Gibson welcomes funding announcement for North community

News release
Immediate release
31/03/10

Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Rob Gibson has welcomed funding for Latheron, Lybster and Clyth Community Development Company for allotments and polytunnels.

The £48,991 worth of funding comes from the Scottish Government's Climate Challenge Fund.

Mr Gibson said that that the money will make a positive difference…

"Local food production is a vital ingredient for sustainable communities across the country. Many people say they want to grow their own food so this money will help."

"The climate change era means that local food production is going to become more and more important, so cash to happen is positive. This is a substantial support from the Scottish Government for communities of East Caithness."

"I congratulate the LLCCDC for winning this award. I hope that their lead can be followed in other parts of the North."

ENDS

Note of award

Latheron, Lybster & Clyth Community Deverlopment Company
(LLCCDC) Lybster Allotments and Polytunnels - £48,991

Gibson calls on clarification over NFU Political posturing

News release
Immediate release
25/03/10

Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Rob Gibson has written to the national President of NFUS to clarify the party political posturing on ferry costs taken by the Orkney NFUS spokesperson Michael Cursiter this morning on BBC Radio Orkney.

Rob Gibson said,

"Mr Cursiter wrongly stated that RET applying to the Western Isles had been frozen. They have not. They have risen at the same rate as all CalMac fares. He went on to claim that the SNP Government had removed bridge tolls for political advantage. What advantage did that have for abolition of the Skye Bridge tolls, an area currently represented by the LibDems?"

"The Orkney NFUS mention that Orkney has been a LibDem stronghold begs many questions. Surely Liam McArthur MSP should distance himself from Mr Cursiter's erroneous assertion that RET is frozen. Residents should be told."

Rob Gibson went on..

"The countrywide struggle to maintain fair services in hard times needs cool heads to sort out facts from political fiction. Every part of the country will have to bear the cuts consequent on Labour's recession. In the middle of the consultation on how to make savings on the spiralling costs of running and subsidising Northlink engagement not bluster is required of all concerned. The entry of local NFUS spokespersons into this debate in a party political fashion should bear in mind the considerable support for affordable housing, for renewable energy development and protecting health and education services that this Scottish Government is delivering. Orkney is as important a part of Scotland's prosperous future as any other productive community."

ENDS

Notes

Some investment in Orkney from the Scottish Government

£5 million of funding for House building
£3.04 Million for
£380,000 for town centre regeneration Stromness

Gibson congratulates County

News release
Immediate release
24/03/10

Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Rob Gibson has lodged a motion in Parliament congratulating the Ross County on their progression to the Active Nation Scottish Cup semi-final following a 2-1 victory over Hibs.

Mr Gibson said that the result on the night was amazing and monumental and great credit had to go to the players, management and all those connected with the club.

The semi final will be played at Hampden on April the 10th Against Celtic.

Mr Gibson said…

"It is quite an amazing result. The thought of Ross County taking to the National Stadium against one of the Old firm Giants in a semi final is quite astounding. I suspect there will be a mini Highland invasion on Glasgow come April the 10th. Great credit has to the players, coaches and crowd which made a special night in Dingwall."

"This result will act a as a huge boost for the prestige and recognition of the sport in the Highlands and Islands. Ross County is a club which derives support across Ross-shire, and much of the Northern and Western Highlands and Islands so this victory will be felt far and wide."

"I wish the players well for the semi final and am sure they will do themselves and the community proud yet a gain. It has been a great season for County so far and I hope it goes from strength to strength."

ENDS

Coy of Motion

That the Parliament congratulates the players, coaches and everyone connected with Ross County Football Club on their stunning victory of two goals to one against Hibernian Football Club in the quarter-finals of the Active Nation Scottish Cup; further applauds the sell-out crowd for making an extra special atmosphere on an extra special night in Dingwall; considers that this victory is a monumental result for football in the Highlands and Islands, and wishes all those connected with the club the best of luck against Celtic Football Club in the semi-final at Hampden and the rest of the season.

Gibson issues fuel challenge

News release
Immediate release
18/03/10

Highlands and Islands SNP MSP for Highlands and Islands has challenged Highland and Islands Lib Dems to back an SNP proposal which would ease the burden on North motorists.

