tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-322260602024-03-14T10:10:10.749+00:00Aberdeenshire SNPUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger807125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32226060.post-81403291174202853972024-03-13T23:24:00.002+00:002024-03-14T10:09:39.469+00:00Westminster Candidate Seamus Logan Criticises Lloyds' Decision<b>SNP Westminster candidate for Aberdeenshire North and Moray East Seamus Logan</b> has condemned the decision by Lloyds Banking Group to close yet more Bank of Scotland branches across the North-east.
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Lloyds Banking Group has announced the decision to close the Bank of Scotland branches in Banff and Buckie on 30th July and 1st August.
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This comes on top of the removal of the two weekly banking vans across the constituency in places such as Keith, Cullen, Portsoy, New Pitsligo and nearby Turriff.
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This decision has been taken despite Lloyds Banking Group posting profits of £5.5 Billion in 2023.
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Footfall is cited as the reason for closures but Logan refused to accept this explanation.
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Commenting, he said;
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;"><i>"Footfall is a very short-sighted view of loyal, local customers. Customer loyalty is also an important measure but this has been completely overlooked.
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"Members of our more remote communities with complex care needs or others less technically competent particularly rely on the provision of traditional banking services locally.
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“Poor public transport links are making things much worse as many will now have no local bank presence whatsoever and will find it difficult to travel to another Branch. It's a disgrace that the greed of bankers is more important than the communities that generated the profits for them.
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“If Lloyds and others bank chief executives’ multi million-pound bonuses were reinvested in locally accessible services I would have more respect for them."</i></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32226060.post-44493341877273539642024-02-27T07:51:00.009+00:002024-02-28T14:24:29.284+00:00Fraserburgh Councillor Seamus Logan Reflects Local Anger on Council Budget CutsBudget cuts made by Conservative-led administration on Aberdeenshire Council at its meeting last Thursday will include the loss of school patrollers in Fraserburgh and the shelving of progress towards development of a new primary school for the town.
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Other front-line services affected included special needs provision for children experiencing speech and language difficulties.
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4wFOYnQX3TRk3OB6DsvKKciKjBBGy6Q2tKCaLD8s6g9Ni-RZraFWIiK63DY89QgBgt4VWleBUz1dUpV4Wr981qZrNkHN6G6_311Uc1vIFABWcsEdxV6MirmsUeioZ9aq2eDlprBxnMTVIhCR2EYVLxzpCHhkwz7jjmg172Fx4eTv_Hesvixf-wQ/s800/CE2022%20Seamus%20Logan%20Council%20Portrait.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="571" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4wFOYnQX3TRk3OB6DsvKKciKjBBGy6Q2tKCaLD8s6g9Ni-RZraFWIiK63DY89QgBgt4VWleBUz1dUpV4Wr981qZrNkHN6G6_311Uc1vIFABWcsEdxV6MirmsUeioZ9aq2eDlprBxnMTVIhCR2EYVLxzpCHhkwz7jjmg172Fx4eTv_Hesvixf-wQ/s320/CE2022%20Seamus%20Logan%20Council%20Portrait.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Commenting on these decisions, local <b>SNP councillor Seamus Logan</b> said he had been made aware of substantial local anger:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;"><i>“Local residents have been expressing dismay to me and on social media about the effects of these decisions. In relation to the school patrol service, it’s not that long ago that a child was hit by a car here in Fraserburgh and narrowly escaped serious injury and folk just cannot understand the thinking behind this.”</i></div>
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Cllr Logan stated that the SNP-led opposition group had argued against this and also asked for a small amount to be included in the capital plan for the proposed new primary school in Fraserburgh, replacing St Andrews and the North School.
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;"><i>This would have meant that local people would see the Council’s continuing commitment to the plans for the new primary school but these alternative proposals were rejected by Independent, Conservative and Lib Dem councillors in the administration group.
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“I understand that difficult decisions needed to be made but the Council still has substantial reserves which could have been deployed to avoid some of these cuts.”</i></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32226060.post-71741540265219268552024-02-26T22:55:00.014+00:002024-02-28T14:34:46.268+00:00Logan Formally Adopted as Aberdeenshire North and Moray East Candidate<b>SNP Westminster candidate for Aberdeenshire North and Moray East Cllr Seamus Logan</b> has been formally adopted by the local SNP members as their candidate for the next UK General Election.
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Seamus has been campaigning across the constituency since being selected last year but the political tradition of holding an 'Adoption Meeting' in this election year was continued last Friday at a well-attended event in the Station Hotel, Portsoy.
