Holyrood Matters

SNP DELIVERING FOR THE HIGHLANDS

2011-02-25T14:10:00.001Z

John O'Groat Journal

25 February 2011

After being trailed several times as the threatened cuts to education services in the Far North the blockbuster closures have been fleshed out now by the LibDem-led Highland Council administration. Their wish to close and amalgamate primary schools is a council-wide priority but one that starts far from Inverness. But I believe that its ‘review’ of schools in Caithness must take as a first principle the pupils' educational needs not cost-cutting. Why is it that only in tough times do school closures loom?

I am working with my council colleagues from all over the Highlands to make it clear to the LibDem, Labour and Independent administration once again that the SNP will be watching them to ensure that they follow Scottish Government policy regarding rural schools and curriculum delivery. This wish-list of school closures would decimate rural Caithness and some town primaries too. It is to be considered by Councillors for the first time after the May Scottish election.

I also think it is vitally important to update you on the SNP position on the administration’s proposal to ‘cease provision of Classroom Assistants in the Primary Sector’. In case you did not know, on the eve of the full Council meeting of just over a fortnight ago, the Lib Dem led administration, without any reference to the opposition, advised the media that they had abandoned their proposal to dispense with the valuable services of three hundred and forty-four classroom assistants.

Whilst many families and employees of the Council took some comfort from this media coverage it is the SNP’s view that this summary was a cruel deception.

The very clear position of the administration is that they remain committed to making the saving identified in respect of classroom assistants and LibDem Councillors Foxley and Alston are both on record as advising that ‘there will be job losses in the Primary sector’.

At the full Council Meeting, the SNP Group proposed the retention of all 344 posts. It proposed funding this from the Council’s £12.957million reserves which, in turn, would be replenished, on an ongoing basis, from savings on energy resulting from the roll-out of the new IT equipment.

Those savings were reported to the Climate Change Working Group on 3rd February 2011 as being £900,000 and despite some scepticism by the administration about ‘locating the savings’, the Resources Committee on 16th February heard confirmation that savings would be made in this coming financial year.

It is a source of real disappointment that, for overtly party political reasons the administration was completely unwilling to consider our proposal, which would have saved all 344 posts, and moved their decision to shed posts in the Primary sector until after the Scottish Parliamentary election in May.

The SNP Highland Council Group recognises the need to continually review what the Council does. However, it remains totally opposed to any loss of classroom assistants, a stance with which I totally agree. These assistants have proved great support for teachers in making the Curriculum for Excellence a reality. We do not and will not support the pre-determined ‘review’, of the Highland Council administration, the stated outcome of which will be ‘job losses’.

Increasingly I conclude that there is far too little dialogue in detail as to the Council’s budget costs and cash requirements with the council tax payers in order to keep services in place. I think at all ward meeting the public, not just teachers, need to see how the Council’s cash is spent. Let your local councillors know if you want more details!

My travels took me as far afield as Ullapool, Kirkwall and Thurso last week. That’s why good public transport is close to my heart. Also the Caithness Transport Forum is meeting today [Friday 25^th] to review the latest prospects after a hard winter has ripped up our roads and delayed trains and ferries.

The cost of running Northlink and Calmac has been budgeted for by John Swinney and was passed by Holyrood. This will increase from £77.8 million in 2010-11 to £94.4 million in 2011-12. The sharp increase is to be mainly explained by the soaring price of fuel oil which Scotrail’s diesel trains experience as do the bus services. So these shocks are added to the pumps hikes for private motorists after the $100 barrel of Brent crude was passed and VAT increases from 17 ½ % to 20% in January by the London coalition.

At the weekend I became aware of a price hike for bitumen, another oil based product that is the ingredient of our road resurfacing. £80 a tonne is the price for bitumen today for a major local contractor and he is likely to see another rise of 33% next month, just when proper road repairs can begin after the severest frosts pass. We more than ever need the fuel regulator and cap on fuel and oil products in the rural as well as island parts of my vast region. When will Westminster wake up?

Readers will recall what a problem Stagecoach has been on the long distance service to Inverness. I’m getting far too many complaints about insensitive timetable changes from constituents as far afield as Thurso to Evanton and over to Ullapool. When community representatives speak out – as you have to – remind the Inverness manager that Stagecoach receives a hefty subsidy for carrying bus pass holders.

They had better come clean about their commitment to the less profitable routes. It’s not an issue that will go away. However, the bus users of Rosemarkie got a timetabling decision reversed in the favour of their community. It should give heart to all in the North to keep up the pressure to get passenger friendly treatment from such a publicly subsidised bus company.

www.robgibsonmsp.blogspot.com

ROB GIBSON LISTENING ON POLICE REFORM

2011-02-10T12:18:00.001Z

John O'Groat Journal

10 February 2011

I’m sure, readers, that you will be cheered by the latest police statistics. Under this SNP Government recorded crime has fallen to a 32-year low and fire deaths have continued to fall over the long term.

In order to maintain these successes in the face of unprecedented budget cuts, reform is now necessary. However, even without the financial pressures, we would still be looking at structural reform. The current set-up for police and fire boards dates back to the 1970s, and needs to be reviewed for the 21st century. Maintaining the status quo is not an option.

The current configuration of eight police and fire boards dates back to the 1970s. They align with the old regional councils, which were abolished in 1996 and as such have no relevance to the current setup. Indeed the Northern Joint Police and Fire Boards take in four of these council areas.

Lib Dem politicians seem attached to Northern Constabulary. That’s no protection for a local service or making the police accountable. The key to locally accountable policing needs a whole new approach. Yet LibDems have made it clear what they are against change. Why not ensure that all councillors keep an eye on the local police area commanders and their staff? So far LibDem spokespeople refuse to say what they are for. Typical!

Labour’s claim that “where they lead, the SNP follow” is somewhat undermined by the drip-drip of Labour politicians appearing in the press to condemn Iain Gray’s support for a single police force. Meanwhile every councillor could grill the police, not just the one in eight who are appointed to police boards and travel the Highlands and Islands rather a lot.

The Scottish Government and most stakeholders including the Police Federation and Fire Brigade Union within the fire and rescue service have reached a consensus that eight services are not sustainable over the longer term. The Ministerial Advisory Group recommended change to the SNP Government which believes there are significant arguments for a single service, but the SNP will continue to consider all options that can demonstrate long term sustainability.

Significant arguments have been made for a single police service, as recognised

by many others across the political parties. However, we want to consult the people

of Scotland. The Cabinet Secretary, Kenny MacAskill wants to widen the debate and that everyone should have their say. Unlike the Lib Dems, the SNP are determined to put bobbies before boundaries.

Our priority is frontline policing and we continue to meet our one thousand extra officers pledge with 17,371 police officers in Scotland. At 30 September 2010 there were 1,137 more police officers in Scotland than at March 2007. Talk of cuts in police staff numbers and compulsory redundancies are based on speculative estimates of possible funding cuts, put together before the SNP published the current budget for 2011/12 with a settlement of 2.6% reduction in police funding.

There will have to be new ways for the police to investigate misdemeanours so that the process is nationally acceptable. But it could mean that we get a major part of the police structure run from somewhere in the highland area – not necessarily Inverness.

The consultation launched this week presents a range of options for both the fire and police services. These include eight services but with enhanced collaboration; a regional structure with fewer boards; and a single service.

Hard times for public services must not be allowed to overshadow good news. A huge milestone was reached last week with the granting of full status for the University of the Highlands and Islands. I know it is born into difficult circumstance but it can underpin jobs, ideas, careers, young returners to the North and international student intakes to many of its courses.

Thanks are due to the tenacity of many campaigners from the 1930s onwards. However two men in particular set the wheels in motion in 1986. SNP councillor Sandy Lindsay retired from the Aviemore ward and he encouraged his successor Dr Iain Glen to put the creation of a Highland University in his manifesto.

On his election he called for and joined a committee with other councillors including the late Sandy Russell of Kingussie and Cllr Val MacIver of Evanton and others which led to a pact with the Highlands and Islands Development Board. In 1987 the Regional Council and HIDB each pledged £100,000 to kick start the university campaign.

I know it took twenty-five years to arrive at full status but my involvement with the North Highland College and particularly its Environmental Research Institute at Thurso and the Dornoch campus with its Burghfield Hotel School are ground breaking. They deserve a place in the confident future of this collegiate university with campuses scattered from Shetland to Perth.

The most recent fatalities near Castletown were on my mind at the beginning of the TICC committee short enquiry into road safety and young drivers than began this week.

A key witness, Professor Frank McKenna of Reading University, said many campaigns aimed at making young drivers safer were not effective, and could even be counter-productive to their original aim. I asked him about the use of road safety education to influence teenage drivers.

He said: "I think, sadly, the evidence for a great deal of road safety interventions is nil. I think there are all sorts of reasons for that. Road safety is full of well-motivated interventions that are not based on either solid evidence or formal theory.

"When they are assessed often, they have no effects and sometimes they have counter-productive effects."

Prof McKenna said despite enthusiasm for such campaigns among politicians and those who deliver them, they are often not evaluated, and when they are, they are "not effective".

Measures such as increased supervised experience for young drivers and graduated licensing, where the new driver is gradually exposed to more risks, such as night-time driving, had been shown to work. A report will be delivered to Parliament before dissolution in March.

www.robgibsonmsp.blogspot.com

Tackling soaring fuel prices

2011-01-25T14:54:00.000Z

As a Highland MSP I have pledged to bring together Albyn Housing,Scottish and Southern Energy and residents to seek solutions to mountains of debt from electricity bills in so-called affordable homes in Strathpeffer.

Following local press coverage lst weekend I visited residents in Ulladale Crescent, Strathpeffer while campaigning in the village.

I was shocked to read then hear first hand of the debt mountain the heating systems have led to.

I aim to help residents reduce huge bills they pay in houses that are only a few years old.

Rob visits residents in Ulladale Crescent

It is clear to me that a breakdown in communications exists between residents, Albyn housing and the power utility SSE that needs to be mended.

Despite few residents wishing to speak out, there are too many people suffering winter fuel bills that would heat up the sky. Meanwhile they are getting themselves into an electricity and rent debt spiral.

I am trying to set up a round table discussion with all parties. There are residents in many streets in the north and all over Scotland in fuel poverty who need this help. This is happening in the most energy-rich nation in Europe but scots are not yet in control of the revenues. I will focus on Ulladale Crescent, Strathpeffer to try to help but I am seeking information from others in a similar heating bill plight. I hope they will contact me with their stories.

Independence and delivering on promises

2011-01-14T13:10:00.001Z

A week-long independence referendum promises days of hope in this New Year for the people of South Sudan. They are likely to vote strongly in favour of breaking from the Khartoum-based regime. It is mainly peaceful and joyful. Good luck to them and every support will be needed to end years of neglect and harassment. However they are far from resource poor. Major oil concessions have delayed the change but can fuel their recovery.

Hopefully other examples of newly independent states such as Montenegro can get positive recognition by Scots i.e. when you ignore the sour comments of Labour’s Scottish Parliament leader Iain Gray. In the Far North of Scotland we can see even with the bank crisis that Iceland, Faroes and of course Norway are contenders for sustainable nations with large lists of resources to sustain their future.

This news suggests Scots need to think hard about our future and heed the stark choices that the Scottish Parliament election offers on May 5th.

I glanced this week at reports in The Economist publication, The World in 2011, that per capita income at purchasing power parity (PPP) in each of Austria, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and even what it considers to be the much maligned Republic of Ireland is higher than each of France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom. In Norway’s case PPP is 64% higher than in the UK; recognises that the population of each of the more prosperous nations ranges from 4.1 to 9.5 million and that medium-sized nations such as Belgium and the Netherlands and tiny countries such as Iceland, Liechtenstein and Luxembourg all have PPP higher than the five larger nations, each of which has 46 to 83 million inhabitants.

Therefore there is no reason to believe that an independent, resource-rich Scotland could not be as prosperous as so many of our small European neighbours that enjoy less child and pensioner poverty, lower crime levels and better quality of life than in the UK. Unionist politicians must stop decrying other nations and questioning the ability of Scots to successfully run an independent Scotland better than it is run from London.

***

Like many of you I had to fill up with diesel for my car after New Year. What a rip off the VAT hike and petrol prices have become. Costs to us in the North are far higher due to VAT and delivery charges soaring far from the refineries.

When in opposition down south Tory and Lib Dem parties promised to cut soaring fuel prices. At that time the SNP vowed to make the need for a Fuel Duty Regulator and bring down the cost at the pumps. The Coalition in London have stalled, so petrol, diesel and heating fuel costs have to become key Holyrood election issues.

If fuel taxes were cut by 10p per litre in Scotland that would only cost about half of the estimated £1 billion in extra revenue the Treasury is set to rake in as a result of rising oil prices.

I am finding that this is a huge issue on the doorstep and the forecourts. It is a key illustration of why we need to build up Scotland’s Parliament, and equip it with the full powers of financial responsibility.

A Fuel Duty Regulator – which the Tories supported before the election – would bring duty down when oil prices go up. Cutting fuel by 10p per litre in Scotland would only cost about half of the estimated £1 billion in extra revenue the Treasury is set to rake in as a result of rising oil prices.

It’s a national scandal that in Europe’s oil-richest country, Scots are paying among the highest fuel prices.

***

Isn’t it good news that the Highlands and Islands could soon have its own university after the UHI Millennium Institute [UHI] cleared a major hurdle to achieving its aim of becoming the University of the Highlands and Islands?

Following a Board meeting shortly before Christmas, the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) formally advised the Scottish Government that it has assessed UHI as fully meeting the quality and standards that university title carries with it.

The Scottish Government held a public consultation earlier in 2010 after UHI’s initial application to the Privy Council last May. The results of that consultation are now being considered by Ministers who will make a recommendation before the final decision is made by the Privy Council early this year.

That would mean the streamlining of funding and administration and the concerns about adequate resources for North Highland College and all the other partners could be placed on a stronger footing.

The great news that the internationally-renowned Environmental Research Institute is set to move into its new high-tech hub on the Thurso college campus is part of a steady improvement in education provision and incidentally like other public investment keep construction industry jobs going in Caithness.

The backing of the Scottish Government for higher and further education is out to consultation. Realistic sums have to be raised to back quality. I hope many of you who want your children to get the best third stage education possible will take part.

***

The SNP has confirmed that a continued council tax freeze into 2012/13 will be one of the party’s central manifesto pledges at the Holyrood election as First Minister Alex Salmond is set to write to a million Scottish households outlining plans to protect household budgets in these tough times - and detailing the very real costs to families of Labour's plans to increase council tax.

Alex Salmond’s letter will underline the real difference between the SNP and Labour. The message is powerful and compelling, the only way to continue the council tax freeze is to vote SNP.

http://www.robgibsonmsp.blogspot.com/

Looking back over 2010

2010-12-31T10:18:00.000Z

John O'Groat Journal

31 December 2010

2010 came in with a wintry blast and it is going out with more snow and ice warnings in the coldest December we’ve seen in decades. Our public services and neighbourly behaviour in the North is coping as ever but we don’t have transport systems that can really cope at below 10 degrees Celsius. Deep snow drifts and salt that doesn’t work at minus 15 requires a rethink along Scandinavian lines. On Holyrood’s Transport Infrastructure and Climate Change Committee I have asked for urgent reviews as a key legacy paper for our Parliament’s new team. We close this session in late March before the May election. Meanwhile my advice is - we'll keep our heads as long as we can keep our feet!

Some extra challenges have been set us. After years of Labour hostility to Scotland experienced by us from Chancellor and then PM Gordon Brown it was followed by the LibDem and Tory Coalition Government elected to Westminster last May which promised to show Scotland respect but also to balance the books.

Respect came in very strange forms. The proposed Scotland Bill could potentially cut the Scottish budget even more than the cuts we suffer this year unless the Scots Parliament Unionist majority wakes up. A specialist committee in Holyrood is led by the Calman creator, Wendy Alexander MSP. The key question is - will Scotland be allowed to invest in our abundant assets if we are to have so few borrowing powers in three or four years time? Meanwhile how are we to fill the gap in funding the renewables industry that is straining at the leash when the Fossil Fuel Levy was denied us?

Meanwhile Westminster cuts could see Stornoway and Shetland coastguards go the way of many previously cut from the Pentland Firth area. Rescue tugs including the Stornoway based ‘Anglian Prince’ is under threat. It was funded by Westminster after learning the lessons of the Braer tanker disaster off Shetland in the 90s. With the Nimrods gone from RAF Kinloss our sea areas are being exposed to greater dangers when oil, marine renewables are in full swing and fishing is still very important here. We also know that the north-west and north-east passages round Canada and Russia will soon be ice free long enough for Arctic voyages by our merchant fleets. Why should north Scotland be so ill equipped to benefit, by remote London diktat?

A hesitant end to recession and the long list of job losses in construction don't make a happy tale this year. However a rise in manufacturing is beginning to get Scotland moving. We hope that the success of Global at Invergordon and worldwide can be added to by the frustrating end to the Nigg yard stalemate.

We can also see with our own eyes that packages of cash are building up for the Scrabster harbour project with the allocation of wave and tidal leases making new demands on harbours. Nothing should be done to undermine delicate and ongoing negotiations.

That’s why the Fossil Fuel Levy denied to the Scots Government by the London Coalition is such a miss. I attended the Green Energy Awards earlier this month in Edinburgh. What a breath of youthful vigour and grit for our economy. From Scottish Government to local developers, from offshore wind farm lessees to skilled workers working in oil and gas abroad who want to come home, it's a big hope that 2011 will see the breakthrough a healthy Scots economy requires.

At Scottish level the SNP Government received deep cuts in funds from the London Tories and LibDems like Treasury Secretary Danny Alexander have cut government spending with an unwelcome passion. Student fees as in England will rocket and a Scottish solution will not bring in tuition fees like English universities. Benefit cuts hit the poorest. The privatisation of the Royal Mail threatens small post offices and the universal service obligation are hanging by a thread. My colleagues in Westminster join other MPs to demand that the London Department of Work and Pensions keep its contract to pay benefits and pensions through the trusted local post offices.

Throughout the year the Scottish Government has continued the Council Tax freeze, maintained the small business bonus and scrapped prescription charges to aid families and businesses.

A couple of sporting high spots included the impressive run of Wick Academy in the Highland League and the story of Ross County's Scottish football cup run to the final at Hampden Park. Local pride was only dented at the last moment but the dream of a wee team getting in about the big boys is the stuff of legends and a friendly confirmation that football is best when rooted in communities that care. In Caithness the start of the Halkirk sports and countryside complex is a most welcome initiative in the same community vein.

2010 saw not just the first and very successful Caithness National Mod but a vast leap in self-belief in our native music and languages which the SNP Government has backed to the hilt. The census in March 2011 will include a question on Scots, to which Caithness dialect speakers can place their ticks.

The North Highland Initiative set up by the Duke of Rothesay five years ago hopes to create more jobs. Our local food producers are well served by its expansion. I hosted the awards to the Young Highland Chef of the Year in the Burghfield House Hotel School Dornoch. Back then in autumn we could see the promise of local talent judged the cream by Albert Roux and his team of top chefs. In my village Evanton the local staff of the Coop Foodstore showed that Highland pride could beat 3,000 other stores for customer service across the UK. It was the year of food and drink and our part of Scotland played a big part.

Let's spare a thought for our troops who are at war in Afghanistan and hope for their safe return as soon as possible. And to all of you I hope you are having a Happy Christmas and will enjoy a healthy, peaceful and prosperous New Year. In 2011 together we can make Scotland better.

YEARLY REVIEW 2010

2010-12-21T19:39:00.000Z

From Rob Gibson SNP MSP highlands and Islands

It came in with a blast of winter and its going out with another whiteout. Our public services and neighbourly behaviour in the North can cope. We'll keep our heads as long as we can keep our feet!

The hesitant end to recession and the long list of job losses in construction don't make a happy tale. However a rise in manufacturing is beginning to get Scotland moving. We hope that the success of Global at Invergordon and worldwide can be added to by the frustrating end to the Nigg yard stalemate. From Scottish Government to local developers, from offshore wind farm lessees to skilled workers working in oil and gas who want to come home it's a big hope that 2011 will see the breakthrough.

At Scottish level the SNP Government received deep cuts in funds by the London coalition of Tories and LibDems who have attacked government spending with an unwelcome passion. Student fees in England, benefit cuts that hit the poorest, the privatisation of the Royal Mail, a paltry Scotland bill that is more set to keep Holyrood accountable than to give the Scots Parliament the powers to invest in our huge natural assets.

Throughout the year the Scottish Government has continued the Council Ta freeze, maintained the small business bonus and scrapped prescription charges to aid families.

Other high spots included Ross-shire and Scotland warming to the story of County's Scottish football cup run up to the final at Hampden Park. Local pride was only dented at the last moment but the dream of a wee team getting in about the big boys is the stuff of legends and a friendly confirmation that football is best when rooted in a community that cares.

2011 to see not just the 25th anniversary celebrated by our home grown Feis Rois but a vast leap in self-belief in our native music and languages which the SNP Government has backed to the hilt. Also in my village home the local staff of the Coop Foodstore Evanton showed that Highland pride could beat 3,000 other stores for customer service across the UK.

Let's spare a thought for our troops who are having to wage war in Afghanistan and hope for their safe return will be as soon as possible. And to all of you have a Happy Christmas and a healthy, peaceful and prosperous New Year.

Rob Gibson SNP MSP for Highlands and Islands

Severe Weather

2010-12-17T16:33:00.003Z

Severe weather, deep snow, ice, disrupted roads, rail cancellations, schools closed, concerns for the old and infirm. In the North and North East of Scotland they happen nearly every year and occasionally more than once a year.

Mostly we can cope, however we do wish to know that the Council, Stagecoach, Scotrail and Bear are keeping as closely to their contracts as we can expect. So the unexpectedly high snow dump on thirty miles round central Scotland may have a useful outcome.

When I last wrote to you a fortnight ago I listed four events I’d hope to reach that weekend. Two were cancelled due to the dangers posed for people trying to travel. So a visit to Kirkcudbright will have to wait. As for Perth, I did get there in the evening for the Scots Trad Music Awards along with many others but the SNP’s quarterly National Council earlier in the day had to be abandoned. Things did improve markedly during the day to allow bus and rail travel to return to approximately normal.

