Gibson welcomes Government support for EXPO

News release
Immediate release
23/06/09

Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Rob Gibson has welcomed Scottish Government funding for the Scottish Housing Expo in Inverness.

Mr Gibson was speaking after £1.9 million was pledged to the project which will see 55 eco homes built next August.

Mr Gibson said...

"As we pass world-leading Climate Change Bill this week we need examples of how all houses should be built in future. The Scottish Housing Expo provides models which will need to be copied and developed."

"I welcome the SNP Government's commitment and leadership on eco-housing which will be important for the 21st Century. Through their support for the expo which Councillor Jean Urquhart worked hard to bring about, to the attendance of housing Minister Alex Neil to the opening of eco housing at Kildary today [Tuesday] (Easter Ross) it shows that that the SNP is backing the most sustainable housing options for the future."

"This new style of housing will mean more insulation and therefore less fuel consumption. A type of home which is fit for the new era."

"We must not repeat the same mistakes in the south Inverness housing estates which were rushed up to cope with rapid expansion of the city. We need a change in mindset where planners reject all new build that fails to meet top insulation standards and include home renewables such as ground source and air source heat pumps, wind mills and solar panels where appropriate."

"The failure of past planning to provide access and services to south Inverness can be sorted but no more such blunders must be repeated."

ENDS

Gibson praises Scottish Festivals

News release
Immediate release

22/06/09

Festivals are a valuable contribution to the future, celebrating place, aspects of human activity and the life of our communities in Scotland said former festival orgainser, sometimes performer and Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Rob Gibson .

He was speaking during a debate on the financial success and quality of life that festivals bring to the country in Parliament last week.

During his speech he used the example of Wick HarbourFest [due from 26th to 28th June] to illustrate the outlook and effects of festivals in Scotland….

"The celebration of various parts of the country is epitomised by the fact that people like to have a good time. I suspect that we have developed festivals that try to make things better for us in a harsh climate. I hope that the climate will not be too harsh the weekend after next in Wick, where HarbourFest has been resurrected. It was started in 1937 and has taken place occasionally since then. It raises the aspirations of Wick folk for the importance of the historic harbour and its future. It was such a fantastic celebration two years ago that it was decided to try to make it a regular event. Indeed, it is hoped that, eventually, sailing ships and others will join us in the north and use the string of marinas that has opened up, and that HarbourFest will be a part of that."

He also spoke of festivals and celebrations yet to come, those that should be and those that are.

He called for a festival to mark the 160th anniversary birth of Robert Bontaine Cunningham Graham the Scot who co founded the Scottish Labour Party and later the SNP as well as travelling and writing on both Scotland and peoples around the world. He also said that it would be a sin if there was no world class facility at Bannockburn to celebrate the 700th anniversary of the battle in 2014.

He asked for wide ranging support for the proposed festival of Island Cultures …

"The local authorities that control the 96 or so inhabited islands in Scotland are planning a festival of island cultures in 2011. I hope that the whole Parliament and all the parties can get behind celebrating that particular aspect of our lives, and that we ensure that we invest in that festival to give islands their place in the future."

Mr Gibson pointed to the success of the Hands up for Trad folk awards (due to take place in Dumfries this year on at the end of November which will help mark the end of the homecoming year) as an event which is now a celebration of all traditional culture and the festivals that take place throughout the year. 'A great way to close the year of culture' he said.

He said that the new UK immigration rules that deter non EU artist from performing in Scotland should be dropped and called on the new Home Office minister Alan Johnson to do so.

Calling for wider media coverage at a reasonable hour of Festivals he said...

"Festivals and culture need to be celebrated more in our media. We talk about people's right to see particular international football matches on terrestrial television, but I believe that a sample of our cultural phenomena ought to be available to us as well, and not in the middle of the night. I hope that the Government will take up the free-to-air issue with the UK Government. Parts of the Edinburgh festivals, Celtic Connections and so on deserve to be shown for more than half an hour late in the evening."

He called for a standard way to work out what financial benefits actually give the local economy…..

