Welcome to my newsletter, where I set out what I have been doing over the last month. If you want to see more of what I am up to, follow me on social media. If I can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to get in touch through the details below.
It has been another astonishing month in the world of Scottish politics. The ongoing drama, reminiscent of the police comedy “Scot Squad,” found Peter Murrell not only re-arrested, but charged with alleged embezzlement.
Then, only yesterday, the First Minister, Humza Yousaf resigned following the sustained pressure brought on by the Vote of No Confidence tabled by Douglas Ross, and the Scottish Conservatives.
We promised to be a strong opposition to Humza Yousaf and the nationalists, and that is exactly what has come to bear. One thing is certain, whoever the next SNP leader is, will inevitably put their Independence dream first and Scotland last.
You can read Douglas Ross's statement here
Earlier in the month, the Scottish Conservatives brought forward a debate on ‘Repealing the Hate Crime Act’, in which we sought to persuade Parliament to agree with the people of Scotland who want it confined to the dustbin.
I led for the Scottish Conservatives in our opposition to the Bill’s passage in 2021, and demanded to contribute again. I made clear that everything – EVERYTHING – that has come to pass was warned about.
I also flagged just how supine and craven the MSPs from the time had been, (barring the Scottish Conservatives who were consistently opposed) and particularly how useless and incompetent the then Justice Secretary – who is now the useless and incompetent (soon to be former) First Minister – was.
You can watch my contribution here
Another month and another broken promise from the Scottish Government – this time their pledge to reduce carbon emissions in Scotland by 75% by 2030.
Add this to the fact that eight out of twelve of their annual emission targets have already been missed, it becomes clear why I’ve consistently pointed out that the SNP are good at setting targets (about the only thing they are good at) but utterly useless at delivery.
You can read more about this here
I've been campaigning for new railway stations at Cove and Newtonhill for years now, and we're definitely making progress with over 1500 signatures on my petition, and a recent Nestrans study stating that the prospect would "undergo detailed appraisal".
This is why last week I decided to call my own debate on the issue, which doesn't happen often, but necessary to highlight to the Scottish Government just how strong the community and business cases for the new stations are.
The Minister who closed the debate, and gives the Scottish Government view did not shut down the idea either, so we shall keep up the pressure and campaigning!
You can watch my contribution here
The First Minister is again facing calls to provide funding for the repair, or to demolish the Aberdeen properties affected by RAAC with estimates coming in at “tens of millions.”
Aberdeen City Council has been forced to pause upgrades to other city homes to pay for rehoming council tenants from the Balnagask area, with £3m of its own cash set aside to do this.
You can read my comments on this here
Jenny Gilruth, the Cabinet Secretary for Education, stated this month that Scottish education has ‘never been great’. It’s clear that after 17 years of SNP failure, the education secretary’s only line of defence is to try to claim that the past was not as rosy as people recall.
The facts speak for themselves: under the SNP, violence in schools across the North East has soared, teachers have been left languishing on temporary contracts, and Scotland has plummeted down the education rankings.
Ministers can try to rewrite history all they like, but Scotland’s education system is now in crisis. The responsibility for that lies squarely at the door of the SNP and 17 years of poor stewardship.
Talking down the past, empty promises and vague platitudes won’t fix the damage the SNP have wreaked on our once world-renowned education system. We need urgent action to put an end to classroom violence and give young people the opportunities they deserve.
You can read about this here
I was honoured to be invited to the unveiling of the new “wee blue” ambulance, which serves residents in Portlethen and the surrounding area.
Stonehaven resident John Godsman finalised the details for the new community ambulance before his passing at the end of last year, dedicating his free time to the Portlethen District Voluntary Community Ambulance Association.
This is a brilliant new addition which will provide crucial help and support to the community.
You can read more on this here
Last Wednesday saw the launch of Cove Rangers Community Foundation at the Balmoral Stadium, and I was I pleased to say a couple of my team jumped at the chance to attend the Foundation launch on my behalf (I was in Holyrood for the Cove & Newtonhill debate) and also took the opportunity to promote my motion with a picture on the pitch with Robert Smith, Foundation Chairman, and Grant Moorhouse Cove RFC Director.
A big thank you Cove Rangers and thank you to Dave Cowe, Club Photographer for taking the great photo!
You can learn more about the Cove Rangers Community Foundation here
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