MSP and Ward Councillor Welcome Repainting & Rebranding of Inverclyde Stations

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) and ward Councillor Jim Grieve have today (Tuesday) welcomed the news from ScotRail that repainting and rebranding work at Bogston and Cartsdyke stations is scheduled to be carried out in June and be completed in time for the Tall Ships.

Mr McMillan received the news in a response letter from ScotRail Deputy Managing Director.

The Tall Ships event takes place from Saturday 9th to Tuesday 12th July 2011.

Mr McMillan said;

"I am pleased to know that ScotRail will be undertaking the necessary repainting and rebranding work at both Bogston and Cartsdyke stations.

"The Tall Ships is an important event in the Inverclyde calendar.

"Therefore, I look forward to seeing the work being carried out at both stations as this will provide a positive platform with which to showcase all that Inverclyde has to offer."

Cllr Grieve said;

"I am delighted that Scotrail are improving both Bogston and Cartsdyke stations.

"In particular the ramp at Bogston station will make it more accessible for people attending the Tall Ships.

"I believe we all wish for the Tall Ships to be accessible to all sections of the community and this improvement works helps."

McMillan Comments on Gourock-Dunoon Ferry Decision

SNP MSP, Stuart McMillan, today urged residents to use the Gourock-Dunoon ferry service awarded to Argyll Ferries (part of Caledonian MacBrayne) to ensure it can surpass local expectations as the long running saga neared its end.

Stuart McMillan said;

“I am happy the issue has been resolved and with the best service possible, although I share local disappointment that a passenger and vehicle service is not possible.

“I hope Caledonian MacBrayne is able to reassure workers on the service as soon as possible and that we can now see the focus move from how we link Gourock and Dunoon to making sure both communities get the most from that link.”

McMillan Raises Parliamentary Motion on Cuts to Welfare Spending

SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT

MOTION

Date of Lodging: 23 May 2011

Short Title: Cuts to Welfare Spending

S4M-00083 Stuart McMillan (Scottish National Party): That the Parliament notes with concern plans by the UK Government to cut £9 billion from the benefits budget over the Comprehensive Spending Review period, including over £2 billion from Disability Living Allowance and over £1 billion from employment and support allowance; considers that these cuts will have a direct affect on many disabled people in Scotland, potentially depriving tens of thousands of vital financial support to meet the extra costs that they face and to support them as they prepare for work; acknowledges the views of RNIB Scotland, which argues that this will disproportionately affect the chances of people with disabilities, including people with sight loss, to lead independent lives, and therefore urges the UK Government to review the savings to be delivered by measures contained in the Welfare Reform Bill and maintain essential support for blind, partially-sighted and other disabled people.

First Minister Alex Salmond with his SNP Team

McMillan Welcomes First Minster's Comments on Minimum Pricing

Stuart McMillan MSP SNP has today (Wednesday) welcomed the comments of newly re-elected First Minister, Alex Salmond MSP, who has stated the SNP Government will re-introduce legislation on minimum unit pricing on alcohol.

The SNP Government continue to argue that introducing a minimum price of 45p per unit would have significant health and social benefits for the people of Scotland. Minimum pricing was voted down by opposition parties in the previous Parliamentary session.

Mr. McMillan said;

"I welcome the comments of the newly re-elected First Minister that this SNP Government, with a mandate to deliver for the people of Scotland, will re-introduce legislation on minimum unit pricing on alcohol.

"It was disappointing in the last Parliament session that opposition MSP's voted minimum pricing down even in the face of overwhelming support from the health community and police.

"No longer can it be appropriate and justifiable for alcohol to be cheaper to purchase than bottled water.

"Therefore, I look forward to voting in favour of introducing a minimum unit price on alcohol in this Scottish Parliamentary session."

McMillan Seeks ‘Local Hero’

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) is asking his constituents to nominate their 'Local Hero', who will take part in the riding procession to the Scottish Parliament in the Royal Mile on Friday 1 July, alongside MSPs, schoolchildren, religious leaders and prominent Scots.