Mr Gibson said that an amendment for a fuel duty regulator at Westminster, would be put forward by the SNP during the forthcoming budget vote in Westminster. He challenged the North's Lib Dem representatives to put aside party politics and back the proposal which would reduce the cost of fuel.

He said…

"The cost of petrol thanks to tax increases by Gordon Brown and Alasdair Darling are the highest in Europe. And as ever motorists and haulers in the remote and rural north and west are feeling the pinch."

"The SNP's proposal of a regulator would stabiles the rises and bring some sanity back to prices at the forecourt. The Lib Dems have no more excuses - they could show their commitment to the hard pressed northern motorists by supporting the SNP amendment."

Mr Gibson also said that some new thinking from the Highland Council could make a difference to rural petrol stations.

Mr Gibson has suggested that the Council could bulk buy fuel which it could store in it's tanks, situated in Lairg and KLB or Lochinver. It could then sell the fuel to local petrol stations.

Mr Gibson said…

"This idea is a variation on what used to happen in the past. When the council bulk bought oil for the fishing industry and sold it to them. It would be an innovative way to help the local economy and motorist. It is definitely something that the Council should investigate."

ENDS

Gibson Congratulates Balblair Distillery for Best Highland Malt

18/3/2010
Highlands and Islands SNP MSP has lodged a motion in Parliament congratulating Balblair Distillery for winning Best Highland Single Malt Whisky at the 2010 World Whiskies Awards.

The Balblair 1975 vintage beat off 150 competitors to take the crown. Mr Gibson praised the skills and quality that are in the world's second oldest surviving (opened 1790) distillery which is situated on the shores of the Dornoch Firth next to the Easter Ross village of Edderton.

"Some of the best whiskies in the world come from the Highlands so to see Balblair crowned champions is a fantastic achievement. Great credit has to go to Distillery manager John MacDonald and his team, both past and present."

"An award of this calibre will help raise the profile of the whisky around the world and showcases the excellence in both drink and food that exists in Easter Ross and across the Highlands and Islands."

"Whisky production is important to the economy off remote and rural Scotland. I wish Balblair good luck in the future and am confident that the popularity of their malts will go from strength to strength."

Ends

Note

Photo of Rob at Balblair Distillery

Copy of motion:

S3M-05912 Rob Gibson
(Highlands and Islands) (Scottish National Party): Balblair Distillery Wins Best Highland Malt— That the Parliament congratulates Balblair Distillery, Scotland’s second oldest distillery, in being awarded Best Highland Single Malt Whisky at the 2010 World Whiskies Awards for its Balbair Vintage 1975; understands that this world-recognised distillery in Edderton near Tain releases just 3,000 bottles of the Balblair Vintage 1975 worldwide; praises everyone at Balblair, which is considered by many to have maintained the highest levels of quality since the distillery first opened in 1790; believes that Balblair represents the finest standard of iconic Scottish malt whisky to the world, and wishes all at Balblair the best of luck for the future.

Gibson lodges Peatlands motion

News release
Immediate release
17/03/10

New research into peatland shows the vital role which the Flow Country, which straddles the Caithness and Sutherland border, can play in protecting the environment and saving money.

Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Rob Gibson has welcomed the findings of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which is made up of governments, environmental groups and scientists, which says that in Scotland peatlands store over three billion tones of carbon.

The IUCN said that further investment in the protection, creation and expansion of these boglands, which have been likened to the South American rain forests because of their importance in absorbing carbon, is needed to help offset even more carbon in the atmosphere.

The IUCN calculates that if the Scottish Government invested in restoring and expanding peat and bog lands at the rate of 600,000 hectares of a year then by 2015 potentially 2.4million tones of carbon could be taken out of the atmosphere each year. Saving the Government £47 million worth of carbon damage each year.

Mr Gibson has also lodged a parliamentary motion to praise the decision of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to base in Scotland the work of its UK Peatland Programme and Commission of Inquiry on Peatlands.

He said,

“Peatlands are a precious and fairly common feature in Scotland. Therefore I welcome the IUNC backed call to extend peatland ecosystems and restore peatlands to stop them releasing greenhouse gases as they dry out.”