Notwithstanding our individual calculations as to what was possible, the central belt snows led to the resignation of Transport and Climate Change minister Stewart Stevenson for his unfortunate presentation on TV. Forget decency and hard work. Forget a winter resilience report published last September that lists lessons from last winter’s excesses. Forget the world-renowned Climate Change legislation. On screen Stewart misused the phrase ‘first class response’ and questioned the accuracy of the weather forecast. Unreal.

Keith Brown MSP for Ochil, whose family have Brora connections, takes over the Transport berth. And another report will be gathered on lessons to learn whilst making doubly sure existing communications between agencies and the public are tip top.

As a member of the Transport Infrastructure and Climate Change Committee I am asking a number of key questions. Does it take an impending election for opposition leaders to take an interest in severe weather when it hit Central Scotland? What would make them interested in the much more frequent weather issues in north and north east Scotland? And is it because of our Green Party committee convener has an anti- road transport agenda that he did not make a committee spot to debate the Winter Report from last year. It was published last August, after all.

***
I welcome the Scottish Government commitment for the next year to preserve the number of core college and university student places. The SNP will also protect the main research excellence grant budget in cash terms. Despite deep cuts ushered in by London Tory/LibDem coalition, no existing student in Scotland will see grants decrease in the next academic year.

Meanwhile in England universities and students see deep cuts and soaring tuition fees. We saw that seven Scots LibDems backed the Tories, while Far North member Viscount Thurso abstained from supporting Nick Clegg’s backing for the tuition tax.

Tripling of fees will have serious consequences for higher education north and south of the border. Scottish students studying in England will be saddled with mammoth debts and there will be a knock on effect for Scottish spending as Barnett consequentials are cut.

Again Labour in London certainly can't protect Scotland - only the SNP in Scotland can do it: if we have the powers. People in Scotland will have an early opportunity to pass judgment on the LibDems at the elections next year and this betrayal will haunt them at Holyrood.

The Tories introduced loans, Labour brought in fees and the LibDems have now helped the Tories increase them. Only the SNP is left as the party for students in Scotland offering them the opportunity to be part of something better.

The Scottish Government has published a Green Paper on Thursday December 16, 2010 on finding a uniquely Scottish Solution to sustainable funding of higher education. This will allow a wide and mature debate in which all sensible ideas will be considered apart from one - tuition fees.

I was appalled last weekend to hear a commentator on London TV say that the Scottish Government had cut student and university support. Far from it, the Scottish Funding Council is carrying out a Scottish policy to maintain free education at colleges and universities here. It is part of the Scottish intent to grow our economy and build sustainable jobs and communities.

***

Contrary to opposition taunts in Holyrood, a TNS opinion poll shows a surge in support for Scottish independence.

The poll shows a record 40% of Scots want to see the Scottish Parliament have the powers of independence. The TNS poll conducted over St Andrews Day shows 40% support the Scottish Parliament having the powers and responsibilities to enable independence, with only 44% opposed.

The TNS poll follows findings by the Scottish Social Attitudes Survey which shows that support for Scottish independence rises to almost half (45 per cent) if taxes were to go down by £500 – with 62 per cent also saying that the Scottish Parliament should take the most important decisions about welfare benefits, while 57 per cent say thesame about taxes.

The Holyrood scrutiny of the Scotland Bill published by the UK Government is a huge opportunity for Scotland to gain the financial responsibility it needs to prosper – but as currently drafted it falls far short of what is needed.

This poll shows that people across Scotland see the need for this country to gain the powers other countries take for granted, so we can compete on a level playing field, attract business, grow the economy and create a wealthier nation – the only alternative to the savage Westminster cuts agenda.

Energy, traditional music and the Scotland Bill

2010-12-10T14:27:00.006Z

Amidst the snowdrifts and black ice the beating heart of Scotland was on display last weekend. I was privileged to attend the Green Energy Awards and the Scottish Trad Music Awards - two vibrant strands of Scottish life in rude health.

There were eighty-eight tables at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre last Thursday night, although some two hundred guests called off due to weather. This display of a young and thrusting industry has huge import for us. Many have a Highland interest. Among the award winners of the Best New Business was SeaEnergy Renewables which not only pioneered the Beatrice demonstrator turbines in the Moray Firth but also have made strategic partnerships in Taiwan. Their local partners will deliver the Moray Firth offshore wind farm in the next ten years.

In passing I must applaud the first issue of Energy North a supplement published by Scottish Provincial Press. If proof were needed on and offshore renewables will provide skilled jobs at all levels in our Highland future.

For me the annual celebration of Scotland’s rich musical traditions is a must see event. This year Perth was the host and for the third year BBC Alba screened the edited highlights. The riches of local talent were on display and won awards. Our own Julie Fowlis won album of the year for Uam. Matheu Watson from the Heights of Strathpeffer won up and coming artist of the year and Eilidh MacKenzie, Gaelic singer of the year. I could list so many from the north who won. But let’s celebrate the key role of the Feisean movement as acknowledged by many of these winners. Our own Feis Rois has been pivotal over the decades in delivery a carrying stream of talent to the wider Scottish river of sound.

Announcements by the Minister for Culture, Fiona Hyslop MSP have underlined the support of the SNP Government for parity of esteem of our traditional music alongside other art forms. She found cash for the Youth Music Initiative to continue till 2012. This employs many tutors of traditional music based here. Also the new website of 130 traditional Scots and Gaelic songs for use by teachers and student in the Curriculum for Excellence has been unveiled. And Fiona announced in Perth a sum of £250,000 for Creative Scotland to develop its support for traditional music in its overall scheme of development.

These are testament to a Government that values the traditions of Scotland that are both a source of pride and identity and create many jobs in far flung parts of the land, not least in Ross-shire.

***

This week in Holyrood we have debated the new Scotland Bill proposed by the LibDem and Tory London Government. The dominant issue is cuts ordered by London government that most Scots think are too far, too fast, yet we have no immediate way to change our lot. But there is another way. We can have home rule instead of LibDem/Tory rule.

A stronger Scottish Parliament won’t magic away the cuts but it can make them more manageable. With more powers we could help our economy grow and protect the things that matter.

With full independence we can go further still, creating jobs and prosperity here in Scotland. The SNP trusts the Scottish people to decide the right path for our nation. That’s why we want a referendum on independence. Instead we are offered a referendum next May on a voting system that isn’t more democratic.

Our families and our future together with independence can make Scotland much better. Now that would be something to sing about, even in the snow!

www.robgibsonmsp.blogspot.com

Article for Independence 5 by Highlands and Islands MSP Rob Gibson

2010-12-09T10:03:00.000Z

As a candidate and MSP you can get into some campaigns that po-faced journalists love to ridicule. Back in 2002 I worked with a volunteer at the Strathnaver Museum to show that JRR Tolkien had pictured the Lonely Mountain and Middle Earth in NW Sutherland.

History shows that New Zealand got the honours, the work and the tourists when the Lord of the Rings trilogy became blockbusters. However, nothing daunted this summer’s labour relations and cash issues clouded the setting for the new Hobbit movie in NZ. For a while.

Reports that the filming might be moved because of contractual disputes led me to relaunch my bid for Sutherland as a good place to film Middle Earth. According to legend the writer of the Hobbit had actually visited the area. JRR Tolkien is said to have visited Sutherland despite denying he had ever been further north in Scotland than Dundee. Perhaps he should have been asked how far north west he travelled.

My informant said that Tolkien’s name was written in a guest book in the Duke of Westminster’s hunting lodge at Achfary but proof has not been forthcoming. Nevertheless NW Sutherland would be an excellent location for filming the Hobbit. The spectacular lochs like Loch Stack and mountains like Arkle and Foinaven lend themselves to the story.

Indeed Ben Stack, pictured, bears an uncanny resemblance to the Lonely Mountain in the Tolkien book. And Celtic and Norse mythology referred to the areas around nearby Strathnaver as the Middle land. Sutherland and Scotland deserve to be the home of the Hobbit where the scenery matches the grandeur of the book and also would undoubtedly boost tourism and the film industry in Scotland.

***

Another early set of questions in Parliament got me stick. I questioned the light pollution from badly designed and unnecessary street lamps in Shetland. What a waste of money answering such a fancy railed one Sunday paper. Yet climate change debates view all this in a new light, so to speak.

This year the London-inspired cuts loom for our councils which propose to switch off every second street lamp. Why is inappropriate street lighting de rigueur for remote villages as well as city centres? Because it’s another asinine power reserved by law to Westminster! All over Brittany which I often visit and no doubt much wider, they switch the lights off at midnight in the villages.

***

However, the most persistent nonsense we north members are called to answer is the southern English obsession with synchronising their clocks, in winter, with continental time, whether we in Scotland like it or not. With shorter hours of light the further north you go nothing can alter going to school or work in the dark, or in the depths of winter lightening the return journey in the evening.

So avoiding the obvious attempts by hacks to make a Scotland v England rematch I responded to the latest Tory private member’s bill in Westminster. If they are so keen to change the clocks, as the Daily Mail reported I said, they should get up an hour earlier and see the light.

www.robgibsonmsp.blogspot.com

Budget, Scotland Act and Winter Arrives

2010-12-03T13:47:00.007Z

John O'Groat Journal Column 3rd December 2010

Last week a new IPSOS MORI poll gave overwhelming backing to key SNP policies set out in the SNP Government’s budget including freezing the council tax, supporting the NHS, abolishing prescription charges and freezing pay for those earning over £21,000 as the party maintained its polling position from before the 2007 election.

The poll conducted immediately after the budget also gave positive approval rating for Alex Salmond, the only leader to reach over 50% is over three times that for Iain Gray and more than double all the opposition leaders combined with Lib Dem leader Tavish Scott receiving a negative rating of -4 as the party continues to do the Tories dirty work in Scotland.

On the back of a tough budget caused by Tory/Lib Dem Westminster cuts, Alex Salmond’s leadership ratings are rising to near record levels, and our core policies of a Council Tax freeze as part of our social contract with the people to sustain measures such as pay restraint, support for front line services and economic recovery receive overwhelming backing.

The SNP is delivering popular measures of substance, while Labour has no coherent stance on either the Council Tax freeze or pay freeze. Three-and-a-half years into office SNP support is at the same high levels as when we won in 2007 – which is a remarkable achievement for any administration. Support rises for governments in the run-up to an election, and as Labour come under increased scrutiny their inexperience and inconsistency will be exposed as they seek to push up taxes for every Scottish household and back LibDem/ Tory tax plans that will slash Scotland’s budget.

***

On St Andrew’s Day this year the LibDem and Tory Coalition Government published the

Scotland Bill which is set to devolve a few more powers to the Scottish Parliament the most important being greater tax varying powers by 2015. Significantly already we know that the important Aggregates Tax and Airline tax won’t be part of it.

Signatories to a letter from concerned business leaders and economists were also published and it shows a wider Scotland wants greater debate about the bill that will only focus on the recommendations of the Calman Commission. When the bill goes through its stages in Westminster, the Commons and Lords must discuss and agree a greater level of fiscal responsibility for the Scottish Parliament.

The North is well represented on the distinguished list of signatories by Dan Macdonald property developer of Macdonald Estates and mining millionaire Dennis Macleod from Helmsdale.

They argue that the best way forward would be to devolve most current taxes to the Scottish Parliament since this would make politicians more accountable for the financial decisions they take, while giving them both the incentive and the fiscal tools necessary to achieve improved public services and faster economic growth.

Further, it would help to foster a healthy relationship between Westminster and Holyrood.

All of the main Scottish and UK parties agree that the Scottish Parliament should have greater financial powers. The debate is now about which powers should be devolved and when. We hope that the publication of this bill will lead to an open-minded discussion about what is in the best interests of Scotland and the UK as a whole.

The opportunity now exists to fashion a new, sustainable financial settlement to underpin the devolution settlement. We believe that ultimately the Scotland Bill should be measured by the economic levers and responsibility it transfers.

The political scientist Prof John Curtice of Strathclyde University made an important comment on the proposed Scotland bill. On BBC Newsnight Scotland on Monday evening he said, “The truth is – that bill that is published tomorrow – is in fact the true legacy of the Nationalist victory in 2007. The nationalists haven’t been able to get that referendum bill through, but their victory in 2007 forced the Labour Party in particular to re-think its attitude towards devolution, to work together with the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats to produce this proposal that the Coalition is now putting forward. So, the SNP will undoubtedly put out a lot of criticism about this, but the truth is, they are probably principally responsible for this proposal at least getting as far as the statute book.”

That suggests that unless a strong vote is made by people for the SNP no other party will make any meaningful change in Scotland’s government.

***

Much more urgently on most minds have been the deep freeze from the polar winds that have paralysed so many communities. My own week began on Monday digging out the car at home in Evanton. My first steps to get to Parliament to get to Inverness station. Train left slightly late and reached Perth on time, however, rail disruption further south left no driver and conductor available. Half an hour went by and a relief crew were ready.

Rob digging out the car on Monday Morning

In Edinburgh I trudged through the slush to the flat with the roller bag as I needed the contents later this week for the Green Energy Awards in Edinburgh on Thursday night. Two committee meetings some questions and a speech followed at Holyrood.

I am returning the favour to Dr Aileen McLeod’s whose adoption meeting takes place in Kirkcudbright on Friday. Aileen came to support me at my adoption as SNP candidate for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross in the middle of last month. On Saturday I’ve to get to Perth for the SNP quarterly national council meeting and then join friends at a table for the Scottish Traditional Music Awards which is also in town that evening.

But above all I have nothing but praise for the train and bus crews that keep us moving and the health workers and social work staff who tend the old and inform in such difficult weather conditions.

Missed Opportunities and Opposition Confusion on Tax

2010-11-19T11:46:00.001Z

John O'Groat Journal Colum 19 November 2010

The SNP's flagship plan for a minimum price on alcohol was rejected by Labour LibDems and Tories at the Scottish Parliament. Commentators lashed the opposition and one usually hostile critic Angus MacLeod of The Times newspaper said Nicola Sturgeon’s speech was the best he had heard this year in Parliament.

Her amendment was rejected by 76 votes to 49 proposing the 45p per litre minimum pricing measure. What a sad day for Scotland when party politics took precedence over the very clear consensus among many public health bodies across the UK.

The measure had the support of the medical profession, including all four UK Chief Medical Officers, the BMA, the Royal Colleges of Nursing, Physicians, Surgeons and GPs, the Faculty of Public Health, the British Liver Trust, the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland, many publicans and retailers and the World Health Organisation – and there was clear evidence that it would have made a big difference to the huge problem of Scotland’s relationship with drink.

Despite this Unionist parties did not want to see the SNP Government get credit for dealing effectively with chronic alcohol misuse, which has been allowed to get worse while previous governments failed to act.

Previously the smoking ban was supported by all parties as it was a crucial intervention to massively improve health and wellbeing.

Labour and the others have failed to come up with any other proposal to effectively deal with the alcohol problem. They had no real grounds for rejecting minimum pricing – other than party politics.

Yet the cost of alcohol misuse to Scotland's economy and public services in £2.25 billion each year, with 3,000 deaths, 42,000 hospital stays and 110,000 GP visits directly linked to alcohol. At the same time, alcohol is 70% more affordable than in 1980 - and during the same period consumption has increased by around 20%.

The problem is so serious that doing nothing is not an option. They will have to explain to the electorate why they failed to support minimum pricing which had such wide and informed support behind it.

***

This week John Swinney, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth presented the most challenging budget he has yet had to present, indeed, it is the most challenging budget in the history of devolution.

No-one is under any illusions about the scale of the cuts imposed on us by the UK Government. Two-thirds are the legacy of the previous Labour administration, while the remaining third due to the Tory-Liberal Westminster Government which is cutting too far and too fast.

Their cuts agenda threatens a Scottish economic recovery which, between April and June this year, saw the strongest GDP growth of any major world economy bar Germany, largely driven by the construction sector. But Scotland’s recovery remains fragile.

Therefore, we want to do all in the power to safeguard that recovery, protecting jobs and household incomes across Scotland from the worst impact.

The scale of the challenge we face was made clear last month when Chancellor George Osborne announced his Comprehensive Spending Review, which cuts Scotland’s budget by £1.3 billion next year.

Hard choices are needed, but we can ensure cohesion within our communities by developing a “social contract” with the people of Scotland.

Council tax soared massively under both Labour and the Tories, which is why the SNP took the decision when we came to office in 2007 to freeze it across Scotland. Thanks to our partnership with local councils, that freeze has now been delivered for three years running. It has brought much-needed relief to households in every part of the country.

If that help with household bills was a welcome boost in better times, it has become absolutely essential in the current economic climate.

Labour leader Iain Gray thinks council tax bills should rise, just as people are dealing with pay restraint and rising household bills looming through a rise in VAT.

The SNP disagrees and wants to continue the council tax freeze for the next two years. Also scrapping prescription charges, will make the pay restraint that is necessary fairer and more acceptable which will enable us to protect employment, by maximising the resources available to invest in front line services and economic recovery.

Salaries account for approximately 55 per cent of Scottish Government revenue spending so pay restraint can save nearly £300 million in the budget, as a result protecting some 10,000 jobs in Scotland next year.

In return for an understanding that pay restraint is required, we can relieve pressure that people face with their household bills. Other measures such as reducing senior civil service costs and removing bonuses will also be needed.

Amid the tough choices which this week’s budget outlined, one thing above all is crystal clear, the financial damage inflicted on Scotland by the UK Government means that we literally cannot afford to cede economic control to Westminster. There is no point in having a pocket money parliament when the pocket money runs out.

And the next age of self-government must see Scotland take charge of its own future, with independence and financial responsibility. That way, with the economic powers other nations take for granted, we can take decisions in Scotland, for Scotland, and develop a growth strategy as the only alternative to a decade or more of Westminster-imposed cuts.

***

A bright spot last week was the annual Business in the Parliament conference. I invited Gary Reid of Thurso’s award winning bakers to be my guest. We agreed that the networking opportunities were excellent and the debate hugely valuable for businesses across Scotland.

www.robgibsonmsp.blogspot.com

LIB DEM SMOKE AND MIRRORS

2010-11-05T09:59:00.001Z

Last Thursday the LibDems and their Tory allies were heavily defeated by the SNP, Labour and the Greens when they tried to tell the Scottish Government that it could have the £191 million Fossil Fuel Levy surplus to spend on immediate priorities for renewables development, such as harbour infrastructure.

We had been waiting for the Comprehensive Spending Review to find out how the London coalition was going to tackle this longstanding sore. Labour had prevaricated in office, giving hints before the Westminster election in May that they would make it available. This did not happen.

Over the summer the SNP Government was told by the Treasury that it was nigh on impossible to change their rules in order to release this small amount of money that was raised in Scotland and is urgently required for Scottish marine renewable development.

Instead the LibDem motion in Holyrood conveyed the London Government message that offered us a £250 million sub to the new Green Investment Bank, purely for Scottish use, you understand. But only after it is created in 2014.

Meanwhile the Scottish Government was urged to draw down the £191 million now and use it for harbour development etc. Just one snag, £191 million would be cut from our Scottish block grant next year – yes a 100% penalty! Yet the LibDem speakers told us that it was time the SNP Government started cooperating with London, and, implied we should do as we are told!

Right when we are suffering drastic cuts in our coffers they want us to cut even more. And this despite Chris Huhne, the Coalition Secretary for Energy and Climate Change, seeing with his own eyes the urgent need for cash on a visit to Caithness and the northern isles last month. As previously reported he re-announced a £2 million grant from the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority's regeneration fund for the Scrabster harbour development package.

SNP MSPs were furious with the LibDems. Even more so with John Thurso and Michael Moore staging a carefully choreographed question session in Westminster the day before our debate so as to show how keen the LibDems are to see renewable development.

As I said in the Holyrood debate, that was smoke and mirrors. Michael Moore pretends that he cares, but refuses to make Scotland's money available when it is urgently needed without a penalty of equal amount to the Scottish block grant. Tell that to the people of Caithness and the enterprising board of Scrabster Harbour Trust, which is trying to facilitate the renewables revolution in the very week the Inner Sound seabed lease was awarded to MeyGen who want to use Scrabster as a base.

There is zero respect for the Scottish Parliament in London and among Liberal Democrat MSPs a similar view. In reality, our efforts to promote renewables could set back by more than three years. What a record for five months of Liberal Democrats in the UK coalition.

No wonder that Stewart Stevenson, the Minister replying for the SNP Government rounded on the LibDems. He said,

“It is absolutely vital that the money is made available to Scotland immediately and in a way that is additional. It will enable us to start making investments in Liberal areas right across Scotland—Scrabster harbour, Orkney, Shetland and Kishorn. Liberal voters will be looking at the behaviour of their MSPs in denying them access to the money with some grave concern indeed.”

The debate about port developments to support marine renewables in Scotland has taken a new turn this week. HIE has to support the delivery of the Scrabster package as a matter of urgency.

***

You may now see how urgent and important was the First Minister’s Conference call in Perth three weeks ago that “The independence I seek is the independence to create jobs”. It is precisely that subject that the Economy, Energy and Tourism committee explored on its visit the Isle of Skye last Monday. As vice convener I was pleased to see our committee visit the Highlands again, for we came to Caithness on a fact finding visit on energy matter eighteen months ago.

Much comment has been made on the effectiveness of HIE to back the transformation of Caithness and many other mainland areas and islands outwith Inverness. I know that the SNP Government expects it to pull out the stops to deliver government policy, such as marine renewable development. That will be the litmus test for the Far North. HIE bosses will be heard in committee in January.

***

You know I have a soft spot for stopping climate change. Yes, it’s a large peat bog in the Flow Country. That’s been the subject of much comment on radio and papers this week. I led a member’s debate on Thursday evening to coincide with the IUCN UK Committee peatland enquiry held in Edinburgh University.

It means that large areas of peat bog if kept wet or rewetted can hold as much carbon dioxide and methane as can be saved from half of other sources of emissions in this country. Scotland has 80% of the UK’s peatlands and of the 175 peatland countries of the world the UK is in the top twenty.