"In a recent Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee meeting, it was pointed out that patterns of activity in the years before and after festivals need to be considered before differences can be measured. Measuring the success of the year of homecoming will be difficult because of that. Nevertheless, the small investment in the year of homecoming has been welcomed throughout the country. I see that at festival after festival, some of which I have taken part in.

He ended by saying…..

"I hope that we not only continue to celebrate, but consider what has worked and what should work in the future, and that we plan well for the festivals that celebrate our life in Scotland."

ENDS

Note to editor

link to Festival debate:

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/officialReports/meetingsParliament/or-09/sor0618-02.htm#Col18618

Ring main would bring access benefits

News release
Immediate release
19/06/09

Highlands and Islands SNP MSP has called for a ring main of broadband around the north coast of Scotland which could help users connect more quickly to the web.

Mr Gibson said that the BT and Faeroe Telecom 760km undersea fiber optic cable (which runs from the Scottish mainland to the Faeroes and is to link into exchanges on Shetland) is a prime model of what can be achieved for the north of Scotland mainland which is poorly served by broadband provision.

He said that fixed fiber optic links were a preferable option for internet access than satellite.

Mr Gibson said,

"It is interesting that BT choose to joint fund an undersea cable to the Faroe Islands (which will eventually bring great benefits to Shetland) whilst parts of the north mainland are still woefully served by broadband."

"A ring main which could link into exchanges on the coast would help revolutionise internet use in the area. In my recent consultation on broadband speeds in the Highlands what became clear is was the huge discrepancies in connection speeds and performance of basic broadband. A ring main would help bring remote and rural areas of the far north into the 21st Century. I will be raising the issue with Enterprise Minister Jim Mather, Scottish Ofcom and Digital Britain."

ENDS

Gibson challenges Lib Dem led Council to back new Wick High School

News release
Immediate release
17/06/09

Rob Gibson has challenged Liberal Democrat Councillors in Caithness and across the Highlands to put their money where their mouth is over Wick High School.

Mr Gibson was talking following an announcement from the Scottish Government that it was willing to fund two thirds of new build schools with the other third coming from the Council.

During the statement on school building Education Secretary Fiona Hyslop mentioned Wick High School as a potential place that could benefit from the new arrangement.

Mr Gibson said…

"Fiona Hyslop has announced a fair deal for council's and schools, it shows that the SNP Scottish Government is committed to a fairer way to pay for schools across the country. At a stroke this removes the unfair, inequitable and unjust PPP projects so beloved by the Liberal Democrats and Labour Executive of the past.

"So it is time that the Liberal led Highland Council practice what it preaches. The Government could fund two thirds of a new Wick High School but will the Highland Council fund the rest? I look forward to their response it is time to back up their rhetoric with actions."

ENDS

Gibson seeks clarification over Caithness Maternity

News release
Immediate release
17/06/09

Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Rob Gibson has sought to seek answers from the NHS regarding the future Caithness Maternity Unit.

Since concerns were raised regarding the future of the Unit last week Mr Gibson has written to the public health Minister Shona Robison seeking clarification over the situation and seeking assurances that the Unit does not face downgrading or closure.

Mr Gibson who was closely involved in the Campaign to save Wick Maternity in the past said…..

"The Scottish Government has a presumption for delivering locally based health services. The pervious Liberal and Labour executives did not. So on that level I severely doubt we will see a return to the bad old days where Caithness Maternity was under threat. Despite recent prophecies from Politicians."

"From what I can gather this has been a staffing issue which is all but rectified. Scare stories circulating about the future closure of the Unit are unhelpful."

ENDS

Gig review: Isle of Eigg Anniversary Ceilidh

The Scotsman

Published Date: 16 June 2009
-By Sue Wilson

VARIOUS VENUES, EIGG

IN A thoughtful speech on Saturday at the opening of Eigg's new Croft House Museum, MSP Rob Gibson reflected on the importance of continuity to communities such as this. Even while the island's 21st century crofters invest in solar panels and polytunnels, many of life's fundamentals here – as represented by the museum's evocative artefacts, testament to one family's history over the last century – remain unchanged.

