That the Parliament condemns the East Lothian Council Labour group for supporting the reintroduction of the right to buy for council houses; understands that, under the SNP, East Lothian Council planned to buy back 200 houses in order to compensate for what it considers the damaging right to buy having contributed to a shortage of social rented housing; considers that, under the new administration, reinstating the right to buy could cause a serious affordable housing shortfall as has been previously experienced due to the right to buy scheme; considers that the Housing (Scotland) Act 2010 introduced flexibility and more local control over pressurised areas in order to support local authorities in a way that the right to buy did not, thus improving affordable housing stocks; further notes that the then convener of the Local Government and Communities Committee, Duncan McNeil MSP, stated the committee’s support for the general principles of that Bill; believes that the Housing (Scotland) Act 2010 will not allow the proposed reintroduction of the right to buy to happen, and calls on the Scottish Labour leader, Johann Lamont MSP, to condemn the actions of the East Lothian Council Labour group for supporting the reinstatement of what it sees as the ideologically driven right to buy policy, which, it believes, would have further damaging consequences for council housing supply.
Current Status:
That the Parliament condemns the East Lothian Council Labour group for supporting the reintroduction of the right to buy for council houses; understands that, under the SNP, East Lothian Council planned to buy back 200 houses in order to compensate for what it considers the damaging right to buy having contributed to a shortage of social rented housing; considers that, under the new administration, reinstating the right to buy could cause a serious affordable housing shortfall as has been previously experienced due to the right to buy scheme; considers that the Housing (Scotland) Act 2010 introduced flexibility and more local control over pressurised areas in order to support local authorities in a way that the right to buy did not, thus improving affordable housing stocks; further notes that the then convener of the Local Government and Communities Committee, Duncan McNeil MSP, stated the committee’s support for the general principles of that Bill; believes that the Housing (Scotland) Act 2010 will not allow the proposed reintroduction of the right to buy to happen, and calls on the Scottish Labour leader, Johann Lamont MSP, to condemn the actions of the East Lothian Council Labour group for supporting the reinstatement of what it sees as the ideologically driven right to buy policy, which, it believes, would have further damaging consequences for council housing supply.
Supported by: Annabelle Ewing, Jean Urquhart, Fiona McLeod, Gil Paterson, Chic Brodie, Aileen McLeod, Kenneth Gibson, Rob Gibson, Colin Beattie, Bill Kidd, Richard Lyle, Stuart McMillan, Humza Yousaf, John Mason
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As an amendment to motion S4M-02775 in the name of Jackie Baillie (Dystonia Awareness Week), insert at end "; further recognises that diagnosis takes on average 3 to 4 years according to the Dystonia Society, with many people referred erroneously to psychiatrists and physiotherapists in the first instance owing to a lack of awareness about the neurological nature of dystonia; further understands that these factors combined can make dystonia an extremely uncomfortable condition for many, which is little understood by the public and can lead to social exclusion; highlights the British Medical Journal’s (BMJ) online module on dystonia, designed to raise awareness for GPs and other health professionals, which has been in place since October 2010 and has so far reached over 2,000 GPs across these islands, and encourages more medical practitioners to consider completing the BMJ module on dystonia."
Current Status:
As an amendment to motion S4M-02775 in the name of Jackie Baillie (Dystonia Awareness Week), insert at end "; further recognises that diagnosis takes on average 3 to 4 years according to the Dystonia Society, with many people referred erroneously to psychiatrists and physiotherapists in the first instance owing to a lack of awareness about the neurological nature of dystonia; further understands that these factors combined can make dystonia an extremely uncomfortable condition for many, which is little understood by the public and can lead to social exclusion; highlights the British Medical Journal’s (BMJ) online module on dystonia, designed to raise awareness for GPs and other health professionals, which has been in place since October 2010 and has so far reached over 2,000 GPs across these islands, and encourages more medical practitioners to consider completing the BMJ module on dystonia."
