News release
30/05/08
Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Rob Gibson has welcomed an announcement from the Scottish Government that Small charities, churches and voluntary organisations will be exempt from paying water charges for six years.
The current exemption was due to run out on in 2010 but today that was extended to 2014.
Commenting on the move Mr. Gibson said…
"This is a sensible stance to remove the threat of punitive water charges to local organisations."
"I have received many letters from charities, voluntary and religious organsiations arguing against any charges. I agreed with them that incurring water charges for these organsiations was not fair."
"I am greatly heartened by the announcement. It shows that the SNP Government is on their side."
ENDS
Friday, 30 May 2008
Tuesday, 27 May 2008
'Minister misinformed on Dornoch Rail Link' - Gibson
News release
Immediate release
27/05/08
Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Rob Gibson has claimed that the Transport Minister has been misinformed over the actual cost and benefit of a Dornoch rail link.
Mr. Gibson's claims came when the Association of Caithness Community Councils' petition for a rail link was discussed in the transport committee.
The revelation surfaced as result of a Freedom of Information request made by the convener of Dornoch Link Action Group, Mark Norton. The information comes in the form of an e-mail stream on the 9th of January 2006.
In an e-mail, by a member of the steering group of the Room for Growth study (which comprised representatives from Highland Rail Partnership, HITRANS and Highland and Islands Enterprise) said 'we don't have any vaguely authoritative information on the likely costs on which to comment or respond to this continued campaign' for the Dornoch link. It goes on to say they decided deliberately not to investigate the cost or benefit of a Dornoch rail link (in the Room for Growth study), saying that it was a 'pragmatic decision, based on common sense'.
It then remarked that a possible course of action (when 'Mr Gibson's office' realised that there was no mention of a potential rail link to Dornoch in the study) would be to contact Scott Wilson (the consultant who wrote the report) to come up with a 'very basic (non engineering) assessment of the cost of linking Tain to Golspie via the Dornoch firth and Loch Fleet'.
In an e-mail from the Rail and Policy project officer from the Scottish Executive to an unnamed recipient on the same day, it said that 'cost was only half of the issue' and 'whatever figure you come up with, as long as they don't have to quantify the
benefits' of a rail link.
Commenting on the information Mr Gibson said...
"This new information shines a light on the concerted actions to thwart campaigners for the Dornoch Link. These local bodies - HIE, HITRANS and HRP - involved in drawing up the Room For Growth study make it clear that that they are opposed to any
potential link and were willing to get a non-engineering estimate from consultants to back up their argument. That action is almost as crude as thinking of a number and doubling it."
"This casts serious doubts over the credibility of the Highland Rail Partnership and those involved in the steering committee of the Room For Growth study. It shows that the most concrete and unbiased study carried out on a Dornoch rail link is the one carried out by CORUS. Indeed the Scottish Executive Rail Policy and Projects Officer recommends that any study on the DRL would have to be as 'robust' as the one by CORUS."
"This e-mail traffic makes it clear that the Transport Minister has little reliable official analysis of the Dornoch link proposals. There seems to be a concerted attempt by the steering group of the transport policy-making bodies that there should be no Dornoch rail link."
"A Dornoch rail link and shorter journey times to the Far North are integral to the advancement of the Far North economy. What HRP and partners are doing in their opposition to a link is ignoring the huge potential of the Far North economy."
The Transport Committee decided that they would write to the Minister in the light of the new information to see how it affected his current advice that the benefit cost ratio of the Dornoch Link is very low.
ENDS
Note:
A copy of the e-mails can be provided if required.
Immediate release
27/05/08
Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Rob Gibson has claimed that the Transport Minister has been misinformed over the actual cost and benefit of a Dornoch rail link.
Mr. Gibson's claims came when the Association of Caithness Community Councils' petition for a rail link was discussed in the transport committee.
The revelation surfaced as result of a Freedom of Information request made by the convener of Dornoch Link Action Group, Mark Norton. The information comes in the form of an e-mail stream on the 9th of January 2006.
In an e-mail, by a member of the steering group of the Room for Growth study (which comprised representatives from Highland Rail Partnership, HITRANS and Highland and Islands Enterprise) said 'we don't have any vaguely authoritative information on the likely costs on which to comment or respond to this continued campaign' for the Dornoch link. It goes on to say they decided deliberately not to investigate the cost or benefit of a Dornoch rail link (in the Room for Growth study), saying that it was a 'pragmatic decision, based on common sense'.
