Tag: Edinburgh Western

WOW! ACH visits Cramond Primary

Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP for Edinburgh Western met pupils from Cramond Primary School yesterday (Wednesday 29 March) to learn about their walk to school.

Cramond Primary School is taking part in WOW – the walk to school challenge from charity Living Streets Scotland. The MSP was joined by Councillors Normal Work and Lewis Younie.

WOW sees pupils record how they get to school using the interactive WOW Travel Tracker with those who walk, wheel, cycle, scoot or ‘Park and Stride’ to school being awarded a monthly WOW badge.

WOW schools see on average a 13 per cent increase in pupils walking to school in Scotland with a corresponding drop in car use, helping to reduce congestion and increase safety outside the school gates.

Living Streets Scotland is delivering Active Travel Playground Games sessions to the pupils, during the Spring term. Completed over the course of two days, every pupil has the opportunity to participate in fun and interactive activities and learn more about the benefits of active travel for themselves and the environment.

Cole-Hamilton Seeks Walk-In Vaccine Centres for Constituency Hot Spots

Edinburgh Western MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton is seeking walk in coronavirus vaccination centres in the Lothians today, after an outbreak in his constituency which forced the temporary closure of a local primary school.

Last week, Mr Cole- Hamilton, raised concerns over the temporary closure of Davidsons Main Primary School within his constituency, after 12 out of the 19 classes were required to self-isolate. Health Secretary Humza Yousaf responded to Mr Cole-Hamilton with the assurance that an extra effort would be made to ensure appropriate testing measures would be in place to keep the virus under control.

Mr Cole-Hamilton believes that more immediate action must be taken, using an opportunity in the Holyrood chamber to ask if the Health Secretary would make drop-in vaccination clinics available for constituents over the age of 18 who have yet to have their first jag or face a long wait for their second in local hotspot areas across Edinburgh, as he had done in Glasgow over the weekend.

Unable to give a definitive answer, Mr Yousaf did promise to raise the merits of walk in centres during a meeting with NHS Lothian that will take place tomorrow.

Mr Cole-Hamilton said: “I am pleased that the Cabinet Secretary understands the value of walk in vaccination centres, and there are many examples of the appetite for them across the United Kingdom.

“If we have learned anything from this pandemic it is the tragedy of being slow to take action. If the city of Edinburgh is to avoid a situation like the one Glasgow has been facing for the last eight months, then walk in vaccination clinics must be set up as soon as possible.

“It is of the utmost importance that local outbreaks, just like the ones in Davidsons Mains and Silverknowes, are dealt with swiftly, to avoid further harm to our to both our health and economy.”

‘Far from Over’: Cole-Hamilton presses Health Secretary over Davidsons Mains Covid outbreak

Liberal Democrats Health Spokesperson Alex Cole-Hamilton has used a Scottish Parliament debate on Covid-19 to highlight the need for caution as Scotland begins to move out of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mr Cole- Hamilton, who represents the Edinburgh Western constituency, raised concerns over the temporary closure of Davidsons Main Primary School within his constituency. He said that events at the school were a stark reminder that the pandemic was far from over.

The School has been forced to temporarily close on Tuesday, after over half of the after 12 classes were forced to self-isolate.

Mr Cole-Hamilton seized an opportunity to ask the Cabinet Secretary for Health Humza Yousaf, for reassurance that the Scottish Government will work to tackle the appearance of Covid hotspots across the Lothians.

Although unable to give a specific answer, Mr Yousaf assured Mr Cole-Hamilton that he will look at the data in the community of Davidsons Mains to ensure that accurate and appropriate testing measures were in place to keep the covid-19 virus under control.

Mr Cole-Hamilton said: “I am pleased that the Cabinet Secretary has appreciated the seriousness of the outbreak at Davidsons Mains Primary, and I am grateful that he plans to take action to ensure our community is kept safe and faces as little disruption as possible.

“The situation in Davidsons Mains is a stark reminder that our communities are by no means rid of this virus. But I hope that the willingness of the Cabinet Secretary to treat this outbreak seriously will be of some comfort to worried pupils and members of the school community.

“Tributes must be paid to the school staff, who have worked quickly and efficiently to respond to this challenging set of circumstances. They’ve applied every infection control protocol to the letter since this first started but community transmission of this very virulent strain has seen cases increase.

“I look forward to seeing the school gates reopen at the start of next month.”

Alex Cole-Hamilton: “I won’t let you down”

The newly re-elected MSP for Edinburgh Western, Alex Cole-Hamilton, has been sworn in to Parliament, following a record breaking victory in last week’s election. 

Mr Cole-Hamilton held his seat with a majority of 54.7%, up from 41.9% in 2016. In the process Mr Cole-Hamilton received 25,578 votes, which is the highest amount of votes ever received  by a candidate in the history of the Scottish Parliament.

Alex Cole-Hamilton said yesterday: “It is a huge privilege to be returned to Scottish Parliament for the constituency that I love and that has been my home for the last ten years.

“My constituents have been and always will be my first consideration in this job.