No it isn’t sad compared to watching the X Factor on TV. There could be new jobs both for the Environmental Research Institute in Thurso to measure the health of the bogs and workers wielding spades and diggers to rewet the Flows to help the process.

It is hard to imagine us thinking of the Arctic prairies of the Flow country in this way twenty years ago. But today the world appreciates there worth. So should we all.

http://www.robgibsonmsp.blogspot.com/

BE PART OF BETTER

2010-10-29T09:56:00.000+01:00

All the news from Westminster on forthcoming public service cuts must not be allowed to hide the positive option for Scotland. This was spelt out clearly at the recent SNP Conference in Perth in plain language by the First Minister and party leader Alex Salmond. He said

“Either Scotland stays in the Westminster straightjacket of low growth, public sector cutbacks and blighted futures or we take responsibility and deliver the better society we all want.” And he followed on, “The Independence I seek is the independence to create jobs.”

In Ross-shire there is no doubt that the SNP is setting the policy agenda as elsewhere ahead of this year’s Scottish budget and the 2011 Holyrood elections. A series of opinion poll questions show the SNP is hearing the views of the people of Scotland and responding to their priorities.

A YouGov poll carried out immediately after SNP conference shows that Labour and the LibDems are on the wrong side of the argument, with strong public support for SNP plans to freeze the council tax for two more years and to abolish prescription charges. Labour has failed to back both policies with Iain Gray specifically calling for council tax to increase. 59% of people back the SNP’s decision to extend the council tax freeze. Here in Highland the LibDem council leaders agree with Gray.

In addition, the SNP plans to extend the living wage and call for more financial powers to help grow Scotland’s economy. It’s the only alternative to a dismal decade of cuts from Labour, Lib Dem and Tory London governments. Support for the full powers of independence are increasing since the UK Election.

Over the coming weeks the SNP will continue to listen to the priorities the public share with us through our bepartofbetter.net website. We will set out further details of the policies we will pursue in government now and at the election.

***

All the talk is that the LibDem and Conservative coalition in London expect private firms to take up the work the public sector has to cut. Huge loans required to stabilise the pound sterling after the crash of 2008 can be coped with better if we grow the number of jobs people had.

During the recess, at my own expense, I visited the huge complex of cooperative industries in the Spanish Basque Country around Mondragon. After 50 years development the workers are still the bosses. There are now two hundred and fifty-six coops in the group. They employ over 90,000 workers who have their own coop social security system, health service, university and bank. their turn over is 16,700 million Euros in 2008.

I defy anyone to say that there is only one solution to strengthening our local and national economy. However Mondragon is also based in Basque culture and language, it breeds local self-esteem. and now they have factories in China and Brazil to name but two outposts of their work.

It should be noted that Basque parliament has more economic powers than Scotland raising all its own taxes….

Can we learn from them? Surely so! Last week I noted Lord Thurso calling for competing firms to join together to free up and use Nigg to create new jobs. Remember that Scottish Government wants offshore renewables developed, yet Highland Council under the LibDems has baulked for eighteen months against compulsory purchase of Nigg. Another approach is needed, you say? Some of Lord Thurso’s councillor colleagues are in the competing firms, so I don’t see competing firms actually cooperating. You have to build that ethos from the start. If Highland Council has the guts, change can come.

An independent country like Norway with the rich resources Scotland also has would not have such fearful local ‘leaders’.

http://www.robgibsonmsp.blogspot.com/

2010-10-23T15:36:00.000+01:00

I recently signed the VoteforSport Pledge agreeing to act as a Sporting Champion upon your election to the next Parliament.

In the elections on May 5th 2011 Scotland will elect the Government that will take Scotland up to and beyond what is arguably the most exciting time ever in Scottish sport, including the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles. This is Scotland's greatest chance to get it right, to deliver a lasting legacy from this excitement and to recognise that sport is not just an income generator and medal winner - it is a vehicle by which to improve and enhance our nation. Sport is Scotland's missing link.

Rob Gibson signs the VoteforSport pladge

Rob Gibson MSP addressesthe Munduz Mundu festival's supporting a language declaration

2010-10-22T10:29:00.000+01:00

Be part of better... a Basque example

2010-10-22T09:55:00.002+01:00

We should be feeling a bit more pride for our country following the fine medal tally and performance at the Commonwealth Games. Did you see the rapturous passing on of the baton from India to Scotland for the friendly games in Glasgow in 2014?

In Caithness I enjoyed the opening of the Mod and the wonderful procession of talented musicians and performers who came north to enhance our culture. We should all welcome expressions of our healthy cultural life. As I’ve said before they are the experiences that make life richer.

In between the Mod and leading a Highland Games and music party to the Basque Country I breathed in the positive air of the SNP conference in Perth. Be part of better was the campaign spelled out there.

***

Winter's is on its’ way at the end of the golden road of autumn biting winds of the arctic will begin to blow, brining a new season. At the start of this week the biting winds of budget cuts were announced, bringing with it a era of austerity, which will be as keenly felt and last longer than the impending winter.

Whilst we look to the North for the coming winter we can look to the South for cuts. As individuals are powerless to stop the onslaught of this winter the Scottish Government is powerless to stop the spread of cuts from Westminster. As it stands just now the Scottish Parliament does not have the financial powers which would allow a Scottish solution for a Scottish problem.

Unable to borrow or pull the financial levers which other countries in the world take for granted the Scottish Government is reliant of a block grant from the Westminster Government. So cuts to the block grant from the UK Government mean that the Scottish Government have to make the money go as far as it can. Given this week’s announcement it seems that cuts are greater than anticipated.

Not for the first time in history the Labour Party has left a legacy of debt and economic mismanagement on a grand scale. Not for the first time the Conservatives have come in wielding the axe with privatisation on their mind, however this time they are aided and abetted by the Liberal Democrats, who in the main seem to have forgotten their SDP roots in their embrace of power.

As we see this week these cuts are deep however they would have been under Labour too (witness Alasdair Darling declaring that if Labour won the election then he would implement cuts which were deeper and tougher than Thatcher).

The Conservatives are clearing up the debt left by Labour the only way they know, ruthless public sector slices and the vulnerable left to fend as best they can. The Lib Dems are contributing with zeal, Labour is trying to absolve itself of responsibility and the SNP Government has to make the best of it, without sufficient powers at its disposal to do things differently. Any Scottish Government would be in the same position regardless of colour.

The Scottish Parliament was set up to find Scottish solutions to Scottish problems. However at the moment neither the Parliament nor Government have those powers. It is like facing down a force 10 northerly on Dunnet Head in a t-shirt. That’s why the First Minister and SNP leader Alex Salmond told the SNP conference that ‘the independence I seek is the independence to create jobs’.

***

Readers, you should be in no doubt that Scotland faces stark choices next May. But so do many other peoples. Some have full powers over their futures. Others like the Basque provinces of Spain already have more powers to raise taxes than we do. I found out more about them when I supported the Scots Highland party whose games skills and music captured the hearts of thousands of Basque people of all ages. In Ordizia the Highland Games attracted four thousand spectators. In Burlada near Pamplona fifty thousand local people enjoyed the fund raising festival for their local Basque language school which is run on cooperative lines. The addition of Scots guests was highly popular.

Cllr Roy Peterson, School Head and
Rob Gibson MSP with Language Declaration

I had the pleasure of contributing to a declaration that all those who wish to speak their own languages should be supported and encouraged. The Munduz Mundu festival goes from town to town each year. It helps some cultural or education purpose there. What a good idea.

What did the Scots contribute? At a civil society level, leaving politics to the side the Basque mood is to end memories of violent disagreement between Basque and Spanish ideas of government. It is civic and non-party call for change for the better.

Rob visited the Mondragon cooperatives seen around

their valley home in the heart of the Basque country

After the festivals I fulfilled a dream of thirty years standing to visit Mondragon the home of the biggest Basque cooperative movement which started in 1956 as a way to educate some local young men and make work in the Spain of the Franco dictatorship that was down on all things Basque.

The local priest Jose Maria Arizmendiarrieta applied Catholic social doctrine to start cooperative working. Today it consists of two hundred and fifty six enterprises and foundations. They are committed to greater social wealth through customer satisfaction, job creation, technological and business development. This has embraced continuous improvement, promotion of education and respect for the environment. In 2009 92,000 work in its companies, and a total turnover of 16 million Euros. Factories in China and Brazil are but the latest ideas being developed.

I’ll tell you more of this in due course because it works. Would that we could find model of work that are resilient and release our potential? That’s what drives me to work for a consensus in the Far North to find the best ways for our skills to build not just jobs but a common belief we can do it.

ww.robgibsonmsp.blogspot.com

Questions over Huhne snub

2010-10-13T16:15:00.000+01:00

Rob Gibson SNP MSP for Highlands and Islands has questioned why Chris Huhne snubbed the Scottish Parliament's Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee, preferring instead making a repeat announcement on a £2 million grant for Scrabster harbour development by the NDA.

He said, "on Tuesday this week the Secretary of State for DECC Mr Huhne agreed to give evidence to Holyrood's EET committee. We agreed to shift our normal meeting time from Wednesday mornings to accommodate him. Ten days ago the committee was told his plans could no longer fit in an evidence session. The respect agenda towards MSPs by the London minister is shaken by Mr Huhne's action.

Mr Gibson went on,

"News that Mr Huhne visited Caithness instead and reannounced a welcome £2 million grant from the Nuclear Decommissioning Agency to help develop Scrabster Harbour. Newspapers carried this grant news two weeks ago. Why did Mr Huhne not announce the release of the Fossil Fuel Levy, raised in Scotland and locked up by Treasury rules? That would have helped bridge the funding package needed to get renewable related work at Scrabster going more quickly."

"All in all, Mr Huhne's visit to Caithness and then Shetland were LibDem party oriented. When he snubbed the Scottish Parliament he did not have the decency to bring new funds from the London coalition that can allow prime Scottish wind, wave and tidal resources to produce clean electricity that is vitally needed to meet UK carbon reduction targets."

On music, culture and food

2010-10-10T11:08:00.000+01:00

This week we can celebrate local evidence that Tory PM David Cameron should have regard to his ‘passion’ for the Big Society. The Mod begins in Caithness, the Feisean movement goes from strength to strength and this area’s food and drink offer huge nutritional and spiritual [pardon the pun] sustenance for healthy people and healthy communities.

First of all, the National Mod hits Caithness, or Mod Ghallaibh 2010. Yes it celebrates Gaelic culture and has never ventured o’er e Ord before. Despite early concerns about imposed Gaelic road signs that furore has died down and so many folk in the County and neighbouring Sutherland communities have pitched in to take part, to offer their musical talents and accommodation, food and produce for the event.

Quite rightly the lessons learned from past Mods show a big boost to the local economy and a friendly invasion. Indeed the recent Oban Mod produced over 8,000 visitors to that area and £2.5 millions into the economy at the ‘shoulder’ tourist season. All cultures and musical traditions will surely be boosted by taking part.

Secondly, and still on the Gaelic and musical theme, a report on the Feisean movement, the non-competitive learning festivals of traditional music and Gaelic traditions, through teaching festivals scattered across the land contributes another £2 million a year to small places and large.

The newest member of the Feisean, Fèis Ghallaibh was established in March 2009. In February 2009 the Gaelic Roadshow, Cuairt Chiùil Gàidhlig, reached children in P4- P7 in every Caithness Primary School while “Drop in Lunchtime Ceilidhs” were held in the secondary schools in Wick and Thurso.

This was followed by the first Fèis Ghallaibh on 21st March 2009 that attracted seventy children to workshops offered in fiddle, accordion, chanter/pipes, whistles, keyboard, guitar, bodhran and Gaelic song. Gaelic language was present throughout the day in workshop and games sessions.

Since then there have been further Fèis Ghallaibh Days in May and September 09 and a Fèis Fun Day in August during the school holidays. Meanwhile step dance and clarsach have been added to the choices available and most tutors have been recruited from Caithness and Sutherland although some have come from much further afield.

Lots more young competitors can seek medals this week in the Mod competitions. Good luck to them and to our athletes representing Scotland in Delhi.

The third part of the Big Society I’d like to highlight is the Highland Young Chef 2010 competition of which I was compere in the Burghfield House Hotel in Dornoch two weekends ago. Fiona Murray from Helmsdale won the top prize judged by Albert Roux’s family of distinguished former students. However, Tongue Hotel, Melvich Hotel and MacKays Hotel in Wick provided just some of the other prize winners as reported in the Groat.

Rob compered the Awards, Albert Roux, chief judge, Fiona Murray, the winner, John Thurso MP and Richard Lochhead MSP Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Environment.

Now I know fine dining is a rare treat for many, but just think, so many of our local restaurants and hotels have young, ambitious chefs and managers who see the sense and worth of good food, locally sourced and beautifully crafted.

My point is that music, culture and food are the distinctively human qualities that make us a distinctive and proud community, county and nation. They must not become victims of the cuts in public support that is under siege from Tory LibDem Coalition government intent on reducing the public sector and putting private services in its place.

It is our passion and right to be ourselves, to boost Caithness dialect, to make our own music, to celebrate great food produced and presented right here. That’s at the heart of Scottish wellbeing and self-esteem. Maybe the Tories should heed the message, if they attack the councils, the arts bodies, the sports supporters they may destroy the key elements of the Big Society that thrives here right now.

***

The Big Society is also under attack from the Labour Party. Just three days after the UK Labour Conference in Manchester Iain Gray, Scottish Parliament Labour leader has confirmed they will end the SNP’s council tax freeze and allow it to be increased again.

After wrecking the economy Labour now want ordinary Scots to pay for the mess they created. This is the council tax they put up 77% in Highland Council area when they were last in office with the LibDems. Why should the SNP Scottish Government be a message boy for London cuts?

Labour seems to want to hammer Scots families and pensioners by pushing up their council tax. By way of contrast the SNP Government has helped hard-pressed households by freezing council tax year on year – saving average households nearly £300 when people’s finances are under real pressure. Labour now wants to punish people at a time when money remains tight for many.

This confirms what we have long suspected – Scots can't afford a Labour government at Holyrood or a would-be Labour MSP here and the Far North should reject them next May.

In Highland Council area during Labour’s reign from 1997 and with the LibDems from 1999 the council tax increased by £504 on average, while their new call to end the freeze could amount over four years at a 4.5% cap to another £223.90. These are amongst the highest increases in the country.

Iain Gray wants to put this tax up - making an already unfair tax even harsher. The SNP wants to abolish the unfair council tax in favour of a fair local income tax. But we need extra MSPs to achieve that goal and allies in Parliament to demand that Scottish taxes be set and collected in Scotland. At the same time we must expand our economy to make new jobs that will increase income tax take and win new revenues from oil and gas as well as the burgeoning renewable energy sector.

http://www.robgibsonmsp.blogspot.com/

The Royal Mail should remain a public service, not privatised

2010-09-24T15:41:00.000+01:00

Published: 24 September, 2010

THE SNP Government has laid out a forward-looking programme for this session which will have delivered 80 per cent of our manifesto pledges by May 2011.

This includes a new item of making Scottish Water an income earner for Scots of future generations as a public corporation.

The news from the coalition in London, on the other hand, was bleak in this London party-conference  season.

Over the years I have campaigned on a range of Royal Mail and Post  Office issues and opposed the possible loss of the universal service obligation (USO) which is so important to our communities in far-flung areas. Now the Lib Dem and Tory coalition has signalled full privatisation of Royal Mail. Who can trust the Scottish Lib Dem pledge to secure the USO?

This goes much further than Labour, which also wanted to get rid of Royal Mail, and it could be the beginning of the end with job losses, service cuts and deterioration in the working conditions of postal workers. The service provided by Royal Mail is a public service and it should remain so.

If presented with the choice in a free Scotland we would co-operate with our neighbours but maintain a universal service obligation in a Scottish postal service.

I get letters from government departments from other than Royal Mail carriers. No wonder Royal Mail is running at a loss.

We all know it costs more to deliver to rural areas than to cities but the whole point of Royal Mail is that everyone can use it at a reasonable price. It is not only individuals but, crucially, business in rural Scotland that will suffer.

It is ironic that this policy is being driven by the Liberal Democrats. Did those voters in the North of Scotland who supported them in the general election vote for further reductions in their postal services?

Do you remember the Lib Dems’ “save our post offices” campaign? Now that policy page has been removed from their website.

Are they now regretting such a pledge given the likelihood many more post offices may have to close under the new proposals?

THE Holyrood economy, energy and tourism committee has called for evidence on the future of the enterprise network.

Early headlines show quite a reaction. Some say break up Highland and Islands Enterprise, some say merge it with Scottish Enterprise and others ask does it ever take seriously the needs of the more remote areas furth of Inverness.

For example, the Western Isles Council, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, called for control over HIE funds for its island needs. HIE replied that more was spent per head in the Hebrides than around Inverness. Well of course it is, but that may still not meet the islands’ needs. Similarly small population centres like Caithness need clear evidence that HIE is committed to giving our economy more priority.

As deputy convener of the EET committee, I want to see a genuine view of enterprise promotion focused on the needs of disparate urban and rural areas. The evidence sessions will include one in Skye, the rest will be held in Edinburgh.

AS requested by John O’Groat Journal, I submitted the names of the group of MPs elected by crofters and their supporters in 1885 as my Highland Heroes. They did not make it to the hundred in the supplement last week. Yet they did much to spur on Gladstone’s Government to produce the Crofters Scotland Act of 1886.

I recall from a year ago attending a commemoration of Thomas Telford, the engineer, in the town house in Wick. We were shown the portraits and pictures there, among them Sir John Pender MP.

Few recall he was knocked out by John MacDonald Cameron, the Land Leaguer in 1885, and changed his spots from Liberal to Tory and was retuned in the Khaki election of 1900.

Who were these crofters’ MPs and why are they heroes?

Dr Gavin B. Clark was elected in Caithness in 1885 and was only defeated in 1900. He was a friend of Karl Marx and a supporter of Boer independence.

John Macdonald Cameron, a Gaelic speaker born in Dornoch who had lived in Saltburn before gaining worldwide engineering experience, was elected for the Northern Burghs comprising Wick, Dornoch, Tain, Dingwall, Cromarty and Kirkwall till 1900.

Sutherland voted in the radical local laird in 1885 but elected Angus Sutherland as Land League MP in 1886. Donald Macfarlane, previously a Parnellite MP in Ireland, was elected in Argyll in 1885 but was knocked out in 1886 in a sectarian campaign. He regained the seat in 1892. Inverness-shire elected local laird Charles Fraser Mackintosh in 1885 as a key member of the Land League.

In Ross-shire Dr Roderick Macdonald, from Skye, was re-elected in 1886 and was replaced by Mr Galloway-Weir in the 1890s.

These Land League MPs with Irish and radical support opposed the Gladstone Crofting Bill of 1886 because it did not go far enough to return the land to the people.

As I said in the Holyrood debate on the Crofting Bill last June: “The cherished view of the Land League was to ensure that every productive piece of land was put to good use and placed at the disposal of those who were able and willing to till the land.”

The Land League MPs voted against Gladstone because they wanted much more. On the other hand, Labour and Lib Dem MSPs voted in the 2010 Crofting Bill for fewer regulatory powers – unlike the active crofters who want rigorous regulation to ensure good land use.

We’ll see who the Highland Hero is, but the crofters’ members were up there with the best.

AN APPLE A DAY...

2010-09-22T11:44:00.000+01:00

Rob at Holyrood Apple Day

Rob peeled an Egremont Russet apple at the Holyrood Apple Day which displayed a hundred varieties of apples grown in Scotland this year. The Campaign for Fruitful Scotland for Children saw many school children visit the Parliament as part of the Commonwealth Orchard a Scotland wide project to plant 2014 trees as a legacy of the commonwealth Games. This will allow children to plant, maintain, harvest and eat their own apples.

Rob peeling egremont russet

SNP DELIVERING FOR SCOTLAND

2010-09-16T09:56:00.000+01:00

The end of summer recess and return to Holyrood will be fractious as the opponents of the SNP minority Government try to trip us up. Be assured the SNP had ninety-four headline commitments in our manifesto at the last Scottish election. At this stage, some three and a half years into the parliament, we’ve delivered seventy-seven of them.

People can look at the record of this government and see that it has delivered a large slice of its promises. Given the circumstances we’ve faced such as the world recession on our manifesto commitments, we’ve not dropped our commitment to a referendum and to independence.

It is hardly news that our opponents want to vote down a referendum on independence. Meanwhile the LibDems and Tories in London pursue a referendum on the AV voting system to take place on our Scottish Election day. Also Labour is signed up in Wales for a referendum to extend the powers of the Welsh Assembly.

That’s what prompted Alex Salmond, by far the most popular candidate for First Minister as polls show, to announce that the SNP will now have to appeal over the heads of the unionist MSPs to the people of Scotland next May.

The hypocrisy of all the London parties will be well and truly exposed, as will their lack of any coherent policy to generate new wealth to offset public spending cuts.

The May 2011 election has to make the essential link between constitutional progress for Scotland, and the economic and financial powers we need for the Scottish Parliament to grow the economy and increase revenues to invest in vital public services.

In the circumstances we now face our plan is to make the right of the people to have their say on independence and the absolute requirement for economic and financial powers for Scotland's Parliament the transcending issue of the election campaign.

Tactically, it would be foolish to allow the referendum bill to fall foul of opposition game playing. Instead a newly re-elected SNP government will be in a powerful position to secure passage of the referendum bill, having successfully mobilised the people over the blocking tactics of the unionist parties.

***

Talking of opposition game playing, a mood of hysteria has been whipped up by LibDems on both sides of the Pentland Firth over vital ferry services. It’s a highly charged issue at the best of times, but the current ferries review has prompted submissions from many quarters.

I sent a message with my views to the Caithness Transport Forum a fortnight ago. I sought recognition that both the Scrabster and Gills Bay services carry lifeline goods and people. Some days later the Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson extending the Road Equivalent Tariff pilot for the Western Isles to 2012 whose fragile economy and population loss needs to be turned round.

The LibDem balloon went up followed by the usual distortion of my words when Orkney MSP Liam McArthur demanded assurances that the Scrabster to Stromness route would not be removed from contracts for future lifeline ferry services. Who suggested it would?