In many ways, the same applies to the collective merrymaking that holds sway over Eigg the weekend before midsummer, at the islanders' annual celebration of having bought their homeland in 1997. This year's headlining band, The Chair, came all the way from Orkney to raise the roof of the community hall, mixing up Balkan, blues, funk and reggae influences with their frontline fiddle and accordion tunes. And they were followed by several hours of DJ Dolphin Boy's majestically maverick beats. Highlanders and islanders have been perfecting the art of righteous fun for centuries, and the profound, even primal conviviality underpinning Eigg's ceilidh felt truly, transcendently timeless. Come late Sunday afternoon, as the sun continued to beam down in defiance of all forecasts, and a lone bagpiper struck up outside the café, his choice of Gordon Duncan's gorgeously poignant The Sleeping Tune seemed only too appropriate.

The rest of Saturday's main gig had featured redoubtable regulars the JaMaTha Ceilidh Band, comprising the likes of mandolin ace Dagger Gordon, Andy Thorburn on piano and local percussion legend Eddie "Spoons" Scott, who kicked off a marathon night's dancing.

Next up was fellow Eigg resident Donna MacCulloch, leading a rock-style band on bagpipes, in a dynamic set of self-penned tunes. Once again, the material and instrumentation might have been novel, but the shared delight they engendered felt at least as ancient as it did modern.

Gibson welcomes Russell's response

News release
Immediate release
16/06/09

Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Rob Gibson has welcomed an assurance from the Scottish Government that they are pressing the UK Government over laws which discourage non EU artists and performers from coming to Scotland.

Mr Gibson was speaking after he received written answers from Culture Minister Mike Russell regarding new UK anti terror laws which place greater restrictions on performers from outwith the EU visiting the UK.

The new laws were highlighted recently after Canadian Singer Allison Crowe and two band mates were refused entry into the UK and were deported because of the new rules.

Mr Russell responded that it was vital that performers and artist contributing to Scotland's world renowned festivals and events were welcomed and not shunned. He also said that UK immigration system should meet the needs of the whole of the UK and was pressing the Home Office to ensure that the distinct needs of Scotland were taken into account.

Mr Gibson, who is due to speak in a Festivals debate this week in Holyrood said....

"It is encouraging to see the Scottish Government pressing the case with the Home Office. These laws will do more to endanger the cultural life blood of Scotland than they will protect it from terrorism."

"These laws do no favours for culture in the UK whether it be England, Wales or Northern Ireland. I hope that Scotland can gain concessions from the new Home Office Minister Alan Johnston."

"Scotland should be seen as a welcoming and culturally open Nation (especially as this is the Year of Homecoming) however these laws contradict that image. I hope that the new Home Office Minister realises that the actions of his predecessor have tarnished that image and will make changes."

ENDS

Note: Copy of Question and Answers

Rob Gibson (Highlands and Islands) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive what the ramifications for cultural activity in Scotland are of the requirement for a certificate of sponsorship under the UK Government’s points-based immigration system. (S3W-24536)

Mr Michael Russell: Our world renowned cultural festivals and events are vital to attracting tourists and artists and contributing to our economy. It is vital that those who are coming here to contribute are welcomed, not shunned.

The UK immigration system should meet the needs of the whole of the UK and we are pressing the Home Office to ensure that the distinct needs of Scotland are taken into account.

Rob Gibson (Highlands and Islands) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive what it can do to encourage non-EU artists to visit and perform in Scotland. (S3W-24537)

Mr Michael Russell: The UK immigration system should meet the needs of the whole of the UK and we are pressing the Home Office to ensure that the distinct needs of Scotland are taken into account. We are also working with colleagues at the UK Border Agency to ensure more is done to inform Scottish based organisers and promoters about immigration systems and regulations, and to provide support and advice where possible.