Before the riding takes place the fourth session of the Scottish Parliament will be marked by Her Majesty The Queen addressing newly elected members of the parliament.

In the afternoon, the Scottish Parliament will open its doors to guests and members of the public with an Open Day, free tours and musical performances to showcase young Scottish talent.

All Members of the Scottish Parliament are invited to select a local hero from their area to come to Holyrood to take part in the riding, ensuring it reflects Scotland's achievements and aspirations.

'Local heroes' are people nominated by MSPs in recognition of the important contribution which they have made to the lives of other people living in Scotland either locally or nationally. This can be someone who has made a contribution that has been largely unrecognised thus far: for example, someone who has given long term service to a school or community project in Inverclyde.

Upon seeking such nominations Mr McMillan said;

"I would be delighted if constituents would get in touch with me with nominations of anyone they feel deserves to represent the West of Scotland as our 'local hero'.

"The opening ceremony is an exciting day and the atmosphere is one of celebration, so it is only fitting that I invite some from Inverclyde to be celebrated alongside MSPs.

"This an historic time in the Scottish Parliament and I am sure it will be an unforgettable day for everyone taking part.

"It is a great opportunity for someone who has worked tirelessly on behalf of others in the community to get the recognition they deserve. I look forward to receiving these nominations.

Nominations for a 'Local Hero' Inverclyde must be sent to Stuart McMillan MSP, Unit 27, Sir James Clark Building, Abbey Mill Business Centre, Seedhill, Paisley, PA1 1TJ by Tuesday 31 May or by e-mailing stuart.mcmillan.msp@scottish.parliament.uk by the same date.

Searchscotland.org interview with Stuart

Scottish tourism website Searchscotland.org has undertaken an interview with Stuart to discuss what the SNP win at the recent Holyrood elections will mean for Scottish tourism.

You can listen to the interview on searchscotland.org by clicking on the following link:
http://tinyurl.com/65nrlf5

MSP and Councillor Raise Tall Ships Issue

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) and Inverclyde Councillor Chris Osborne have today (Friday) highlighted issues surrounding the clean-up of both the Bogston and Cartsdyke train stations in the lead up to the Tall Ships event taking place from Saturday 9th to Tuesday 12th July 2011.

Mr McMillan, after liaising with Councillor Osborne, has written to both Network Rail and ScotRail to ask how they are progressing with making sure Bogston and Cartsdyke Stations are ready for the Tall Ships event.

Last year, Mr McMillan was told that both Cartsdyke Station and Bogston Station are to be rebranded and painted in the run up to the Tall Ships event. This news came in a response letter from Steve Montgomery Managing Director of ScotRail to Mr McMillan.

Mr McMillan said;

"I felt it was important to, once again, write to both Network Rail and ScotRail to highlight concerns which have been raised to both Councillor Osborne and myself regarding making sure Bogston and Cartsdyke Stations are ready for the Tall Ships event.

"It's important we portray Inverclyde in a positive light during this wonderful spectacle. Therefore, any improvements which can be taken at both stations must be done so as this will make the area more visually pleasing to all those coming to Inverclyde for the Tall Ships race.

Cllr Osborne said;

"Both the Cardwell Bay Community Council and the Town Centre Residents Group have raised the state of these two stations and the surrounding areas with me.

The plan is to advise those travelling to Greenock to alight the train at Bogston but it is inevitable that local people will use the Cartsdyke station also. For that reason I would urge both Network Rail and the council to see what can be done to make these stations ready to give the best impression possible to those visiting Inverclyde."

David Cairns

Mr McMillan has issued the following comments following the untimely death of David Cairns MP, Greenock and Inverclyde, at the age of 44:

"I was deeply saddened to hear of the untimely passing of David Cairns and wish to pass my condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.

"Despite our political differences I always found David to be a very warm individual and I had a great respect for him.

"He cared deeply for Inverclyde and he will be sorely missed by everyone across the political divide."

McMillan re-elected

Stuart McMillan has been re-elected to the Scottish Parliament to serve as a Regional Member for the West of Scotland region.