Given the massive infrastructure costs of the piers at Scrabster and Stromness it seems to me desirable to get full use from them. It would also be a lesson learned that more economical vessels could be tendered for in future, i.e. after 2015. When MV Pentalina is far more fuel efficient and has far fewer crew, surely a design fit for the ‘Atlantic’ conditions out of Scrabster can also be found?

Orkney islanders have never been better served by ferries across the Firth. Both Scrabster and Gills Bay services have proved their worth. Therefore LibDem councillors in Caithness and their colleague across the Firth should engage in the real debate about efficient, plentiful and reliable services. Scare stories based on distortions won’t fool the service providers, the harbour masters and they should not fool the travelling public.

***

In Holyrood this week the Government’s commitment to grow our economy was the centre piece of the programme to counter the shrill talk of cuts. Instead let’s look at our natural resources as the means to build prosperity.

Contrast the alacrity of Danny Alexander as Chief Secretary to the Treasury to implement cuts in public services. His visits up north show a LibDem willingness to wreak havoc without the vision to ensure Scotland gets the borrowing powers for our Parliament that would allow real growth of oil and gas, renewables, fine food production and in expanding financial services.

The taint of London and New York financial bad practice doesn’t belabour Scotland. That’s why the announcement by Barclays Bank of 600 jobs for Glasgow shows the way. The new oil discoveries in the North Sea also show the way. The steady development of offshore wind, wave and tidal all show the way. Therefore we need to capture new jobs, community benefit and national renewal not just the gloom of cuts, cuts, cuts.

None other than Nobel prize winning economist Joseph Stiglitz warned that the UK has squandered it's oil wealth and that it is now imperative that an oil fund is established to secure the wealth that remains under the North Sea for future generations.

Speaking on BBC Newsnight Scotland, Prof. Stiglitz attacked the UK Government's policy of deep cuts and not investment describing it as "wrongheaded". We must not allow our remaining oil wealth to be wasted but fund such an oil fund for future generations. Stiglitz says it was squandered by previous UK Governments that failed to look to the future. Will the LibDems in the London coalition make any difference today?

The contrast with Norway, whose energy fund which supports pensions and investments for future generations, is stark. Why should Scotland today put up with opposition games to deprive us of our natural resources? Climate change will be an over-riding issue. Having real powers in Holyrood to address this is the prize for Scots and for the North of Scotland in particular.

Renewable Advances

2010-09-03T10:20:00.000+01:00

It is good to read in the Groat that encouraging progress is being made with redevelopment plans for Scrabster Harbour. The employment of a Halcro team as funding go-getters will speed the plans that have the approval in principal of SNP Ministers and public agencies.

Rob Gibson MSP with MORL project director Dan Finch

The need for these facilities to be ready for marine renewables and offshore wind construction, operation and maintenance was driven home to me by the launch of the scoping study by Moray Offshore Renewables Ltd. MORL. Though launched in Inverness it will tour many communities around the shores of the Firth. The road show visits to Wick on Tuesday 31st August from 12 noon to 8pm in Mackays Hotel. Helmsdale, Brora and Tain all the way to Peterhead follow on.

What makes this so important for all around the Firth? The firm MORL combines a Portuguese wind energy company EDP that is the third biggest in the world with SeaEnergy which installed the two test turbines beside the Beatrice platform.

Their plan is to build two hundred 5 to 8 mW wind towers in the Eastern bloc before 2020. It will take support from many surrounding harbours and facilities and create hundreds of jobs in the process. Not to forget that building the jackets will employ many more as the prospects for Nigg and Ardersier look up.

Many say that they’ll believe it when they see it. Why develop the far north when there are easy pickings in shallower seas? The Moray Firth wind towers will be in much deeper water than others and promise worldwide application. This time the North can’t afford to miss the boat.

Each power source compliments the other and the careful progress of MORL helps our ports such as Wick, where a survey boats sails to the grounds east of Beatrice, and our commercial port at Scrabster to seek their share of this work. These plans are underpinned by NRIP, the National Renewables Action Plan now in its third phase as produced for the Scottish Government by Scottish Enterprise and HIE.

Parcel Deliveries, Current Practice and Possible Solutions

2010-09-02T16:06:00.000+01:00

I've just lodged this motion at the request of Consumer Focus Scotland. As many of you will have experienced this problem it's great to see a real effort made to find a solution. R

S3M-06900 Rob Gibson (Highlands and Islands) (SNP): That the Parliament welcomes the recently published Consumer Focus Scotland report Parcel Deliveries: Current Practice and Possible Solutions; notes the various problems that can be encountered by Scottish consumers when receiving parcel deliveries, especially those who live in the Highlands and Islands and other rural and remote areas, and supports the report’s recommendations for the development of more innovative solutions to address these problems, including more alternative local parcel delivery points and increased direct communication between parcel operators and consumers to improve the experience of those receiving parcel deliveries.

North can't afford to miss the boat

2010-08-27T14:49:00.000+01:00

GOOD news for council tax payers this week on the results of the three-year freeze. And it was added to by rising take-up of business rate relief that was pioneered by the SNP Government.

The freeze each year since 2008 has saved council tax payers hundreds of pounds based on what they would have had to pay to fill the gap had our local authority not received its share of the £70 million across Scotland.

The cumulative difference is £164 for band-D council tax payers in Highland. And this week the CBI has warned against calls from council administrations like the Lib Dem, Labour and Independent one in Inverness which wants to increase the council tax.

CBI sees council tax increases in the past 10 years rising 10 per cent above inflation rates at a time when more cash came from the Treasury as a whole.

Of course, in times of deep cuts ushered in by the Con/Dem coalition Government in London - in response to the previous Labour Government's financial black hole - protecting Scottish taxpayers is a prime task of the SNP Government.

Additionally, small businesses, the backbone of our communities, show increased take-up of the SNP's Small Business Bonus Scheme (SBBS).

An estimated 18 per cent more Scottish small business properties benefited from various non-domestic rates reliefs over the last year.

This means that 85 per cent of eligible small business properties paid less. Under the SBBS alone, some 63,000 business properties (almost 30 per cent of all non-domestic properties) were helped in tough times. A further 11,000 properties had 50 or 25 per cent of their bills cut.

Around 110,500 premises in Scotland received rates relief in 2009/10 compared with 94,000 in 2008/09, according to new uptake figures published by Scotland's chief statistician.

These include around 74,000 business properties that paid zero or reduced business rates due to the SBBS in 2009/10 - up from 64,000 recipients the year before.

The Scottish Government has been working closely with the Federation of Small Businesses (Scotland) and local authorities to increase take-up and the first minister will now write to thousands more small firms potentially eligible for relief under the SBBS. Good news indeed in this hard-to-cast-off recession.

IT is good to read in the Groat that encouraging progress is being made with redevelopment plans for Scrabster harbour.

The employment of a Halcrow team as funding go-getters will speed the plans that have the approval in principal of SNP ministers and public agencies.

The roadshow visits Wick on Tuesday from noon to 8pm in Mackay's Hotel. Helmsdale, Brora and Tain, all the way to Peterhead, follow on.

What makes this so important for all around the firth? MORL combines a Portuguese wind energy company, EDP, that is the third biggest in the world with SeaEnergy, which installed the two test turbines beside the Beatrice platform.

Their plan is to build 200 five to eight MW wind towers in the Eastern Bloc before 2020.

It will take support from many surrounding harbours and facilities, and create hundreds of jobs in the process. Not to forget that building the jackets will employ many more as the prospects for Nigg and Ardersier look up.

Many say that they'll believe it when they see it. Why develop the Far North when there are easy pickings in shallower seas?

The Moray Firth wind towers will be in much deeper water than others and promise worldwide application. This time the North can't afford to miss the boat.

Each power source compliments the other and the careful progress of MORL helps our ports such as Wick, where a survey boat sails to the grounds east of Beatrice, and our commercial port at Scrabster to seek their share of this work.

These plans are underpinned by NRIP, the National Renewables Action Plan, now in its third phase as produced for the Scottish Government by Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

REAL money is pouring in to develop wave, tidal and offshore wind. The preparatory work by MORL alone costs £40m. However, the story of the siege of RBS HQ at Gogarburn in Edinburgh has a link.

RBS has been very poor in its investment in Scottish renewables, before and after the crash. That means a new bank to pump prime development is needed to augment government support from London and Edinburgh.

I am campaigning for a green investment bank (GIB) to be based in Scotland. My motion in parliament notes that the UK Government's proposal for a GIB would channel public and private sector investment into energy infrastructure.

I consider that Scotland has enormous potential to develop on and offshore renewable energy with wave and tidal power resources in areas such as the Pentland Firth, and therefore urge the UK Government to base the GIB in Scotland near the companies and individuals working at the front line of decarbonising the economy.

We also need to open up access to Scotland's fossil fuel levy with around £200m sitting in a London bank and introduce a fair transmission charging regime.

Between them they would demonstrate the UK Government's understanding of and commitment to Scotland's renewables potential.

Apart from a Green MSP, all who have signed up to my motion so far are Nats. We need cross-party support to succeed.

Fighting to realise Caithness, Sutherland & Ross' potential

2010-08-19T17:33:00.000+01:00

I am honoured to have been selected as the SNP's candidate for the new seat of Caithness, Sutherland and Ross in the 2011 Scottish Election.

It is a great honour to contest the new seat of Caithness Sutherland and Ross. However the potential of the area is more and more important and obvious to a lot of people. As a member for the Highlands and Islands I have continually spoken out for the remote and rural communities in the west and North. I look forward to making the case for the new seat.

We stand on cusp of something life changing in the North and West harnessing the powers of the seas and oceans will drive this country and the continent forward. We already see beginnings of it. However we need to constantly talk up the potential so that as many high quality jobs can come to the area and help stimulate the area.

There are other great opportunities in the Caithness, Sutherland and Ross from tourism, agriculture, and our general quality of life is a huge incentive to make things even better here. Following the resignation of the sitting MSP, and the SNP’s strong second place in the 2007 elections, the party is now in a key position to win the trust of local voters.

Tor Achility site visit

2010-08-19T17:28:00.000+01:00

he public can walk across hydro electric dams in the Highlands which don't have flood control gear.

This was revealed to me by Scottish Southern Electricity expressing my concern that there was no longer any public access across Torr Achilty dam on the River Conon. Following complaints about the refusal of access to walkers and cyclists, I sought clarification from SSE.

Trevor Williams, hydro operations manager at Torr Achilty Power Station, said: "Scottish Hydro Electric have about 80 dams throughout the north of Scotland.

"We allow public access across some 90% of these. Some require gates to be overcome, but the majority are free access.

"Of the 80 dams, eight house very large flood control gates, of which Torr Achilty is one such.

"The dams are all classed as industrial installations under the access code and, as such, do not require to be made accessible to the general public.

"We regularly suffer vandalism at many of these dams."

SSE has recently carried out in-depth safety risk assessments of the dams that house the flood gates, with the assistance of professional experts.

At Torr Achilty they have found that the level of protection required to ensure public safety in the prevention of an uncontrolled rise in water level downstream of the dam equates to safety integrity level two.

This means that they require a much more sophisticated floodgate control system and a higher level of general security at the dam in order to protect the flood gate operation and control system. Work has now begun on installing the new equipment. It is impractical to screen off the equipment and it is also impractical to provide a fenced off public footpath across the dam, said SSE.

2010-08-19T16:47:00.000+01:00

I was honoured to be able to have these words printed in the West Highland Free Press 2000th edition

"I welcomed and contributed to the radicalism and diverse ideas
that drove the early years of the Free Press. I hope that
spirit can be recaptured in future because editorial values
have sagged over the years into doctrinaire stances that have
failed to serve the paper's catchment as the early fervour
promised. We need diverse opinions in a truly free press in
this evolving nation and particularly those which seeks to
enlighten rather than lecture. Good luck with the task. The
land, the languages and the people of the West Coast deserve
it".[by that way I have nearly every copy of the paper to refer to]

Rob Gibson

SNP speaks up for rural Scotland

2010-08-13T15:22:00.000+01:00

THE approach of harvest allows time to take stock, chew the fat and enjoy what short burst of sunshine there is.

Prospects are great for wheat and barley prices that have skyrocketed because Russian corn growing areas have suffered the worst forest, field and peat fires in anyone's memory plus choking smog in Moscow.

And people still deny that these extreme weather events are not part of global warming at an unacceptable level.

Promotion and support for our rural communities is very much a touchstone with the SNP Government. For the country as a whole to progress, we need every area to be empowered. This takes time, but a couple of announcements made in the last fortnight by cabinet secretary for rural affairs Richard Lochhead will take us forward.

He set up the Rural Development Council. Its report, Speak Up for Rural Scotland, is a consultation that poses ways for rural Scotland and its people to have a central role in strengthening Scotland's economy.

A county like Caithness is certainly a key player and can help meet the nation's challenges in relation to food, water and energy security - all critical to our efforts in tackling climate change.

Rural areas, such as the Far North, will help make the country self-reliant, secure and sustainable. These goals are going to be much more important in the future for countries around the globe, and Caithness is ideally placed to help Scotland forward.

The cabinet secretary also welcomed recommendations from the Brian Pack-led inquiry into farm support. This means new rules can be introduced which should ensure that only truly active farmers receive support payments.

Single Farm Payments should be made to those who are genuinely working the land and contributing to the economic wellbeing of the country and countryside. The president of NFU Scotland, Jim McLaren, said: "Mr Lochhead's approval of these recommendations will go a long way towards addressing the current situation which allows farmers who are doing very little to receive support in the form of the SFP."

Swift action from the SNP Government will make sure that those who deserve payments receive them.

These may seem small steps, but Scotland's parliament can build the foundations of success for the national economy, and in rural Scotland there are very good examples of the business skills we need already in practice. I met many people at the Black Isle Show who agreed.

With full borrowing and tax powers, Scotland can be at its best - but on the way we must ensure that the energy and enterprising spirit of rural communities can continue.

SENDING a letter at a flat rate anywhere in the UK is something that we have taken for granted, yet there is a potential danger to that.

As the Con/Lib Government looks to sell off more of the family silver (in what seems like Thatcherism mark two), it is rushing forward with the part privatisation of the Post Office, which Labour planned last year. This would be wrong for many reasons, not least because of the threat to the Universal Service Obligation.

Richard and Carolyn Spray with North MSP Rob Gibson (right) at the couple's Pentland Biomass stall at the Black Isle Show last week.

With Richard and Carolyn Spray at their Pentland Biomass stall at the Black Isle Show last week.

In the North we are already suffering from a form of geographical tax. I am sure I need not remind you of the extra charges that are often added for private carriers to deliver here if you happen to live north of Perth.

Another example hits the producers of green energy from the land and seas of northern Scotland who are charged more for access to the grid. This is bad enough, but the thought of the demise of the USO would surely hit us very hard.

The potential is that with the USO abolished, there would be nothing to stop Royal Mail from varying charges for delivering letters sent throughout the UK. I think it is a safe bet that those in Caithness and neighbouring counties and islands would have to stump up more for a stamp than many others in the UK.

There is no doubt that this is something that would hinder rather than help rural and remote living, and all who use the postal services for business purposes. Therefore, I hope that, before the Conservatives and Liberals start merrily privatising what little remains of the Post Office, they make sure that the USO is retained. Or is one United Kingdom for postage already lost?

Oh and, while they are at it, perhaps the Liberal Democrat energy secretary Chris Huhne could ensure a level-playing field for energy transmission in the UK.

NEW statistics give us particular comfort about our energy potential.

Firstly, in 2009 and 2010, in Europe and the USA more electricity was generated from renewable sources, such as wind and solar, than from conventional sources such as coal, gas and nuclear - despite the global financial recession which has affected some investment in large-scale solar and biofuel plants.

In that light, I was glad to meet Richard and Carolyn Spray, the owners of Pentland Biomass, at the Black Isle Show last week.

Not our Pentland Firth but the hills near Edinburgh give the company its name. It sells domestic wood-pellet boilers and has successfully cut the fuel bills in Carolyn's leading bedding plant business. Yes, she is the Carolyn Spray of BBC's Beechgrove Garden.

They can see a big demand for domestic boilers as families count the cost of spiralling gas and oil.

Now the SNP Government and Scottish Parliament are focusing on community benefits from renewable production. Landowners already reap a cash harvest for site rental for wind farms as we well know. Farmers and crofters as well as new wind co-operatives can also see the profits to be made as producers on their own land. Speak Up for Rural Scotland makes this very point, for the first time.

Celtic Connections

2010-08-12T15:11:00.000+01:00

A small island off the Atlantic coast of France has adopted its own tartan to mark its Celtic heritage.

Locals on the island of Ouessant have filed the design with the Scottish Register of Tartans.

The cloth includes black and white stripes which come from the Breton flag and red and yellow to reflect the island's crest.

The tartan was displayed during a visit by MSP Rob Gibson, vice president of the Brittany-Scotland Association.

Designer Serge Cariou said: "A few of us wear kilts on Ouessant, to cock a snook at outsiders as a joke. So, after a trip to Scotland, we thought 'Why not design a tartan in our island's colours'?"

Ouessant, known as Enez Eusa in Breton and Ushant in English, lies about 20 miles off the Breton peninsula, making it the most westerly inhabited territory in France. It shares Brittany's Celtic culture and traditions.

The new Ouessant tartan also has blue and green elements in honour of the robes of ancient Celtic druids and bards, according to Mr Cariou.

He added: "Those are the colours of the Eussaf clan, an ancient family that gave its name to Ouessant.

Jean-Yves Cozan, Ouessant regional councillor said: "This tartan is not a gimmick, it's an act of cultural identity to assert that we have roots."

Mr Cozan authorised the use of the name Ouessant and Eusa for the registration of the tartan.

The Eusa design has been entered on the Scottish Register of Tartans as number 10,236.

Pictured below is me with Jean-Yves Cozan, the Breton Regional Councillor for Ouessant who authorised the tartan design locally.

Pictured up top is myself giving a thumbs up to designer Serge Cariou, holding the tartan swatch and certificate from the Scottish Tartan Authority.

So many treats in our larder

2010-08-06T15:58:00.000+01:00

IN this week of the 173rd Black Isle Show, harvest approaches; it's time to chew the fat over prices, meet old friends and have some well deserved fun for the family.

There's also lots of lobbying of our trade bodies, and politics wags a lot of chins.

We are slowly scaling the steep climb out of a deep recession in the general economy, yet the food and drink sector has never been healthier. Indeed Scottish food and drink exports increased by 10 per cent in value up to the end of March this year.

The full story of the success of our national larder is far wider. It's not just tourism that contributes to food and drink sales. Farmers markets, village markets and supermarkets all stock more Scottish produce and the Highlands have a big part to produce the goods.

Last week the Scottish Cabinet began its third summer tour in the Burghfield Hotel School in Dornoch. Local food producers were lauded, local opinion sought and a point made that the Scottish Government goes out to meet the people with confidence in Scotland's future.

In a sour note, some LibDems complained about the cost of the Scots Cabinet circuit that also takes in Stirling, Kilmarnock and the Isle of Bute. One UK Cabinet visit out of London cost far more than the whole Scots government tour. Silence among the LibDem and Tory ranks over that.

THIS week Rural Affairs secretary Richard Lochhead attended the Black Isle Show and has commissioned the Rural Development Council report Speak Up for Rural Scotland. He launched the consultation which claims that rural Scotland and its people have a central role to play in strengthening Scotland's economy.

A county like Ross-shire can help meet the nation's challenges in relation to food, water and energy security and is critical to our efforts to tackle climate change. Your feedback is needed by the Scottish Government.

Short of full powers, Scotland's Parliament can build the foundations of success for the national economy and rural Scots are very good examples of business skills. With full borrowing and tax powers Scotland can be at its best but on the way we must ensure that the energy and enterprising spirit of rural communities can continue to punch above their weight.

TWO new statistics give us particular comfort about our future. First in 2009 for the second time in a row Europe and the USA added more electricity generation from renewable sources such as wind and solar than from conventional sources such as coal gas and nuclear. Secondly, the global financial recession has affected some investment in large scale solar and biofuel power.

I have been pressing for Nigg to be a production hub for marine renewables so I am heartened that bids are now in place to get the yard moving. Globally 18 per cent of electricity production is from renewables. Scotland aims to reach 31 per cent by 2011. On our doorsteps the run of river hydro scheme on the River Glass at Evanton is taking shape and the extension of the longstanding Novar windfarm is the evidence for our own eyes.

The SNP government and Scottish Parliament are focusing on community benefits from renewable production. Landowners already reap a cash harvest for site rental. Farmers and crofters as well as new wind cooperatives can see the profits to be made as producers on their own land.

Richard Lochhead's consultation Speak Up For Rural Scotland wants community benefit from clean energy production to support community assets like village halls and music makers and sports teams.

Engineering firms can lead us out of recession

2010-07-30T15:40:00.001+01:00

THE big push to build a durable economy for the Far North is under way. Calder Engineering Ltd, of Thurso, is to be congratulated on winning a new offshore contract.

It's a sign that engineering businesses can lead this area out of recession.

The firm has been supplying cabins to the offshore oil and gas industry and has recently won a contract to supply to the renewables industry.

With the help of Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the company secured a deal to provide a suite of offshore cabins for the Sheringham Shoal wind-farm project, 10 miles off the Norfolk coastline.

Like many others, the company's work was based at Dounreay until the decommissioning programme got under way and work there began to dry up. However, keen to find new markets for its fabrication and engineering services, the company designed its range of approved offshore cabins.

The company has been working in the oil and gas supply chain for over 10 years and broke into this new market with specialist support through HIE's account management model.

With the appointment of Alex Paterson as HIE chief executive, who is due to start in August, the public will want to know that Caithness is getting the best out of the enterprise network.

The Scottish Parliament is on this tack too. The economy, energy and tourism committee, of which I am deputy convener, is set to probe HIE and Scottish Enterprise to see if their new structures are delivering more jobs and serving the Scottish Government's goals.

As readers of this column will know, I have explored on many occasions the role of HIE in its prime job to support a skilled workforce leaching from the Dounreay rundown and kick-start the marine renewables revolution.

So far it is too early to see if the HIE role has been as effective as we need.

Regenerating the Caithness economy will be led by what HIE dubs "account managed businesses".

