Friday 27 June 2008

Gibson highlights Highland and Orkney flooding dangers

News release
Immediate release

27/06/08

Highlands and islands SNP MSP Rob Gibson has accused the MET Office of endangering Highland communities due to a lack of high tech monitoring of heavy rain fall.

MR Gibson's accusation came during a debate in Parliament about flooding yesterday (Thursday 26/06).

In the Debate it was pointed out that 95% of England and Wales are covered by a high resolution radar which warns about extreme weather that could cause flooding. In Scotland that figure is falls to barely 50%. Those area which are not covered include the Highlands, Moray and Orkney.

Mr Gibson said it was time for Scotland to take control of forecasting extreme weather….

"High resolution radar is a matter for the Met Office, which we do not control, and it has also been a matter for the Ministry of Defence. It is now necessary for us to have the debate with London, in the joint ministerial committees, to decide on funding. We should be looking to catch up, because we were left out in the past as being less important. We are equally important, and it is essential that we are able to catch up. We need to have an overall body, and SEPA is that competent authority, but each local authority has to be tasked to do things. I ask that when the bill is presented, we get a clear steer on how to fund radar."

During the debate Mr Gibson also related serious flooding that has taken place throughout the Highlands and Islands in recent years and the lessons that still needed to be learnt from them.

One incident he spoke about was in his own village of Evanton...

"More and more building has taken place up the hill in Chapel Road, Teandallon Place and Swordale Road, which has meant that the hard concrete and tarmac makes a natural course to carry the waters down. As we heard a parliamentary statement on the floods, we were looking at pictures of the floods at the bottom of the street. Preparation involving flooding equipment, deeper drains and so on will take vast investment, and in small villages such as Evanton there will be major disruption, as there would be in cities. However, the same houses are being flooded time after time. Such villages deserve to be saved from having to face that again."

Another was the flood that engulfed the home of Gartymore Crofter Margo MacGregor in October 2006 he said….

"Margot MacGregor suddenly saw water flowing past her kitchen window—it was 20ft deep, rather than the burn that normally passes her house. That was frightening for her, and in future we will probably not allow people to build croft houses in such areas."

"The culvert became blocked by branches, trees and bushes that were taken down by the flood, and the water flooded over the main A9, washing away about 50yd of the railway bed. It took an enormous effort to convince the police to close the A9, because of the huge diversions that were required. I was able to convince them that Network Rail should get a two-hour window four days later, on a Sunday afternoon, to begin the process of lifting the railway."


Photo: Margo McGregor's home area (house off photo to bottom right)

"That incident highlights the lack of co-ordination, starting with the way in which we manage culverts and ensure that people do not dump bushes and trees into water courses. Landowners have to be more careful about keeping water courses clear. That example shows that people need to be much more geared up to do the routine maintenance that could cut out the problems."

After the debate Mr Gibson commented,

"There is broad agreement between the parties that long-term planning to cope with flooding is a must. But it is essential that the services we do not yet control in Scotland, such as the high resolution radar should be funded as a matter of urgency from the coffers of the London Government. Rural Scotland does not deserve a second class service through lack of appropriate investment."

ENDS

Gibson welcomes ferry report

News release
immediate release

27/06/08

Rob Gibson welcomed the report published today by the Transport Infrastructure and Climate Change committee (TICC) that proposes a long term strategy to deliver a modern, efficient and responsive ferry network.

Rob said,

"The Committee produced a unanimous report that seeks the formation of the very first ferry strategy to be drawn up by the Scottish Government.

"I am confident the report has put the needs of ferry users first and stated plainly that a strategy has to be drawn up independent of ferry operators.

"Meeting the needs of island and remote communities requires them to have routes, vessels and timetables that fit their needs.

"I hope that the Scottish Government will consult on the points our committee has raised. Also I believe that the EU decision to investigate the fairness of the arrangements in operating the current West Coast ferry services will lead to a transparency and a regulatory regime that fits the needs of European laws.

ENDS

Monday 23 June 2008

Sláinte Nós úr!

News release immediate release
23/06/08

Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Rob Gibson has lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament congratulating the organisers, participants and audience of the first ever Minority languages song contest (focusing on Celtic languages and Scots) which took place in Inverness (Eden Court) on Saturday night (21st June).

