Seamus Logan Congratulates Fraserburgh Academy on Reaching Finals of Debating Competition

ONLY STATE SCHOOL IN UK TO WIN THROUGH TO FINAL OF ETHICS CUP
Fraserburgh Academy has made it through to the national finals of a debating competition, the only state school in the UK to make the final of the Ethics Cup, organised by the Centre for Ethics, Philosophy and Public Affairs, a research centre within the Department of Philosophy at the University of St Andrews.

Pupils will be going head-to-head with the likes of Eton College and St Columba’s School in Inverclyde, the only other Scottish school in the competition.

The team comprises Ryan Broadley, Ellie Busby, Kirsty Clark, Gary Dixon, Fidelia Ileledewa, and Mackenzie Morrison.

Congratulating the school pupils on their achievement, Cllr Seamus Logan (SNP-Fraserburgh and District) said:

"This is a tremendous achievement by the pupils and a credit to Irene Sharp, her leadership team and all the staff at the Academy. I wish them every success."

Rector at Fraserburgh Academy Irene Sharp said:

“We are very proud of our ethics team, led by teachers Fiona Chalton and Finlay Mackie, and we’re all wishing them the very best of luck.

“Our team consists of six S6 pupils – some of whom are sitting philosophy exams this year – and they all have a great mix of opinions and ideas and have done amazingly well to make it through to the finals.” 

The Ethics Cup is not a traditional debating tournament – students are rewarded not on their ability to win an argument but by advancing the debate on ethical issues of public concern.

Debates will include crackdowns on Airbnb, liver transplants for drinkers and the American politician George Santos.

The team won the North-east Scotland Regional in February at Keith Grammar School, Banffshire, covering topics such as disgraced artists, cancel culture, ghosting and journalistic objectivity.

Mrs Sharp continued:

“The matches were closely fought, and our team worked extremely hard against the other schools in our three matches.

“The judges in each round looked for not only our ability to make a clear point but also to accept other points of view and to help the other team towards a more specific opinion.

“Points were awarded for clarity, structure, but also humility, and the ability to help the other team.”

She added:

“Suffice to say, we’re so proud that they are now one of 12 top teams in the country, and our team is a credit to the school and their community, competing with commitment and respect.”

The final takes place on Thursday (May 25) at St Andrew’s University.

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Broch Councillor Seamus Logan Calls for Investment in A952 Cortes-Toll of Birness Road

Aberdeenshire Council’s Banff and Buchan Area Committee has heard a call for investment and improvements to the A952 Cortes to Toll of Birness road from Fraserburgh SNP councillor Seamus Logan.

At today’s meeting of the Area Committee, councillors received an update report from council officers on Roads and Infrastructure proposals. Despite a budget of more than £1.3million, councillors did not hear any proposals to upgrade the A952.

Councillor Logan expressed serious concerns at the meeting and afterwards, commenting:

“I’m dismayed about the apparent lack of focus on this important route which is essential to a wide range of industries and road users not only in Fraserburgh and District but also for other communities using this route on a daily basis.

“You only have to look at the quality of the A90 which runs through Peterhead with regard to red and green cats-eyes on verges, white line markings, verge reflectors and safety signage to see that the A952 could be so much better and safer.

“When we enter the winter period particularly, this route becomes quite dangerous and these relatively low-cost improvements could help prevent serious injury or the loss of life. I note that the regeneration plans for Fraserburgh include consultation on potential improvements to the A90 and A952, and I’m calling on Aberdeenshire Council to have a rethink about this year’s programme so that we see some of these improvements in the short term.”

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Local Councillor Geoff Crowson Welcomes Electric Vehicle Charging Points at Aden

Central Buchan SNP councillor Geoff Crowson has welcomed the installation of four dual electrical vehicle charging points at Aden Country Park using funding from the Scottish Government, promoting and encouraging low-carbon sustainable transport options.

It forms part of the Accessible Aden Project which has seen a raft of improvements following a review of existing infrastructure at the north-east attraction.

The new system comprises two fast 22kW chargers and two standard 7kW chargers providing a total of eight charging points.

It is estimated that the fast chargers can recharge a car fully in around three hours, with the standard chargers taking around six hours. Each charging unit has a socket on each side and can charge two vehicles at once. When two vehicles charge, units will de-rate to a supply of 11kW to each side for the 22kW chargers, and 3.5kW to each side for the 7kW chargers.

To use the Aden EV chargers, motorists can either become a member of ChargePlace Scotland or can simply call the operator or download the ChargePlace Scotland mobile phone app.

The Accessible Aden Project has not only helped to support the introduction of EV chargers in Aden, but also car park and electrical infrastructure upgrades, along with the installation of bike stands and construction of a fully accessible Changing Places toilet block in the park.

Commenting, Cllr Geoff Crowson said:

“It is good to see projects like the one at Aden. If we want people to switch to electric cars it is vital that we make charging as accessible as possible and I am excited by the contribution the charging points will make to the air quality and health of communities throughout the area.”

Aden Project Co-ordinator Neil Shirran added:

“There had been mounting pressure on Aden’s existing facilities over the last few years which was exacerbated throughout the Covid pandemic. Community consultation helped us to identify the need for electric vehicle charging points, along with improvements needed in toilet and parking facilities. The funding support from VisitScotland Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund and Aberdeenshire Council itself has made these park improvements possible.”

Managed by VisitScotland on behalf of the Scottish Government, the RTIF was created to improve the quality of the visitor experience in rural parts of Scotland which have faced pressure due to increased visitor numbers.

It aims to reduce the impact of visitor numbers on local communities and facilities and create a more collaborative and sustainable approach to infrastructure provision and long-term maintenance of local facilities for the benefit of communities.

David Jackson, VisitScotland Regional Director, said:

“The Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund (RTIF) can make a real difference at locations like Aden Country Park. We would hope the development of new Electric Vehicle Charge Points will encourage more people to consider using sustainable transport.

“These additional facilities continue to improve the experience for visitors and help alleviate pressure on infrastructure, to ensure this scenic area remains a popular place to visit for years to come. Tourism is a force for good and sustains communities in every corner of Scotland, creates jobs and can improve wellbeing. We all need to play our part in being responsible visitors and RTIF projects such as this will help ensure our visitor destinations remain sustainable for years to come.”

To-date, the Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund has awarded £15 million of grant funding to 66 projects across rural Scotland since the start of the Fund in 2018.

For more information on RTIF, please visit https://www.visitscotland.org/supporting-your-business/funding/rural-tourism-infrastructure-fund.

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Scottish Government Grant Funding for Longhaven Project Welcomed by Local Councillor

Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee approved a recommendation to grant funding for improvements to the coastal path and access at Longhaven Cliffs nature reserve.

North Aberdeenshire Local Action Group – which handles funding applications to what was the EU LEADER programme and is now funded by the Scottish Government – recommended approval of the funding which was agreed by members of the Infrastructure Services Committee meeting in Woodhill House today.

Commenting, Peterhead South and Cruden SNP councillor Stephen Smith, who is a member of the Committee, said:

 

“The coastal path between Cruden Bay and Longhaven is extremely popular and seems to be getting more so since lockdown.

“As well as being a great asset locally, it also serves to draw visitors into the local area and the associated spending boost that provides to local shops, hotels and businesses. However, it is in need of some upgrading work to ensure it remains fit for purpose so I’m pleased that this has been provided by the Scottish Government and got approval today to go ahead.”

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