We all agree what needs to be done, so local frustrations at a slow pace of change led me to bring economy and energy minister Jim Mather to meet a range of funders in a meeting earlier this month at Scrabster.

WITH the Scottish Parliament midway through recess and Westminster set for its very long break, we must not ignore the biggest breakthrough Scotland needs to prosper. I mean full financial powers. Some call it autonomy, others independence.

The SNP has repeated calls for Scotland to be given full financial responsibility as the Tories and Lib Dems continue to press ahead with the potentially damaging Calman proposals.

The Lib Dem Secretary of State for Scotland, Michael Moore, and his party admitted last weekend that they want more than Calman while a UK Government tax official conceded on Monday the problems the Calman plans face if the UK changes tax rates or the tax base.

North MSP Rob Gibson (far right) along with (from left): Rod Johnson, Scrabster Harbour Trust; economy and energy minister Jim Mather; Willie Calder, SHT; and Jock Campbell, SHT, who met earlier this month at Scrabster harbour.

It has been clear from day one that the Calman proposals were a political fudge not a serious policy proposal for economic growth.

Even Calman's expert economists do not think these plans would deliver growth in the Scottish economy. Meanwhile a growing body of economists, civic society and business leaders all recognise that it is only full financial powers that will give the Scottish Parliament the ability to really support growth and to tailor the Scottish economy to the needs of the Scottish people.

With Scotland facing up to Tory/Lib Dem cuts as a result of Labour Government actions, the logic behind Scotland controlling her own economy is crystal clear.

If the Lib Dems are serious about showing Scotland respect then they must seriously take forward the calls for full financial responsibility and ensure those are part of the discussions with the treasury.

For the secretary of state to put in place financial proposals he and his party do not believe in and that we know risk serious damage to the Scottish economy would be entirely wrong.

Instead of chairing a group that will try to make the best of Calman's bad job (something John Whiting, of the new Office of Tax Simplification freely admits) the treasury and secretary of state would be better to sit down with the Scottish Government and work on delivering real financial responsibility to the Scottish Parliament to support Scotland's economy and Scotland's public services.

Where do our Lib Dem MP and MSP stand on this key issue for our future?

EARLIER this week the Scottish Government took the cabinet to Dornoch as part of its summer tour.

Started in 2008, the tour gives people a chance to engage with the country's decision-makers.

However, some are opposed to taking government to the people. Condemnation has come from Liberal Democrats and Conservatives. Incidentally, the press release from Tory deputy leader Murdo Fraser attacking the tour said that Dornoch was in Caithness. Liberals and Conservatives say tours of this nature are a waste of money.

However David Cameron and Nick Clegg disagree, as they have announced a not-so UK-wide cabinet tour this year which will take place in towns around England.

Given the fact that one meeting of the UK cabinet tour will cost more than the entire Scottish tour then you might expect the Lib Dems and Tories to really chastise their Westminster amigos. Yet they do not.

I wonder what the Liberal Democrats and Tories have got against Dornoch or the cabinet meeting outside the central belt?

United in a bid for devolution

2010-07-16T14:46:00.000+01:00

TRAVEL broadens the mind and narrows the credit limit. But travel also helps us compare and contrast aspects of life we share.

Take the World Cup final. We watched snatches on a huge screen in the Plaza Espana in Vitoria, seat of the modern Basque parliament.

Spain's regions have led devolution (inside a big European state) since those dark days. The Basques have most powers and Catalans next. Others like Galicia (in the north-west) have cultural and linguistic identifiers and a huge fishing industry.

But why is Spain a very popular (and noisy) World Cup winner? They have no preconception of superiority. All the regional strengths feed the national team. However, did the popular support for the Spanish 11 boost political centralism? Hardly, the processes of devolution and gathering powers continue apace.

For example, on July 9 more than a million people held a march in Barcelona to demand national status for Catalonia and the right to self-determination. The demonstration, which was led by the current and four former presidents of the Catalan Government and parliament, came a week after the Spanish constitutional court banned certain articles of the Catalan Statute of Autonomy, which was voted for by Catalans in a 2006 referendum. The leading banner of the demonstration summed up the united feeling - "We are a nation. We decide."

In the Basque lands the violent struggle led by ETA against the equally brutal Franco regime spilled over into the devolution era. Basque national parties tried to build more powers on the devolution settlement that left the main purse strings in Madrid, who resisted peaceful demands. Today ETA is losing support as terror tactics change to overwhelming demands for peaceful extension of powers.

We came to Pamplona to visit during the St Fermin festival, famous for its running-with-the-bulls event that kicks off each day's fun and bacchanalian mayhem. It's some sight to see tens of thousands of locals dressed from head to toe in white wearing red sashes and red bandanas in full-on party mode. Unfortunately I never met the lads from Caithness who drove there in their Highland cow van though. The early-morning start for a three-minute bull and mad human cascade through narrow streets is ancient, as are the nightly bull fights. My experience of a bull fight in Barcelona as a teenager put me off the idea for life. And today a big movement wants to outlaw bull runs and bull rings.

TOM Nairn, the Scottish political philosopher, warned that to compare nations it is best to start with differences rather than similarities when seeking conclusions.

When the Caithness Mod 2010 draws to a close in Caithness on October 16, a huge Basque language event and Basque Highland Games will begin in Pamplona.

A total of 80,000 participants and audience members are expected over three days. And I have been asked to lead a Highland Games and music contingent including a pipe band and heavy athletes. Highland councillors have given their support and representatives will attend.

Does size matter? Should we bother to make friends in the Basque lands? Will it make a difference to our esteem for the Caithness dialect of Scots or our Gaelic heritage?

The Basque Government gets strong popular backing to boost tourist and business links with sympathetic neighbours. The Scottish Government has similar aims with fewer resources at its disposal.

I hope that such cultural links lead to attracting more Basque visitors here. Our parliament is keen to see lots of business links made by smaller firms. We will explore the Basque taste for some Highland produce if we can and maybe strike up some contacts.

Too little has been done officially with our neighbours to make more trade. Whether it is Norway or Euzkadi, we can make new friends and build bridges of common interest in a world where diversity is in too short supply. I noted a shop full of salt cod from Faroes and Iceland. And, yes, the big langoustines on the menus probably arrived via a lorry from Scrabster. There are so many connections to make.

A sprinkling of Basque passion for shellfish, self government, business, music and culture would go a long way to lifting the dead hand of Westminster from our very viable way of life in our own dear land.

AS I write this column in a campsite close to Pamplona, across fields of sun flowers and ripe wheat there lies a ridge whereupon wind turbines twirl in the breeze.

All the way west, from Santander to Vigo, then all the way east via Leon and Castille to Navarra are huge wind farms. This denotes an embrace by landowners and local people. Green energy works, most days. Wind made up 14 per cent of Spain's electric generation last year.

It makes a sizable chunk of Scotland's green power too.

And by the way, big community benefits from wind farms would be good. Don Quixote tilted at old fashioned ones. Embracing clean, green electricity in our backyard could do us a power of good.

It would be most apt for the big electricity utilities to ensure communities share in their profits and a new source of power be given in cash and kind to help fund the Scottish footballers whose toughest target in the forthcoming Euro qualifiers is Spain.

Final week before summer

2010-07-02T14:32:00.000+01:00

This MSP’s final week before recess was as packed with contents that bear importantly on Caithness and our local needs as much as other parts of Scotland.

On Tuesday morning a group of us from the Economy, Energy and Tourism committee visited Burntisland Fabricators at Methil which makes the jackets to site 5MW wind turbines for Vattenfall’s Ormonde Field. They have commissioned two other production lines, one other in Fife, to up the production figures. That’s why its a scandal that the LibDem, Labour and Independent Highland Council administration has not got the compulsory purchase order in place to free up Nigg for this work which is in abundance.

We then did end of term tidying of reports on energy developments and land use planning at committees on Tuesday afternoon. This was followed by an extra meeting for me on the Climate Change targets working group. I’ve been chosen as the SNP member in the cross party high level discussion. We have to report on by early September. More news anon.

All MSPs were tied to the chamber for Wednesday morning and afternoon to finalise the Criminal Justice Bill. It is being watered down by all the opposition against the Scottish Government’s community sentencing plan.

Thursday morning was filled with dozens of amendments as Labour and LibDem members tried to remove the registration conditions in the final stage of the Crofting Bill. I had the first question at General Questions just before the First Minister was berated once again by Iain Gray at high noon. Thursday pm was spent with a debate on the prospects for the Scottish budget next year which cannot be finalised till after October as the Chancellor Osborne announces his Comprehensive Spending Review targets after Westminster’s ultra-long holidays.

***

This Emergency Budget made in Westminster is a result of the mess Labour made of the UK economy. They cannot escape from the fact that they left behind the largest peace-time budget deficit in history. But the Tory and Lib Dem cuts go too far and are too fast and risk damaging recovery and therefore future revenues from recovering businesses.

Certainly we must all face up to the tough financial and economic situation ahead. There must be an honest conversation as to how we address these cut and tax rises. At a government, local authority and personal level - everyone will be affected and we must work together to get through it while protecting the values of our society. In Scotland we care for those in need, we would not tax those in poverty hardest. So this mess must never be allowed to happen again.

Increasing VAT to 20% is a seriously regressive and a poorly thought-out measure. Not only does it disproportionately affect those on the lowest incomes, but it will also take millions of pounds out of Scotland’s public services –particularly the NHS. This is despite George Osborne saying during the election campaign that he had ‘no plans’ to do so.

Meanwhile in the Scots Parliament Labour’s attitude in Scotland is that spending should being going up everywhere, all the time. They simply have not faced up to the reality of the situation they created.

All this needs to be set against upbeat facts about Scotland’s potential. Government expenditure and revenue for Scotland GERS shows for the fourth year in a row Scotland’s current budget balance has been in surplus. The total in balance is £3.5bn. Meanwhile the UK built up a deficit of £72.3bn.

These figures include Scotland’s share of North Sea oil revenues. And looking to the future Scotland’s seas could supply domestic electricity needs many times over by 2050. A UK led report was recently published showing that harnessing a mere third of the 206GW potential would develop 68GW in Scotland by 2050. Of most note is the estimate of 4GW from wave energy, 5GW from tidal stream and 2Gw from tidal range. These are the prizes the Scottish Government sees Caithness playing a big part. Thousands of jobs will be created across the North. That is why the London Government must work in partnership to release that Scottish potential.

This week we also received a warning that public spending cuts would be greater in Scotland under Calman commission’s financial plans to change devolution.

Professors Andrew Hughes Hallett and Drew Scott have warned that Calman changes will have a "more severe" effect in Scotland than in other parts of the UK, and that recommendations from the commission could result in deep cuts in spending, lost income tax revenue and an inability to use higher VAT to compensate.

With the Tory/LibDem budget threatening Scottish growth and the Labour party unable to protect Scotland – having created the mess in the first place – only financial responsibility and finally independence for Scotland can help Scotland’s economy grow more strongly and build recovery.

***

Danny Alexander MP Chief Secretary to the Treasury appeared before the Holyrood Finance committee on Tuesday evening. It is part of the ‘respect agenda’ of the new coalition government to send its minister’s north. But he has amnesia over his demands last December in an Early Day motion.

In December 2009 the former LibDem campaign manager called on the UK Government to write-off the Highland Council's housing debt so that additional funds are available to meet the chronic need for affordable housing in the Highlands. He further called on the UK Government to provide for a reduced rate of fuel duty in remote and rural areas, which would reduce the cost of transport; and further he called on both the Scottish and UK governments to recognise the additional costs of delivering services in the Highlands in order to prevent unnecessary cuts in vital public services. Not now, but later, we were told.

Financial Services Inquiry

2010-06-23T14:33:00.000+01:00

My contribution to part of the Economy, Energy & Tourism Committee's Financial Services Inquiry is below. I hope you find it of interest.

-RG

Rob Gibson (Highlands & Islands) (SNP): The discussion that the Which? commission started is a good template for looking at the issue from the consumer point of view. However, amid all the views of commentators on the subject, I am still baffled by how the restructuring of the banks can be achieved. The nub of the argument seems to be about making commercial banks more competitive, but that fails to answer the question about where they will get their assets from in order to be able to lend. If we look back to models from the 1990s and earlier, we can see that the balance between debt and deposits was much more equal. However, in this day and age, how are we going to get from where we are to where might be a good place to be? I would like us to develop that issue.

The second point that I would like us to consider is how UK Financial Investments is operating. It was clear that the future of banking commission was unhappy with it, as we were, and we need to keep a watching brief on ways in which we can encourage it to be more proactive, because its hands-off approach has not worked from the point of view of the consumer in Scotland.

Numerous proposals have been made about remuneration. I do not know whether we will see anything of that sort from the wider banking commission that the UK Government is creating, but I would like us to have an input and to think about the matter in more detail. Given the ideas that we heard from Angus Tulloch and others about ethics and banking, and the suggestion in the Which? report about having a code of conduct in the banking industry, we should look to make an input to the UK commission about the Scottish experience.

Lewis Macdonald: I agree with much of what Rob Gibson said.

We must remember that all war is hell

2010-06-18T13:30:00.000+01:00

‘Help for Heroes’ parades and Armed Forces Day approaches in the next week or two. As I write this the 70th anniversary of the surrender of the 51st Highland Division and their French Army comrades took place at St Valery en Caux in Normandy. It was a military catastrophe that touched nearly every Highland and NE Scottish home from Caithness to Oban and from Stornoway to Aberdeen.

We should also recall the bravery of present day troops in Iraq and Afghanistan and the wounds to mind and body inflicted there and remember that all war is hell, so much so that the same bewilderment haunts each generation. Last week a journalist posed the question, “How can we stop wars happening?” and a St Valery veteran said, “I don’t know, does anyone know?”

I’ve been asked to join the reviewing officer with other community leaders at the Help for Heroes march due in Tain on Saturday 19th June. Memories and thoughts rush to mind at such times. I visited St Valery three years ago and wrote of the experience and feelings of pride for these brave men following Churchill’s orders to divert the crack German divisions away from the Dunkirk rescue mission. I also think of my future son-in-law who will marry my step-daughter in early July. He has done tours of nail biting duty in Basra and Helmand as a TA volunteer. Thankfully he survived and did his duty. Back home on each of these six month tours of duty the family could barely watch the box as the casualties mounted.

Imagine the numbing pain of not knowing the fate of loved ones in World War 2 as a looked-for letter was the only means to know if your relative or friend had reached the ‘safety’ of a POW camp. But even worse think again on the lingering hopelessness of those left behind when their loved ones paid the ultimate price for freedom.

Can we stop wars? I believe the United Nations needs a radical overhaul 65 years on from VE Day. It should not rest on the nuclear powers that were victorious decades ago. In parallel, the most powerful nations have had to expand the economic club from G7 to G20 to acknowledge the shift in power to the developing world. Can war be stopped? We must never give up on trying by peaceful persuasion and fair trade. Meantime the most powerful need is to stop nuclear proliferation and for the ConDem UK Government to scrap Trident as the first step in that direction in its defence review instead of cutting ground troops and air sea rescue planes. But will the LibDems insist?

***

You would think that Labour leadership candidates would show a bit of humility following their part in the biggest recession the UK has seen since the 1930s. Not a bit of it, barring Diane Abbot. Incredibly poll leader David Miliband, former Foreign Secretary wants Scotland to be a test bed for Labour welfare policies to roll out south of the Border.

Meanwhile the real debate is about the engagement between the Scottish Government and the UK ConDem Government. It revolves around financial responsibility. This was ignored and vetoed by the previous Labour cabinet and failed to be addressed by the leadership contenders in their Glasgow hustings.

An impressive array of Scottish business leaders, academics and social activists has lined up behind the non party Campaign for Financial Responsibility CFFR. They include Jim MacColl CEO of Clyde Blowers, Campbell Christie, former STUC chief and Highlander Dan MacDonald, CEO of MacDonald Estates, property developers and many more.

Ben Thomson, chairman of the independent think-tank Reform Scotland and spokesman for CFFR, said: “The initial response to the campaign has been extraordinary. It would appear there is a real groundswell of opinion in favour of giving Holyrood responsibility for raising as well as spending the money it receives. Over the next few weeks and months we are confident the campaign will continue to gather strength and help stimulate the debate.”

They see the Calman Commission’s recommendations on tax-raising powers, which were backed by the main opposition parties in Scotland, as a possible damage to the economy. Therefore a Scottish Parliament with greater responsibility for raising the money it spends would lead to better government in Scotland.

The CFFR claims financial responsibility would make politicians more accountable for financial decisions taken and give both the incentive and the fiscal tools that are vital to improve public services and stimulate real economic growth with a bonus of a healthier relationship between Westminster and Holyrood.

Jim MacColl believes that Scotland is standing at the crossroads of an enormous opportunity. He said, “Across civic society, within the business community and among all political parties, there is a broad consensus that we must enter into a new era of economic responsibility.”

As the building blocks are put in place to develop the Far North economy post-Dounreay I urge local business leaders concerned citizens and academics to explore the CFFR campaign. We know that a healthy economy is needed to support a proper public sector such as health and education. Sir Tom Hunter the retail millionaire has backed the fiscal responsibility argument and it’s a lesson for us here.

He endowed the Centre for Entrepreneurship in Strathclyde University which reported that new business start ups declined in Scotland by 18 per cent between 2008 and 2009, taking it to 3.6 per cent – behind the almost static UK estimate of 5.8 per cent last year. Yet countries in the "arc of prosperity" – the Scottish Government's term for nations such as Norway, Denmark and Iceland – fared better.

While Labour is navel gazing real progress can be made by the Scottish Government and by us locally. I believe that we need to understand just how urgent it is to get Scotland moving through borrowing powers and tax powers in this competitive world for example right here in Caithness and north Sutherland.

Remember the 51st, remember St Valery

2010-06-15T11:35:00.000+01:00

This Saturday I'll be joining the Reviewing Officer at the Tain 'Help for Heroes' ceremony (19th June) to honour present day soldiers wounded in action in today's wars.

Last Sunday (13th June) I supported calls for the history and heroic bravery of the 51st Highland Division to be better known.

The division, who were ordered by Churchill to fight (along with the French) a regard action against elite German Divisions to defend the retreat of the British Forces at Dunkirk 70 years ago, was marked at the weekend at ceremonies in the Normandy town of St Valery En Caux.

My Parliamentary colleague Alasdair Allan, SNP MSP for the Western Isles, lodged a motion praising those of the 51st who deserve greater credit than they have been afforded, which I holeheartedly signed and support.

Their selfness at helping the French defend the retreat and slow up the German advance allowed 100,000 others to get back over the channel at Dunkirk.

The Scots and in particular the Highlanders have had a long and proud military history, but the story of St Valéry is one of the most heroic and heart breaking that there is. For many there was only capture and a death march across Europe or hiding in the nearby countryside.

In France, their heroism is well known but I fear that the story needs to be taught in schools to be remembered. I visited the poignant memorial on the cliffs above St Valery several years ago. The plaque in French, Gaelic and English is very moving. The Highland Division took in soldiers from Caithness to the Western Isles and beyond. Just like the under recognition for the brave seamen on the Arctic convoys, the men of the 51st should be honoured, never forgotten.

Guesting with Cowboy Celtic

2010-06-13T15:51:00.001+01:00

Here's me at Edinburgh folk club singing 'Buffalo Farm in Achiltibuie' with Cowboy Celtic last week. What a show!

Coalition has opened up a real debate

2010-06-08T18:53:00.000+01:00

The new ConDem coalition in London has set out its stall for the start of a five year term. The watchword on all lips has been financial responsibility after an era of soaring personal debt that was fuelled by a regime of light touch regulation and unprecedented gambling in the stock markets. Indeed the responsibilities for the worldwide financial crash in the autumn of 2008 had its origins in the UK and US model of the free market.

Since I wrote two weeks ago the Holyrood Parliament has now debated both the prospects for Scotland in the new ‘respect’ agenda launched by Prime Minister Cameron and the enquiry done by the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee into the future of financial services in Scotland.

Last week produced clear evidence that relations between Scotland and the UK can be much less of an impasse compared to New Labour days. In a Tory motion amended by the SNP, the Tories, LibDems and SNP made 79 votes to Labour’s 45 and 2 Green abstentions. It reads:

“That the Parliament welcomes the commitment of HM Government to establish a positive and constructive working relationship with the Scottish Government and Parliament to tackle the problems facing the country and, in particular, welcomes the commitment in the Queen's Speech to introduce legislation to implement recommendations from the final report of the Commission on Scottish Devolution and the willingness to consider matters in relation to the Fossil Fuel Levy and fiscal responsibility issues.”

This crucially opens up real debate about how Scots can both raise taxes ourselves, or cut them and be accountable in Holyrood for the decisions we make. It’s a big prize for negotiations at the highest levels between Edinburgh and London in the next very few weeks.

There is no mistaking the threats of deep cuts across the land, due to unprecedented borrowing in ‘peace time’. That is Labour’s legacy to all of us for having to bale out the big banks. It hits every area of public spending from potholes on the roads to jobs in schools and hospitals.

But to get this in perspective we heard at a meeting of NHS Highland that a proposed cut of a hundred jobs would be needed to help meet £15m cut backs this year. Importantly people should know that the annual turn over of staff in the Health Board is between six and seven hundred. So, even deeper cuts if postponed till next year, as proposed by Cabinet Secretary John Swinney, would have to be very swingeing indeed to reduce health service delivery, such as new dentists, increased ambulance staff and nurses. New treatments, where patients stay for far less time in a hospital bed, will change staffing needs and can improve the patient journey at this time.

***

My duty in the banking debate in Parliament was to give the closing speech for the EET Committee. It’s a sort of battle with the surrounding noise of MSPs arriving in the chamber for voting time at 5pm. Often the Presiding Officer has to call for order to let those with an interest hear the conclusions.

We interviewed among others Stephen Hester, CEO of Royal Bank of Scotland, the BBC’s reporter Robert Peston, Gillian Tett, the Financial Times commentator, Mervyn King, Governor of the Bank of England, Lord Adair Turner, Chair of the Financial Services Authority, and the UK committee on Climate Change. This gave the Scottish Parliament unrivalled access to key players, which was urgently needed due to three of the biggest failures in Britain being based in Scotland, namely RBS, HBOS and the Dunfermline Building Society.

