TSB has announced it plans to close two Edinburgh branches and operate reduced opening hours in seventy more across the country. Continue reading TSB announces branch closures
Tag: Gordon Macdonald MSP
Labour must ‘get on board’ with full rail devolution
SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald has called on Labour MSPs to get behind the full devolution of rail services to Scotland, after a former Labour transport minister urged that the Scottish Parliament be given full responsibility over Network Rail.
Tom Harris, a senior adviser to the Rail Review, said that all lines, signals, stations and infrastructure under the control of Network Rail should be transferred to a new body, answerable to the Scottish Government.
Network Rail is currently responsible for railway infrastructure and is accountable to Westminster, not Holyrood.
In November, Labour MSPs were criticised for voting against the full devolution of rail, despite almost 60% of delays on Scotland’s railways over the last year being attributable to Tory government’s shambolic operation of Network Rail.
SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon Macdonald, said: “The SNP in government has consistently called for the full devolution of rail services, but successive Labour and Conservative governments have repeatedly denied Scotland a full say over how its railways are run – talking a good game while doing absolutely nothing to deliver the powers we need.
“The Rail Review gives us an opportunity for meaningful change. Full devolution of services currently under the control of Network Rail would help to improve performance on the railways and allow for a coherent, joined-up approach to transport.
“It’s time for Labour to get on board with the common sense approach – handing over full control of the rail infrastructure to Scotland to help ensure our railways deliver for all passengers in Edinburgh.”
Edinburgh College and Universities to benefit from extra funding
SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald has challenged political opponents to back the Scottish Government’s draft budget that will secure “substantial” funding for the Capital.
Continue reading Edinburgh College and Universities to benefit from extra funding
MSP celebrates Play Day in Edinburgh
To celebrate National Play Day today (Wednesday 1 August 2018), Edinburgh Pentlands MSP Gordon Macdonald will be joining locals at Clovenstone Community Centre, to mark the importance of children’s right to play, with everything from loose parts play and street arts to water play and a messy baby paint zone.
National Play Day will see thousands of children and their families out and about, playing at hundreds of community events across the country. From local community events to national events organised in parks and open spaces, Playday takes many different shapes to allow everyone to take part. As well as the events, organised by Play Scotland, National Play Day is a campaign that underlines the importance of play in children’s lives.
Gordon Macdonald MSP will be joining Clovenstone Community Centre’s Play Day, from 1pm-4pm, which will bring local organisations together with loose parts play provided by the City of Edinburgh Council, pop up kitchen with tasting Change, drumming with Dads rock, sensory baby zone with Starcatchers, Street Arts, natural play with edible estates and Bookbug with Wester Hailes Library.
North Edinburgh Arts are also participating, holding a Picnic and Play event from11am to 1.15pm. The MSP is encouraging everyone to try and make it along, have fun and celebrate the benefits of play!
Commenting SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon Macdonald, said: “We all have great childhood memories of playing with friends, a lot of the memories being outdoors. Playing is something you are born into, it’s how you learn and express your creativity. The benefits to the health and wellbeing of children are crystal clear – when you see the smiles and hear the laughter of children playing together.
“National Play Day’s, like the one I’m going to at Clovenstone Community Centre today, gives children and families a chance to get out and play safely in streets and local neighbourhoods – getting to know new people in your area and strengthening the community.”
Celebrate Playday with Picnic and Play at North Edinburgh Arts
Date/Time: 01/08/2018 11am to 1.15pm
Venue: North Edinburgh Arts, 15a Pennywell Court, Edinburgh EH4 4TZ
Contact: Virginia Radcliffe
Email: info@licketyspit.com
Open to the public: Yes
Licketyspit – Picnic & Play at North Edinburgh Arts (Local families)
Licketyspit’s fantastic Picnic & Play session for families with children under twelve.
Licketyspit actor-pedagogues introduce their unforgettable collection of games, rhymes, songs, street-play and imaginary play activities – from Witches Fingers to The Magic Ball, Dressing Up and Blanket Play, followed by a delicious Picnic and Drawing & The Magic Clap!
A chance for children & their adults to play together! Sessions are relaxed, fun, FREE and inclusive. Join Licketyspit’s Children & Families Network to hear first about Picnic & Play, Bookplay & Porridge & Play in community & arts spaces, museums, parks, galleries and castles!
We are expecting high demand for places so please email info@licketyspit.com with ticket requests.
MSP pledges to #saynotopuppydealers
SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald has signed the pledge to #saynotopuppydealers in order to help combat illegal puppy farming and is urging others to do the same. Continue reading MSP pledges to #saynotopuppydealers
Just one month left to apply to new entrepreneurial support scheme
As the close date nears for applications for a new entrepreneurial support scheme, Edinburgh MSP Gordon Macdonald is pushing the call to all ambitious talented entrepreneurs looking to start up a business in Scotland to apply to the new programme. Continue reading Just one month left to apply to new entrepreneurial support scheme