“I am delighted that the Flow Country in Caithness and Sutherland is a great example where blocking drains is rebuilding the resilience of our biggest peatland. Also I am pleased that attracting tourists to this unique landscape and ecosystem adds to local revenue as well as providing jobs for local people for blocking drains.”

“I believe that public investment in restoring deep peat could reap a huge financial benefit as well as reinforce the fight against Climate Change. I am pleased that the Scottish Government is considering how to respond to this opportunity.”

ENDS

Note
Copy of rob's motion:

Investing in the Future of Scotland’s Peatlands
That the Parliament welcomes the launch of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) UK Peatland Programme and Commission of Inquiry on Peatlands with funding from the Peter De Haan Charitable Trust and believes that IUCN UK’s decision to base this prestigious programme in Scotland is recognition of the global significance of Scotland’s peatlands and underlines that Scotland leads the world in peatland restoration expertise; considers that, while scientific understanding of peatlands is developing rapidly, the knowledge base is strong enough to recognise that peatlands deliver multiple benefits for biodiversity, water and climate and that the example of the Flow Country of Caithness and Sutherland shows how peatlands can deliver significant economic benefits to local communities through encouraging visitors to these beautiful and fragile landscapes; believes that the land use strategy required by the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 provides an opportunity for peatland restoration to be championed at the heart of government, and further believes that action taken now could prevent massive future costs arising from the breakdown of peatland ecosystems and that target-based peatland restoration offers an important opportunity to help meet Scotland's climate change targets.

Lodged by Rob Gibson. Supported by Sarah Boyack and Liam McArthur

Gibson welcomes PIN Decision

News release
Immediate release
17/03/10

Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Rob Gibson has welcomed Scottish Government decision to drop a proposal regarding the placing of council statutory notices in the local press.

If passed the proposal would have allowed local authorities to use online advertising as an alternative to publishing notices in newspapers.

This idea was put forward by COSLA to the Scottish Government as a way to help councils save money in the face of a harsh recession. The Government was duty bound to consult with affected bodies and did so with; Councils, the public, MSPs and the newspaper industry.

Following that process (which lasted 8 weeks) the Government decided against implementing the proposal.

Mr Gibson said that it was the right decision but challenged opposition members to help Councils deal with UK Government based cuts.

"I appreciate that the Government was duty bound to consult on this proposal. That is the nature of Government, however I am glad that they decided against implementing this idea, which was first mooted by government in 2006."

"I congratulate the SNP Government which has listened to the concerns raised regarding the proposal."

"The next UK government (of whichever colour) will impose swingeing cuts on the Scottish budget next year. This will result in a corresponding cut in the Council budgets. Therefore councils will need to cut their cloth accordingly."

"Therefore I appreciate why Labour, Lib Dem and other council leaders put forward this proposal on cutting the amount the advertise in the local press. However I think that the knock on effect for the local media would have been too much and counter productive."

"Those of those parties that actively campaigned against this proposal (often in the opposition of their council counter parts) are going to have to come up with some constructive ideas on how to save council's money."

He ended by saying that a strong local press was vital to the strength of local communities.

ENDS

Public Information Notices (PIN) are announcements that local authorities are legally required to publish. There are two types of Public Information Notices. Statutory Notices give required notice of an intended action, such as road closures, construction, licensing and planning developments. Public Notices inform people of changes to services, such as refuse collection.

MSP PRAISES WORLD FIRST ENERGY DEALS

16/3/2010

Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Rob Gibson has hailed the First Minister's roll call of companies which successfully bid to the Crown Estate to install tidal and wave devices in the Pentland Firth and Orkney waters .

Alex Salmond has 'fired the starting gun' for a renewables revolution in the Pentland Firth and Orcadian waters with initial production targets of 1.2 GW.

The energy produced will power around 700,000 homes and mean an estimated capital investment of around £3-4 billion by 2020.

Responding to today's announcement Mr Gibson, a strong supporter of Scotland's renewables industries said:

"This announcement marks a new future of for Caithness, Sutherland and Orkney. It means that the North Coast of Scotland becomes a world leader in marine energy.