Thanks to expert knowledge, our committee adviser Philip Augar helped us produce a most creditable report. Suffice to say the work by the Westminster Scottish Affairs committee continually referred to our evidence in its hurried work. The Scottish Parliament does many things well and more thoroughly than Westminster. This is report that looks at the strengths of Scottish financial bodies such as asset management and insurance with a 300 year old pedigree. It lambasts RBS and Lloyds Banking Group on whom so many of our small borrowers rely.

Suffice to say the new ConDem coalition in London has its job cut out to avoid Philip Augar’s parting shot in his book The Greed Merchants – here’s to the next time!

***

As part of the work of the Economy Energy and Tourism Committee we have been enquiring how to promote Scottish exports and encourage inward investment. I had the chance to join the committee delegation earlier this week to Düsseldorf and Brussels to see how North Rhine Westfallia and Flanders do the same job.

Our meetings show us that big utility partners such as E On, Scottish Power and Scottish and Southern Energy who have won Pentland Firth wave and tidal sites can be major partners with local businesses that develop prototype wave and tidal machines. The European Union will back Scottish developments and I see considerable openings for German companies like E On and our own power utilities who stand to gain big prizes from backing local firms in the marine renewables field. It’s a story of hope for Scotland and particularly for the Far North that shows the work of the Scottish Government and Parliament to back our renewables windfall requires national borrowing powers to underpin the international interest in our marine resources.

ERI's First Annual Lecture

2010-05-28T17:20:00.000+01:00

The immediate importance of the ERI's work has never been more clear. Some key parts of that work are focused on peatland monitoring and marine currents and wave action in the Pentland Firth, which is set to host marine energy are critical to sustainable futures for the this part of Scotland.

I commend the ERI's development as an internationally recognised success story in the UHI's family of excellence.

Map system promotes a positive future for crofting

2010-05-14T16:20:00.000+01:00

The importance that a legally valid mapping system has to promoting a positive future for crofting communities was highlighted in Thursday's Stage 1 debate on the Crofting Reform (Scotland) Bill.

Such a system would root out absenteeism and give crofters greater security.

I very much welcome the vote which passed the first stage of the Government's Bill on Crofting reforms in the Scottish Parliament without amendment. The amendment proposed by the Labor Party (which was voted down) would have kept crofting in the 19th Century. This Bill has the potential to take crofting into the 21st century.

In response to Labour and LibDem MSP who oppose a map based croft register, I would say that previous governments before and after devolution have failed to instruct the Crofters Commission to root out neglect and deal with absenteeism. In the 21st century the mapping of all land holdings is seen as key to plan land use and give individual land holders secure, legally binding title.

Crofters who sell part of their crofts pay for registration, in around 500 cases a year, this SNP Government welcomes agreement by MSPs that a community based croft mapping scheme is acceptable. But ultimately boundary disputes and individual crofters responsibilities will be best served by a legally-binding map based register.

I am delighted that the Labour amendment was defeated. This would hold back crofting regulation into a pattern more suited to the 19th century. I hope to see the new Crofting Commission draw up crofting development plans. These will help planners and crofters to build a bright future.

I also hope to introduce an amendment to the bill at the next stage to introduce simple annual reports by Grazing Committees as to the uses and misuses of crofting land. This should act as a spur to the Crofting Commission to prioritise the removal of the worst examples of neglect and help crofters make far better use of the available land.

A wasteful decision

2010-05-14T16:14:00.000+01:00

Disappointingly, following an appeal, a waste to energy plant has been given the go-ahead for Invergordon after it was blocked by Councillors earlier this year.

The huge carbon footprint of gathering waste for such a plant should be spurring us to reuse, repair, recycle as these are our best weapons against any economic case for such a waste to power plant.

We should be looking to produce less waste not more,so that they can power waste to energy incinerators. This is a retrograde step which will not be welcomed by the vast majority of people in Invergordon and surrounding area.

And it was disingenuous to blame the SNP Scottish Government for the decision. It bears noting that the reporter was independent of the SNP and the decision was not party political.

These are points I raised on Wednesday speaking in the Zero Waste debate in the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday, and I will continue advocating this.

The LibDem administration has no cause to lash out. Along with SNP Cllr Maxine Smith we have been strong and consistent opponents of the scheme and will continue to be.

However now we see the Lib Dem led Highland Council administration in their true light. If they oppose incinerators, why was there no amendment by their MSPs in the Zero Waste debate in Parliament to that effect? Or are they merely as divided as ever when it comes to the crunch?

WW2 Arctic Convoys directly contributed to Allied Victory

2010-05-10T17:03:00.000+01:00

Welsh Guards paraded in Red Square Moscow this weekend to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the victory of the Allies in WW2.

Meanwhile I paid my respects to some of those who made the victory possible, travelling to Wester Ross to lay flowers at the Arctic Convoy Club Memorial at Rudha an t'Sasain on the south shore of Loch Ewe.

Ferry questions that need detailed answers

2010-05-10T16:02:00.000+01:00

A week before last I lodged a series of questions on the costs of running Northlink Ferries - which are due to be answered next week.

Stocks of a new book 'Pentland Hero' by Roy N Pedersen have sold out in the first print run. It raises major questions about many aspects of ferry contracts and competition to serve these islands.

Since an in-depth ferries review is due from the Scottish Ministers it imperative that we know as much about the costs of ferry services as possible. I have been acutely aware of the superficial claims made in the wake of the Iceland volcano ash crisis about the uses made of the 'Hamnavoe'. Orkney citizens and those in Shetland and the Western Isles need to know that truly lifeline ferries can be delivered at reasonable costs.

Roy Pedersen's book notes that a Private Finance Initiative arrangement was struck by the LibDem/Labour Executive in 2002. I'm sure that this contract to lease the three Northlink ferries which runs to 2015 is the starting point for some forensic analysis. I'm more attracted to sort out our ferries, than to shout 'hands off'. I'm sure most Orcadians will feel the same.

Written Questions lodged Thursday 30th April:

S3W-33471 Rob Gibson: To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual costs are of leasing the three ships in the Northlink fleet which commenced in 2002.

S3W-33472 Rob Gibson: To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual cost of bunker fuel has been in each year from April 2003 for the three ships in the Northlink fleet.

S3W-33473 Rob Gibson: To ask the Scottish Executive whether the quality of oil burned by the three ships in the Northlink fleet has ever changed since 2003.

S3W-33474 Rob Gibson: To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual figures are for (a) passengers, (b) cars and (c) commercial vehicles carried on each ship in the Northlink fleet since April 2003.

S3W-33475 Rob Gibson: To ask the Scottish Executive on how many days have the Scrabster to Stromness and the Stromness to Scrabster services been interrupted by adverse weather conditions in each year since April 2003.

S3W-33476 Rob Gibson: To ask the Scottish Executive on how many days have the Aberdeen to Lerwick service and the Lerwick to Aberdeen services been interrupted by adverse weather conditions in each year since April 2003.

S3W-33477 Rob Gibson: To ask the Scottish Executive how many times has the scheduled call at Kirkwall in the Aberdeen to Lerwick Northlink service and the Lerwick to Aberdeen service been abandoned since April 2003.

NIGG BRIEFING HIGHLIGHTS COST OF DELAY

2010-05-06T16:12:00.000+01:00

A briefing note sent to Councillors from Planning Director, Stuart Black has highlighted the fact that valuable time has been wasted in getting Nigg back to work by not pursuing Compulsory purchase more vigorously.

The note highlights work that has to be done and revisits timescales for action first discussed in 2007. The report refers to a forthcoming Strategic Planning Committee in May but has been sent ahead of an SNP motion to Highland Council next week to urge the Council to.

An early Compulsory Purchase Order could have led to the area being ready to take advantage of a substantial jobs boost for a large part of Highland. Our fears have always been that there has been a lack of will to get the job done. I think folk in Highland will have to look at this Lib Dem led Council and ask why they are no further forward. If Highland loses out on Nigg’s potential then they will know where to look.

Former Strategic Planning Chair and SNP Council Group Finance spokesman, Councillor Drew Hendry has said “The briefing note restates what Councillors were told previously and it is a huge disappointment that the document seems to indicate a further significant period of time to get things going. We were given outline times of 18 months to 2 years for the process to obtain a “back to back” agreement and work required for a CPO in 2007 and in 2008. Consultants have produced a Masterplan for Nigg, but what we have here is a clear sign that work has effectively stopped whilst KBR were, ultimately, wasting time. Any background work should have been done alongside the fruitless waiting around for KBR”

He added “It is vital for Highland that we finally get this thing by the scruff of the neck and get a move on, every additional delay pushes our ability to take advantage of new jobs further away. I believe that we could have a World leading renewable industry here and that will only be achieved if those in control start showing some urgency.

Local SNP Councillor, Maxine Smith, Cromarty Firth further commented, “The detail of the report is largely old news, but the admission that we are virtually back to square one is alarming. It is also worrying that officers seem to be briefing with a recommendation ahead of a member’s motion to Council, I think that opens up serious questions about the lack of political leadership on the council, if, once more, officers are trying to “frame” responses to get the results that they want as opposed to the view of the elected members representing their constituents"
*****

The briefing note read as follows:

"BRIEFING NOTE FOR MEMBERS CONCERNING NIGG YARD

The Council is committed to securing the early release of the Nigg site in line with its approved Masterplan which focuses on the renewable energy potential of the Yard.

A report will be submitted to the PED Committee on the 26th May covering three issues:

a) The announcement by KBR on the 14th April that it would not be proceeding with its plans to re-develop the yard but would be seeking alternatives for the redeployment of the site including the prospective sale of the facility
b) To consider various options for securing the future development of the site including the prospect of promoting a CPO. In essence following a twin track approach by supporting the sale and release of the entire Nigg site whilst keeping the pressure on by undertaking the preparatory work to promote a CPO.
c) The first step in the CPO process is to draft a Back to Back Agreement which would be advertised in the OJEU for interested parties with the aim of securing a ‘preferred bidder’ before the CPO process begins.

The PED Committee will consider a paper to instruct Officers to procure external assistance to prepare the Back to Back Agreement. Thereafter the Draft document would be brought back for approval before advertising in the OJEU.

Background:

1. The Nigg Development Masterplan and associated documentation has gone through all necessary stages as has been approved by the Council as ‘supplementary guidance’.
2. This would underpin any CPO process.
3. There has been no direct contact from KBR with the Council since their announcement on the 15th April.
4. DSM has completed the acquisition of the adjacent 800 acre Dow Chemicals Site and are understood to have approached KBR to discuss the Nigg Yard site in which they have an interest. They propose to develop the Dow Chemical land and the Nigg Yard as a Business Park for large scale assembly/fabrication and to use some 20-30 acres of the yard area for decommissioning.
5. It is understood that KBR’s selling agents DTZ are awaiting instructions from their client on whether the sale will be on the open market or whether discussions are to be opened with DSM or other parties who have expressed an interest in the site.
6. The major stumbling point has been a clause in the lease of the Wakelyn Trust land to KBR which requires the lessee to reinstate the land to dunes at the conclusion of the lease in 2031. This would present a major impediment and disincentive to any developer even were the Wakelyn Trust prepared to assign the lease to them.
7. Were the site to be sold it is likely that the Wakelyn Trust would also wish KBR to ‘buy out’ this lease condition which would further complicate matters.

CURRENT SITUATION

1. The Convener has written to Scottish Ministers urging them to consider bringing the Nigg Yard into Public Ownership.
2. Officers of HIE and the Council have jointly prepared an options appraisal for the Nigg site which considers five scenarios ranging from ’do nothing’ leaving this to the market to dictate and outcome through to a public sector purchase by HIE, a CPO with ‘back to Back Agreement’ by the Highland Council or possibly a public sector/Joint Venture agreement. All options have pros and cons., differing likelihoods of success and timescales.
3. HIE may have difficulty in taking forward a public sector purchase whilst there are indications of private sector interest. They would only intervene where there is market failure.
4. The key decisions for the Council to make to move matters on are:
a) to instruct officers to commence work on the ‘Back to Back Agreement’;
b) in parallel with this to begin preparatory work to promote a CPO.
5. There is a risk of abortive costs in excess of a six figure sum being incurred in preparing a Back to Back Agreement and promoting a CPO if the site were sold before these could be applied.
6. From commencement to completion the estimated timescale for a Back to Back Agreement would be of the order of 15 months.
7. The CPO could not begin in earnest until the Back to Back Agreement nears finalisation with a preferred bidder appointed. It would take a minimum of 10 months thereafter to complete if it was not challenged by the landowners and anything up to 22 months if challenged through the courts.
8. The time frames outlined above represent an optimistic assessment but this clearly demonstrates that a CPO cannot be the only approach given the rapidly closing window of opportunity for entry into the Renewable Energy Market.

Stuart Black, Director of Planning & Development
Geoff Robson, Head of Environment & Development
5 May 2010"

HISTORIC RECOGNITION FOR SCOTS LANGUAGE IN CENSUS

2010-04-29T12:29:00.000+01:00

Yesterday the Scottish Parliament unanimously passed the Census Order with a historic inclusion of a question for speakers of the Scots tongue.

The work of many members of the Cross Party Group for Scots over eight years has led to the trial and inclusion of this question on Scots in the Scottish Census, due in March 2011. Alongside English and Scottish Gaelic, Scots speakers will have a chance to answer tick boxes for Q 16 - which can you do? Understand, Speak, Read, Write, or none of these.

Scots, the tongue of Robert Burns, has dialects that span Shetland, Orkney, Caithness, Moray and all the way through Aberdeenshire and central Scotland to the Borders and far South West. Many Scots don't realise that's what they speak. Between now and the census next year a profile of the local versions of Scots tongue will have to be made very public. We look to the Registrar General to fund this information campaign.

The SNP welcomes this historic recognition for the Scots tongue by its place in the census. We hope all parties in the Parliament will help to get the question fully answered.

Arctic convoy veterans honoured

2010-04-24T11:23:00.000+01:00

Scots former seafarers presented with commemorative medals by Russian consul

Published in the P&J on the 24th. A friend of mine from John O'Groats and Arctic Convoy Veteran Sandy Manson is pictured here receiving his medal to commemorate the victory of the Allies in the 65th anniversary of the Great Patriotic War, WW2. Russian Consul General to Scotland, Sergey Krutikov, also pictured bowing after presenting the medal.
-RG

By Karl Mansfield
Published: 24/04/2010

RECOGNITION: William Bannerman, left, from Glasgow, and Jock Dempster, from Dunbar, proudly show their medals.

Scottish veterans who served in the Arctic convoys to Russia during World WarII have been presented with commemorative medals.

The Merchant Navy helped transport vital supplies from Orkney to Russia while under attack from German submarines and aircraft.

A total of 26 veterans were presented with the medal yesterday to mark the 65th anniversary of the end of the conflict in Europe.

Jock Dempster, from Dunbar, East Lothian, was in a convoy to Russia in 1944 aboard an oil tanker sailing to Murmansk.

Mr Dempster, who is 81 and chairman of the Russian Arctic Convoy Club Scotland, said: “This event marks a very special day for us. The longstanding bond of friendship which existed between the Russian people and the veterans during the war has become even stronger since.

“The medal is much appreciated for adding formal recognition of the critical role we played in shipping vital supplies to Murmansk and Archangel. The medals will be treasured by the veterans and passed on with pride to their children.
“The Russians have never forgotten the ultimate sacrifice made by the 2,800 seamen who never returned to our shores.”

Sergey Krutikov, Russia’s consul-general in Edinburgh, presented the medals at Merchants’ Hall in the city.

He said: “It is a great honour for me to carry out the wishes of the president of the Russian Federation and the supreme commander-in-chief of the Russian armed forces and present these medals to the British Russian convoy veterans.

“The Russians, like the British, have the same warm feelings for their veterans. Today we are honouring those who fought our common enemy and did everything possible to achieve our great victory.

“The presentation of the 65th anniversary medals is a sign of appreciation for the heroic deeds performed by Russian convoy veterans during the tough years of war.”
Rob Gibson represented the Scottish Government and Scottish Parliament.

The SNP MSP for Highlands and Islands said: “The presentation of medals was a poignant event.

“It recalls the few who survive today of the brave men of the Navy and merchant service who sailed into the teeth of war in all its fury on the most dangerous convoys of the war.

“These brave men delivered the war materials for Russia to defeat fascism along with the western allies.

“Today, we are building new friendships and economic relations with Russia on the basis of solidarity in past crises. Russia greatly values its veterans. So do we in Scotland.”

Time now for talk on Scotland's ferry services

2010-04-23T15:22:00.000+01:00

THE foresight and tenacity of Andrew Banks, whose company, Pentland Ferries, has come good after years of struggle, is the subject of a very welcome book.

Roy N. Pedersen has given us a blow-by-blow account in Pentland Hero, published this month by Birlinn.

It tells how crossings to Orkney from Caithness were developed from the times of Jan de Groot to the spanking new catamaran Pentalina (pictured) that plies from Gills Bay to St Margaret's Hope.

The Gills Bay Harbour Committee has been justified in supporting the development of the short-sea route to South Ronaldsay and beyond via a home-made but functional pier, linkspan and breakwater which Mr Banks's team constructed.

Also Scrabster Harbour Trust has developed a state-of-the-art terminal to meet the conditions of the NorthLink tender for "lifeline" ferry connection to Stromness under the state subsidy regime.

I'm sure a big debate will begin as a result of Roy Pedersen's book. Mounting fuel costs and efficiency savings cannot be avoided in these financially straitened times. In this very week the headlines about necessary economies on NorthLink has prompted the Scottish Government to postpone any decisions about slower services or other economies till after the high season and into the autumn.

I am a member of the transport, infrastructure and climate change committee enquiry to match transport and planning needs in this country. It follows a ferry services review we completed last year. This reported that a major debate is needed on how to deliver passengers, freight and vehicles on vessels that are economic and safe in such unruly seas and meet the best principles of regular and logical routes.

Fortunately the issue of monopoly that dogs much of the West Highlands has been avoided on the Caithness to Orkney routes. However, let us make sure that value for the public purse is debated with the short-sea crossing and the needs of Scrabster and Stromness kept in mind. The repatriation of folk stranded in Norway after the Icelandic ash plume has been possible via the NorthLink's vessel Hamnavoe. That's precisely because Pentalina can cope with traffic demand at this time.

*

MY concerns that the Lib Dems can't be trusted to find ways to curb rocketing fuel prices have been laid out in this column many times. That's because their party is split from top to bottom on the issue, as votes in the House of Commons show.

It took an SNP amendment to the Lib Dem motion last Thursday in the Scottish Parliament to include the widest range of UK Parliamentary options to act now. As I took part in the debate I thought it right to show the final motion that was passed.

For your readers' benefit the Scots Parliament passed the amended motion - For, 73 (SNP, Tories and Lib Dems), Against, 38 (Labour), abstentions, 1 (independent).

It reads: "That the Parliament notes the AA report of 8 April, 2010, that indicates that the average price of petrol in the United Kingdom has reached an all-time high and is likely to rise still further; recognises the high premium over the national average paid for fuel at filling stations in remote rural and, particularly, island communities; regrets the damaging financial and social impact that this has on individuals and businesses in these areas; further regrets the lack of progress that has been made on efforts to find a mechanism to reduce the price of fuel in specified remote rural and island areas of Scotland, and calls on the Scottish Government to hold urgent discussions with the UK Government and the European Commission to construct a mechanism, including consideration of a fair fuel regulator, under the EU energy products directive or otherwise, to reduce the fuel price differential between remote rural and island communities and urban areas of the UK."

Yes it is very clearly an election issue, for the London leaderships of the Tory, Labour and Lib Dem parties believe in market forces which won't help us one bit.

I have made suggestions about bulk buying by the Highland Council which was rejected by the Lib Dems' independent ally Councillor John Laing, chair of TEC services.

I repeated that suggestion again at the transport, infrastructure and climate change committee last week as the cabinet secretary for finance and sustainable growth is looking for islands and remote areas to come up with ideas. If any of your readers do, please let me know.

*

A COUPLE of thoughts on the UK General Election can be very good for democracy.

Every SNP candidate will sign a pledge of accessibility, accountability and openness - it will be their Community Commitment. It will be their guarantee - their contract with the voters - and it will set the standard for their work on behalf of the people they represent. It will include guarantees on publication of expenses, on regular constituency surgeries and consultation with voters and community groups. Will other parties subscribe?

Every survey of opinion tells us that people across Scotland want to see the Scottish Parliament take on more responsibilities - for our representatives here in Scotland to have the ability to do more to make our nation more successful. The SNP wants Scotland to enjoy the full responsibilities of independence. We believe the 300-year-old political union is no longer fit for purpose. It was never designed for the 21st century world. It's time for a new partnership on our isles, a social union that ensures Scotland and England are equal nations - friends and partners - both free to make our own choices.

Supporting Economic Recovery

2010-04-20T16:00:00.000+01:00

Here's my contribution to the debate in Parliament last week on the Scottish Government's Economic Recovery Plan. Full text of all MSPs' points can be found in the Official Report on the Parliament's website. Thanks for reading.
-RG

Rob Gibson (Highlands and Islands) (SNP): I will look first at the background of the condition from which we are trying to recover, and then at two or three examples of how we are beginning to support recovery.

On Sunday, a commentator set the context clearly.

"It's obvious what went wrong. Britain boasts the most profoundly dysfunctional financial system of any G7 country. It's not just that it went nearer to collapse than any other in the autumn of 2008, it does not know how to finance enterprise."

That was written by Will Hutton, one of the architects of new Labour, who recognises precisely how that crisis has underpinned the nature of our attempts to recover. In a world in which there has been a crisis, Britain has been one of the worst countries at coping with it or making proposals that would allow Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and parts of England to stimulate the economy out of recession.

There has been a lot of discussion about the balance of power and the finance needed to achieve recovery. There was also some discussion earlier in the debate about independence and interdependence. What about countries such as Norway that have similar resources to ourselves? What about the oil fund that has been created in the past 15 years? What about Norway's ability to bail out the whole of the UK debt and still have more than £89 billion left in its oil account, far less its own money? Norway is a small country with about the same population as Scotland. We are talking about banks failing and saying that a country of this size could not deal with that, but Norway had to deal with that in the early 1990s.