The Nós Úr (new styles) competition saw 12 finalists as diverse as a Gaelic punk group and a Welsh Reggae band. The finalist came from Brittany, Wales, Ireland and Scotland (whose entries were in Gaelic and Scots). Two winners were chosen to go through to represent Western Europe in the pan-European final in Luleå, Sweden (18th October 2008). They were:

Yr Annioddefol from north Wales (chosen by a jury) and Gwennyn from Brittany (chosen by a public vote by those in the theatre and those listening on the Web)

Mr Gibson who attended the event said….

"Organisers Brian Ó hEadhra and all associated with the competition deserve the highest of credit it was a fantastic night's music and shows that the song traditions of Celtic Europe in their own language is as strong as ever."

"Both Gwennyn and Yr Annioddefol will be great representatives for Western Europe and I would not be surprised if either of them won it."

"What was apparent apart form the excellent music was the amount of young people involved in the competition. It inspires confidence for the future both for the music and especially the language. I would the future is sounding good."

"However all this must not be taken for granted and the UHI conference, organised by Dr Donna Heddle of the Centre for Nordic Studies (based in Orkney), on minority languages (Voices of the West) which run in conjunction with the competition are important to make sure that the impetus that such events inspire and represent are not lost.

He ended…

""Friendly competition such as the one on Saturday night helps foster a greater togetherness and understanding of similar cultures. Which can only be a good thing."

"Given the choice between attending the final in Sweden or the final of Eurovision it would be a no brainier!"

ENDS

NOTE

Link to website of Nós Úr:

Copy of Rob's motion:
Date of Lodging: 23 June 2008
Short Title: Slàinte Nòs Ùr S3M-02240 Rob Gibson (Highlands and Islands) (SNP): That the Parliament congratulates the organisers, participants and audience of Nòs Ùr (new style) which took place in Eden Court Theatre, Inverness on 21 June 2008; recognises it is the first Celtic and Scots minority languages song competition of its kind which featured 12 finalists from Wales, Brittany, Ireland and Scotland whose entries were in Gaelic and Scots; applauds the UHI Millennium Institute for organising Voices of the West, a conference on minority languages which ran in conjunction with Nòs Ùr; welcomes the importance of vibrant Gaelic and Scots languages and heritage that underpin the self-confidence of Scottish culture and believes that friendly competitions like this helps to foster a greater togetherness and understanding of similar cultures; congratulates Yr Annioddefol from north Wales and Gwennyn from Brittany on their victory, and wishes them the best of luck when they represent Western Europe in the pan-European final of due to take place in Luleå, Sweden on 18 October 2008.

Friday 20 June 2008

'UK Labour Government in disarray over GM crop stance' - Gibson

News release
Immediate release

20/06/08

Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Rob Gibson has lambasted calls for GM crops to be grown in Scotland and claims that the Labour Party are in disarray over the issue.

Mr Gibson's words come in the wake of comments from a leading UK Government cabinet Minister that the UK should start growing GM crops.

However Mr Gibson said that the Government in Westminster was contradicting itself over the issue.

He pointed to a report from the Agricultural Science and Technology for Development (IAASTD) (the agricultural equivalent of the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change) which concluded that GM crops were not the answer to world hunger. The report also concluded that the best way out of world hunger was by small-scale farming and ecological method.

This report was fully endorsed by the International Development Minister Douglas Alexander.

Earlier this month Mr Gibson lodged a motion in the Parliament supporting the reports findings and welcoming the endorsement from Douglas Alexander. However the motion has not been supported by one Labour MSP.

MR Gibson said..

"Nine days have passed since I lodged my motion congratulating Douglas Alexander for approving the contents of the IAASTD report yet not one Labour MSP seems to think that he did the right thing. The report shows that the variable results of GM yield offers no guarantee it can used as a tool to rid the world of hunger. Indeed the message of family farms and environmental methods has once again challenged Labour to get off the fence. Either they support the findings of the report as Mr Alexander or Gordon Brown's stance in Europe."

Mr Gibson went on to say that if the recent calls for mass production of GM crops in the UK were carried out it would tarnish Scotland's reputation for delivering healthy, clean and tasty produce and not deliver the benefits which the GM lobby claim...

"Pro GM hysteria whipped up by the UK Government has no scientific credibility and pits consumers against agribusiness. The Scottish Government's First National Food Policy sees no place for GM. It would cut across the image Scotland has of its food as the First Minister has said."

"In contrast the UK Labour government is urging Europe to open up the market for more GM maize and animal feed from abroad. This ignores the environmental damage to producer countries and diverts countries like Brazil and Argentina from growing conventional crops in a sustainable fashion. With feed prices soaring Scottish farmers have to ask themselves, can we produce more animal feed here? If we value quality and our customers certainly do, should we jeopardise our healthy food image with GM that the consumers reject?