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Aberdeen South MP and Leader of the SNP Westminster Group Stephen Flynn spoke at the event as did former Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson and Seamus Logan’s candidacy was unanimously approved by all present.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrQuX26AU460LmZD7XnMXlNy0rmTeb62eDjOOLaZajpXnZH_piQ0LGPnImiKw1gXobNtfqaBG75RuiUBgEOrFFzavUVBWbXa8esIvlaR1eY5OjFC3oFK2ZrptSj0JyzpJHfHa1KmsRXm0bQe765Qm3ZgA5dTjbnYs4be-TKRwmWq038q-Zzdozqg/s640/20240223%20Seamus%20Logan%20Stephen%20Flynn%20Adoption%20Meeting%20Portsoy.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrQuX26AU460LmZD7XnMXlNy0rmTeb62eDjOOLaZajpXnZH_piQ0LGPnImiKw1gXobNtfqaBG75RuiUBgEOrFFzavUVBWbXa8esIvlaR1eY5OjFC3oFK2ZrptSj0JyzpJHfHa1KmsRXm0bQe765Qm3ZgA5dTjbnYs4be-TKRwmWq038q-Zzdozqg/s400/20240223%20Seamus%20Logan%20Stephen%20Flynn%20Adoption%20Meeting%20Portsoy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Speaking in Portsoy on Friday night, Seamus Logan said:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;"><i>"I'm honoured to be the SNP candidate for Aberdeenshire North and Moray East. The SNP's priority right now is protecting people from the worst effects of the current cost of living crisis, ensuring we have a controlled and just transition as the renewables industrial revolution gathers pace, offering an alternative and more energetic approach to the needs of our farmers and fishers; and protecting our vital public services, particularly the NHS.
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“At the next General Election in this constituency the realistic choice will be between the Conservatives or the SNP. People here understand that we in the North-east can play our part in bringing an end to this incompetent, corrupt and heartless Tory Government by voting for the SNP.”</i></div>
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Former Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP <b>Stewart Stevenson</b> said:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;"><i>"In Seamus Logan, people can be sure that we will have an energetic and strong local voice to stand up for our vital interests. I am delighted that Seamus will be leading the campaign in Aberdeenshire North and Moray East for the SNP at the next UK election, whenever the election is called.
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“I know that Seamus will work hard to earn the trust of voters in this constituency and build on the proud record of service provided to constituents by their SNP representatives at all levels – councillors, MSPs and MPs."</i></div>
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<b>Westminster SNP Group leader Stephen Flynn MP</b> added:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;"><i>"People in Aberdeenshire North and Moray East have an SNP candidate in Seamus Logan that will bring a lifetime of public service in health and social care, as well as a strong record of standing up for constituents as a local councillor.
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"Westminster's dire economic policies are failing communities right across Scotland who, through no fault of their own, are being forced to reckon with the soaring cost of living.
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"And with Labour shamelessly tied to the Tory policies causing so much harm to Scottish households, it's abundantly clear they offer no real alternative.
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"Seamus Logan joins a strong team of SNP candidates who will stand up for Scotland's values at Westminster while opposing the grim status quo and I look forward to working with him in the months ahead to bring that strong message to voters across Scotland." </i></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32226060.post-45864188531899811642024-02-06T09:53:00.003+00:002024-02-08T11:47:37.576+00:00Logan Writes to UK Chancellor Calling for end to £50 million Charity Cap<b>Fraserburgh councillor and SNP candidate for Aberdeenshire North and Moray East Seamus Logan</b> has written to Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt calling for an end to the £50 million cap on annual charity lottery sales.
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<i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZ7ypxMy5FFFk8-BIOWbSqDg4aVfF2MDVQS9zEqDqXwbxD8_8CpMlEhq2DrVKiO07b1QRwejXhKga4uAE6FlPO_BOvMDni-2D4XRX84lO9urJoMuDyuODjtjfoqfJRAmGrM9Po2601RuBVflFMWh9X9BIpUiR-RnWKokfEIqGTBu5xy3vncaQtQ/s1052/2023%20Seamus%20Logan%20Peoples%20Postcode%20Lottery%20Nick%20Cook%20Dep%20Hd%20Public%20Aff.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1052" data-original-width="824" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZ7ypxMy5FFFk8-BIOWbSqDg4aVfF2MDVQS9zEqDqXwbxD8_8CpMlEhq2DrVKiO07b1QRwejXhKga4uAE6FlPO_BOvMDni-2D4XRX84lO9urJoMuDyuODjtjfoqfJRAmGrM9Po2601RuBVflFMWh9X9BIpUiR-RnWKokfEIqGTBu5xy3vncaQtQ/s320/2023%20Seamus%20Logan%20Peoples%20Postcode%20Lottery%20Nick%20Cook%20Dep%20Hd%20Public%20Aff.jpg" width="251" /></a></div></i><br />The cap significantly impacts the ability of lotteries to increase the amount of funding they can provide to charities – meaning third-sector organisations miss out on millions of pounds worth of support.<br /><br />The demand for funding from charities has significantly increased amid the Westminster cost of living crisis and the aftermath of the pandemic.<br /><br />Charity lotteries are the only form of gambling product subject to annual caps on sales – placing an unnecessary ceiling on the amount raised for good causes.<br /><br />Seamus Logan is backing the People’s Postcode Lottery campaign and called on the UK Government to remove the £50 million sales limit on charity lotteries as a matter of urgency to ensure charities across the country are not missing out on vital funding.<br /><br />Commenting, Seamus Logan said:<div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;"><i>“Due to high inflation and the cost-of-living crisis we are experiencing, the cap is effectively a funding cut for these charities. £50 million today represents a 17.4% decrease in real terms from when the cap was set at that figure in 2020.