It then remarked that a possible course of action (when 'Mr Gibson's office' realised that there was no mention of a potential rail link to Dornoch in the study) would be to contact Scott Wilson (the consultant who wrote the report) to come up with a 'very basic (non engineering) assessment of the cost of linking Tain to Golspie via the Dornoch firth and Loch Fleet'.
In an e-mail from the Rail and Policy project officer from the Scottish Executive to an unnamed recipient on the same day, it said that 'cost was only half of the issue' and 'whatever figure you come up with, as long as they don't have to quantify the
benefits' of a rail link.
Commenting on the information Mr Gibson said...
"This new information shines a light on the concerted actions to thwart campaigners for the Dornoch Link. These local bodies - HIE, HITRANS and HRP - involved in drawing up the Room For Growth study make it clear that that they are opposed to any
potential link and were willing to get a non-engineering estimate from consultants to back up their argument. That action is almost as crude as thinking of a number and doubling it."
"This casts serious doubts over the credibility of the Highland Rail Partnership and those involved in the steering committee of the Room For Growth study. It shows that the most concrete and unbiased study carried out on a Dornoch rail link is the one carried out by CORUS. Indeed the Scottish Executive Rail Policy and Projects Officer recommends that any study on the DRL would have to be as 'robust' as the one by CORUS."
"This e-mail traffic makes it clear that the Transport Minister has little reliable official analysis of the Dornoch link proposals. There seems to be a concerted attempt by the steering group of the transport policy-making bodies that there should be no Dornoch rail link."
"A Dornoch rail link and shorter journey times to the Far North are integral to the advancement of the Far North economy. What HRP and partners are doing in their opposition to a link is ignoring the huge potential of the Far North economy."
The Transport Committee decided that they would write to the Minister in the light of the new information to see how it affected his current advice that the benefit cost ratio of the Dornoch Link is very low.
ENDS
Note:
A copy of the e-mails can be provided if required.
Tuesday, 20 May 2008
Gibson calls for review of war games
News release
Immediate release
20/05/08
Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Rob Gibson has called on the MoD to stop willfully damaging the wildlife and environment of the North West of Scotland following news that bird life has been destroyed in a heath fire caused by tracer bullets from soldiers on manouvers on Cape Wrath.
This latest incident follows on from serious concerns from environmental groups about the impact that recent NATO war games were having on cetaceans in the surrounding waters, as well as concerns from local farmers and residents about the disturbances caused to their way of life during the lambing season.
Mr Gibson said..
"To myself and others this incident is nothing short of wildlife crime. It may have escaped the attention of the MoD but there has been a prolonged dry spell in the Highlands, so to go around shooting tracer bullets is stupid. It was bound to happen - it's as bad as someone one dropping a match onto a bone dry moor."
"This week I will be taking part in a debate on wildlife crime in Parliament. I will be bringing up this reckless MoD behaviour. This time they have gone too far. Not only have they potentially destroyed the young of red grouse, merlins, sky larks and golden plover, they have potentially endangered neighbouring land and property. The MoD are riding rough shod over communities' sensibilities."
"Their attitude towards the people of the North is arrogance. They continue bombing (as part of NATO war games) in lambing season. They continue to use sonar that is linked to stranding of whales. Now they start fires on bone dry moorlands which destroys bird life. It is time to review the need for their dangerous war games in our country."
ENDS
Immediate release
20/05/08
Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Rob Gibson has called on the MoD to stop willfully damaging the wildlife and environment of the North West of Scotland following news that bird life has been destroyed in a heath fire caused by tracer bullets from soldiers on manouvers on Cape Wrath.
This latest incident follows on from serious concerns from environmental groups about the impact that recent NATO war games were having on cetaceans in the surrounding waters, as well as concerns from local farmers and residents about the disturbances caused to their way of life during the lambing season.
Mr Gibson said..
"To myself and others this incident is nothing short of wildlife crime. It may have escaped the attention of the MoD but there has been a prolonged dry spell in the Highlands, so to go around shooting tracer bullets is stupid. It was bound to happen - it's as bad as someone one dropping a match onto a bone dry moor."