He also warned that those who are joining in the rush for GM should tread very carefully….

"Our scientists and commentators must not reject the anti GM stance of the Scottish Government and consumers as anti-science. Outrageous claims are being made. For example the principal of the Scottish Agricultural College Bill McKelvey claimed 'it is up to society to decide which is the lesser of two evils; expensive food or GM crops'. These are not the options contained in the IAASTD report."

Rob Gibson also rejected the very notion that GM could produce food security in the world saying it was time for real research and science not knee jerk panicking and scaremongering….

"Since Douglas Alexander has endorsed the report's findings. It is time for a halt to wild claims for GM. Commentators need to dig deeper, indeed they need to review the plight of US farmers who cannot escape from GM crops. Wind blown seed has made GM endemic to many parts of USA. Meanwhile the multinational transgenic corporations cannot be allowed to trash the planet for their profit. And Scottish farmers cannot build food security here on the back of GM feed crops like soya grown abroad."

"The Scottish Government's 1st National Food policy provides an excellent backdrop to scotch the myths of GM and take a fair trade, fair deal approach for producers and consumers alike. Will UK Labour put up GM facts or just continue to scaremonger?"

ENDS

Note to Editor:

A copy of Rob's motion on the International Assessment of Agricultural Science and Technology for Development report on GM S3M-02125 Rob Gibson (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish National Party): GM Crops Do Not Prevent World Hunger— That the Parliament congratulates the International Assessment of Agricultural Science and Technology for Development (IAASTD), the agricultural equivalent of the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change, for concluding that data on a range of genetically modified crops indicate highly variable yields, greater in some places and less in others; notes the reluctance of the IAASTD to rule out GM crops in future, but that it rightly concludes that if the multi-million pound investment by corporations in transgenic research and development had been applied to improving conventional methods of local food production and distribution then the current world food crisis would have been more successfully addressed; applauds the overwhelming conclusion of IAASTD that small-scale farming and ecological methods provide the way forward to avert the current world food crisis, and therefore welcomes the UK Government’s approval of the IAASTD reports without reservation as confirmed in a written Commons statement by Douglas Alexander MP and encourages the Scottish and UK governments to mainstream the thrust of the IAASTD report in agricultural policy development.

Supported by: Jamie Hepburn, Kenneth Gibson, Dr Alasdair Allan, Stuart McMillan, Dave Thompson, Roseanna Cunningham, Bill Kidd, Bashir Ahmad, Alex Neil, Christina McKelvie, Brian Adam, Robin Harper, Gil Paterson
Lodged on Wednesday, June 11, 2008; Current

Wednesday 18 June 2008

Gibson congratulates Alness Academy on Secondary Highland First

News release
Immediate release

18/06/08

Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Rob Gibson has lodged a motion in parliament recognising the achievement of Alness Academy as being the first secondary school in the Highlands to receive the prestigious Green Flag Award from Eco Schools Scotland.

The school won the award for continuingly improving their environment by; reducing waste, litter as well as energy and water use, devising more efficient ways for students to travel to and from school, promoting healthy lifestyles and encouraging active citizenship not just in school but also in the wider community.

Mr Gibson (a former guidance and modern studies teacher at the school) said….

"This is an excellent achievement for Alness Academy and a great deal of credit has to go to the students and staff involved in the initiative. This award marks Alness Academy out as real environmental leader in the Highlands. It has set the standard I would say it is up for the other secondary schools in the region to catch them up."

"In the era of climate change Environmental issues are all the more relevant so it is important that students as young as possible are made aware of the issues and are encouraged to come up with their own ideas to improve their environment also that they can improve the wider one. This is what is happening in Alness and is to be highly commended."

ENDS

Note:

Copy of motion

S3M-02199 Rob Gibson (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish National Party): Green Flag for Alness Academy — That the Parliament congratulates Alness Academy for being the first secondary school in the Highlands to receive the prestigious Green Flag award from Eco Schools Scotland, an international initiative accrediting schools that make a commitment to continuously improving their environmental performance; commends Alness Academy for improving its school environment and reducing litter and waste, as well as energy and water use, devising more efficient ways for students to travel to and from school, promoting healthy lifestyles and encouraging active citizenship of not only its students but also its larger community area, and notes finally that raising environmental awareness at the earliest ages in life is key to developing a large-scale change in citizens’ attitudes toward environmental management and their impact on the planet and, particularly, Alness Academy's home area of Easter Ross.