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“The cap will continue to erode the value of the £50 million every year unless it is lifted or - better still - abolished.
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“Over the next five years, 100 charities backed by the People’s Postcode Lottery are set to lose out on over £175 million in extra funding due to the lottery cap.
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“It’s disgraceful and astonishing that good causes providing services to some of society’s most vulnerable people will lose out on essential funding due to an outdated and nonsensical regulation and I have written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer voicing those concerns.
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“The UK Government has a real chance to make a difference to charities by removing the charity lottery annual sales limit, and it should act now”</i>.</div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32226060.post-39653943075881017372023-12-15T11:44:00.003+00:002023-12-24T11:55:47.903+00:00SNP Express Shock at Unexpected Closure of Potterton NurseryOn Wednesday 13th December, families whose children attend Potterton Nursery were informed by Aberdeenshire Council that the setting would not be reopening following a closure for repairs earlier in the year.
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Education bosses have chosen to close the setting without any public consultation or community engagement, giving families the options to send children to Balmedie Nursery or encouraged to consider nursery placements in Aberdeen City.
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SNP representatives have urged for open consultation and transparency over the reasons for permanent closure of the setting.
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In November, families were informed that the setting had to close temporarily due to repairs needed to the heating. Whilst these repairs have been completed, the local authority has now confirmed that they will not reopen the setting as an Early Learning and Childcare setting.
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<b>Councillor Jenny Nicol</b>, representing Potterton in the Mid Formartine ward, has been impacted by these closures personally, as one of the families utilising the nursery setting for her own child.
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Commenting, Cllr Nicol said:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;"><i>“Potterton Nursery is an exceptional setting, delivering high standards of learning and care. Families had been offered the opportunity to send their children to Balmedie Nursery earlier in the school year. For these families, we have consistently chosen to have our children at Potterton. because we knew the high levels of care provision and that our children were safe, happy, nurtured and being enabled to develop their capabilities through play based learning and access to the outdoors everyday.
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“The families who use these facilities are understandably very upset that a decision has been taken to rip out an essential service from this community and that this decision was taken without any consultation or community engagement is deplorable.”</i></div>
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<b>MSP for Aberdeenshire East, Gillian Martin</b>, added:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;"><i>“It is hugely disappointing the council have taken the decision to permanently close Potterton Nursery.
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“Parents and caregivers have been left in limbo since the facility closed last month unexpectedly and have now been given the surprising news it will close permanently.
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“Access to childcare provision locally is a huge asset especially in more rural areas and this decision will have a devastating impact as well as being unsettling for the children who previously attended Potterton Nursery.
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“I am also dismayed there has been no consultation process on this matter leaving parents and caregivers completely shut out of any discussion, and I will be writing to Aberdeenshire Council to encourage them to undertake this process.”</i></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32226060.post-88307275025096000542023-12-05T07:38:00.012+00:002023-12-08T07:44:08.356+00:00MP & Councillor Welcome £15,000 Boost for Huntly Sports Trust from People's Postcode Lottery<b>Gordon MP Richard Thomson and councillor for Huntly, Strathbogie</b> and <b>Howe of Alford Councillor Gwyneth Petrie</b> have welcomed the announcement that Huntly Sports Trust have successfully gained a grant of £15,000 from the People’s Postcode Lottery (PPL).<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV8_N-pLMDqq1GWCO2H6Hxs_uaygKSvkREatKlodIjzrNlyyqSJy-LJU1AvSegdUqFsC5xG95-V3Wms7oL7fqhWEuXvkJpIH5zNDP0wSZbqlnAbVMdmSUexHJTU7vffr19iaE95QnnkHXSsgk6zhyphenhyphencs1L_uNRmOqhEZ6sl81dwpXvltH23Wp0pMw/s4128/20230512%20GordonMP%20Gwyneth%20Petrie%20Huntly%20The%20Square2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV8_N-pLMDqq1GWCO2H6Hxs_uaygKSvkREatKlodIjzrNlyyqSJy-LJU1AvSegdUqFsC5xG95-V3Wms7oL7fqhWEuXvkJpIH5zNDP0wSZbqlnAbVMdmSUexHJTU7vffr19iaE95QnnkHXSsgk6zhyphenhyphencs1L_uNRmOqhEZ6sl81dwpXvltH23Wp0pMw/w400-h300/20230512%20GordonMP%20Gwyneth%20Petrie%20Huntly%20The%20Square2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
PPL held an online funding roadshow earlier this year at the request of SNP MP Mr Thomson and over 50 organisations and individuals from across Gordon Constituency took part.