Our Relocation Advisory Service (RAS) aims to assist and advise those who wish to live and work in Scotland, including those from the Cultural sector. They seek to create a seamless service that streamlines UK, Scotland and local public services to make things easier for people to move to this country to live and work. The welcoming package includes information on living and working in Scotland, cultural networks, information on diversity and equality issues, where to seek employment, accommodation and healthcare and provides information on Immigration issues such as work permits and visas. People are able to contact RAS via the website at www.scotlandistheplace.com, by telephone or, if they are in Glasgow, through a face to face meeting.

Gibson Wishes Harbourfest Success

News release
Immediate release
16/06/09

Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Rob Gibson has lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament wishing this years Wickharbourfest fine weather and a fair breeze when it take place next week.

Harbourfest will run from Friday 26th to Sunday 28th June at Wick harbour and will co-incide with the official opening of the newly completed Marina.

Mr Gibson, who himself will be attending, said:

"Wick Harbourfest has proved itself to be a worthy and successful event after the first one was held in the town in 2007. In this, the year of Homecoming, it is important for these local gatherings to be given all the support they need in order to thrive.

"I will be attending the event again and am very much looking forward to seeing what is on offer. The people of the county who put so much effort into organising this event deserve great praise and I'm sure it will be well supported by locals and tourists alike."

"Our harbours are vital to the economic development of our country, especially at this time when so much attention is focused on the renewables potential in the Pentland Firth. Harbours and ports in Caithness as well as the Wider Highlands and Islands will play an integral part in driving the country forward. Events like these are important as they help raise the profile of the harbour, the town and the County."

ENDS

Notes - A copy of the Motion is below -

Rob Gibson (SNP) (Highlands & Islands) Wick HarbourFest — That the Parliament wishes the organisers and participants for Wick HarbourFest Homecoming 2009, taking place from 26 to 28 June, fine weather and a fair breeze for the event; notes the growing importance and success of the festival; applauds the way that it has raised the aspirations of Wick folk to the importance of their historic harbour; asserts that ports have always been key for both economic and cultural activity around the world’s coasts, as the marina developments at Wick and along the Moray coast manifest, and further believes that ports in Caithness and the wider Highlands and Islands will be integral in driving forward a key sector of our Scottish economy.

Gibson welcomes new road safety proposals

News Release
Immediate release
15/06/09

Rob Gibson has welcomed the proposals from the Scottish Government on reducing road fatalities in Scotland.

Mr Gibson was speaking after transport Minister Stewart Stevenson announced measures which would the ultimate of aim of putting Scotland on the way to have zero road fatalities in the future.

The road safety framework for the next 10 years set's out for the first time Scottish road safety targets which will be the toughest in the UK. As well as proposals which have been shaped buy an expert group on targeting young drivers which are to be debated nationwide.

Contained in the raft of proposed measures are:

-Examining the case for introducing restrictions on newly qualified drivers such as limiting the number of passengers, engine size, speed and times they drive at through a nationwide debate.
New education resources for schools and a new lifelong learning approach to driver training targeting Scots of all ages, including elderly drivers.

-Action to improve school bus safety, including the ongoing pilot of latest "SeeMe" bus stop technology, the launch today of new more prominent school bus signs for bus companies, and new guidance to all local authorities on pick up and drop off points.

-Calls for 20mph zones in built-up areas.

-New advanced on-board breath test enforcement technology for police vehicles.

Mr Gibson who is campaigning to reduce road deaths amongst young drivers across Scotland said…..

"These tough measures and ultimate goal of zero road fatalities in Scotland are bold and could make real difference to road users across Scotland. The Scottish Government are to be congratulated upon setting high ambitions which will benefit all in society."

"It is hard to think of a community in the Highlands which has not been touched by a young person's death which was linked to driving. These incidents rips at the heart of communities. I am glad therefore that a national debate has been started and would encourage all those with a stake in our future to participate."

"My team has started a campaign to help engage cut road fatalities amongst young drivers. This was prompted after a series of deaths in the far North coupled with horrific accidents throughout the Highland area. Recognition from the Government that this is a specific area to target is very welcome."

"Although many of the actions that the Scottish Government might wish to take to improve road safety sadly remained reserved to Westminster, I hope that the UK Government will accept the need to give Scotland the power to act if they will not. When lives are at stake, inaction is not an option”.