Tuesday 17 June 2008

Gibson welcomes fuel efficacy for fishing fleet

News release
Immediate release

17/06/08

Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Rob Gibson has welcomed the creation of an expert group to look into the fuel efficacy for the fishing fleet.

The announcement came from Rural Secretary Richard Lochead. The group (to be called Fuel Efficiency Expert Group) will be headed up by director of Seafish Paul Williams and will report initial findings to the fuel taskforce within three weeks.

Mr Gibson said…

"The formation of the Fuel Efficiency Expert Group comes at a critical moment for fishermen throughout the whole of Scotland. Having met with fishing leaders and those in the industry in recent weeks I am acutely aware of the ridiculous amounts that fishing people are having to pay for fuel. When it comes to some loosing half of their profits for fuel then it is getting critical."

"That is why any action to assess where fuel can be saved by experts is of the up most of importance. I am happy to see that the Government in Scotland which, unlike the Westminster Government, is not benefiting from the Billions of Oil revenues flowing in form the North Sea are willing to put money into ways to save the fishing fleet money. It shows a commitment to them which simply doesn't exist at the UK level."

"Fishermen are in the difficult position of not being able to pass their extra fuel costs onto to anyone. Therefore any way in which they could save money will benefit them and the many jobs associated with the industry."

Mr Gibson added, "I will ensure that the voices of the Highlands and Islands are fully heard in the task force's work."

ENDS

Finishing Touches added to Rubbish Sculpture



PHOTO: Rob Gibson MSP joins pupils and artist Gina Bates in applying varnish to the new sculpture.

Pupils and volunteers have been busy at Alness Academy adding the finishing touches to their unique new artwork: a seating area in the courtyard made out of waste items embedded in cement. Alness Academy is the first secondary in the Highlands to be awarded its Green Flag under the Eco-schools scheme, an international initiative to raise whole-school awareness of environmental issues. The artwork was funded by Ross-shire Waste Action Network (RoWAN), and local MSP and RoWAN supporter Rob Gibson turned up with a paintbrush to help pupils apply varnish to weather-proof the structure.

RoWAN Project Manager Caroline Eccles said “Help from volunteers is very important to RoWAN’s work and we’re delighted to have Rob along today. Alness Academy is leading the way on green action for secondary schools in the Highlands and we congratulate them on their Green Flag. Today’s pupils are the householders of tomorrow and encouraging them to minimise their waste can only be good for the future.”

Rob added "I am delighted to support RoWAN whose volunteers like so many others contribute so much to community life. This project combines voluntary work with a clear environmental message that inspires young people. "

According to Rector Kenneth MacIver, “With this new seating area the courtyard is being used much more than before, which is great, and around 120 pupils were involved in constructing it. We have a very strong Eco-committee and we have great plans for the future to carry on placing the environment at the heart of the school’s activities.”

The sculpture aims to get people thinking about waste and is made of items such as old computers, plastic bottles and washing machine parts embedded in cement.
RoWAN is a small Dingwall-based charity aimed at helping householders reduce their waste. If you’re interested in volunteering – particularly if you know about composting – please contact the office on 01349 867063, or contact project.manager@rowanweb.org.uk.

ENDS

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Caroline Eccles, RoWAN Project Manager, project.manager@rowanweb.org.uk
Kenneth MacIver, Rector, Alness Academy, kenneth.maciver@highland.gov.uk
Rob Gibson MSP, rob.gibson.msp@scotland.gov.uk

Thursday 12 June 2008

Gibson welcomes report findings

News release
Immediate release

12/06/08

Highland and Islands SNP MSP has lodged a motion welcoming an international report which says that small-scale farming and ecological methods are the answer to the current food crisis as opposed to GM crops.

The report from the International Assessment of Agricultural Science and Technology for Development (IAASTD) which is the agricultural equivalent of the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change, states that while GM crops shouldn't be ruled out in the future they are not the answer to world hunger at the moment.

He also praised the UK Government's full endorsement of the report which came in the form of a written Commons statement from UK secretary for international development Douglas Alexander

Mr Gibson said.....

"This report shows the way out of world hunger at the moment is by local production on small farms of environmentally friendly produce as opposed to the relatively untried and unapproved GM. GM could be used in the future but as the report states it is not the answer for the moment and that they do not prevent world hunger."

He continued....