Andy Kerr: Will the member give way?

Rob Gibson: Just a minute. I want to finish this point.

As our economic recovery is based on investment, we must ask questions about the financial system that is supported by each of the British parties, that has not been altered, and which is aimed at supporting property and share prices. That is what the current financial system was set up to do, rather than invest in real jobs in manufacturing and so on. That is the charge that faces the UK parties, but I believe that Mr Kerr is going to tell us that we are all wrong.

Andy Kerr: No, no. I note that Ireland and Iceland have not been mentioned. Can the member clarify whether he is advocating the same levels of personal and business taxation that exist in Norway?

Rob Gibson: When people get greater pay and better services, they are happy to pay their taxes for those things. There is less division between the rich and the poor in a country such as Norway, and we should aspire to that. I do not think that smirking is the answer. Perhaps Mr Kerr should contemplate whether other countries have models that are worth following.

If we are going to stimulate the economy, we must use the resources that are at our disposal. That being the case, I welcome the renewables policy that the cabinet secretary has laid out in the economic recovery plan, which can create many thousands of jobs. In a European context—the following quote is from the European Wind Energy Association—Scottish and Southern Energy tells us that, every year,

"15.1 jobs are created in the EU for every MW installed."

Given the size of the planned Clyde wind farm, the size of Whitelee wind farm and the size of the others that are proposed for Shetland and so on, as well as the maintenance that creates another six jobs per megawatt installed, we are talking about huge potential. How can we achieve that in Scotland under the present conditions? We must have the capital to establish a green energy bank. We have been promised that, in the outgoing Labour Government's budget, there will be £2 billion for such matters. I have discussed with the cabinet secretary shares of that money for renewables, and not just for nuclear power, which might be the British choice, as Lord Foulkes said. We need money such as that to set up a green energy bank in Scotland and undertake activity that will secure the investment to speed the creation of all those jobs. Scottish and Southern Energy recently announced its investment in a 15 per cent stake in Burntisland Fabrications, in Fife. I wish that it were similarly involved with the Nigg yard, in the Highlands, which can build offshore platforms. Maybe it will be—who knows? I welcome the certainty of the development of offshore wind energy technology in Fife.

The answer must also lie in retrieving the moneys that the Treasury rules have tied up, preventing us from developing the kinds of energy that I am talking about. The moneys from the fossil fuel levy and the landfill levy are tied up by Treasury rules and our hands are tied behind our back because we cannot borrow or even access the taxes that we have paid as citizens in this country. I pointed out earlier—from a sedentary position; I am sorry that my intervention was not taken—that it is our taxes that are tied up in those things. I ask that we look at the conditions that Scotland is in. We have one hand tied behind our back as we attempt to recover, although we know the kind of enterprise and developments that could take place here to prevent our public sector jobs from being decimated to pay for the bankers' bonuses and a financial system that does not work.

How do we create a financial system of our own? That is perhaps right at the heart of the issue. We must create a financial system that is aimed at enterprise, and that cannot happen in the British system; it must happen in an independent Scotland.

We won't fall for LibDem fuel con

2010-04-07T15:06:00.000+01:00

THE perennial LibDem "fight" for fair fuel prices continues to be peddled by Lord Thurso and Charles Kennedy. Yet they do not have backing from their UK leader Nick Clegg.

Speaking a fortnight ago on the BBC, his chief-of-staff, Danny Alexander MP, directly contradicted his party leader who supports higher fuel taxes. It exposed to the people in the north how the LibDems say one thing here and another down south.

Nick Clegg, the party leader, ruled out a cut by saying it should stay in the budget. Danny Alexander must know that was the position. Voters should beware any claims by the LibDems in the Highlands and Islands of being the party of lower fuel costs. Do they think the people of the Highlands and Islands are stupid and won't notice?

The only party with a clear and consistent record against sky high fuel prices in the Highlands and Islands is the SNP, who stand up against London's fuel tax whammy. The Liberal Democrats failed to support a fuel duty regulator to stop volatile fuel prices when SNP MPs brought forward an amendment in budget debates last year.

Rising fuel taxes hiked by last week's Darling budget once again are having a huge effect in this constituency and across the country. Driving down prices is essential to the Highlands, to the Highland economy and to families in the Highlands in the country from under whose waters comes the black gold.

*

I SERVE as deputy convener of the economy, energy and tourism committee and was proud to support the unanimous report on the future of banking and financial enterprises which we published ahead of the UK budget.

This has huge importance hereabouts. Farmers, small businesses, mortgage seekers and families seeking loans for home improvements are some of the victims of extortionate lending policies by the big two high street banks, RBS and the Lloyds Banking Group. They have a 75 per cent duopoly across Scotland, far more than in England and Wales.

We are looking for evidence from those who have been victims of what are nationalised banks in all but name, over which the UK Labour Government has control. But it seems that there is a silent pact. Government wants its huge investment paid back as quickly as possible. They do not insist on fair lending policies by Lloyds and RBS who in their turn want to be free to make themselves obscene profits once again.

The Scottish Government will act on the EET report. Also, the UK Treasury Committee has called for the socially useful banks to be separated from the casino activities of investment banking.

The good news is that Scottish insurance companies and asset managers are in good health and recruiting staff. They invest for the long term, as they have over the decades. But before people forget the near fatal financial collapse of September/October 2008 we need concerted international action. Britain, the EU and G20 all need to act soon. Would that Scotland could have the powers herself.

*

ALBYN Housing Association officials and I paid a visit to the eco-friendly home development opposite Milton. Systems built in homes in the Alness and Invergordon areas during the oil boom were no patch on these new structures.

At last modern insulation allied to air source heat pumps and high-tech panels are making it much easier to build homes to stand the test of time.

What is even better for tenants or owners is the microscopic heating bills compared to those for older stock. The Scottish Government is rolling out affordable housing schemes like Milton to meet the demand, even in this recession.

1 billion take part in Earth Hour 2010

2010-04-07T15:01:00.000+01:00

Congratulations to all who help make this year's Earth Hour such a success!
RG
****

Dear Rob,

I am writing to personally thank you for your support for WWF’s Earth Hour 2010 – helping to increase awareness about people and wildlife threatened by climate change.

Sign-ups are still being calculated but early indications suggest that a staggering one billion people were touched by WWF’s Earth Hour around the world. Over 4,000 cities and towns in a record-breaking 126 countries signed up. Global landmarks which switched off included Edinburgh Castle, Big Ben, the Eiffel Tower, the Great Pyramids, Sydney Opera House, and the Forbidden City in China.

Here in Scotland, this year’s Earth Hour really captured the imagination of the public leading to record numbers pledging to switch off - including 29 of Scotland’s 32 local authorities, over 300 schools and nearly two hundred businesses, public bodies and other organisations. At least 10,000 individuals took part on the night.

Many of the nation’s most iconic structures and buildings were also plunged into darkness, including: Edinburgh Castle, Inverness Castle, Holyrood House, RRS Discovery, Wallace Monument in Stirling, George Square Monuments in Glasgow, the Scottish Parliament and the Falkirk Wheel. The Scottish Government, CoSLA, STUC, CBI Scotland, SCVO and each one of Scotland’s main political parties also gave their support.

Meteorologist Heather Reid joined WWF for an amazing light-show and countdown event at the Falkirk Wheel. Other events that took place in Scotland included a night golf charity event at Fairmont St Andrews, candle-lit meals, topical film screenings and torch-lit walks.

The huge support for WWF’s Earth Hour this year is reflected in the fact that of the ten areas across the entire UK that signed up the largest percentage of their residents, six were Scottish local authority areas. The overall UK number one spot for sign-ups went to East Lothian.

Once again, thank you for helping us to make WWF’s Earth Hour 2010 the best yet.

To see some photos and find out more about how Earth Hour went here in Scotland and elsewhere around the world, please visit: www.wwfscotland.org.uk/earthhour

We are delighted by your support and hope that we may continue to count on it in the future as we work together to achieve WWF’s vision of a future where people and nature can thrive.

Yours sincerely,

Dr Richard Dixon
Director, WWF Scotland

Earth Hour 2010 - this Saturday!

2010-03-25T14:40:00.000Z

Don't forget to take part! WWF's Earth Hour 2010 is set to be bigger than ever, on course for record-breaking support in Scotland as well as globally. 2,000 towns and cities in over 100 countries will be taking part.

To find out more visit: http://www.wwfscotland.org.uk/earthhour

GREEN ENERGY EXPANSION HAMPERED BY POOR INFRASTRUCTURE

2010-03-25T14:36:00.000Z

A Press Association article recently with my comments.
-RG

Mar 20, 2010 2:55:49 PM
By Lucy Collins, Press Association Scotland

The growth of Scotland's potential "green gold rush" is impeded by poor infrastructure which prevents renewable energy from reaching lucrative markets, the SNP spring conference heard today.

Party members lined up to highlight the country's potential to boost its economic fortunes and create jobs by harnessing the power of natural resources.

But they expressed frustration at a system which they say prevents them from meeting economic and climate change targets.

Angus MP Mike Weir said that transmission charges for delivering "green" energy could be up to three times higher in Scotland than in England.

He criticised the National Grid for "failing" to serve Scotland's remote communities where wind and wave power generate electricity.

Mr Weir, SNP industry spokesman at Westminster, said Scotland had the "best climate change legislation in the world".

He said the country has 25% of Europe's tidal resource, 25% of its offshore wind resource and 10% of its wave potential.

Mr Weir said: "All of this renewable potential is essential to drive these targets but we need to get it to market and that is the problem.

"We have in Scotland all this potential but most of it is in areas that are not currently served by a strong grid connection.

"We need to get these grid connections improved but we need to deal with the issue of transmission charges.

"At the moment we have the absolutely ludicrous system where a renewable generator in the north of Scotland will pay something like GBP21 per kilowatt hour to connect into the grid, to get their energy to market, provided they can get a connection at all.

"Whereas if you build generating capacity in the south of England you get a subsidy of GBP6 per kilowatt hour to do that.

"That is a completely ludicrous system and it works against the renewables industry in Scotland."

He complained that he has spent years meeting with Ofgem, the regulator of the gas and electricity market, "banging my head against a brick wall trying to get them to see the injustice of the system".

Highlands and Islands MSP Rob Gibson said that British energy policy was the "biggest stumbling block" for Scotland.

He expressed concerns that a UK-wide focus on the nuclear industry, after the general election, would "extract" workers from the renewables sector.

Mr Gibson said if the SNP controlled the Crown Estate in Scotland, which "rents" space on the seabed to renewables firms, "we would not be bleeding the people who are building the new energy revolution".

He said, to applause: "Taking a grip of the Crown Estate in Scotland ought to be something this party looks very seriously at, especially since more and more countries in Europe give people at a local level the ability to get community benefit from this fantastic new source of endless power."

SNP activist Alex Orr, from Edinburgh, said: "From being a world leader in oil and gas we now have the natural resources and expertise to be the green energy powerhouse of Europe.

"Our nation is indeed a winner in nature's national lottery, putting us at the forefront of the green gold rush."

end

Eco driving produces results

2010-03-24T14:13:00.000Z

Hosted by the Energy Saving Trust Scotland as part of its Eco-drive campaign, the Eco-driving Experience involved driving 2 circuits of a specially designed course. The first was driven as normal with an expert adviser taking notes. The adviser gave tips for how the drive could be more efficient (such as driving a little slower than your normal speed). The second drive was then done, taking into account the tips given earlier and then the difference in fuel consumption between the two trips was measured.

I was shown smarter driving techniques and fuel saving tips, saving 14% in terms of fuel consumed whilst driving around this specially designed course near to the Scottish Parliament building in Edinburgh.

The Eco-driving initiative, which I was delighted to support, reminds us all of the importance of taking a small amount of time to save energy in our daily lives, whether it is driving more economically, or walking to the shops instead of driving a short distance. This is not only good for reducing all of our carbon emissions, but good for the pocket too, by saving money at this time of rising prices.

The Energy Saving Trust provides independent, expert advisers to help householders save energy in their homes and cut their fuel bills. I would urge people in the Highlands and Islands to take the time to call their local Energy Saving Trust Advice Centre on 0800 512 012 to find out how they can save energy and money, or visit the website at www.energysavingtrust.org.uk.”

Pictured is: Myself with Ian Murdoch, Manager, Scottish Transport, Energy Saving Trust, at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh.

Energy is coming home

2010-03-16T17:45:00.000Z

It was announced today that the Edinburgh based developers of the Pelamis wave energy converter has secured a lease agreement for waters off the North Sutherland coast. The lease was announced by the FM this week along with the Crown Estate Commission and will allow the company to develop a wave farm in the waters some kilometres out from Bettyhill, allowing for the production of up to 50MW - enough power for 25,000 homes!

This development has been estimated at being between £150 and £200 million. Pelamis Wave Energy had indicated that they are looking to work closely with key stake holders in the local community to maximise the benefits that a wave farm can bring. This must materialise so that communities will derive real benefits form the energy on their doorsteps much as the Shetlanders did from oil in the 1970s.

It is exciting times for the area and the wider region. This week is a momentous as it signals the start of the transformation of the Far North's economy. There is great potential for jobs and real investment to the area.

There is a pool of engineering talent which exists along the north coast because of the nuclear industry. As these sectors decline then there is a real opportunity that this pool will have the chance to take up new posts in the burgeoning renewables industry which will allow them to practice their expertise close to home. Indeed those oil workers forced to seek employment abroad can now make the year of Scottish Homecoming in 2009 something more permanent.

It is almost as if energy is coming home.

It is imperative therefore that the development of Scrabster harbour is accelerated as it will be the closest port that can service the devices which will lie off Bettyhill. HIE must give the Scrabster its full and urgent backing so that the future potential of the waters off Sutherland and the rest of the North Coast can be realised.

Schools Management debate

2010-03-11T18:35:00.000Z

Rob Gibson (Highlands and Islands) (SNP): Liz Smith argued that there is a need for change and that education is currently unacceptable to parents and has to become acceptable. However, I would suggest that the recognition in the SNP amendment that we have good-quality schools now is at the heart of how we assess how we make those schools better. Talking about the need for change sounds more like an argument for ideological change than an argument about the nuts and bolts.

We have heard some interesting arguments and—mainly from the Conservatives—a lot of rhetoric. Bill Aitken laid out a grim litany on Glasgow. I do not recognise in what he said the community that I come from and the one in which I used to teach, in Easter Ross. In those communities, there is a variety of catchment areas containing a variety of schools, some of which are favoured by parents and some of which are not. What I have noticed is that in the schools to which parents aspire, success is less to do with what happens in the school and more to do with the fact that parents can afford to get tutors after school to get their children to a standard that allows certain schools, such as Fortrose academy, to get the records that they do. That is an issue to do with being better off, not the structure and governance of a school.

Elizabeth Smith: I accept the member's point, but is that not critical for allowing all standards to be driven up so that that divide is not as great as it is now?

Rob Gibson: We need to assess where we are in education. We are talking about parents who have grown up in the television age and children who, in the past 10 years, have been growing up in the internet age. Does that affect the way in which they view literacy and numeracy? I do not know whether, educationally, those things have made a big difference, but what I do know is that communities must be given an opportunity to provide the options in education that will meet the real needs of our society.

We live in a society in which many people will not do the most basic jobs, and we rely on immigrants to do such jobs. Perhaps we need to ask parents about their responsibilities: are they moving out of their comfort zone, or is it a case of getting their children to university and into the safe professions? One of the reasons why Ireland has not been as successful a society as it should have been is that the middle classes have aimed for comfort, rather than for the adventure of taking the economy forward. The governance of our schools should expose children to such ideas. It bothers me that when the Conservatives talk about diversity in Scotland, what they are actually talking about is uniformity, and the ideology driven by the Conservatives in London. Derek Brownlee recently gave examples of schools set up under Labour and the Tories, based on ideology. We do not need to talk about setting up schools. Where are we going to put a free school in Easter Ross, among the community schools that are already there? That is a load of piffle. We need schools that meet the needs of each area. Who is going to go to somewhere other than Anderson high school in Shetland? That kind of talk is not related to reality.

Peter Peacock argued that parents do not want to be more involved in the running of schools. In my experience, when people come to communities and join school boards and so on, they bring their experience from England of governors and boards, and an attitude that is completely out of kilter with what we have here. In Scotland, parents and teachers work together. In fact, the reason why Thatcher failed to break Scottish teachers in the 1980s is because the parents were right behind them. In those days, communities stood together and rejected the Tory ideology, and they will reject it today.

Des McNulty: The member should come and join us. He is on the wrong side.

Rob Gibson: Well, Peter Peacock made arguments that Des McNulty should listen to. He was clearly talking about ideology rather than practicalities.

The issue of parental rights and responsibilities is relevant here. I remember when we talked about consortia, and allowing pupils to move around. Nowadays, ideas can move around, and it is possible to educate pupils using technology. For example, Inverness College's higher psychology course is being used by 18 secondary schools in Highland Council. No matter which community someone lives in, they can do higher psychology. Out of 26 secondary schools, that is not bad going.

We are talking about rolling out the curriculum for excellence, which will allow for diversity. However, it must also allow communities of excellence, based on the kinds of economies that underpin the society in which we live, rather than on a single, one-size-fits-all ideology.

What we need is a responsive approach by local authorities that gives local people opportunities to make more decisions. When we think about it, it would be better to have smaller local authorities so that people could be elected at the level of secondary school catchment areas. People could then take a direct democratic interest in the issues. That is why the democratic element in East Lothian Council's proposal is worth considering. It goes in the right direction, although not to the extent that I wish to see. We need governance that helps real communities in real circumstances and not this fake debate in an election campaign about power in London.

Strathclyde Uni Applied Music course - under threat

2010-03-01T16:47:00.000Z

Who would have believed that within a week of another successful Celtic Connections festival in Glasgow with its cross-cutting progressive music programme that Strathclyde University could plan to lop off a limb of the vibrant Scottish music scene?

At the same time the Scottish Culture Minister's Traditional Arts Working Group reported on the health of the teaching and learning infrastructure in this country which is served so well by the RSAMD and Strathclyde University. Principal, Jim McDonald has rightly gained plaudits for the Energy and Environment Institute which is a champion for Scotland's green energy potential. Does he understand how music in its broadest sense underpins our self-esteem in a nation gaining in confidence?

The Applied Music Course at Strathclyde and its alumni give breath to inventive music which is a key part of Scotland's intangible cultural heritage. This is as much a part of Scotland's sustainability as clean, green energy. The Scottish Government and Parliament voted an increase in Scottish higher education budgets, unlike England's university funding, surely the Principle of Strathclyde Uni can find the cash for music as well as renewable energy development?

Alternative to the slanging match

2010-02-26T16:07:00.000Z

OPPOSITION parties have indulged this month in personal attacks on the Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon due to a non-ministerial constituency matter - anything to avoid talking about real means to rescue the Scottish economy and boost our strengths, for example in developing renewable energy, food and drink products and tourism which are so obvious here.

In my opinion, the Westminster slanging match is leading up to what some are calling the dirtiest general election ever.

When there is little to choose between rivals, muck flies. If we can focus on what Scotland and Caithness really need from government there is a bold alternative.

Should there be a hung parliament in London, minority government may result. If not, a coalition could be formed. It is the SNP's wish to exert the greatest pressure to let Scotland's needs be heard and met.

That is why the completion of the financial services enquiry in which I have been immersed will show Scotland must get bank regulation that meets our needs for fair access by our businesses and mortgage seekers to cash and investment here in the real economy.

The UK Government owns 80 per cent of RBS; surely they must stop bank bonuses and redirect investment into Scotland's proven assets. Are any of the unionist parties ready to act?

International agreement may be needed but fine words on curbing bankers is not a policy for a stable future that can be ensured by UK laws now. Don't hold your breath for anything that might curb the City of London.

*

THE unionist parties who set up the Calman Commission suggest that they want to improve the working of the Scottish Parliament.

Professor Drew Scott, of Edinburgh University, and Prof Andrew Hughes Hallett, of St Andrews, have done a service to the truth this week.

Their critical appraisal of the proposals published by the UK Government in November 2009 to reform the arrangements for funding the devolved administration in Scotland following the Calman Commission report is an eye-opener.

Jim Murphy and David Cameron say that the Scottish Parliament should be more accountable. But what does this mean?

Mr Murphy would agree to a Scottish income tax rate of 10 per cent for the first time as part of our taxes. But rather than using actual income tax receipts generated in Scotland as the basis of the adjustment, the yield to be attributed from the Scottish tax will, in the first instance, be based entirely on a Treasury forecast.

This would be opaque, open to manipulation, a non-verifiable amount, and it is non-negotiable.

Estimates based on the Treasury economic model could well result in a significant shortfall of revenues available to the Scottish administration.

Had it been in place since 1999 the shortfall amount would be in excess of £1.2 billion. Making good this revenue deficit would have required an increase in the Scottish rate of income tax by approximately 1p every five years just to retain the same level of public services.

"Any government whose expenditures are (in part or in total) funded by current tax receipts must have suitable borrowing powers to ensure that unexpected revenue shortfalls can be covered by borrowing," they say.

Yet the UK Government explicitly rejects granting borrowing powers to the Scottish Government and parliament to "smooth" current spending.

The prospective financing regime therefore increases the likelihood of instabilities which may have adverse consequences for the performance of the Scottish economy.

Profs Scott and Hughes Hallett conclude that while Labour might increase the fiscal accountability of the Scottish Parliament, "we regard this to be an extremely modest gain compared to the losses that will result if the proposal is implemented".

Labour, Tories and Lib Dems all signed up for Calman. Surely the Scottish voters deserve the right to choose, not at a general election, which produces all sorts of competing interests in play, but in a referendum on the constitution as the SNP is proposing.

*

THE Scottish and European parliaments have been at the forefront of raising understanding of the importance and possibilities of the hydrogen economy recently.

I have played a part in this. Two weeks ago I hosted in parliament a debate which featured Fuelcell Europe with United Nations Institute of Training and Research (UNITAR) and CIFAL Findhorn.