"This week I will be taking part in a debate on wildlife crime in Parliament. I will be bringing up this reckless MoD behaviour. This time they have gone too far. Not only have they potentially destroyed the young of red grouse, merlins, sky larks and golden plover, they have potentially endangered neighbouring land and property. The MoD are riding rough shod over communities' sensibilities."
"Their attitude towards the people of the North is arrogance. They continue bombing (as part of NATO war games) in lambing season. They continue to use sonar that is linked to stranding of whales. Now they start fires on bone dry moorlands which destroys bird life. It is time to review the need for their dangerous war games in our country."
ENDS
Gibson calls for action on plastic
News release
Immediate release
20/05/08
Highland and Islands SNP MSP Rob Gibson has written to supermarkets throughout the North to find out what they are doing to help reduce the amount of plastic bags.
His letter comes after a meeting between Cabinet Secretary on Rural Affairs Richard Lochead and major retailers in Edinburgh last week where a new group was launched to consider how to reduce the number of single use carrier bags and promote bags for life.
Mr Gibson said…
"Last year over 1 billion plastic bags were used in Scotland. Many of these end up in land fills or littering urban and rural areas alike, creating a sorry spectacle and endangering the environment."
"It is important that all retailers, but more importantly supermarkets, work with the Scottish Government to encourage responsible useage. The almost unlimited availability is a fairly common phenomenon and has helped cause a burgeoning litter problem. It is time that supermarkets and other retailers start to take responsibility and try and reduce the amount used."
"Scotland has set a target to become a zero waste economy. I hope that reducing the use of plastic bags can be achieved by a voluntary agreement as opposed to through legislation. I would encourage consumers as well to ask themselves the question, do I need this bag? and to try and reuse wherever possible. Together we can make Scotland a cleaner and greener!"
ENDS
Immediate release
20/05/08
Highland and Islands SNP MSP Rob Gibson has written to supermarkets throughout the North to find out what they are doing to help reduce the amount of plastic bags.
His letter comes after a meeting between Cabinet Secretary on Rural Affairs Richard Lochead and major retailers in Edinburgh last week where a new group was launched to consider how to reduce the number of single use carrier bags and promote bags for life.
Mr Gibson said…
"Last year over 1 billion plastic bags were used in Scotland. Many of these end up in land fills or littering urban and rural areas alike, creating a sorry spectacle and endangering the environment."
"It is important that all retailers, but more importantly supermarkets, work with the Scottish Government to encourage responsible useage. The almost unlimited availability is a fairly common phenomenon and has helped cause a burgeoning litter problem. It is time that supermarkets and other retailers start to take responsibility and try and reduce the amount used."
"Scotland has set a target to become a zero waste economy. I hope that reducing the use of plastic bags can be achieved by a voluntary agreement as opposed to through legislation. I would encourage consumers as well to ask themselves the question, do I need this bag? and to try and reuse wherever possible. Together we can make Scotland a cleaner and greener!"
ENDS
Monday, 19 May 2008
Gibson calls for help to mark Marine Heritage Day
Photo: Rob Gibson MSP and Dr Eileen Macleod, Policy advisor to Alyn Smith MEP, at Avoch Harbour
News release
Immediate release
19/05/08
Rob Gibson SNP MSP for Highlands and Islands has called on the Scottish Government to help mark European Maritime Heritage Day (which takes place on 20th of May).
Mr Gibson has lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament which has drawn cross party support for an annual celebration of maritime heritage and marine-related issues which have played such a huge part in Scotland's story.
He said, "Scotland was settled after the ice age by settlers arriving in flimsy craft over the seas. The Celts in the curaghs and the Vikings in their sleek longships continued the admixture of our mongrel nation. Mediaeval traders across the North Sea and later round the world placed our ships and sailors on the map. Also our brave fishermen, merchant sailors and navy personnel and lifeboat crews sustained our nation in peace and war."
"I am proposing that serious plans are laid to mark this European Maritime Heritage Day annually. In particular the Year of Homecoming 2009 is a prime time to welcome from abroad all those who want to celebrate Scotland's new vibrancy. Record numbers of yachts are sailing across the North Sea and last year the Moray Firth Flotilla was a cracking success to celebrate sail through the years."
"Also, it reminds Government that our jetties, piers and harbours are a huge asset and deserve to be brought into a fit state for increased use in the 21st century. We also note the threats of massive increases in oil prices for fishing boats and ferries, cargo ships and liners. We in Scotland have a huge modern maritime heritage of the Scottish oil industry. Scots do not deserve the highest pump prices in a land that will produce a surplus to our needs for decades to come."
