Lorne Community Association’s MELANIE WEIGANG (below, right) shares her experience of Saturday’s opening of parliament and Big Day Out: Continue reading The Local Hero experience
Tag: Scottish Parliament
Lorne Street’s Melanie is Ben’s local hero
SNP MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith Ben Macpherson has selected Lorne Community Association’s Melanie Weigang as his Local Hero to take part in the Opening Ceremony of the Fifth Session of the Scottish Parliament on Saturday. Continue reading Lorne Street’s Melanie is Ben’s local hero
ELECTION: SNP falls just short of majority
With all the results now in, the final state of the parties is:
SNP 63 (-6 on 2011 Holyrood election result)
CON 31 (+16)
LAB 24 (-13)
GRN 6 (+4)
LD 5 (no change)
The SNP has fallen two seats short of forming a majority government and must now decide whether to go it alone as a minority government or enter into an agreement with one of the other parties.
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SNP landslide looking likely
No results declared yet, but it’s looking clear cut – Nicola Sturgeon will be back as First Minister with a majority.
As predicted, Lib Dems looking good to win back Edinburgh Western.
It’s looking like a bleak night for Labour …
more in the morning
And now … the only poll that counts
SNP landslide predicted
The polls have closed. The exhausted candidates and their campaign teams have done all they can. They’ll fret and wonder if they’ve done enough. Could we have chapped more doors? Delivered more leaflets? Attended more events? It’s too late now – the polls have closed, and the voters have made their minds up. Continue reading And now … the only poll that counts
Last call for Holyrood candidates
Thinking of standing in the Holyrood election? Then you’d better get your skates on!
Nominations close today for candidates to stand in next month’s Scottish Parliamentary Election – and papers must be submitted by 4pm.
The Notice of Election was published on 14 March for Edinburgh Central, Edinburgh Eastern, Edinburgh Northern and Leith, Edinburgh Pentlands, Edinburgh Southern and Edinburgh Western Constituencies plus the Lothian Region.
In order to stand as a candidate, individuals must submit nomination papers, which are available on the Council website, by Friday, 1 April.
The Scottish Parliamentary Election will take place on Thursday 5 May when people living across Scotland will elect MSPs to represent them at Holyrood.
Andrew Kerr, Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council and Returning Officer for Edinburgh and Regional Returning Officer for the Lothian Region, said: “The Notice of Election signifies the official start of the election period. The forthcoming election will enable the city’s residents to have their say, and I would take this opportunity to urge all citizens to use their vote.
“We are keen to continue the enthusiasm demonstrated by voters during the UK Parliamentary Election last year and the Scottish Referendum in 2014, including the 16 and 17-year-olds who will be able to vote for the first time. Anyone unsure about how to register, where to vote or how to vote by post can find more information on the Council website.”
More than 84% of the city’s residents voted in the Scottish Independence Referendum in September 2014, which also saw a record-breaking turnout across the country. At the UK Parliamentary Election in May 2015 turnout in the capital stayed high, at an average of 73% across Edinburgh’s five constituencies.
On 5 May it will be the first time that 16 and 17-year-olds can vote in a Parliamentary election after the Scottish Elections (Reduction of Voting Age) Bill was passed last year.
While most people who registered to vote in time for the UK Parliamentary Election will still be eligible to take part in the Scottish Parliament Election in May, first time voters or anyone who has since moved house will need to register again. Continue reading Last call for Holyrood candidates
Successful partnership praised at Holyrood
A successful partnership which has directly benefited patients across Scotland was recognised at an event at the Scottish Parliament this week. Continue reading Successful partnership praised at Holyrood
Unions unite to challenge austerity cuts
GMB Scotland and Unite are organising a lobby of the Scottish Parliament to coincide with the stage one debate on Scottish Government budget which takes place at Holyrood at 2.40 pm today (Wednesday 3 February). Continue reading Unions unite to challenge austerity cuts
Active Kids time again
It’s that time of year again when Sainsburys Blackhall are launching our active kids vouchers (writes Gail Wilson).
This year we launched our Active Kids campaign at the Scottish parliament. Our store manager George Paton, Customer Service Manager Louisa Higgins and I had the great pleasure of meeting paralympic champion Ellie Simmonds, along with a group of children from Blackhall Primary school.
The children had a great time and showed that being active can be fun as they all bounced around on space hoppers they were given!
Make sure you collect your vouchers in store now as you shop!
Buzz of excitement as Flora serves up Holyrood honey
Great British Bake Off star Flora Shedden brought a buzz of excitement to the Scottish Parliament this week as she joined the Presiding Officer to unveil a specially commissioned bake made with honey from the Scottish Parliament’s beehives. Continue reading Buzz of excitement as Flora serves up Holyrood honey