ENDS

Gibson calls for clarity from Lib Dem's on Highland Council waste strategy

News release
Immediate release
12/06/09

Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Rob Gibson has reiterated his opposition to a waste incinerator plant at Invergordon and questioned the waste strategy of the Lib Dem led Highland Council.

Mr Gibson was speaking during a debate on Scottish Waste Strategy in Parliament this week.

Mr Gibson said that instead of planning for a waste incinerator in Invergordon the council should be aiming to reduce the amount of waste produced and recycling more.

"In the case of Highland Council, I have to question whether there is any kind of strategy in place for the council to do that job. It is of long-standing concern to me that officers in councils like to find big solutions to solve problems. One incinerator can deal with an awful lot of problems, but it creates large problems too. Unfortunately we are completely unclear what the strategy of the Liberal-led Highland Council is."

He also questioned what knock on effect a costly incinerator in Invergordon would have for the funding of Golspie recycling firm GREAN. As a social enterprise it offers 75 per cent of east and central Sutherland residents the chance to recycle and has achieved an 82 per cent participation rate. As well as providing 17 full-time jobs and two part-time jobs and contributing £400,000 to the local economy every year.

"We must ask whether, if the proposed incinerator at Invergordon some 20 miles from Golspie is built, Highland Council will then cancel its contract with GREAN, because a stream of waste will be needed to fill the incinerator. We must ensure that Councils, including the one in whose area I live, do not replace best practice with a far worse option. Councils need to consider what voluntary bodies and social enterprises can do that Councils have not been able to achieve. Such thinking is fundamental to our ability to take forward a low or zero waste strategy."

Speaking after the debate Mr Gibson said….

"We have the unseemly position where the Lib Dem MSP Jamie Stone appears to favour an incinerator and so too is the LibDem Councillor for Golspie who is planning chair helping to determine a planning application for a costly incinerator in isolation from the wider needs of the Highlands. We need clarity from Highland Council leadership. What is there waste management strategy? Do they back the burning of waste in large units? Or will they address the waste hierarchy which puts reduce, reuse and recycle far above heat from waste?"

ENDS

Extract of rob's speech on waste debate from 11/06/09:

Rob Gibson (Highlands and Islands) (SNP): I want to home in on the issues surrounding how each local authority area reduces the amount that we put out as waste and how they deal with each part of that.

In the case of Highland Council, I have to question whether there is any kind of strategy in place for the council to do that job. It is of long-standing concern to me that officers in councils like to find big solutions to solve problems. One incinerator can deal with an awful lot of problems, but it creates large problems, too. Unfortunately, we are completely unclear what the strategy of the Liberal-led Highland Council is.

To illuminate that further, I will provide an example. Since 2000, the Golspie Recycling and Environmental Action Network has ensured that it has had the highest level of collection and recycling of waste from kerbsides of anywhere in Scotland. That has been supported by several tranches of the council. The network offers recycling to 75 per cent of east and central Sutherland residents and has achieved an 82 per cent participation rate. It provides 17 full-time jobs and two part-time jobs, some of which have gone to people who would find it hard to get employment otherwise. It brings in £400,000 to the local economy every year, which, for 2,500 people, is very important. It extends its work so that the range of items that it recycles is greater than the range of items that the council collects at present. It can offer a similar collection service for businesses.

We must ask whether, if the proposed incinerator at Invergordon, some 20 miles from Golspie, is built, Highland Council will immediately cancel its arrangement with GREAN, because a stream of waste will be needed to fill the incinerator. We must ensure that councils, including the one in whose area I live, do not replace best practice with a far worse option. Councils need to consider what voluntary bodies and social enterprises can do that councils have not been able to achieve. Such thinking is fundamental to our ability to take forward a low or zero waste strategy.
If 25 per cent of waste in Scotland is to be dealt with in modern incinerators—the idea has the support in principle of the Sustainable Development Commission Scotland—where should those incinerators be? There are proposals to build incinerators in Peterhead, Invergordon, Dunbar, Irvine, Glenfarg, Elgin and Dumfries. What is the strategy behind the proposals? Have those towns gone for the idea because it seems to be a commercial possibility?