"Clean marine and sustainable energy will have it's heart in these waters. It is a truly momentous day of the North and Orkney. This also means that Scotland as a whole will benefit from energy security. It is a win win situation "

"I am heartened by the commitment of the Scottish Government to renewable energy. We can fully focus and finance the burgeoning renewables industry without the wasteful distractions of new nuclear which is still backed by Labour and the Tories. Marine renewables can guide us out of recession and create jobs across Scotland."

"In Scotland we have our priorities right in backing sustainable development which will create long term highly skilled jobs.

"Coupled with the offshore wind potential the future for all the Highlands and Islands as well as Scotland is bright."

Mr Gibson also called for Scrabster Harbour to receive equal funding treatment with it's counterpart in Lyness as a base for servicing the new marine devices and called on HIE to ensure that its road map, also announced today, has no unnecessary speed limits.

Gibson welcomes Pelamis Announcement

News release
Immediate release
16/03/10

Highlands and Islands SNP MSP welcomed the announcement that Edinburgh based developers of the Pelamis wave energy converter has secured a lease agreement for waters off the North Sutherland coast which he said will have many benefits for the local community.

The lease which was announced by the First Minister this week along with the Crown Estate Commission allows the company to develop a wave farm in the waters some kilometres out from Bettyhill.

The company has also said that it will be negotiating with the local community and stake holders.

The announcement will allow for the production of up to 50 MW which is enough to power 25,000 homes.

Mr Gibson said it was a great boon for the local economy as the company has stated that it will .

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

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

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

"It is almost as if energy is coming home."

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


ENDS

Note to editor

1. Pelamis Wave Power Ltd (formerly Ocean Power Delivery) has been developing the Pelamis wave energy converter since 1998. PWP have delivered a number of key milestones for the emerging wave and tidal sector including: the first export of power from an offshore wave energy converter when the full-scale prototype Pelamis was tested at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) off Orkney in 2004, and securing the first commercial supply contract for wave generators which were successfully commissioned in the world's first wave farm in Portugal in 2008. PWP are currently manufacturing the first Pelamis P2 machine for utility client E.ON for deployment at EMEC in 2010 as part of the UK's first commercial contract for the marine sector.

2. In February 2010 PWP and project partners E.ON we awarded £4.8m for the current P2 project by the Carbon Trust under the Marine Renewable Proving Fund, a new funding scheme from DECC.

3. The Saltire Prize is a £10 million prize challenge, launched by the Scottish Government in December 2008, for advances in wave and tidal energy and is one of the biggest international innovation prizes in history.

4. In their 2009 report "Marine Energy Road Map"; The Scottish Government/marine industry group (Marine Energy Group) estimated that as many as 5,300 jobs could be generated by the marine sector in Scotland by 2020.

5. In April 2009 the Scottish Government introduced a 5 ROC (Renewable Obligation Certificate) banding for wave energy generation to help encourage private investment into wave energy technologies and projects within Scottish waters.

6. Wave energy (captured from wind driven ocean waves) should not be confused with tidal energy (captured from tidal streams or lagoons).

Gibson welcomes renewable announcement

News release
Immediate release
16/03/10

Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Rob Gibson has welcomed the starting gun for tidal and wave power in the announcement from the First Minister on which companies have won the first leases from the Crown Estate to operate in the waters around Orkney.

MR Gibson said that the opportunities that tidal and wave energy help for Orkney were truly exciting.

"The waters around Orkney hold the potential to help power Scotland throughout the new millennium. The announcement today is an important step towards a renewable revolution which will positively transform Orkney and the North of Scotland."

"This will mean energy security for this part of Europe which will stand us in good stead for the future as well as providing top quality jobs on both sides of the Pentland firth."

I back the commitment of the Scottish Government to renewable energy. We can fully focus and finance the burgeoning renewables industry without the wasteful distractions of new nuclear which is still backed by Labour and the Tories. Marine renewables can guide us out of recession and it's long painful aftermath."

"At least in Scotland we have our priorities right in backing sustainable development which will create long term highly skilled jobs. Coupled with the offshore wind potential the future for all the Highlands and Islands as well as Scotland is bright. announcements such as the one today take that future closer."

ENDS

Gibson welcomes momentous announcement

News release
Immediate release
16/03/10

Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Rob Gibson has hailed the First Minister's roll call of companies which successfully bid to the Crown Estate to install tidal and wave devices in the Pentland Firth and Orkney waters .