"I am delighted the Rural Minister is in Brussels to mark European Maritime Heritage Day. Here at home, communities along our coasts should be part of this annual celebration."
Ends
Note: Copy of Rob's motion
S3M-01657 Rob Gibson (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish National Party): European Maritime Day — That the Parliament welcomes the introduction of an annual European Maritime Day to be instituted on 20 May 2008 to celebrate Europe’s maritime heritage and marine-related issues; further recognises the vital role that the marine environment plays in the past, present and future of Scotland, and calls on the Scottish Government to help mark the day with events to highlight its importance.
Supported by: Michael Matheson, Jamie Hepburn, Sarah Boyack, Joe FitzPatrick, Bob Doris, Stuart McMillan, Helen Eadie, Christina McKelvie, Kenneth Gibson, Patrick Harvie, Dr Alasdair Allan, Shirley-Anne Somerville, Tavish Scott, Bill Kidd, Keith Brown, Gil Paterson, Brian Adam, Elaine Smith, Roseanna Cunningham, Robin Harper, Bashir Ahmad, Dr Bill Wilson, Andrew Welsh, Dave Thompson
Lodged on Thursday, March 27, 2008; Current
North Rising - Sun shines on Avoch marchers
News Release: Immediate Use
The importance of Avoch in Scotland's long fight to be a free country was celebrated last Saturday [17th May] by a hundred marchers from all a' the airts.
In brilliant Avoch sunshine the procession and flag raising ceremony at Ormond Hill was attended by marchers from Aberdeen, Airdrie, Perth, Moray, Cowal, Inverness, Brussels and all over Ross-shire. Organised by the Andrew de Moray Project, the annual celebration which was started by the people of Avoch in the 1930s continues to inspire patriots and those alerted to the often hidden history of Scotland's turbulent past.
Following the tradition of the past ten years members of the Society of Willam Wallace present a new saltire flag to replace the one that flew for the previous year from the flagpole at the cairn in the castle ruins on Ormond Hill. This year John Robertson, the Culblean organiser of the Andrew de Moray Project, did the honours. John and his wife Lorraine have just retired to Nairn.
The gathering of around a hundred celebrants heard from Duncan Fenton of the Wallace Society who urged Scots to tread the byways of our land and visit the many relics of our complex and exciting past.
Rob Gibson Highlands and Islands MSP and Project Convener reminded the gathering that Evan Macleod Barron had dug up the story of how important the North of Scotland's part was in the national rising of 1297. Mr Gibson pointed to the alliances that Scotland had with France and Norway which helped sustain our nation.
He said,
"Scotland was a European nation then and is today as we regain our pride of place in the family of people whose distinctive place is their bedrock. It is the cause for which Andrew de Moray and William Wallace fought and died."
Later that day the Andrew de Moray Project AGM reported a healthy upturn in members and balanced books with a small surplus. Saturday 29th November 2008 was picked for the Culblean event and Saturday 16th May 2009 for Ormond Hill. Thereafter the celebrations drew continued into the evening with ceilidh band Champin' At The Bit in the Station Hotel, Avoch.
ENDS
Sunday, 18 May 2008
LABOUR HYPOCRISY AFTER EIGHT YEARS OF FERRY FAILURE
For immediate use
Sunday 18th May 2008
SNP Highlands and Islands MSP Rob Gibson, who is also a member of the Scottish Parliament’s inquiry into Ferry Services, has called on Labour to stop playing petty politics with Scotland’s vital lifeline ferry services.
Mr Gibson’s comments come after Labour attacked the SNP’s groundbreaking pilot of Road Equivalent Tariff based fares for islands in the Western Isles and some of the Argyll islands.
Mr Gibson said:
“The Labour party had eight years in Government to reduce ferry fares, to improve services and to deliver sustainable economic growth to Scotland islands.
“Instead we saw eight years of uncertainty as millions were spent on splitting up Caledonian MacBrayne and wasted on disastrous tendering of services to the Northern Isles.
“All Scotland has to show for Labour’s time in charge of our ferry services is a European Commission inquiry.
“With new boats, improvements to harbours and the pilot of RET the SNP is
delivering on our promise to support communities on all islands.”
ENDS
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