As the consultation on the national waste management plan is developed during the summer, we must ask questions that enable us to ensure that recycling and reuse groups such as GREAN, and not incinerators, are the top priority.

MSP WELCOMES EFFORTS ON FILIPINO FISHING CREWS

SNP SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT DEMAND IMMIGRATION DISCUSSIONS

For immediate use; Thursday 11th June 2009

Attn: NEWSDESKS
POLITICAL / FISHERIES CORRESPONDENTS

SNP MSP for the Highlands and Islands Rob Gibson today welcomed Scottish Government efforts to ensure Scotland’s fishing industry is not left crewless by the decision of the UK Government to repatriate Filipino Crew members, particularly on Scotland’s north west coast as he raised the issue at First Minister's Questions.

In answer to a question from Mr Gibson First Minister Alex Salmond said Cabinet Secretary Richard Lochhead had requested an urgent meeting with the UK immigration minister to discuss the issue and to ensure there was a sensible period of adjustment to any new immigration rules.

Under UKBA’s current proposals there are fears parts of Scotland’s fleet could be shut down due to a lack of crews.

Speaking after FMQs Rob Gibson commented;

“The UK Government must agree to an urgent meeting to resolve what could be a devastating decision for Scotland’s fishing industry.

“The Scottish Government’s efforts to secure a meeting will be welcome news to the industry.

“The UK Government has acted with no thought for the consequences of their decision for Scotland’s coastal communities and fishing industry.

“There can be no delay in getting this issue sorted out.

“The efforts of the industry and the Scottish Government to encourage new domestic entrants are welcome however the Filipino crew members provide a vital service that supports our industry and the UK Government should not be able to bring an arbitrary end to that role.”

ENDS

Gibson hails Wick Academy's record breaking season

News release - sports release
Immediate release

11/06/09

Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Rob Gibson has lodged a motion in Parliament to congratulate Wick Academy FC on their record breaking season, including recognising the achievement of joint managers Ian Munro and Richard Hughes on winning Highland League Manager of the Year and Richard Macadie on winning Highland League Player of the Year.

Mr Gibson, who recently met with Chairman Colin Stewart and committee member Ken Wood at Harmsworth Park, praised the commitment put in at all levels of the club:

"What a fantastic season it's been for Wick Academy - a marvellous achievement!"
"The recent awards of Manger of the Year for Hughes and Munro and Player of the Year for Richard Macadie tops off the best ever season by the club and is well deserved."

"Everyone involved from the backroom staff to the players and the fans will be basking in a new-found glory and looking forward to repeating their success next season."

"These accomplishments are so important to the continuing development of football and sport in the Highlands and these are players that our youngsters can look up to and try to emulate. I'm sure everyone in Caithness will join me in wishing them all the best for next season."

ENDS

Copy of motion:

S3M-04350 Rob Gibson (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish National Party): Wick Academy FC Success— That the Parliament congratulates Wick Academy Football Club on its record-breaking season that saw it finish in its highest ever position in the Highland League, score its highest number of points ever and go on an unprecedented run of 10 winning games; further congratulates joint managers Ian Munro and Richard Hughes on their success in winning Highland League Manager of the Year and Richard Macadie on winning Highland League Player of the Year; recognises the importance of Wick Academy FC to football in the far north, and wishes everyone involved with the club all the best for the upcoming season.

Supported by: Jamie Hepburn, Stuart McMillan, Kenneth Gibson, Mary Scanlon, Dr Alasdair Allan, Sandra White, Jamie Stone, Brian Adam, Bill Kidd, Sir Jamie McGrigor, Stewart Maxwell, Gil Paterson

GOVERNMENT FEARS OVER DEPORTATION OF FILIPINO FISHERMEN

SCOTLAND Questions Fishermen

Jun 11, 2009 1:54:53 PM
By Scott Macnab, Political Reporter, Press Association Scotland

The Scottish Government has raised "serious concerns" with UK Borders chiefs over plans to deport Filipino fishermen, First Minister Alex Salmond confirmed today.