This focused on the potential that hydrogen offers to revolutionise everyday life from travel to electricity usage.

High among discussions, which were expertly chaired by my SNP Colleague Joe FitzPatrick, MSP for Dundee West, was the plan for a hydrogen corridor between Aberdeen and Inverness.

A hydrogen corridor is effectively a chain where hydrogen vehicles can fill up. Modern-day petrol stations if you will. It would be a world leader and put Scotland firmly in the forefront of hydrogen power. Electric vehicles powered by hydrogen are fast becoming the recognised alternative to those that are powered by petrol and diesel.

If the infrastructure is in place we can be pioneers. That infrastructure will use green hydrogen from local renewable sources.

The Royal Mail is already beginning to buy in new hydrogen vehicles to its fleet and you can be sure that many other companies and organisations won't be far behind in doing the same.

Coupled with the new energy created from the waves and tides from the Pentland Firth, Caithness and the rest of the North and East have the potential to be leaders in the new hydrogen era, much as the Shetland Isle of Unst has been doing in the PURE project.

Pollution is deeply cut, the only by-product is water, hydrogen is infinite and it has the potential to be a far cheaper fuel.

Considering that in Caithness we pay some of the highest fuel prices in the world, then that cannot be a bad thing.

Protection for the frontline

2010-02-19T14:53:00.000Z

THE third budget of the minority SNP Government was passed two weeks ago despite a range of parties' demands and gains.

Nevertheless, while Tories, Greens and the Independents voted with the SNP, the Lib Dems abstained and Labour voted against. That is despite real gains for the wishes of each party's negotiators.

The Post Office Diversification Fund, additional support for insulation schemes and the introduction of a boiler scrappage scheme, in particular, all had Labour support.

Yet Labour voted against all of the items in this budget that also included funding for student parents and more help for students.

The SNP's priorities won majority backing and include funding for the council tax freeze and also maintaining or increasing local NHS budgets. This year's SNP budget gives precedence to frontline services and economic recovery, including an increase in the health budget by 2.7 per cent to over £8.5 billion and an increase in the frontline education budget too.

Increased investment of £10 million in offshore and onshore renewables boosts Scotland's green growth industry. Key commitments in rural affairs and justice have been protected and accelerating EU cash for rural development will ensure continued investment in rural industries.

Funding for the council tax freeze puts an average £150 in householders' pockets. Funding that helps to lower prescription charges progresses and continuation of the Small Business Bonus Scheme sees the thresholds increased.

At this point in the political cycle, the SNP Government's key achievements show recorded crime at its lowest for 25 years and police numbers at their highest ever.

Record numbers of new socially-rented homes are being constructed, despite the recession.

Council tax has been frozen for three years, with funding committed until 2012. Prescription charges are on their way out by 2011. Class sizes are at their lowest ever at around 23, if not at the desired 18 per classroom in primary years one to three.

The most comprehensive scheme of apprenticeship opportunities anywhere in the UK has been agreed, with incentives for employers to take on and retain apprentices which are vital for manufacturing and many other industries. An investment of a record £14bn over this parliament in Scottish infrastructure allows capital programmes to continue to save and create jobs, such as those in the massive works of Scottish Water and for the building of schools and hospitals.

*

I NEED to correct the misrepresentation in the recent debate which rejected the removal of statutory notices from local papers, such as the one you are reading.

The origin of the idea came from COSLA on behalf of all the local councils of Scotland, no matter which combination of parties form their ruling groups.

The Scottish Government was pressed by the councils to consult on this move in order to save councils another tranche of cash, and because there is a historic concordat between Scottish and local government this took place.

I find the posturing of opposition MSPs such as Jamie Stone and David Stewart less than credible. While they tried to make political capital at the expense of the SNP Government, their councillor colleagues in Highland and around the country, of a Labour, Lib Dem or Tory persuasion, were the real instigators.

I'm sure the SNP Government will not wish to jeopardise the excellent relations we have with local papers such as the Ross-shire Journal. Nor would I. Watch this space once the consultation is completed.

Backing Won For SNP's Priorities

2010-02-12T14:52:00.000Z

FINANCE has dominated the last 10 days of my work. The third budget of the minority SNP Government was passed last week despite a range of parties' demands and gains.

Nevertheless, while Tories, Greens and the independents voted with the SNP, the Lib Dems abstained and Labour voted against. That is despite real gains for the wishes of each party's negotiators.

The Post Office Diversification Fund, additional support for insulation schemes and the introduction of a boiler scrappage scheme, in particular, all had Labour support.

Yet Labour voted against all of the items in this budget that also included funding for student parents and more help for students.

The SNP's priorities won majority backing and include funding for the council tax freeze and also maintaining or increasing local NHS budgets. This year's SNP budget gives precedence to frontline services and economic recovery, including an increase in the health budget by 2.7 per cent to over £8.5 billion and an increase in the frontline education budget too.

Increased investment of £10 million in offshore and onshore renewables boosts Scotland's green growth industry. Key commitments in rural affairs and justice have been protected and accelerating EU cash for rural development will ensure continued investment in rural industries.

Funding for the council tax freeze puts an average £150 in householders' pockets. Funding that helps to lower prescription charges progresses and continuation of the Small Business Bonus Scheme sees the thresholds increased.

At this point in the political cycle, the SNP Government's key achievements show recorded crime at its lowest for 25 years and police numbers at their highest ever.

Record numbers of new socially-rented homes are being constructed, despite the recession. Council tax has been frozen for three years, with funding committed until 2012. Prescription charges are on their way out by 2011. Class sizes are at their lowest ever at around 23, if not at the desired 18 per classroom in primary years one to three.

The most comprehensive scheme of apprenticeship opportunities anywhere in the UK has been agreed, with incentives for employers to take on and retain apprentices which are vital for manufacturing and many other industries. An investment of a record £14bn over this parliament in Scottish infrastructure allows capital programmes to continue to save and create jobs, such as those in the massive works of Scottish Water and for the building of schools and hospitals.

*

I NEED to correct the misrepresentation in last week's debate which rejected the removal of statutory notices from local papers, such as the one you are reading.

The origin of the idea came from COSLA on behalf of all the local councils of Scotland, no matter which combination of parties form their ruling groups.

The Scottish Government was pressed by the councils to consult on this move in order to save councils another tranche of cash, and because there is a historic concordat between Scottish and local government this took place.

I find the posturing of opposition MSPs like our own Jamie Stone and David Stewart less than credible. While they tried to make political capital at the expense of the SNP Government, their councillor colleagues in Highland and around the country, of a Labour, Lib Dem or Tory persuasion, were the real instigators. I'm sure the SNP Government will not wish to jeopardise the excellent relations we have with local papers such as the Groat. Nor would I. Watch this space once the consultation is completed.

*

ON Tuesday the mountain came to Mohammed when the economy, energy and tourism committee sent representatives to London to meet the governor of the Bank of England.

He had steadfastly refused to send a representative to appear at our committee hearings in Holyrood into the future of Scottish financial services that are weathering the storm following the worldwide banking crisis of 2008.

Thanks to the excellent preparations of our committee clerks, the Scottish Parliament gains great kudos from an intelligent examination of what went wrong, what is strong and what is the way ahead for the financial hub that consists of Scotland's banks, insurance offices and asset managers who still steward funds successfully on a global scale.

Lunch with Mervyn King, the governor of the Bank of England, within the august portals of Threadneedle Street, was an education and a half. The governor's calm analysis of the financial sector's self-inflicted problems and his measured grasp of the need for an extended debate before governments reach conclusions about regulatory changes was impressive.

Though the Scottish Parliament has but limited powers at present over financial matters, it is clear that the watchdogs in London were often asking the wrong questions.

Thereafter we were able to attend hearings of the Future of Banking Commission organised by the consumers' association - Which? - before heading home on the train.

Bankers have had a bad press of late but let's reassure the workers in the High Street banks, like those in Wick, Thurso and elsewhere, that they do not deserve to be tarred with the brush of their top bosses' sins.

I'm sure our committee report will be a milestone on the route to Scottish financial enterprises regaining the respect so many of them still deserve, despite the spivs and speculators in some investment banks.

Everybody's Gone Surfin'

2010-02-11T17:04:00.000Z

A campaign by the Scottish Surfing Federation is working toward gaining recognition from the International Surfing Association (ISA) to field a seperate Scottish team in their competitions, independent of team GB.

At present the International Surfing Association ISA only recognises team GB despite the fact they separately recognise teams from Hawaii and the USA.

A Scottish team makes sense, and it doesn't need to stop there...

I am happy to add my support to the campaign from the Scottish Surfing Federation to gain international acceptance and recognition for a separate Scottish team. Scottish shores are now a firm fixture on the world surfing map. It is developing a culture and feel all of its own. The next logical step is for a separate team to further highlight the distinctiveness of Scotland.

The prestigious Thurso Cold Water Classic sees the surfing world come to Caithness and judging by the trophy (a Highland broad sword) then Scotland is very much a theme in the event. So it would be good therefore to see surfers under the banner of Scotland competition.

I hope that the ISA will reconsider their decision to deny Scotland's own place in competitions and make the same distinction for Scotland as they do for Hawaii. Indeed I see no reason why that other Celtic country and surfing Mecca Cornwall shouldn't have their own team as well.

Here's tae a confident tongue in our heids!

2010-01-29T17:17:00.000Z

WE celebrate the life and works of Scotland's national bard in what has become known for many years as Burns season.

Adverts in the papers show suppers and ceilidhs are as popular as ever and haggis sales are reportedly on the increase across Scotland. Others too join Scots in passing a winter's night in set-piece speeches and songs with mirth, gravitas occasionally, and toasts at every turn.

It is now well founded. And there is news that 85 per cent of Scots claim to speak Scots, with 43 per cent speaking it a lot, not as a language as such but "it's more just a way of speaking". A fully scientific opinion survey conducted by TNS-BMRB established this and many other insights into our attitudes to one of our three native languages.

The Scottish Government was committed by manifesto to "promote awareness and usage of the Scots language in a variety of settings". Since there is little other relevant research of our mither tongue, this is very welcome. Also, it is one of a vast majority of SNP manifesto pledges we've kept so far.

I have been the convener of the cross-party group for Scots at Holyrood since 2003 and it has never been more successful. The national census in Scotland next year will have questions on usage of Scots, Gaelic and other tongues. The Curriculum for Excellence has provided guidelines for teachers and the ministerial advisory group is full of smeddum.

We have an education sub-group led by Matthew Fitt which attracts dozens of interested teachers across the country. It has met in Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Glasgow, and is about to reach Kilmarnock. So there is every reason to come much further north. Why not?

I was so pleased to support the Year of Orkney Dialect which is in full swing. Surely there is a need to assert the Caithness speak to add to the recitation prizes and similar events that encourage young folks in their native Caithness dialect? The TNS survey shows that two thirds of Scots dismiss the claims that dialects are slang. A similar proportion consider Scots should be widely used in Scotland today. They see its use in personal and cultural terms and particularly in broadcasting. Fewer see business, legal and other matters as users of the Scots Leid, or Doric or the many other dialects even across the North Channel as Ulster Scots. As we toast the national bard, we should note that 73 per cent agree that learning Scots can contribute to a sense of national cultural identity.

Around half of the 1020 sample say it should be taught in our schools. My hope this Burns season is that a wider lesson is learned by some who would say language tuition is an expensive irrelevance in tough budgetary times.

Did they ever need an excuse? Self-confidence is a vital ingredient of the outlook to make a success of our country's undoubted gifts. If you don't think Scots should weave their distinctive spell among the peoples of the planet in future, I wonder what languages they spoke when they built the British Empire or coined the American Declaration of Independence.

Our children's intelligence can only be strengthened by a certain grasp of their own history and languages. Here's tae a confident tongue in our heads - or heids!

*

THE SNP housing bill introduced into parliament earlier this month is a major piece of legislation that will increase the supply of affordable housing and improve the quality of Scottish housing in all sectors.

The Scottish Government is investing a record £1.5 billion in affordable housing over three years - including a new generation of council housing. These far-reaching reforms will safeguard that investment for future generations.

The modernisation of regulation will put the interests of tenants and homeless people at the heart of housing regulation and encourage landlords to improve the services that they provide for their customers.

We have listened and taken on board the views of the housing sector across Scotland as acknowledged by the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations and Shelter.

The records show that the previous Lib Dem/Labour Scottish Executive failed to address the chronic housing shortage in Scotland.

This is laid bare by how quickly the current Scottish Government has kick-started new council housing developments, although there is still a long way to go.

From 1999 to 2007 the Lib Dem/Lab Executive managed to build just six in their last four years while leaving the burden to housing associations.

This makes it deeply disappointing that the Chancellor of the Exchequer in London did not grant a further year of capital acceleration for the Scottish Government to make more of our tightly-drawn block grant when he announced his pre-budget report before Christmas. Social housing was set to be a high SNP priority.

Even Iain Gray agreed to this. And now that the UK is getting out of recession that extra cash boost could house many more of our people.

*

LEVELS of community benefit have been pitiful from individual commercial wind farm applications. Communities deserve a full return from their resources, if at all possible.

In our Scottish Parliament energy enquiry last year, I asked what approach the Scottish Government would take with new marine renewables.

An official of the Scottish Government's business, enterprise and energy directorate said there was a lot of experience in trying to maximise community benefits onshore. Offshore renewables benefits require a lot of work to be done.

I am assured that the Scottish Government is looking at community benefits.

The official continued: "It will be important to consider that right at the start, rather than leaving it to the end."

The Crown Estate must play a similar part in sustaining local communities which host renewables development.

Supporting Haiti

2010-01-22T16:13:00.000Z

Work I certainly support -

S3M-05550 Sandra White (Glasgow) (Scottish National Party): Haiti Earthquake Disaster— That the Parliament expresses its profound sadness for the victims of the Haitian earthquake, which has seen over 200,000 feared dead while over a million people have been left homeless and in desperate need of basic humanitarian aid; commends the spirit of compassion and generosity that has been shown by the Scottish people in their response to the disaster, and hopes that, through the immense efforts being made by people worldwide, immediate relief can be delivered to the people of Haiti and that lasting reconstruction can begin.

Here's to the continued support of Haiti's recovery.

RG

TICC Awarded first-ever Shackleton Medal

2010-01-15T17:05:00.000Z

The Royal Scottish Geographical Society has awarded its first-ever Shackleton Medal for leadership and citizenship in a geographical field to the Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change Committee of the Scottish Parliament, for its role in developing Scotland’s world-leading climate legislation.

Committee Members pictured receiving the medal from left is myself, Deputy Convener Cathy Peattie MSP, Convener Patrick Harvie MSP, Marlyn Glen MSP and Charlie Gordon MSP.

It is a big honour as a Member to take part in the work and to have accepted this award and as my colleague Patrick Harvie said, "The decision by the Royal Scottish Geographical Society to award the committee is a reflection of the work done but also of the importance of the work which remains."

RG

2010 is turning point for Scotland

2010-01-15T15:35:00.000Z

LAST week the two most important decisions of coming prosperity in Scotland signalled green for go. The Scottish Government gave the go-ahead to the Beauly to Denny power line reinforcement.

And both Scottish and UK governments revealed the preferred developers of the Moray Firth and Inchcape offshore wind farms that will place around 500 large clean-energy production towers in our seas.

This hugely positive news ends the uncertainty about major on and offshore clean power developments in the Highlands and Islands.

An immediate consequence for the Far North is the refurbishment of the Dounreay to Beauly power lines that will now be timetabled. The need to install piers, cranes and access roads and rail improvements to back up these projects is our next priority.

Scrabster, Lyness and Wick will have their part to play and the sooner the better.

We are expecting the Crown Estate Commission to announce in March the preferred developers of the wave and tidal sites in the Pentland Firth. The local work will have to be fought for with vigour.

Many areas would like to benefit from this work which First Minister Alex Salmond estimates at 20,000 across Scotland.

We want our share in Caithness and my own and other strong SNP voices will champion that cause. This year is a turning point as important as the discovery of North Sea oil. The prize now is sustainable and can help deliver clean electricity independence for Scotland and serve much wider markets. It's up to us to ensure that this is guided more and more by the Scottish Parliament to ensure its success.

*

THE extreme winter conditions that have affected Scotland and the rest of the UK have brought out the best and worst in some people.

Those of us old enough to remember far worse snows in the Far North take our time and help our neighbours. Nevertheless, council workers and emergency services have quietly risen to the challenge.

They have every backing from the Scottish Government that has been aiding the local efforts from well before Christmas.

When you hear that Kent Council called in the army to help them, you wonder whether the UK Government and south-east English authorities will ever learn about coping with winter. No, not a cold snap, as the BBC and newspapers like to call it, but freezing prolonged winter weather.

I and many others were extremely annoyed when Labour leaders in the Scottish Parliament attempted to politicise the issue of winter preparations. Hypocrisy is the only word for their present jibes since they had attempted to cut £10 million from the winter roads budget last year.

Their inaccurate claims that there was a shortage of funds to tackle the challenging conditions on Scotland's roads was barefaced. Their leaders even failed to praise the work of gritting squad members who have worked throughout the Christmas and New Year period.

As a transport committee report from January 2008 shows, Labour attempted to cut £10m from last year's budget, a further £10m this year and another £10m in the year ahead.

Labour attempts at politicising this serious issue are as dodgy as all their claims.

They have simply become the anti-SNP party and will go through the weirdest contortions to attack the Scottish Government.

At a time when local authorities and the Scottish Government are working together to keep roads clear, Labour's plans would have had a disastrous impact.

Shockingly, this move was also backed by MSPs for some of the worst affected areas. Labour must make clear that they will not seek to make such inappropriate proposals again when this year's budget comes to parliament.

The Scottish Government's increased investment in winter road maintenance has helped keep the network moving.

Our Highland main line and Far North train services have been hit in the big freeze. This is the time to plan an upgrade of the whole North rail system.

Money may be very tight for five years but modern signalling, a shorter route across the Dornoch Firth, gated level crossings and more frequent warmer trains must be our aim. To those calling for a reopening of Conon Bridge station, may I suggest that Halkirk should reopen and the whole line gain cross-party support for a change!

*

THE unionist parties have fired the first salvoes in the general election due in May. We'll get a barrage of misleading bids because many of the issues, such as education and health in Scotland, are our responsibility not London's.

My colleague, SNP work and pensions spokesperson John Mason MP, who visited our office in Wick last summer, has joined the National Pensioners Convention (NPC) in condemning the Liberal Democrats after they announced they were dropping a pledge for free personal care from their general election manifesto. Don't be worried, their cost-cutting agenda does not affect Scotland's existing and most welcome free personal care services.

In contrast, the SNP is governing for the people, and that is why we continue to win support across Scotland.

We promote policies vital for Scotland's health, such as free personal care, and push forward measures to improve it, such as minimum pricing for alcohol.

These policies are vital for Scotland's long-term wellbeing and must be above party politics.

The reality is that the general election in Scotland will be a two-horse race between the SNP and Labour - and the most recent Scottish poll for Westminster put the SNP ahead. And an analysis of all elections held throughout 2009 - totalling nearly one million votes from the European Parliament and Westminster and local by-elections - showed that the SNP secured the most votes of any party in Scotland, achieving a 10 per cent swing from Labour on a four-way party split.

The real fight in 2010 is not the phoney war between the London parties. The real fight is for Scotland, and to make the coming decade Scotland's decade.

Helping out in winter battle

2010-01-08T18:22:00.000Z

LOOKING out on a snowiest of Highlands since 1981, I wish everyone a Guid New Year, Bliadhna Mhath Ur 2010!

Hopefully the taste of prolonged winter weather will not be too much of a burden on families struggling back to work or the Council workers such as carers delivering services through treacherous conditions.

I pay tribute to all the emergency staff who made the call-outs and mended broken bones in this flurry of deep winter. We haven't seen its like for twenty years but we can still help by doing our bit to clear our paths and driveways, to aid the posties and older less sure-footed amongst us. Then the Council workers jobs will be that little bit easier.

*

BACK in December I missed the worst of the snow that started to fall four days before we were hit in Scotland. I witnessed part of the inconclusive UN Climate Change summit in Copenhagen. My personal view of that fiasco in the Bella Centre is on my blog, whose address is given below.

However the good news is that Scotland joined the Climate Leaders Group of sub-national governments that include California, North Rhine-Westphalia, Sao Paulo, Victoria, Quebec and others who are making the biggest strides in tackling the threat of climate chaos.

We should be proud of Scotland's participation in the Climate Leaders Summit in the Klima Forum at Copenhagen. What a stark contrast to the shambles I witnessed on the endless queues of accredited people from six continents trying to enter the Bella Centre. Note the title Climate Leaders.

That's where Alex Salmond was welcomed. Among his commitments was for our nation to power 50 per cent of Scotland's electricity from clean renewables by 2020. He also made a pact to work with the Maldives, that island nation which clings on to land no more than two metres above sea level. Each of our targets show what we are doing and where we lead the big nations like the USA, China, and Brazil etc at the UN top table will need to follow.

*

WE in Ross-shire can benefit hugely from the demand for clean energy.

I hope young people are choosing engineering courses, or house insulation courses or considering the skills that will be needed right here. I understand that the interested firms are increasing their staff to cope with the big push. As a Guidance teacher thirty years ago we had hoped that petro-chemical work would develop at Nigg. Today a far surer bet is on Nigg to build and maintain offshore and onshore renewables equipment. Also, as I've often said, Nigg must be fully available, if need be by compulsory purchase orders as soon as possible. We need a faster shorter Far North Rail Line. Callers to reopen Conon Bridge rail station could resolve to back the whole line.

The Scottish Government has laid out its strategy in a European context in a paper called 'Towards a Low Carbon Economy in Scotland'. You can find it on the website www.scotland.org. That can build prosperity hereabouts. Opportunities certainly knock for us in the Highlands in 2010.

*

OVER the Christmas/New Year recess many of you are obviously picking up this positive message.

In December BBC Scotland identified two-thirds of you in its poll agreed we each have responsibilities to tackle climate change. We can make a difference.

As one lady put it in the Evanton Coop shop last week, "No, I don't need a lift, I'm going to walk.

"We have to remember our carbon (copy) footprint", she said, "We've all got to do our bit!"