Supported by: John Mason, Margaret Burgess, Joan McAlpine, Humza Yousaf, Clare Adamson, Mike MacKenzie, John Finnie, Joe FitzPatrick, Bill Kidd, Dennis Robertson, Colin Beattie, Rob Gibson, Roderick Campbell, Aileen McLeod, Adam Ingram, Sandra White, Kenneth Gibson, Gil Paterson, Maureen Watt, Linda Fabiani, Jean Urquhart, Fiona McLeod, Annabelle Ewing
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That the Parliament congratulates Scottish Borders Council on its plans to celebrate Scottish Borders Biodiversity Week from 19 to 27 May 2012; notes that there are events planned across the Scottish Borders aimed at encouraging people to explore the walks, wildlife and landscapes that the area has to offer; further notes that the week of engagement works alongside the local biodiversity action plan, which recognises the diversity of a region that is characterised by wetland, grassland, heathland and woodland habitats and what is considered to be a magnificent coastal and marine habitat; sends its best wishes to those taking part in the events and hopes that the events will be successful, and encourages other areas to embrace their own biodiversity in a similar way to the Scottish Borders as a means of encouraging individuals and communities to value and protect Scotland's natural heritage.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates Scottish Borders Council on its plans to celebrate Scottish Borders Biodiversity Week from 19 to 27 May 2012; notes that there are events planned across the Scottish Borders aimed at encouraging people to explore the walks, wildlife and landscapes that the area has to offer; further notes that the week of engagement works alongside the local biodiversity action plan, which recognises the diversity of a region that is characterised by wetland, grassland, heathland and woodland habitats and what is considered to be a magnificent coastal and marine habitat; sends its best wishes to those taking part in the events and hopes that the events will be successful, and encourages other areas to embrace their own biodiversity in a similar way to the Scottish Borders as a means of encouraging individuals and communities to value and protect Scotland's natural heritage.
Supported by: Claudia Beamish, Annabelle Ewing, Fiona McLeod, Jean Urquhart, Gil Paterson, Adam Ingram, Sandra White, Maureen Watt, Aileen McLeod, Kenneth Gibson, Rob Gibson, Colin Beattie, Dennis Robertson, Bill Kidd, Richard Lyle, Alison Johnstone, Jim Hume, Joe FitzPatrick, Stuart McMillan, Jamie Hepburn, Humza Yousaf, Angus MacDonald, Mike MacKenzie, Joan McAlpine, David Torrance, Kevin Stewart, Jim Eadie, Mark McDonald, Margaret Burgess
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That the Parliament welcomes the filming of The Railway Man taking place in North Berwick on 13 to 18 May 2012; notes that the film’s stars, Nicole Kidman and Colin Firth, will be filming there and in other parts of Scotland for the story, which is based on the book of the same name by the Edinburgh-born prisoner of war, Eric Lomax, telling of his time in Japan’s notorious Changi prisoner of war camp following his capture in Singapore in 1942 and his work on constructing the railway line between Thailand and Burma, known as the Death Railway; believes that Mr Lomax’s memoir acts as a tribute to the other prisoners of war captured and tortured at this time and further believes that the film will support this; considers that Scotland's magnificent landscape and scenery, the longest daylight hours in the UK and talented industry professionals has generated interest by the film industry in using Scotland as a location; acknowledges that such a film could bring a significant boost to tourism in North Berwick and the surrounding areas, and looks forward to welcoming more film crews to Scotland.
