill Butler some months ago and have been keeping an eye on the progress of the bill through the committee.

"I am keen to ensure that members of the public can have confidence in this Parliament and its course of action in dealing with Damages issues.

"I will be voting for the bill to proceed but for the good of the bill and what it is purporting to do, it does need to answer the many points that have been raised in evidence for it to be a thoroughly useful addition to the statute book.

Following the passing at Stage one of the Bill, Mr. McMillan said;

"The areas I would be keen to see tackled are in ensuring that claimants obtain damages with little delay and ensuring that equitable damages awards are fair for those paying out.

"I hope that these issues will be addressed during the subsequent stages of the Bills progress, which I will continue to monitor and will take a keen interest in any amendments made to it."

McMillan Welcomes Skills Funding for Inverclyde

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has welcomed £821,532 of funding for Inverclyde as part of the Scottish Government's national skills development programme to strengthen Scotland's workforce.

A total of £168 million will be invested with the STUC, organisations within the third sector, Community Planning Partnerships, Skills Development Scotland and the Scottish Funding Council all contributing.

The organisations will all be involved in the delivery of the strategic skills programme which fits with the Scottish Government's Skills Strategy and Economic Recovery Programme.

Mr. McMillan said;

"This funding is a fantastic boost to support the unemployed, low paid workers and people from deprived areas by engaging them in training through to on-the-job assistance and skills development.

"Despite a cut in Scotland's budget the Scottish Government recognises the need to keep lifelong learning and skills development high on the agenda.

"The employability learning network helps promote and supports strong local partnership working. Therefore, this funding builds on that success and recognises that resources can be used more effectively if directed in a collaborative way.

"I know that the £821,532 being delivered to Inverclyde will play a crucial role in reducing unemployment, strengthening workforces and improving productivity and economic growth, which in turn contributes to boosting the local Inverclyde economy as well as Scotland's financial stability."

McMillan Welcomes Measures To Keep Scotland Moving

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Tuesday) welcomed the announced from the new Transport Minister of a six-point plan to boost communication and keep Scotland moving during the winter months.

The six-point plan was announced as it was revealed that a special multi-agency group will be established in the event of severe weather which will include representatives for Scotland's eight Police forces, the trunk road Operating Companies, Transport Scotland and ScotRail. The group will operate from Traffic Scotland's Traffic Control Centre in Glasgow.

Measures include:

* Storing additional salt and grit at key locations on the national trunk road network for quicker access

* Using traffic management resources to enable diversions where necessary

* Further improving the Operating Companies resources by adapting vehicles, such as landscaping vehicles, for clearing snow

* Using the option of removing trunk road and motorway central barriers to allow easy access to blocked or broken down vehicles

* Working with the Police to consider how we can stack HGVs if conditions deteriorate in order to keep traffic moving

* Providing central Scotland's Trunk Road Incident Support Service (TRISS) emergency response vehicles with welfare kits of blankets and supplies

Mr McMillan said;

"The announcement from the Transport Minister of a six-point plan to bring a special multi-agency group together, in the aim of affectively tackling future weather conditions throughout Scotland, is to be welcomed.

"It's important to recognise that Scotland has recently faced extraordinary and exceptional weather conditions which have put a major strain on our infrastructure.

"Therefore, it's important that lessons are learned and the public are given the necessary information, at a timely interval which I hope this announcement will lead to."

MSP stands for human rights

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) and Member of the Scottish Parliament Equal Opportunities Committee has shown his support for human rights by supporting Amnesty International's 'Scotland Stands for Human Rights' campaign.

Everyone in Scotland is protected and supported by a commitment to human rights. This commitment was written into the Scotland Act and is binding on the Scottish Government and Parliament.

Human rights are what every human being needs to live a healthy, fulfilled life and participate in society. They now underpin Scotland's standing as a compassionate, inclusive place.

Mr McMillan, holding the Amnesty International placard in the Scottish Parliament building, said;

"I was delighted to add my support to Amnesty International's 'Scotland Stands for Human Rights' campaign.

"People have the right to live a healthy, fulfilled life without worry or intimidation. Whether the human rights deal with children in education or care for the elderly, we have a duty to work towards improving the rights of our citizens.

"Therefore, It's important that people throughout Scotland recognise this campaign and add their full support."

McMillan Welcomes Recruitment of New Police Officers

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has welcomed the confirmation that 100 new police officer are to be recruited by Strathclyde Police, putting more bobbies on the beat in Inverclyde.

The figures confirm the SNP Government has surpassed its manifesto commitment to increase police numbers by 1000.

Mr. McMillan said;

"I am delighted that Strathclyde police has already recruited an additional 560 officers since 2007 and this new batch of officers will boost the patrol on the streets significantly.

"Despite cuts by the UK Government to the Scottish budget the SNP has ensured that police numbers are protected.

"The SNP Government will not allow the police service in Scotland to suffer as a result of unprecedented and unwelcome Westminster cuts.

"It is great news that police boards and Chief constables are re-opening recruitment as a result of a funding deal from the Scottish Government and I have no doubt that this will benefit Inverclyde immensely."

MSP Praises Work of Royal Mail Staff

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has praised the work of Royal Mail staff during a recent visit to the Inverclyde Delivery Office.