Alex Salmond has 'fired the starting gun' for a renewables revolution in the Pentland Firth and Orcadian waters with initial production targets of 1.2 GW.

The energy produced will power around 700,000 homes and mean an estimated capital investment of around £3-4 billion by 2020.

Mr Gibson said...

"This announcement marks a new future of for Caithness, Sutherland and Orkney. It means that the North Coast of Scotland becomes a world leader in marine energy. Clean marine and sustainable energy will have it's heart in these waters. It is a truly momentous day of the North and Orkney. This also means that Scotland as a whole will benefit from energy security. It is a win win situation "

"I am heartened by the commitment of the Scottish Government to renewable energy. We can fully focus and finance the burgeoning renewables industry without the wasteful distractions of new nuclear which is still backed by Labour and the Tories. Marine renewables can guide us out of recession and it's long painful aftermath."

"At least in Scotland we have our priorities right in backing sustainable development which will create long term highly skilled jobs. Coupled with the offshore wind potential the future for all the Highlands and Islands as well as Scotland is bright. announcements such as the one today take that future closer."

Mr Gibson also called for Scrabster Harbour to receive equal funding treatment with it's counterpart in Lyness as a base for servicing the new marine devices and called on HIE to ensure that its road map, also announced today, has no unnecessary speed limits.

ENDS

Gibson meets with Scottish Water

News release
Immediate release
15/03/10

Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Rob Gibson has labeled as timely, instructive and positive a meeting with Scottish Water representatives regarding the water problems in Golspie last week.

Mr Gibson called for the meeting after he was contacted by angry constituents from Golspie following problems with information and supplies from Scottish Water, due to a thirty-six hour water stoppage from 7th to 9th March.

On Monday 15th he met with engineer Simon Harrison and customer care manager Joanna Peebles in Inverness.

At the meeting Scottish Water apologised that their handling of the incident went wrong.

Due to a series of problems which occurred one after the other over the three day period the full contingency plan was not implemented. The reason why Scottish Water did not contact people individually is because as the water bills are paid along with council tax so they do not have a list of contacts of customers.

Also Scottish Water's articulated lorry used to transport bottled water supplies to incidents actually broke down on the Sunday 7th, therefore reducing and delaying the amount of bottles available in Golspie.

However Scottish Water managed to deliver 23,000 two litre bottles of water, but it seems some people were reported to be taking far more than they needed. Some people were seen loading up pick up trucks with far too many bottles.

Scottish Water's upgrades in the area of around 7.5 km of pipe work laid in the area over 2002-3 with further pipework done in 2007.

Following the incident Scottish Water promised to liaise with the ward manager, Golspie Community Council and local councillors .

They also suggested that they might be able to make a donation to a local event as a gesture of goodwill.

Following the meeting Mr Gibson said…

"I think Scottish Water has learnt from this incident. It did sound like a complex situation. However after meeting with their Highland representatives they held their hands up and admitted that it could have been handled better. I am sure that they will take stock of what happened and be better prepared in the future."

"There seemed to be a series of problems with the pipes in the area which meant that just when Scottish Water thought they had fixed the problem another sprung up probably increased by the effects of frost damage. That made it difficult to implement the full contingency plan and deploy the incident teams as they thought that the incident was resolved."

"I am sure that people in Golspie will want to make their feelings known to representatives of Scottish Water in the forthcoming public meetings. It would be a good way to further inform Scottish Water of the problems encountered so that they can further learn from this incident."

"I was quite angry to hear of people stock piling bottled water in the back of pick ups. Those that did so should consider that they were taking water from old, young and vulnerable folk. "

"I congratulate the Scottish Water team on the ground for their hard work and to local plumbers who dealt with problems arising from high pressure bursts when water was switched back on. It sounded like a tough task so great credit has to go to them."

ENDS

SNP MSP Questions NHS Sums

Rob Gibson SNP MSP for Highlands and Islands has questioned the reasons for bed reduction in the far-famed Dingwall Rheumatology Unit when constituents cite a waiting list for places is in place.