Current Status:
That the Parliament welcomes the filming of The Railway Man taking place in North Berwick on 13 to 18 May 2012; notes that the film’s stars, Nicole Kidman and Colin Firth, will be filming there and in other parts of Scotland for the story, which is based on the book of the same name by the Edinburgh-born prisoner of war, Eric Lomax, telling of his time in Japan’s notorious Changi prisoner of war camp following his capture in Singapore in 1942 and his work on constructing the railway line between Thailand and Burma, known as the Death Railway; believes that Mr Lomax’s memoir acts as a tribute to the other prisoners of war captured and tortured at this time and further believes that the film will support this; considers that Scotland's magnificent landscape and scenery, the longest daylight hours in the UK and talented industry professionals has generated interest by the film industry in using Scotland as a location; acknowledges that such a film could bring a significant boost to tourism in North Berwick and the surrounding areas, and looks forward to welcoming more film crews to Scotland.
Supported by: Margaret Burgess, Gordon MacDonald, Graeme Pearson, Colin Keir, Kevin Stewart, Bill Walker, David Torrance, Joan McAlpine, Mike MacKenzie, Humza Yousaf, Stuart McMillan, Joe FitzPatrick, Jim Hume, Richard Lyle, Dennis Robertson, Nigel Don, Bill Kidd, Jamie Hepburn, Colin Beattie, Rob Gibson, George Adam, Chic Brodie, Adam Ingram, Kenneth Gibson, Gil Paterson, Maureen Watt, Jean Urquhart, Annabelle Ewing, Claudia Beamish, Christine Grahame
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That the Parliament welcomes the Scottish stage of the Tour of Britain cycling race passing from Jedburgh to Dumfries via Hawick, St Mary’s Loch and Moffat on 11 September 2012 and finishing on Dumfries’ Whitesands; understands that over 100 professional cyclists will take part over the eight stages of the race, which is said to be the most difficult yet; further notes that amateur cyclists will have the chance to sample part of the route on 26 August with the Tour Ride Scotland; wishes all cyclists, both amateur and professional, the best of luck with all stages, and hopes that this event will bring a new audience of sporting fans to the south of Scotland for stage three.
Current Status:
That the Parliament welcomes the Scottish stage of the Tour of Britain cycling race passing from Jedburgh to Dumfries via Hawick, St Mary’s Loch and Moffat on 11 September 2012 and finishing on Dumfries’ Whitesands; understands that over 100 professional cyclists will take part over the eight stages of the race, which is said to be the most difficult yet; further notes that amateur cyclists will have the chance to sample part of the route on 26 August with the Tour Ride Scotland; wishes all cyclists, both amateur and professional, the best of luck with all stages, and hopes that this event will bring a new audience of sporting fans to the south of Scotland for stage three.
Supported by: Fiona McLeod, Annabelle Ewing, Jean Urquhart, Gil Paterson, Kenneth Gibson, Jamie McGrigor, Adam Ingram, Maureen Watt, Sandra White, John Wilson, Aileen McLeod, Stewart Maxwell, Colin Beattie, Jamie Hepburn, Bill Kidd, Dennis Robertson, Angus MacDonald, John Lamont, Jim Hume, Joe FitzPatrick, Bob Doris, Stuart McMillan, Humza Yousaf, Mike MacKenzie, Richard Lyle, Joan McAlpine, Mark McDonald, David Torrance, Margaret Burgess
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That the Parliament congratulates the Hawick-based "folk'n'roll" band, Scocha, on taking part in Scotland Week in New York; understands that, as well as performing in Central Park, Scocha will participate in the annual Tartan Day Parade and other events throughout the week, including a sold-out gig at the St Andrew's Restaurant; notes that Scotland Week aims to promote and highlight the cultural links between Scotland and the USA; understands that the week aims to encourage the continuation of these links for future generations, particularly among the 4.8 million US citizens who claimed Scottish ancestry in the 2000 census; welcomes what it understands to be the packed programme of events planned for this year, which coincides with the Year of Creative Scotland, and wishes Scocha and all those from Scotland who are participating in the Scotland Week events the best of success.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates the Hawick-based "folk'n'roll" band, Scocha, on taking part in Scotland Week in New York; understands that, as well as performing in Central Park, Scocha will participate in the annual Tartan Day Parade and other events throughout the week, including a sold-out gig at the St Andrew's Restaurant; notes that Scotland Week aims to promote and highlight the cultural links between Scotland and the USA; understands that the week aims to encourage the continuation of these links for future generations, particularly among the 4.8 million US citizens who claimed Scottish ancestry in the 2000 census; welcomes what it understands to be the packed programme of events planned for this year, which coincides with the Year of Creative Scotland, and wishes Scocha and all those from Scotland who are participating in the Scotland Week events the best of success.