Mr McMillan had been invited to tour the Greenock depot to see, first-hand, how staff were dealing with the Christmas delivery rush and also coping with the current adverse weather conditions.

Mr McMillan said;

"I'm full of praise for the commitment and effort of all the Royal Mail staff at the Greenock depot.

"Witnessing the sheer volume of mail and parcels at the depot put it into perspective the amount of work these people undertake in making deliveries throughout Inverclyde and beyond.

"The adverse weather conditions are making their job much tougher but speaking to some of the workers I was in no doubt that they are committed to making their deliveries.

"I wish them all every success for the future."

Home Energy Hotline Extends Hours

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has welcomed news that the Scottish Government's Home Energy Hotline is now open weekdays from 8am until 8pm and on Saturday between 9am and 5pm.

The Hotline to help households winter-proof their homes will be operating an extended hours service while the country remains in the grip of the biggest snow fall for over 40 years.

An army of energy doctors have been delivering advice on how to keep homes warm, avoid frozen pipes and lower fuel bills to 1,500 callers a day since weather conditions deteriorated.

Mr. McMillan said;

"It is imperative to ensure people are getting the best help and advice possible just now.

"We don't really know how long this cold spell will last so it is important that people are able to make decisions about snow-proofing their homes now.

"As well as getting practical advice, households in Inverclyde can find out if they qualify for free or discounted insulation, more efficient heating, draught-proofing devices, cheaper fuel prices from existing suppliers and help to claim full pension and tax credit support.

"The aim is to make sure people are getting absolutely the best help and advice to keep their homes warm without paying a fortune. An average saving of around £100 a year can be made by switching energy supplier, while many can save with their existing supplier just by changing tariff or paying by direct debit.

"The team are in place and willing to help on 0800 512 012 or www.homeenergyscotland.gov.uk."

Home Energy Hotline Extends Hours

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has welcomed news that the Scottish Government's Home Energy Hotline is now open weekdays from 8am until 8pm and on Saturday between 9am and 5pm.

The Hotline to help households winter-proof their homes will be operating an extended hours service while the country remains in the grip of the biggest snow fall for over 40 years.

An army of energy doctors have been delivering advice on how to keep homes warm, avoid frozen pipes and lower fuel bills to 1,500 callers a day since weather conditions deteriorated.

Mr. McMillan said;

"It is imperative to ensure people are getting the best help and advice possible just now.

"We don't really know how long this cold spell will last so it is important that people are able to make decisions about snow-proofing their homes now.

"As well as getting practical advice, households in Inverclyde can find out if they qualify for free or discounted insulation, more efficient heating, draught-proofing devices, cheaper fuel prices from existing suppliers and help to claim full pension and tax credit support.

"The aim is to make sure people are getting absolutely the best help and advice to keep their homes warm without paying a fortune. An average saving of around £100 a year can be made by switching energy supplier, while many can save with their existing supplier just by changing tariff or paying by direct debit."

The team are in place and willing to help on 0800 512 012 or http://www.homeenergyscotland.gov.uk/.

Notes

Home Energy Scotland is the one stop shop from the Scottish Government, offering information on all Scottish Government home energy initiatives and help and expert advice on how to save energy and money in the home.

The Scottish Government has activated its Ready Winter section of the Scottish Government website which contains practical advice and simple steps for people including weather and travel advice http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Justice/public-safety/ready-scotland

For more information about Consumer Focus Scotland's Energy Best Deal Scotland campaign and benefits from switching tariff or supplier, visit http://www.consumerfocus-scotland.org.uk/

McMillan Welcomes Community Service Snow Clearing

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has welcomed the news that community service teams in Inverclyde are clearing snow covered paths and roads.

Offenders in Inverclyde continue to pay back the community during the wintry weather having already completed 220 hours worth of path and road clearing to a number of Elderly Day Care Centres.

Mr. McMillan said;

"Having switched from their usual community clean-up work such as cleaning graffiti and restoring fallen gravestones these low level offenders are doing a great service to their community during these dangerous conditions.

"Work is being carried out to clear the snow to allow residents to get out and about safely when many would be stuck indoors.

"I would join Justice Secretary, Kenny MacAskill, in reminding all local authorities of the valuable source of labour which is available to help with winter emergency work.

"I raised this issue previously with the Justice Secretary and the First Minister recently in the chamber and am pleased to see the scheme making a real difference to communities across Scotland.

"During discussions I have had with Inverclyde Council on the work of community service orders I have requested they consider using offenders to undertake meaningful work in the community for example clearing culverts and snow. I am pleased the latter has proved fruitful and I will continue my campaign to ensure such worthwhile work is carried out by those serving community service orders.

"We are experiencing the worst snowfall at this time of year in Scotland since 1965 so it is good to see the country pulling together to make sure everyone is kept safe, warm and well equipped.

"Whether it is the army of gritters and snowploughs on our roads, our police and rescue services aiding those in need, or the caring neighbour, everyone is working above and beyond the call of duty to keep Inverclyde moving and our essential services open.

"This is a great example of a council responding quickly and using the available labour power from offenders on community service. These offenders are carrying out manual labour, shovelling snow, laying grit and clearing the streets during the severe conditions, and repaying their dues to the community".