“Five years ago the people of West Edinburgh put their trust in me to serve them in parliament, last week, they restated that trust in a truly remarkable way. It is a responsibility that I take extremely seriously and I will not them down.”

Scotland’s railways in the hands of Scotland’s people

Local candidate welcomes Scottish Government taking over Scotrail

Edinburgh Western SNP candidate Sarah Masson has welcomed the announcement that the SNP Scottish Government is taking over the running of the country’s rail franchise.

ScotRail services will move into public sector control when the current franchise with Abellio expires – expected to happen in March 2022.

Transport Secretary Michael Matheson announced that rail services will be run by an arm’s length company owned and controlled by the Scottish Government.

The Scottish Government’s decision to run our railways through what it known as the ‘Operator of Last Resort’ has been shaped by a number of factors, including faults with the current franchising system, uncertainty from a year-long delay in the UK Government’s rail review and the effects of the Covid pandemic.

Commenting on the announcement Sarah Masson, SNP candidate for Edinburgh Western, said: “This bold move by the SNP Scottish Government will bring welcome stability and certainty to those who use our railway for work and leisure, both in Edinburgh and across the country.

“And the news that current ScotRail staff will transfer to the new Scottish Government owned company, with their terms and conditions protected, will also provide much-needed security to those who rely on our railways for their livelihoods.

“The SNP have long argued that the future structure of Scottish railways should be in Scotland’s hands. It’s well beyond time that the Tory UK Government listened and devolved rail powers to Holyrood.

“However, this move is both bold and welcome and will ensure Scotland’s rail users are provided with the well-run, affordable and reliable service we rightly expect.”

Kerr welcomes New York direct flights

‘ a real diamond route’ – Colin Keir MSP

edinburgh-airport

Colin Keir MSP for Edinburgh Western has welcomed the announcement by Delta Airlines/Virgin that their joint venture will launch a new Edinburgh to New York service from May 2016.

Mr Keir said: “All new routes from Edinburgh are welcome as they boost employment and tourism opportunities, something that is vital to the Edinburgh and wider Scottish economy.

“With direct flights to New York, Edinburgh will link with the most influential global financial centre. Add to this the tourism potential and it makes this a real diamond route.

“Well done to Edinburgh Airport CEO Gordon Dewar and his team for securing this route and to Delta and Virgin for identifying Edinburgh as a positive destination.”

SYP Elections: Edinburgh Central & Edinburgh Western candidates

SYP elections logo

EDINBURGH CENTRAL candidates

EILIDH DEWAR

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I have many hopes and ambitions for the future of young people and I hope that becoming an MSYP will allow me to put these hopes into reality for Scotland’s young people.

I want votes for sixteen and seventeen year olds in every election. Sixteen/seventeen year olds were able to vote in the referendum. It opened a lot of young people’s eyes to politics. They took a keen interest to politics by researching and deciding what they wanted to vote. Younger people involved in elections is a great idea because it shows
adults that they have a voice and are able to decide what they want and which party would benefit them. It is a step in the right direction as it would get young people a lot more involved and interested in politics.

I found that young people want more opportunities in their communities. They want more clubs and organizations focused on certain skills. If there are more opportunities to learn skills in certain areas, it opens doors for young people and could help them decide what they want to do as a career. For example, Screen Education Edinburgh is a film-making group I have worked with. SEE is open to any young person interested
in filming, editing, acting etc. As an aspiring film-maker, I have worked with SEE a lot and seeing the support they give young people who want to pursue a career in film or just do it as a hobby, is phenomenal. These types of groups benefit young people as it is a way for them to meet people, who are interested in the same things as them, improve skills and put them on a good path for their future.

I found that young people want more support when it comes to work experience. Work experience is important as it gives young people experience to put on CV’s. I was told by many young people that they want authorities to prioritise work experience for them so it is easier for them to get work experience outside school. This is important because being able to work is a skill every person must have because it opens up opportunities for them in future.

I spoke to people who were worried about lack of security streetwise. I want to see more police on foot patrolling streets instead of the odd police car. I want to know I am safe walking home and this is the case for everyone. I would make it a priority to get more security streetwise such as policemen on foot and more CCTV. Safety is so important and more security means less crime, making Edinburgh safer for everyone.

These are only a few of the things I would do as an MYSP. I have many other ideas that I feel passionate about. As an MSYP I would make it priority to make Edinburgh a better place for our generation.

LUCIE DUFFY

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My name is Lucie Duffy and this year I’ll be standing as a candidate for the Scottish Youth Parliament in the Edinburgh Central constituency. I am becoming more interested in politics and politics itself is definitely something I might like to do when I’m older, so to be able to get the chance to represent you at the SYP would be an amazing opportunity for me.

In this manifesto you can read more about me and what I believe are important topics that should be brought to the Scottish Youth Parliament.

I want to be a member of the Scottish Youth Parliament because I believe that young people all over Scotland should have the confidence to stand up and have their say in how the country is run. Also, me being a girl, I feel that sometimes women are under-represented in Governments and Parliament and I want to change that.