"For countries like Scotland it is imperative that we follow down the road of food security and that means local production, and consumption as much as possible. This has to be top quality and not GM crops which are neither needed nor wanted by consumers. "

"I shall be pursuing the issue with Scottish Environment Ministers to make sure that they include the reports findings in the general thrust of our agriculture and food policy , although I believe that the report's findings are very much in keeping with the policies of the Scottish Government. I also welcome the UK Government's endorsement of the report and would encourage their Ministers to do like wise."

ENDS

Note to editor:

Copy of Rob's motion

Short Title: GM Crops Do Not Prevent World Hunger S3M-02125 Rob Gibson (Highlands and Islands) (SNP): That the Parliament congratulates the International Assessment of Agricultural Science and Technology for Development (IAASTD), the agricultural equivalent of the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change, for concluding that data on a range of genetically modified crops indicate highly variable yields, greater in some places and less in others; notes the reluctance of the IAASTD to rule out GM crops in future, but that it rightly concludes that if the multi-million pound investment by corporations in transgenic research and development had been applied to improving conventional methods of local food production and distribution then the current world food crisis would have been more successfully addressed; applauds the overwhelming conclusion of IAASTD that small-scale farming and ecological methods provide the way forward to avert the current world food crisis, and therefore welcomes the UK Government’s approval of the IAASTD reports without reservation as confirmed in a written Commons statement by Douglas Alexander MP and encourages the Scottish and UK governments to mainstream the thrust of the IAASTD report in agricultural policy development.

Tuesday 10 June 2008

Gibson calls for closer Nordic relations

News release
Immediate release

10/06/08

Rob Gibson SNP MSP for Highlands and Islands has received unanimous backing of the party's National Council (Saturday 7th June) for exploring formal links between Scotland and the Nordic Council.

The resolution promoted by Cromarty Firth Branch, of which Mr Gibson is convener, received strong backing from SNP MEP Alyn Smith who told the delegates how Scotland's economic interests coincide with Norway, Faroes, Iceland and Greenland. He said that our fishing, energy and transport needs were best served by cooperation to win the best markets in Europe and beyond.

Rob Gibson stressed the urgent need for detailed plans for an electricity grid that could feed into a vast European market.

He said…..

"Iceland and Norway along with Scotland can build the super grid necessary to export the surpluses of our clean power into the hungry European markets."

"Also there is a need to maintain shipping routes to the continent. This could be rescued by Norwegian firms who could replace the threatened Superfast service from Rosyth to Zeebrugge. Norwegian shipping interests could link Iceland, Norway and Scotland to the Flemish port again. Our mutual trade at present is represented by the sole direct service to our northern neighbours in the form of the 'Norrona' run by the Smyril Line from Scrabster to Norway and Iceland."

"Scotland and the Nordic countries have a long colourful history which has had benefits for the area we now call the Arc of Prosperity. It is time to start a new chapter in that history and start working closer together for our mutual benefit."

ENDS

Gibson Calls for Gaelic writers in School Scheme

News release
Immediate release

10/06/08


Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Rob Gibson has lodged a motion in Parliament congratulating a Highland-wide Gaelic scheme which took writers into schools to complete a book comprised of the students' own original stories.

He also uses it to call for the creation of a Gaelic Writers in Schools Scheme for the whole of Scotland.


Mr. Gibson's call comes after the publication of a book called Leabhar nan Gàidheal Òga (The Book of the young Gaels) which contains 63 pieces of work co-produced between 6 writers (Angus Peter Campbell, Catriona Lexy Campbell, Rody Gorman, Iain F. MacLeod, Morag Stewart and Lisa Storey) and Gaelic medium pupils from 21 schools (from P3-6) across the Highlands. The book also contains 57 pieces of art work which were done by students of both Gaelic and English medium from the schools.

Mr Gibson paid tribute to the effort which went into the book's production...

"The team received over 400 entries for the book which shows the imagination and interest that Gaels of that age have. However the real benefit for all is to have the writers going into schools and talking with the students in their own language. All cultures rely on a oral and literary heritage of story telling. However for the Gaels it has always been of the up-most importance. Indeed this culture has helped sustain the language through the very dark moments of it's history. I firmly believe that it will be stories that will help it in the future. A language which looses its imagination is one which is bound to fail."

"Contact for students of all ages in Gaelic Medium throughout the nation (in the form of the Gaelic Writers in Schools Scheme) would fire their imagination and allow them direct contact with their living literary heritage. This is a scheme which has worked wonders for our music and for writers in English. I see exciting benefits for young Gaels if a similar approach is adopted as regards Gaelic writers."