Supported by: Margaret Burgess, Kevin Stewart, David Torrance, Jim Eadie, Mark McDonald, Joan McAlpine, Mike MacKenzie, Humza Yousaf, Stuart McMillan, Jim Hume, Richard Lyle, Dennis Robertson, Bill Kidd, Colin Beattie, Jamie Hepburn, Rob Gibson, Stewart Maxwell, James Dornan, Aileen McLeod, Roderick Campbell, Maureen Watt, Jamie McGrigor, Adam Ingram, Jean Urquhart, Annabelle Ewing, Christine Grahame
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That the Parliament welcomes news that North Berwick Law Nature Reserve has been awarded £145,000 by the Heritage Lottery Fund; notes that North Berwick Law is labelled a site of special scientific interest by Scottish Natural Heritage; further notes that the restoration and preservation of the wild flowers and lowland meadows in the reserve constitute part of a targeted campaign by the charity, Plantlife, called Saving Our Magnificent Meadows; understands that thriving wild meadows are an essential part of Scotland’s ecosystem, providing a self-sustaining habitat for thousands of species of birds, insects, rodents and other mammals, many of which are found in no other habitats; further understands that species-rich wild meadows have been in steep decline in Scotland and across these islands due to an increasing demand in the post-war economy for food production through agricultural land management, and encourages trustees of other protected wild areas across Scotland to apply for lottery funding to guarantee their survival for the wellbeing of society and the environment.
Current Status:
That the Parliament welcomes news that North Berwick Law Nature Reserve has been awarded £145,000 by the Heritage Lottery Fund; notes that North Berwick Law is labelled a site of special scientific interest by Scottish Natural Heritage; further notes that the restoration and preservation of the wild flowers and lowland meadows in the reserve constitute part of a targeted campaign by the charity, Plantlife, called Saving Our Magnificent Meadows; understands that thriving wild meadows are an essential part of Scotland’s ecosystem, providing a self-sustaining habitat for thousands of species of birds, insects, rodents and other mammals, many of which are found in no other habitats; further understands that species-rich wild meadows have been in steep decline in Scotland and across these islands due to an increasing demand in the post-war economy for food production through agricultural land management, and encourages trustees of other protected wild areas across Scotland to apply for lottery funding to guarantee their survival for the wellbeing of society and the environment.
Supported by: Claudia Beamish, Annabelle Ewing, Jean Urquhart, Fiona McLeod, Gil Paterson, Adam Ingram, Iain Gray, Roderick Campbell, Kenneth Gibson, Rob Gibson, Colin Beattie, Jamie Hepburn, Bill Kidd, Dennis Robertson, Richard Lyle, Jim Hume, Stuart McMillan, Angus MacDonald, Mike MacKenzie, Joan McAlpine, Mark McDonald, Jim Eadie, David Torrance, Kevin Stewart, Margaret Burgess
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As an amendment to motion S4M-02567 in the name of Iain Gray (Cuts to Bus Services and their Impact on Communities), leave out from “regrets” to end and insert “welcomes news that the Minister for Housing and Transport met the leader of East Lothian Council, Paul McLennan, and Neil Barker of First Group shortly after First Group’s announcement; understands that First Group highlighted poor trading conditions over many years and high fuel prices as the principal grounds for its decision to cut back on services; further understands that the Scottish Government and Transport Scotland have offered support and advice to East Lothian Council and Midlothian Council on future services, including East Lothian Council’s proposals to maintain services on non-commercial routes in East Lothian and to work with Midlothian Council on joint solutions; commends East Lothian Council and the Scottish Government for coming together quickly to discuss potential solutions to the problem; welcomes the Scottish Government’s commitment to bus travel; commends the Scottish Government for maintaining annual funding of £248.5 million for bus travel in each year of the current spending review period, including an increase in concessionary travel to £187 million in the coming year despite what it considers a substantial decline in Scotland’s block grant, and expects the Scottish Government, East Lothian Council, Midlothian Council and First Group to continue in discussion and reach an outcome that is satisfactory for customers and employees alike.”