He said, "Recent attempts by NHS Highland to justify closing beds not only make aritmetical nonsense it also ignores the costs of dedicated staff who work is so valued by patients"

"The Cabinet Secretary for Health nicola Sturgeon was left in no doubt about concerns over NHS Highland calculations. Now constituents who have used the unit over many years tell there is a waiting list for treatment."

"The specialist staff, equipment and treatment are regarded as a gold standard in Scotland. Local facilities could never match the Dingwall set up. Therefore I am calling on NHS Highland to clear the air, confitm that the true bed occupancy is in the 90% range not 60% as they have brazenly claimed."

"Rheumatology problems are complex and need varied treatments, so possible patients right across the Highlands and Western Isles want assurances that the future of the Dingwall unit is secure."

Scottish Water apologises for Golspie water crisis

News Release - Immediate use

Rob Gibson SNP MSP for Highlands and Islands has received an apology for Golspie residents from Scottish Water for the mishandling of last weekend's water stoppage.

He has provided Scottish Water bosses with a 16 point dossier on the anger and frustration expressed by constituents to this latest water stoppage which lasted nearly two days.

Judy Wakker, Community and Public Affairs Manager at Scottish Water's HQ in Dunfermline apologised to constituents around Golspie on behalf of Scottish Water for the inconvenience the problems with the water supply have caused.

Rob said, "She promised immediate action of writing a letter of apology to all residents in Golspie. She also confirmed that Joanna Peebles Highlands and Islands Community Manager and Simon Harrison, Water Operations Manager, will be pleased to meet me and community representatives to discuss this incident in detail. "

" I am also promised an early responses from the Scottish Water Head of Emergency Planning and the General Manager for Customer Service for a detailed written response to the points I raised."

Rob is am member of Holyrood's Transport Infrastructure and Climate Change Committee who regularly interrogate Scottish Water executives on their results. He said,

" A range of answers are needed quickly to reassure Golspie residents. But I can assure them that follow up meetings and close questioning in Committee will follow to avoid any mistakes in Scottish Water procedures in future."

ENDS

Note of the dossier submitted to Scottish Water.

Golspie water outage 7/8/9 March 10

Golspie suffered yet another major water outage on Sunday 7th March some time between 0900 and 1000 I think) but at 2230 and it still wasn't fixed.

The advertised bottled water in Fountain Square Carpark (not advertised by Scottish Water till 2100) crowd of people waiting because apparently the lorry bringing it had broken down.

Vox pop had it that there were two bursts in the main and it is expected to be fixed "some time tomorrow". Not that the Scottish Water advice line tells you this.

Issues

1. Clear material weakness in the water infrastructure serving Golspie, requiring comprehensive assessment and a report to the public, councillors and MSPs. There was an all day outage for the whole of Golspie on 19th February 2009 (that is from before 0400 to approx 1830). There was another in October 2008. There was at least one other similar instance earlier that year.

2. Woeful lack of contingency plan when something does go wrong. It's always dig and hope and the decision to bring water up from some depot a long way off is deferred too long. In Feb 2009 water was not distributed for 12 hours and today it was longer than that. Not good enough for families with young kids and old people living alone without transport. And old people living alone without transport aren't walking down to the Fountain Road car park to carry water back home after ten at night are they? Scottish Water should be going door to door as they used to.

3. It is alleged that there are 4 workmen covering everywhere from Brora down to Ross-shire, but 7 managers. The workers work their socks off, but what do all these managers do?

4. One reason for slow response is, quote: "everything is risk assessed.

5. There is a store of bottled water in Dornoch but Sunday night's supply appears to have come from somewhere down south. Could they find the manager with the key to Dornoch?

6. The articulated lorry bringing the bottled water broke down. When a smaller truck arrived it was only carrying one layer of bottles although there was room on the vehicle for more. Insufficient for those waiting in the Fountain Road car park that night. 9I passed another lorry Paterson’s of Inverness near Calrossie on the A9 heading to Golspie, no doubt at 12.15 Monday 8.3.10

7. Is there a 12 hour rule operated by Scottish Water before they release bottled water? The last two outages appear to have been operating one? Bad for a weekend with kids at home, let alone any other day.