I believe that the youth of Edinburgh needs a positive, helpful and friendly MSYP to represent them, and I think that this MSYP could be me.

I am involved in my school’s Amnesty International Youth Group, in which we mainly organise events to raise awareness of the work Amnesty International is doing in the UK and abroad. This means that one of the key issues I would want to raise at the Scottish Youth Parliament is the basic human rights of young people in Scotland, such as being entitled to a home and a family life.

90% of 16 and 17 year olds voted responsibly in the Scottish Referendum, so I see no reason why they shouldn’t be allowed votes in all elections. This is a campaign that is already being raised at the Scottish Youth Parliament but if I were to be elected it would be something that I would help maintain. I think that we should at least try to have the topic discussed with Parliament to consider possible changes.

Last but not least, I feel that the topic of Better Sex Education in schools should be raised. Scotland has the highest rate of teen pregnancies in Europe and this is something I definitely want to change. I believe that young people in Scotland should go into these experiences with a clear head, and it shouldn’t be something to be embarrassed or confused about.

Thank you very much for taking the time to read my manifesto, and I hope to receive your vote in the SYP election 2015.

WING YAN NG

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Giving young people a voice and fair representation is crucial to me. We need to protect our interests through strong representation and I want to listen and act if elected. Having been a MSYP for one term already, I feel even more motivated and enthusiastic to represent young people of Edinburgh Central.

Last year, I successfully supported to raise the national minimum wage for under 18 year olds through our national campaign “One Fair Wage”. However, I still want to work on my previous policies which were to solve the problem of the lack of funding for leisure facilities in Edinburgh, more work opportunities for university graduates and reducing bus and tram fares. My campaign for these policies is not necessarily about “change” but to review our current system and to see if there should
be more improvement.

First of all, I want young people to enjoy using facilities and not be restricted by money; they have the right to enjoy the facilities that are provided for them by Government.

Secondly, I think bus and tram fares should either be frozen for a reasonable period of time or be reduced.

Third and finally, there should be more work programmes introduced to school leavers/graduate leavers for their chosen field of work.

Young people need more opportunities today to learn a variety of new skills required in growing employment sectors. Strong and passionate leadership is needed and I believe I can make a difference by representing your interests in the Scottish Youth Parliament.

Thank you for your support.

EDINBURGH WESTERN constituency

There are two candidates:

OWEN CRUIKSHANK

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LAURA HOLLOWAY

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Keir concern over PFI costs

Holyrood Parliament

Edinburgh Western SNP MSP Colin Keir says he is ‘seriously concerned’ over the costs of PFI schemes – not only within his constituency, but nationally.

With local authorities having difficulties in balancing the books Mr Keir’s questions to the Deputy First Minister show how much pressure they are under thanks to the now highly discredited funding system.

Mr Keir said: “The figures are eye-watering. £39.2 million paid last year alone in PFI payments all because the previous Liberal Democrat-Labour coalition at the Scottish Parliament didn’t have a clue about value for money.

“When you take the national figures into consideration you can see exactly why local authorities struggle with funding. It’s time the Labour Party and the Liberal Democrats admitted that, thanks to their financial incompetence as well as their support for the current Tory austerity programme, local authorities will struggle to find extra capital funding for new assets such as schools.”

“ At least in Edinburgh Western the SNP Scottish Government have provided extra money for new dining halls at East Craigs Primary School, Cramond Primary School and Blackhall Primary School – and not using PFI. This is why we need not just a strong SNP government running Scotland but a powerful SNP presence at Westminster fighting for Scotland”

PFI and PPP Costs Questions 26th February

  1. Colin Keir (Edinburgh Western) (SNP)

To ask the Scottish Government whether there is an up-to-date estimate of private finance initiative and public-private partnership costs in the Edinburgh Western parliamentary constituency. (S4O-04058)

The Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Constitution and Economy (John Swinney)

Information on the cost of PFI and PPP projects is updated annually and made available through the Scottish Government website.

The Edinburgh schools PPP bundles 1 and 2 include provision for schools within the Edinburgh Western parliamentary constituency. The revenue cost of both bundles in 2014-15 is anticipated to be £39.2 million.

Colin Keir MSP

Does the Deputy First Minister agree with me that local authorities such as the City of Edinburgh Council would today have far more money to spend on local services if they were not saddled with billions of pounds of debt because of the failed PFI agenda of the previous Labour and Liberal Executive? Is it not about time that those parties owned up to their part in creating this mess?

John Swinney MSP

As I shared with Parliament during the budget process, the total repayment on PFI contracts in 2014-15, for the whole of Scotland, is £952 million. It will breach the £1 billion level in 2017-18.

What I cannot understand is why my predecessors in office decided to saddle the country with PFI debts when they were leaving budgets unspent in the possession of Her Majesty’s Treasury at exactly the same time. When we came to office, £1.5 billion of expenditure was unspent by our predecessors. That demonstrates a lack of financial competence by our predecessors, and it shows their lack of interest in investing sustainably in the interests of our country.