New Drive to Winter-Proof West of Scotland Homes

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) is encouraging people in Inverclyde to take up the Scottish Government's help to winter-proof their homes.

Home Energy Scotland has been set up by the Scottish Government and is a one stop shop for people looking to save energy and lower fuel bills during the winter months. Measures include offering free energy saving gadgets worth £50 in the form of a digital electricity monitor and a stand-by plug which will help households to save, on average, £47 a year on fuel bills and CO2 that would fill 361 wheelie bins.

Mr. McMillan said;

"The range of help available through the Home Energy Hotline include free or discounted insulation, central heating, help to switch to cheaper tariffs and help to ensure people are claiming their full pension and benefit support.

"By offering this help the Scottish Government are once again ensuring people are able to stay warm and keep their bills down this winter. If we see a winter similar to last year this will be a very welcome measure.

"The free energy saving devices and other help will assist households in saving money at a time when everyone is counting the pennies.

"I would encourage anyone in Inverclyde who is unsure of what they can do to call the Home Energy Hotline on 0800 512 012."

McMillan Welcomes News of Cruise Ship Visits to Inverclyde

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Thursday) welcomed the news that nearly 40 cruise ships are scheduled to visit Greenock Ocean Terminal during the cruise ship season in 2011.

The number of cruise ships visiting Inverclyde will mean around 50,000 tourists will frequent the area.

Mr McMillan said;

"I am delighted to hear that around 40 cruise ships will be visiting Inverclyde in 2011.
"This news will be warmly welcomed by local businesses and will give a much needed boost to the local economy.

"With the Tall Ships coming in 2011 it's looking like an excellent year to showcase Inverclyde for it's many positive attributes and cultural heritage it has to offer.

"I will, therefore, continue to talk up Inverclyde and be positive about the area."

Scottish Parliamentary motion by Stuart McMillan MSP -

Short title: Cruise Ships to visit Inverclyde

That the Parliament welcomes the news that nearly 40 cruise ships are scheduled to visit Greenock Ocean Terminal during the cruise ship season in 2011; understands that this number of cruise ships is expected to draw around 50,000 tourists to the Inverclyde area and believes that this can only benefit local businesses and the local economy; notes that 2011 will see the return of the Tall Ships to Inverclyde and that this will be another opportunity to showcase the area and all it has to offer; acknowledges what it considers to be the excellent work Inverclyde Tourist Group undertakes with cruise ship passengers showcasing Inverclyde in a positive light, and wishes them every success when the next lot of visitors come to the area in 2011.

McMillan Seeks Meeting With Minister for Transport Over A78 Trunk Road - Inverkip Junction

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Wednesday) written to the Minister for Transport to seek a meeting regarding the A78 Trunk Road - Inverkip Junction

In his letter, Mr McMillan raises the concerns of constituents who have contacted him regarding the re-painting of the line markings at the junction and the lack of additional signage.

Mr McMillan said;

"I have been inundated with correspondence from constituents who are very concerned that the new road markings have created a change in priority and the work undertaken has made things worse.

"I am very concerned with the way developments have occurred and believe its vital the views of the residents of Inverkip and Wemyss Bay are put forward.

"Therefore, I have written to the Minister for Transport to strongly request that a meeting be arranged at the earliest, most suitable, occasion between him and I in-order for me to convey the deeply felt concerns of my constituents."

McMillan Adds His Support For OYTS in People's Millions

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) and Ambassador for Ocean Youth Trust Scotland (OYTS) has today (Tuesday) added his support to their public vote in the People's Millions contest which is scheduled to take place on 22nd November.

Mr McMillan is encouraging Inverclyde residents to add their support for OYTS by phoning up on the day. The telephone number will be made available on the day of the contest and can be accessed on the People's Millions website and also in the Daily Mirror newspaper of the same day, 22nd November.

Mr McMillan said;

"I would encourage Inverclyde residents to show their support for Ocean Youth Trust Scotland and vote for them in the People's Millions contest on 22nd November.