8. Discussions in West End Stores and Post Office, Golspie revealed that when the bottled water arrived on Sunday night, nobody was in charge of handing it out. Some people brought all their children and grabbed loads. Others got nothing.

9. Why is this not accommodated in the Scottish Water Contingency plan?

10. Has the Highland Council Emergency Planning Officer any role in this

11. Does Scottish Water have no contact with the Community Council?

12. Mid-morning Monday trickle had vanished and Scottish Water recorded message claimed problem is now confirmed to Ross St, Tower St, Argo Terrace and Woodlands Crescent. Residents of Littleferry pointed out that it is 3 miles south of that.

13. Golspie in evening of 8 March Bowsers were needed. Nobody had thought to deliver water to Littleferry .Supplies arriving after midnight.

14 Examples. Young woman, alone on house with 2 small kids, husband working on rigs abroad, no water for 2 days, at wits end.

15. Pensioner in heart of village went to buy water in Coop before it ran out. Did not know of bottled water distribution. Very angry at call centre attitude.

16. Scottish Water seems to have had so many complaints they put it through to a call centre in Ireland.

Ferry fare ceiling and efficiencies welcomed

9/3/09

Rob Gibson SNP MSP for Highlands and Islands has welcomed the Scottish Government announced that pins ferry fares to a 2 per cent increase across the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services and seeks further economies on Northlink sailings.

He said, "This protects lifeline services in tough economic climate. I'm glad that multi-journey tickets most commonly used by islanders are not affected. Commercial vehicles and coaches will be exempt. The rise is in addition to the published fares increase of 2.2 per cent which will be applied to bookings from the beginning of this summer season.

"The RET pilot has greatly increased ferry traffic to and from the Western Isles.

"Eventually the RET roll out could help North Isles services however in this economic recession and London Treasury cuts to Scottish Parliament budgets it preclude progress.

"For Orkney and Shetland efficiency measures including a timetable change to NorthLink's Aberdeen to Orkney and Shetland routes will ensure more fuel efficient running. This will mean a revision to the current timetable with precise details shortly. NorthLink can make more efficiencies, particularly during the winter when there are fewer passengers on the Aberdeen-Lerwick route.

" I am glad that the SNP Government continues to do its level best for all lifeline ferry routes in the midst of Labour's recession."

Ends

Gibson questions RBS over renewable investment

News release
Immediate release
01/03/10

Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Rob Gibson has urged RBS to invest in Scottish renewable energy as opposed to environmentally unfriendly practices such as oil extraction from tar sand in Canada.

Mr Gibson was talking as a report by Friends of the Earth entitled 'Cashing in on Tar Sands - RBS, UK Banks and Canada's Blood Oil' highlights the dangers to the environment that such sand tar extraction has.

RBS involvement in this venture, which sees large areas of tar sands in Alberta being mined for oil, stands at £4.9 billion worth of investment over three years.

Mr Gibson has subsequently contacted RBS Chief Executive Stephen Hester to ask if they have a similar commitment to investing in renewable energy in Scotland. He has asked for a list of all the investments RBS has made in the emerging Scottish renewable energy and any planned for future investment.

"Scotland has once in a generation chance to be the leader in wave, tidal and wind energy. Investment in this sustainable sector has many benefit for , people, communities, environment and there would also be a financial reward to investors as well. However I have grave misgivings about RBS and their lack of investment in this home grown industry that has so much potential."

"It is galling to see RBS investing billions on a highly environmentally dubious venture in Canada, whilst relatively ignoring the clean, sustainable, profitable future on its doorstep. I want to know exactly how much it has invested in renewable energy in Scotland and in how many projects. Scotland lost the lead in wind power because of lack of private investment. The attitude of RBS is worrying because it is reminiscent of those times. In Scotland we need all parties to work together to make sure that renewable energy is backed. RBS has a vital role to play in this and I feel they could be doing a lot more."

"The Co-operative bank have contributed money to the Beaver Creek Cree Nation who are mounting a legal challenge to the sand and tar extraction in Alberta. I would rather see RBS investing in ethical practices which benefit the population of Scotland as opposed to this highly dubious practice which it is funding in Canada."

ENDS

NOTE

An article on tar sand extraction controversy

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/feb/26/activism-carbon-emissions