Hundreds of crew members are working on Scottish boats and the industry would face "serious consequences" if they are lost, one local MSP told Parliament during First Minister's Questions.

The UK Border Agency say that many "vulnerable" fishermen are being "exploited" and will be sent home if they are in the UK illegally.

Mr Salmond told MSPs that Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead has written to Phil Woolas, the UK Minister of State for Borders and Immigration "expressing serious concerns" and calling for an "urgent meeting" on the issue.

"We will press for a sensible period of adjustment so that any changes to the enforcement of the existing immigration laws are managed in a way that doesn't jeopardise the operation of the fishing fleet," the First Minister said.

The issue was raised by SNP backbencher Rob Gibson.

"There are several hundred crew members of Philippine nationality who are working in boats fishing off the west coast of Scotland," he said.

He said the proposed action could "pose serious consequences for our fishing fleets in Scottish waters."

Mr Salmond also said that a joint industry-Government new entrants working group met for the first time earlier this week.

"It will propose ways of better promoting the attractiveness of the industry and more effectively communicating how to access the opportunities across the catching sectors so that our fleet can become less reliant on Filipino crewmen as well as taking forward concerns about working conditions across the fleet," he added.

end

Renewables industry delighted with major climate bill boost

Released 9/6/9


Scottish Renewables the leading green energy body has welcomed ‘significant and far reaching’ changes made to the Scottish Climate Change Bill this afternoon. Amendments supported by industry were voted through to require by law an action plan and targets for delivering renewable heat in Scotland. Heating, which makes up more than half of Scotland’s energy needs, is seen as critical in meeting climate change targets but is often forgotten in the debate around electricity and transport which are smaller energy sectors.

The amendments sponsored by Rob Gibson MSP and the Minister Stewart Stevenson MSP were voted through by the Transport Infrastructure and Climate Change Committee this afternoon during its stage two consideration of the climate bill and will require an action plan to deliver renewable heating alongside targets and proper scrutiny of the plan by parliament.

Jason Ormiston, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables said, “No Scottish target for tackling climate change can be met unless we increasingly cut the carbon out from the way we heat our homes and workplaces. There is a massive potential for growth in renewable heat in Scotland, we estimate even modest targets could deliver over 2,000 jobs and nearly £2.5 billion pounds of investment. For too long the impact of heating has been lost in the debate on electricity, hidden away in our homes and offices quietly contributing to a huge proportion of our climate change emissions. The change in the law today will make renewable heat centre stage in the action required to deliver on climate change, energy security and fuel poverty.”

Rob Gibson MSP said, “These amendments give a renewable heat plan greater strength in the Bill. Along with the Government amendment they strengthen the bill by promoting clear goals for the heat plan and allow parliament better opportunities to scrutinise progress."

The change in the law comes as renewable heat takes centre stage in the Scottish Renewables Festival this coming weekend, with green heat solutions being showcased to the public across Scotland from Fort William to the Lothians and Dumfries. See www.renewablesfestival.com/events for full listings of this ‘doors open’ weekend.

Gibson calls for Port tax holiday

News release
Immediate release
08/06/09

Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Rob Gibson has called for the Crown Estate to give a tax holiday for ports which serve the Scottish marine renewables revolution.

Mr Gibson was talking after the Crown Estate announced that it received 42 applications from 20 bidders trying to secure leases for the seabed in the Pentland Firth and around Orkney.

Mr Gibson said that the welcome announcement which showed that strong progress was being made....

"The exciting range of interest in real tidal and wave projects for the Pentland Firth confirms that Scotland's green energy revolution is rolling ahead."

However he warned that if support for ports which could be the launch pads and support for the tidal machines was not speedily built then the revolution would falter.....

"It would be prudent if Highlands & Islands Enterprise gave top priority backing necessary to put port infrastructure in place to launch tidal and wave power machines from Scrabster and Lyness."