"As an Ambassador for OYTS I have come to work closely with the staff and volunteers involved in the organisation. They do an excellent job in supporting young people in our community and offering them opportunities to sail on the sea something which many may never have dreamed of.

"Having OYTS based in Inverclyde has been an excellent fit for both the organisation and the area. Therefore, I hope the people of Inverclyde will get right behind their bid to secure the funding they require to allow many more young people the chance of adventure under sail."

McMillan Contacts Constituents and Transport Scotland About A78 Road Safety

Stuart McMillan MSP has contacted constituents and Transport Scotland following a number of issues that have been raised by constituents regarding new line markings at the A78/Inverkip junction.

Stuart commented:

"I cautiously welcome the news from Transport Scotland that temporary signage will be put in place on the A78 - Inverkip Junction to familiarise drivers with the revised layout. However, this is not enough.

"Temporary signage will not assist new home owners and tenants who move into Inverkip once the signs are removed.

"With the possibility of new building occurring at the Inverkip Power Station site its imperative that motorists are aware of the revised layout on the A78 Inverkip Junction.

"Alongside this, temporary signage will not assist any future tourist who comes to the area to visit Kip Marina, for example, when the signs are removed.

"Therefore, I have written again to Transport Scotland asking that they take these comments and concerns into consideration regarding road safety on the A78 Inverkip Junction."

A copy of the letter from Stuart McMillan MSP to transport Scotland is attached below:

Re: A78 – Inverkip Junction

I further write to you in connection with the above subject after being contacted by constituents who have received updates from me regarding improved road safety on the A78.

I am grateful for your response letter dated 1st November 2010 to my letter regarding the safety improvement measures at the Inverkip Junction.

I note from reading your letter that temporary signage will be put in place as a short term measure to familiarise motorists with the revised layout. In relation to this, I would say that temporary signage will not assist new home owners and tenants who move into Inverkip once the signs are removed.

Alongside this, with the possibility of new building occurring at the Inverkip Power Station site its imperative those motorists are aware of the revised layout on the A78 Inverkip Junction.

Finally, temporary signage will not assist any future tourist who comes to the area to visit Kip Marina, for example, when the signs are removed.

Therefore, I would be grateful if Transport Scotland could take on-board my concerns into consideration regarding road safety on the A78 Inverkip Junction.

Yours sincerely

Stuart McMillan MSP

McMillan Signs up to Carers Manifesto Pledge

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has signed up to the Scotland's Carers Manifesto which outlines clear demands for the Scottish elections in May 2011 and presses political parties to commit to support carers.

Mr McMillan signed the pledge, which states ‘Carers are essential to our community and economy’ in the Scottish Parliament.

Mr. McMillan said;

“I have never been in any doubt as to how vital carers are to our local communities in Inverclyde, so I was only too happy to sign up to this pledge.

“The Scottish Government this year published ‘Caring Together: The Carers Strategy for Scotland 2010-2015’, which is a fantastic start in ensuring the Scotland Carers Manifesto pledges are considered fully and implemented as appropriate in the future.

“I also support Carers Rights Day, which takes place on 3 December this year, as a way of highlighting how valuable carers and young carers are to us in providing care for loved ones.

“There can be no price put on a high standard of care and we must ensure that carers throughout Inverclyde are properly provided for themselves”.

Stamp of Approval for Greenock Postmaster

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has congratulated a Greenock postmaster for landing a £25,000 grant from the Scottish Government through the Post Office Diversification Fund.

The fund will help launch new business activities which are built around post offices, given their vital role in supporting communities and local economies. Examples of diversification schemes approved include setting up an internet café and selling local produce.

Mr. McMillan said;

“The Bow Road post office in Greenock is the first in Inverclyde to receive this funding and I hope the story inspires other post offices in the West of Scotland to branch out too.

“The fund itself provides a fantastic opportunity to Scottish post offices to increase their important function which is already at the heart of many communities in the West of Scotland.

“This initiative builds on the Scottish Government’s comprehensive support for small firms in Scotland. Through measures such as the Small Business Bonus Scheme, we have seen small firms supported, including the local post office network, enabling them to go from strength to strength and play their part in building strong and sustainable economic growth.”