Current Status:
As an amendment to motion S4M-02567 in the name of Iain Gray (Cuts to Bus Services and their Impact on Communities), leave out from “regrets” to end and insert “welcomes news that the Minister for Housing and Transport met the leader of East Lothian Council, Paul McLennan, and Neil Barker of First Group shortly after First Group’s announcement; understands that First Group highlighted poor trading conditions over many years and high fuel prices as the principal grounds for its decision to cut back on services; further understands that the Scottish Government and Transport Scotland have offered support and advice to East Lothian Council and Midlothian Council on future services, including East Lothian Council’s proposals to maintain services on non-commercial routes in East Lothian and to work with Midlothian Council on joint solutions; commends East Lothian Council and the Scottish Government for coming together quickly to discuss potential solutions to the problem; welcomes the Scottish Government’s commitment to bus travel; commends the Scottish Government for maintaining annual funding of £248.5 million for bus travel in each year of the current spending review period, including an increase in concessionary travel to £187 million in the coming year despite what it considers a substantial decline in Scotland’s block grant, and expects the Scottish Government, East Lothian Council, Midlothian Council and First Group to continue in discussion and reach an outcome that is satisfactory for customers and employees alike.”
Supported by: Margaret Burgess, Kevin Stewart, David Torrance, Gordon MacDonald, Mark McDonald, Joan McAlpine, Mike MacKenzie, Humza Yousaf, Richard Lyle, Dennis Robertson, James Dornan, Bill Kidd, Jamie Hepburn, Colin Beattie, Rob Gibson, Aileen McLeod, Kenneth Gibson, Gil Paterson, Adam Ingram, Jean Urquhart, Annabelle Ewing
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That the Parliament congratulates Kelso-born Alistair Moffat on his appointment as Rector of the University of St Andrews; notes what it considers Mr Moffat’s distinguished career as an author of educational, social and historical texts on subjects including Scottish education, genealogy, the Borders, Arthurian legend and Dark Age Scotland, as a director of respected cultural events including the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the Lennoxlove Book Festival and the Borders Book Festival and as a journalist, producer and chairman of STV, and wishes Alistair Moffat a successful and enjoyable term at Scotland’s oldest university.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates Kelso-born Alistair Moffat on his appointment as Rector of the University of St Andrews; notes what it considers Mr Moffat’s distinguished career as an author of educational, social and historical texts on subjects including Scottish education, genealogy, the Borders, Arthurian legend and Dark Age Scotland, as a director of respected cultural events including the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the Lennoxlove Book Festival and the Borders Book Festival and as a journalist, producer and chairman of STV, and wishes Alistair Moffat a successful and enjoyable term at Scotland’s oldest university.