"In addition the Crown Estate Commission should offer all ports that support marine energy development a rent holiday for the next ten years to boost funds for each port to respond quickly to the opportunities these 42 applications open up."

ENDS

Gibson calls for Port tax holiday

News release
Immediate release
08/06/09

Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Rob Gibson has called for the Crown Estate to give a tax holiday for ports which serve the Scottish marine renewables revolution.
Mr Gibson was talking after the Crown Estate announced that it received 42 applications from 20 bidders trying to secure leases for the seabed in the Pentland Firth and around Orkney.

Mr Gibson said that the welcome announcement which showed that strong progress was being made....

"The exciting range of interest in real tidal and wave projects for the Pentland Firth confirms that Scotland's green energy revolution is rolling ahead."

However he warned that if support for ports which could be the launch pads and support for the tidal machines was not speedily built then the revolution would falter.....

"It would be prudent if Highlands & Islands Enterprise gave top priority backing necessary to put port infrastructure in place to launch tidal and wave power machines from Scrabster and Lyness."

"In addition the Crown Estate Commission should offer all ports that support marine energy development a rent holiday for the next ten years to boost funds for each port to respond quickly to the opportunities these 42 applications open up."


ENDS

Gibson welcomes internet initiative

News release
Immediate release

03/06/09

Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Has welcomed a initiative by Highlands and Islands Enterprise which allows people in Caithness who have never had the chance to use the internet to discover what it can do.

Mr Gibson said...

"This citizen online project will help introduce the internet to those who might not have the chance to use it. The more people who are computer literate and internet enabled the better"

"However BT and HIE has to do more to help increase internet speed across the County as well as the Highlands and Islands. In a recent survey carried out by my office it became clear that there was a large disparities in internet speed across the region which is hampering business and communications.

"BT has to enable as many telephone exchanges as possible to meet internet demand and strengthen the network so that those who are introduced to broadband can gain access in their turn."

ENDS

BANK INQUIRY MUST GET FULL WESTMINSTER CO-OPERATION

Wednesday 3rd June 2009


Following the decision of the Scottish Parliament’s Economy committee to hold an inquiry into Scotland’s banking and financial services sector SNP committee member Rob Gibson MSP called for the UK Government, Financial Services Authority and Bank of England to co-operate fully with the Parliament’s investigation.

Speaking after a committee meeting this morning Mr Gibson, who had originally raised the idea of an inquiry with the Convenor of the Economy Committee said;

“This inquiry is important but without a full examination of the banks and the regulatory systems they operated under we cannot get to the bottom of what happened in the industry or focus properly on its future.

“It is important we focus as the Scottish Government has on supporting financial sector employees, on getting the economy moving again, on the reputation of our financial services industry and look to the future of industries small and large across Scotland.

“However no industry operates in a vacuum and there are important and essential questions to be asked of the Treasury, the Financial Services Authority and the Bank of England.

“The Treasury regularly refuses to be questioned by the Scottish Parliament – this time there must be full co-operation and UK Ministers, Bank Governors and the regulatory authorities must volunteer themselves for questioning.

“Scotland’s reputation requires a full examination of this situation and nothing less.”

ENDS

'Socio economic legacy high priority' - Gibson

News release
Immediate release

03/06/09

A commitment to the community and socio-economic delivery of transition cash for Caithness was the call from Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Rob Gibson after he met with the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority competition team.

Mr Gibson met with the Cumbrian based team in Inverness this week. It is tasked with over seeing the competition process at Dounreay which will be finished by around autumn 2011.

After Mr Gibson said….

"There is no way of getting out of the competition under the UK regulations however it is imperative that the winning bid has a strong socio-economic strand with in it to help deliver a long lasting and beneficial legacy to the county following decommissioning."

"The system of competition is not perfect however it is rigorous and goes through many governance levels. I am a bit disappointed of the secrecy involved in the process especially where the socioeconomic proposals by the winning bidders is concerned. But I am sure that it will be a high priority when it comes to Scottish Government scrutiny in the interests of the Dounreay travel to work area."

ENDS