McMillan Hosts Inclusion Scotland Parliamentary Reception

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) this week (Wednesday) hosted Inclusion Scotland's ‘Freedom of Information Research into Accessible Housing for Disabled People in Scotland' reception in the Scottish Parliament building. Mr. McMillan was joined by the Housing and Communities Minister Alex Neil MSP. The event was an opportunity to discuss the report and network among invited guests.

Mr McMillan said;

"I was more than delighted to host Inclusion Scotland's Parliamentary reception on their report into Accessible Housing for Disabled People in Scotland and am pleased to say it was an extremely successful event for all concerned.

"This is an important piece of work which highlights responses from 30 of the 32 local authorities who responded back to their Freedom of Information Request on the provision of accessible housing for disabled people they provide.

"Therefore, I would like to commend everyone involved at Inclusion Scotland for producing this report and obtaining the information from local authorities which is now readily available in the public domain.

"I hope with the publication of this report it will allow for the provision of more accessible housing for disabled people throughout the country."

MSP's Welcome National Conversation to Inverclyde

Stuart McMillan MSP and Dr Bill Wilson MSP, (SNP) have today (Thursday) welcomed the news that the National Conversation debate is coming to Inverclyde. The event will take place on Monday 16th November at Port Glasgow Town Hall. The Scottish Government Ministers taking part in the event are Kenny MacAskill MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Rosanna Cunningham MSP, Minister for the Environment.

Mr McMillan said;

"It's great news to hear that the National Conversation debate is coming to Inverclyde as this will give residents the opportunity to quiz Scottish Government Ministers on the constitutional future of Scotland.

"I believe it's vital that as many people as possible engage with Scotland's future and take part in the conversation as ultimately it will be the people of Scotland who decide which path Scotland will take.

"Therefore, I would encourage residents of Inverclyde who have any concerns or thoughts about Scotland's constitutional future to come to Port Glasgow and discuss their views with the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Minister for the Environment."

Dr Wilson said;

"The National Conversation is coming to Inverclyde, and I encourage everyone to make the most of this opportunity.

"The Scottish people will decide the nation's future and this event provides the perfect opportunity for those in Inverclyde to be heard by members of the Scottish Government.

"I hope that the event proves as successful as it has in other towns across Scotland.".

McMillan Welcomes Apprentice Recruitment Support

The news that Scottish businesses are to be offered £2,000 to recruit an apprentice has been welcomed by Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP).

Small and medium size businesses in the manufacturing, textiles, food and drink and energy sectors will be given a £2000 financial incentive by the Scottish Government to take on a new Apprentice.

Mr. McMillan said;

"The ‘Invest in an Apprentice’ scheme is just another example of the SNP Government being committed to doing everything possible to help people in this current economic climate and ScotAction is the Scottish Government's skills support package for providing real financial support to businesses and individuals through the recession.

"Apprentices are vital for Scotland’s economic recovery and I hope small and medium sized businesses in Inverclyde in the manufacturing, textiles, food and drink and energy sectors take advantage of this Scottish Government and European Social Fund incentive of £2,000 to take on a new 16-19 year old apprentice.

"This scheme reinforces the Scottish Government’s action to support Modern Apprenticeships and demonstrates that the SNP is delivering practical help to grow businesses, create jobs and support employment.

"We have a long tradition in the West of Scotland of taking on apprentices and I would emphasize how taking an apprentice on will benefit, not only small and medium sized businesses in Inverclyde, but also offer a fantastic opportunity to the young people in our community".

McMillan Welcomes Commission Ruling on Calmac

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Wednesday) welcomed the news from the European Commission that the ferry service between Gourock and Dunoon town centres can continue – subject to a tendering exercise.

Mr McMillan said;

"I welcome the announcement from the European Commission that a town centre to town centre service between Gourock and Dunoon supporting these two communities can continue.

"Though there still requires to be a tendering process the news that a service can continue is excellent for the residents of both areas as it will maintain a vital link.

"I hope those operators of alternative routes who have repeatedly threatened legal action will accept this decision.

"The decision taken by the European Commission is a strong result for Gourock."

McMillan Offers Support to Lung Cancer Awareness Month

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP, West of Scotland) has today (Tuesday) lent his support to November’s Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Lung Cancer Awareness Month will see groups such as Macmillan Cancer Support and the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation campaigning to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of lung cancer, and promoting the need to seek early diagnosis.

Mr McMillan said;

""While rates of Lung Cancer in Scotland are dropping, it still remains our most common cancer, and the one which causes the most deaths.

"Although it’s often associated with being a ‘smokers’ disease, the fact is that one in six cases are not related to smoking at all.

"A continuing cough, breathlessness, having difficulty swallowing, or experiencing a dull ache or sharp pain when you cough or take a deep breath, can all be early warning signs.

"If someone experiences all or any of these symptoms, they should voice their concerns to their GP. If there’s nothing wrong, you have piece of mind. If something is amiss, the faster it can be treated, the better."

McMillan Welcomes New Jobs at TSC Site

Mr McMillan has commented on the news that SKY are to introduce some 200 jobs at the TSC site in Greenock.

Mr McMillan said;

"I am delighted to hear the news that the TSC site is to re-open with SKY introducing around 200 jobs.

"It was vital that the building did not lie vacant for a long period of time, especially during this difficult economic period, therefore, SKY brining in much needed jobs to the area is a welcome boost.

"I look forward to seeing the benefits this will bring to Inverclyde and the local workforce."

MSP and Councillor Highlight Council's Lack of Action on Flooding Issue

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Thursday) highlighted Inverclyde Council's lack of action on flooding by publishing a letter he received from the Minister for Environment which states, "There has not been any correspondence with Inverclyde Council for some years". The Minister was responding to correspondence from Mr McMillan asking what advice Inverclyde Council sought from the Scottish Government/Scottish Executive.

Mr McMillan said;

"I am very disappointed to hear that Inverclyde Council have not contacted or sought advice from the Scottish Government on how to tackle flood prevention for some years.

"I have argued for sometime now that its vital action is taking to address the flooding problems we face in Inverclyde. No longer can we allow a repeat of the scenes witnessed throughout Inverclyde and especially in the east end of Greenock last December.

"The Council have created a Flood Action plan, nevertheless, its important this is acted upon and the working group includes all relevant parties to tackle flood prevention in Inverclyde."

Councillor Grieve said;

"I am disappointed to hear that Inverclyde Council have not been in correspondence with the Scottish Government for some years.

"It is important that Inverclyde Council leads all relevant authorities and organisations to find practical solutions to tackle flooding in the area."