ENDS

NOTE: Copy of Motion

S3M-02098 Rob Gibson (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish National Party): New Book by Young Gaels Very Welcome — That the Parliament welcomes the publication of Leabhar nan Gàidheal Òga which contains a wide range of new stories, poems and colourful illustrations chosen from children studying Gaelic in 21 schools across the Highland Council area; congratulates the young contributors from P3 to S6 whose imagination and wit expressed in their own language sends a positive signal from young Gaels today; thanks the part-time project co-ordinator, Johan A Byrne, and the team for their inspired choices of material which included 63 pieces chosen for publication accompanied by 57 pieces of original artwork; also thanks the funders, which included the Gaelic Books Council, Highland Council and Bord na Gaidhlig, GASD and LEADER+, and especially the six established Gaelic writers, Angus Peter Campbell, Catriona Lexy Campbell, Rody Gorman, Iain F MacLeod, Morag Stewart and Lisa Storey who encouraged such positive responses, and calls for a Gaelic Writers in Schools Scheme to be established to reach schools with Gaelic education across Scotland.

Gibson calls for closer Nordic relations

News release
Immediate release

10/06/08

Rob Gibson SNP MSP for Highlands and Islands has received unanimous backing of the Party's National Council (Saturday 7th June) for exploring formal links between Scotland and the Nordic Council.

The resolution promoted by Cromarty Firth Branch, of which Mr Gibson is convener, received strong backing from SNP MEP Alyn Smith who told the delegates how Scotland's economic interests coincide with Norway, Faroes, Iceland and Greenland. He said that our fishing, energy and transport needs were best served by cooperation to win the best markets in Europe and beyond.

Rob Gibson stressed the urgent need for detailed plans for an electricity grid that could feed into a vast European market.

He said…..

"Iceland and Norway along with Scotland can build the super grid necessary to export the surpluses of our clean power into the hungry European markets."

"Also, there is a need to maintain shipping routes to the continent. This could be rescued by Norwegian firms who could replace the threatened Superfast service from Rosyth to Zeebrugge. Norwegian shipping interests could link Iceland, Norway and Scotland to the Flemish port again. Our mutual trade at present is represented by the sole direct service to our northern neighbours in the form of the 'Norrona' run by the Smyril Line from Scrabster to Norway and Iceland."

"Scotland and the Nordic countries have a long colourful history which has had benefits for the area we now call the Arc of Prosperity. It is time to start a new chapter in that history and start working closer together for our mutual benefit."

ENDS

Tuesday 3 June 2008

Gibson urges strong take up for climate change fund

News release
Immediate release

03/06/08

Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Rob Gibson is encouraging local groups to apply for a share of the Scottish Government's £18.8 million climate change fund.

Launched by the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Richard Lochead and Patrick Harvie MSP, Convener of the Transport Infrastructure and Climate Change Committee, the fund will allow for community-led action to reduce carbon emissions.

The fund will be open to groups such as schools, voluntary organisations and charitable groups.

Mr Gibson said...

"This is a welcome announcement from the Scottish Government and shows that they have a strong commitment to tackling climate change."

"Local groups can play a vital role in reducing carbon emissions and as well as improving the quality of life for those in the community. This fund is an excellent chance for groups to address climate change locally as well as providing schemes that get people involved in improving their locality ."

"Many environmental schemes exist in the Highland and Islands so I would urge early applications as I expect a strong take up."

Ends

Note to Editor:
For More information click on link below:
http://www.itsourfuture.co.uk/climate_challenge_fund/index.html

Gibson urges strong take up for climate change fund

News release
Immediate release

03/06/08

Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Rob Gibson is encouraging local groups to apply for a share of the Scottish Governments £18.8 million climate change fund.

Launched by the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Richard Lochead and Patrick Harvie MSP Convener of the Transport Infrastructure and Climate Change Committee the fund will allow for community led action to reduce carbon emissions .

The fund will be open to groups such as, schools, voluntary and charitable groups.

Mr Gibson said...

"This is a welcome announcement from the Scottish Government and shows that they have a strong commitment to tackling climate change."

"Local groups can play a vital role in reducing carbon emissions and as well as improving the quality of life for those in the community. This fund is an excellent chance for groups to address climate change locally as well as providing schemes that get people involved in improving their locality ."

" Many environmental schemes exist in the Highland and Islands so I would urge early applications as I expect a strong take up.

Ends

Note to Editor:
For More information click on link below:
http://www.itsourfuture.co.uk/climate_challenge_fund/index.html