Supported by: Annabelle Ewing, Christine Grahame, Maureen Watt, Sandra White, Adam Ingram, Chic Brodie, Gil Paterson, Roderick Campbell, Rob Gibson, Colin Beattie, Dennis Robertson, Bill Kidd, Hanzala Malik, Stuart McMillan, Joe FitzPatrick, Bob Doris, Jamie Hepburn, Jim Hume, John Lamont, Angus MacDonald, Richard Lyle, Humza Yousaf, Mike MacKenzie, Joan McAlpine, Jim Eadie, Mark McDonald, David Torrance, Kevin Stewart, Margaret Burgess
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That the Parliament recognises the work of veterans in Scotland and the sacrifices that they have made during their time in the armed forces; understands that there is a reportedly high level of substance misuse, particularly involving alcohol, among not only veterans, but also serving personnel; expresses concern at what it sees as the limited action that has been taken to support those with such problems; notes that the organisation, Combat Stress, has argued that many addiction problems are linked to self-medication for mental health problems; understands that research by Poppyscotland suggests that veterans in Scotland are more likely to experience alcohol misuse and homelessness than those from the rest of the UK; notes that 13% of serving personnel who responded to a King’s College Centre for Military Health research study said that alcohol misuse was a problem for them and that 26% of these respondents were under 25; further notes the evaluation of the Gateways for Veterans pilot scheme in Inverclyde, which claimed that “vulnerable veterans in Scotland may be at particular risk of abusing alcohol due to the exacerbating factor of a culture of drinking in Scotland”; supports the Inverclyde initiative and other similar work, including that carried out by Veterans Scotland, its member organisations and other groups that provide support for veterans on matters such as substance abuse, homelessness and employment opportunities and in tackling the drinking culture that it believes exists in the armed forces; recognises the work of organisations such as the NHS that aim to provide the necessary support to armed services personnel who leave the forces with a substance misuse problem, and notes the calls from veterans' organisations to the Ministry of Defence to provide greater welfare support to veterans and serving armed forces personnel to significantly reduce the incidence of alcohol abuse and its subsequent impact on the lives of veterans once they have completed their service.
Current Status:
That the Parliament recognises the work of veterans in Scotland and the sacrifices that they have made during their time in the armed forces; understands that there is a reportedly high level of substance misuse, particularly involving alcohol, among not only veterans, but also serving personnel; expresses concern at what it sees as the limited action that has been taken to support those with such problems; notes that the organisation, Combat Stress, has argued that many addiction problems are linked to self-medication for mental health problems; understands that research by Poppyscotland suggests that veterans in Scotland are more likely to experience alcohol misuse and homelessness than those from the rest of the UK; notes that 13% of serving personnel who responded to a King’s College Centre for Military Health research study said that alcohol misuse was a problem for them and that 26% of these respondents were under 25; further notes the evaluation of the Gateways for Veterans pilot scheme in Inverclyde, which claimed that “vulnerable veterans in Scotland may be at particular risk of abusing alcohol due to the exacerbating factor of a culture of drinking in Scotland”; supports the Inverclyde initiative and other similar work, including that carried out by Veterans Scotland, its member organisations and other groups that provide support for veterans on matters such as substance abuse, homelessness and employment opportunities and in tackling the drinking culture that it believes exists in the armed forces; recognises the work of organisations such as the NHS that aim to provide the necessary support to armed services personnel who leave the forces with a substance misuse problem, and notes the calls from veterans' organisations to the Ministry of Defence to provide greater welfare support to veterans and serving armed forces personnel to significantly reduce the incidence of alcohol abuse and its subsequent impact on the lives of veterans once they have completed their service.
Supported by: Margaret Burgess, Graeme Dey, Kevin Stewart, David Torrance, Mark McDonald, Colin Keir, Joan McAlpine, Mike MacKenzie, Humza Yousaf, Clare Adamson, Angus MacDonald, Richard Lyle, Joe FitzPatrick, Stuart McMillan, Jamie Hepburn, Bill Kidd, Stewart Maxwell, James Dornan, Rob Gibson, Dave Thompson, Roderick Campbell, George Adam, Aileen McLeod, Richard Simpson, Kenneth Gibson, Hugh Henry, Gil Paterson, Alex Fergusson, Adam Ingram, Maureen Watt, Linda Fabiani, Jean Urquhart, Fiona McLeod, Elaine Murray, Annabelle Ewing
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