SNP Deputy Leadership

"The SNP have two excellent candidates for Deputy Leader of the party.

"I am supporting Keith Brown MSP for Deputy Leader of the SNP. I am supporting Keith for a number of reasons.

"Firstly, at this time, I believe its important the Deputy Leader is in the Scottish Parliament.

"Secondly, I believe its important our party can reach out to every community. Having our two leaders, who represent vastly differing communities, will I believe continue the progress that has been made on this front.

"Finally, I believe Keith has been an outstanding Government Minister and, I know he will continue this reputation as Deputy Leader."

McMillan “delighted” at Ferguson Ferry Contract

SNP MSP Stuart McMillan has spoke of his delight at the announcement that Ferguson shipyard has won its first ferry building contract since being rescued from closure.

Clyde Blowers Capital - owned by Scottish businessman Jim McColl - bought the yard earlier this month after it went into administration.

It has now secured a £12m contract from the SNP Scottish Government to build a third hybrid ferry for CalMac.

It is understood more details of the deal will be released later this week

The yard has previously built two other hybrid ferries - the MV Hallaig and MV Lochinvar - for CalMac.

Commenting Mr McMillan said:

“I am delighted that the Ferguson Yard has secured this contract. This is fantastic news for the area.

“This contract will boost the local economy, while also helping safeguard the future of shipbuilding on the lower Clyde.

“After what was a testing few weeks for the workforce, this contract will be welcome news to everyone in Inverclyde, and in particular those who are seeking employment in the area.”



Link to BBC story: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-29408021

McMillan Supports Cancer Coffee Morning Campaign

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP) has added his support to Macmillan Cancer Support’s coffee morning and urged people across the west of Scotland to visit a coffee morning over the next week.

It's Macmillan's biggest fundraising event, where they ask people across the UK to hold a coffee morning and raise money for people living with cancer. In 2013, 154,000 people signed up, raising a record £20 million

Stuart McMillan MSP showing his support for Macmillan Cancer Support’s coffee morning at the Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh

Mr McMillan said;

“Macmillan’s coffee mornings are a great fun way to help raise much needed funds to support cancer care.  

“I urge everyone to go along to their nearest event and join in for such a worthy cause”

For more information please visit www.coffee.macmillan.org.uk 

MSP Launches Open Door Surgery

Stuart McMillan MSP has today launched a new open door surgery at his Greenock Parliamentary office.

In addition to his regional wide surgery programme, the Inverclyde based MSP will hold an open door surgery on the second Monday of every month between 11am and 1pm.

Any constituent who wishes to raise an issue with Mr McMillan personally is invited to pop in see him during this time. His office is based at 4 Argyle Street, Greenock.

Any constituent who is housebound or has mobility issues is encouraged to call ahead on 01475 720 930 and alternative arrangements can be made to meet with Mr McMillan.



Commenting the SNP MSP said:



“While my office door is always open to any constituent who requires my assistance, it is also very important that I make myself personally available to those who wish to meet with me directly.

“Some constituents are not always able to make one of my regional surgeries and therefore I hope this additional open door surgery can help with that.

“As a Member of the Scottish Parliament I am here to help and offer advice.

“So whether it is by email, phone, letter or by visiting my surgeries or office, please do not hesitate to contact me with any issues I may be able to assist with or indeed represent.”

McMillan Comments on Flying Phantom News

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP) has today (Tuesday) welcomed the news that Clydeport have pleaded guilty to a series of health and safety breaches in-relation to the capsizing of the Flying Phantom vessel.

A Marine Accident Investigation Branch found that the crew on the Flying Phantom had been unable to disconnect the tow line linking it to the larger cargo vessel quickly enough to prevent sinking.

Mr. McMillan said:

“I welcome this development in the investigation into the tragic circumstances surrounding the capsizing of the Flying Phantom vessel.

“My thoughts go out to the families who lost loved ones and I hope the news that the port operate have admitted health and safety breaches is of some comfort to those who have been affected.”

Comments on Referendum Result

Stuart McMillan MSP was back at his desk today in his Greenock Parliamentary office, working hard to represent his constituents. However, he did take some time to analyse the last few days.



Reflecting on the referendum result, the SNP MSP said:



"With the referendum over it is back to the day job, which is to represent my constituents and help them in any way I can.

"We also have a job to do in holding the Westminster elite and more importantly the Labour Party to account and make sure they deliver more powers in the very short timetable they promised.

"In the last few days the membership of the SNP has increased dramatically and is continuing to do so every minute. We now have over 35,000 members in Scotland, larger than any other party.

"We also have an abundance of political talent waiting to take over the leadership when our First Minister Alex Salmond stands down in November.

"This is in stark contrast to the Labour Party, especially in Scotland, who have no leadership and absolutely no emerging talent ready to step up to the mantle.

"Historic Labour voters feel let down by them and are coming to the SNP in their thousands. This is no different here in Inverclyde.

"Although the Inverclyde local authority area voted No by less than 1%, the Greenock and Inverclyde Parliamentary constituency backed independence.

"This must be deeply worrying for New Labour in Scotland and also in Inverclyde.

"The people of Inverclyde feel let down by Labour and Westminster, the result here in Inverclyde proves that.”

McMillan Highlights RBS Confirmation that “No Intention” to Move Operations or Jobs

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP) has highlighted a letter from the Chief Executive of the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) that the bank has no intention of moving operations or jobs from Scotland following a Yes vote in next week’s referendum.

Mr. McMillan said:

“The confirmation from the chief executive of RBS that they have no plans to move operations or jobs from Scotland following a Yes vote is a very welcome.  It brings a measure of much-needed common sense to the debate.

“It is clear from the chief executive’s letter to staff that the bank is totally committed to a long-term future in Scotland.”

Below is the full text of the letter from RBS chief executive Ross McEwan to staff:

Dear colleagues

We have today made a statement to the market (see below), providing information on our contingency planning in the event of a Yes vote in next week's referendum on Scottish independence. As you will have seen over the last twenty four hours, other Scottish headquartered financial institutions have made public statements about their intentions. This served to fuel media speculation about our own plans, and in those circumstances, it became necessary for us to update the market on aspects of our contingency planning. 

It is my view as Chief Executive that any decision to move our registered headquarters should have no impact on everyday banking services used by our customers in Scotland and the rest of the British Isles. This is a technical procedure regarding the location of our registered head office. It is not an intention to move operations or jobs.

Our current business in Scotland, including the personal and business bank, IT and operations, human resources and many other functions, are here because of the skills and knowledge of our people, and the sound business environment. So far, I see no reason why this would change should we implement our contingency plans.

It is always my aim to ensure we inform our staff about such issues at the earliest opportunity. I know many of you will have already heard about this first in the media. My apologies for that, on this occasion this was unavoidable.

Over the next week, and beyond, we will continue to update you whenever appropriate. 

Ross McEwan 

Chief Executive