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Commenting, Richard Thomson MP said:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;"><i>“I’m delighted for Huntly Sports Trust that their application has been successful and wish them well in their efforts for the future. It does underline though that while times are tough financially for many organisations at the moment, there is still money out there and if you put in the effort to apply for funding and make your case you can ultimately be successful.
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“Players of PPL have now raised over £1 billion for good causes – a massive figure that has made a world of difference to charities across Gordon and elsewhere.
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“Both myself and my party have been strongly supportive of the charity lottery sector, and we have been pushing the UK Government to reform the legislation that is forcing charity lotteries to operate in a very bureaucratic way which, ultimately, reduces the amount of money available for good causes.”</i></div>
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Local SNP councillor Gwyneth Petrie added:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;"><i>“This is excellent news for Huntly Sports Trust, and for those living here and using these facilities. It’s great to see more charity lottery money coming Huntly’s direction because of the pre-planning and commitment from our many varied organisations throughout the town, and I wish the Trust well in their future endeavours as they continue to deliver for the area.”</i></div><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32226060.post-2490309823478616842023-12-04T11:13:00.023+00:002023-12-08T07:48:59.248+00:00Local Councillors Comment on Withdrawal of Bank of Scotland Mobile Branch<b>Turriff and District councillor Alastair Forsyth</b> and <b>Central Buchan councillor Geoff Crowson</b> have criticised the planned withdrawal of the Bank of Scotland’s mobile branch from local communities.
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The bank has announced that the service will stop calling at communities including Turriff and New Pitsligo with effect from May 2024.
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Commenting, Cllr Alastair Forsyth said:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;"><i>“It’s not that long ago since the physical Bank of Scotland Branch in Turriff closed and we were assured that customers would be able to continue to access banking services locally through the introduction of the Mobile Branch.
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“Now it seems this, too, is being withdrawn from next May. It’s difficult not to come to the conclusion that the Mobile Branch was just cover at the time to make it easier to close the Branch.”</i></div>
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Councillor for Central Buchan Geoff Crowson added:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;"><i>“Bank of Scotland now need to step up and inform the communities affected how it intends to support vulnerable customers in servicing their bank accounts. It’s great that the Post Office is still there in most communities to pick up where the banks are leaving off, but not everyone will be able to go online or service their needs through the Post Office.”</i></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32226060.post-83130329713483709422023-12-04T11:10:00.016+00:002023-12-08T07:52:15.149+00:00Councillor Welcomes Improvements to Formartine & Buchan Way<b>Central Buchan SNP councillor Geoff Crowson</b> has welcomed improvements to the historic and popular Formartine and Buchan Way. The works, which form a major realignment of the existing National Cycle Network (NCN), will enable even more people to walk, wheel and cycle, along with equestrian use, from Newmachar to Auchnagatt and beyond.
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The improvement works are being supported by funding from the Scottish Government through Sustrans Scotland’s Network Development Fund, delivered in partnership with Aberdeenshire Council.
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Commenting, Cllr Geoff Crowson (SNP-Central Buchan) said:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;"><i>“The Formartine and Buchan Way is extremely popular with local people and visitors alike as a safe and accessible route and is great at drawing people into the various communities along the route.
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“I’m delighted the Scottish Government is providing funding to upgrade and improve the route which will include things like upgrading path surfaces in key areas so that they are suitable for all users, widening paths where possible to ensure that anyone regardless of ability can share them, and removing unnecessary barriers which prevent people using wheelchairs, mobility scooters, adapted bikes and buggies from accessing the path.”</i></div>
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Disruption to route users will be kept to a minimum as much as possible as the works are undertaken. It will result in the temporary closure of sections of the route at times. These will be sign posted locally along with diversions where possible, and publicised on Aberdeenshire Council’s website.
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Local communities and groups are being asked to help identify additional access points or enhancements which will further widen the appeal of the route.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32226060.post-24464679207019652792023-12-01T16:10:00.024+00:002023-12-08T07:58:44.179+00:00Gordon MP and Huntly Councillor Comment on Withdrawal of Bank of Scotland Mobile Branch<b>Gordon MP Richard Thomson</b> has expressed disappointment at the decision by the Bank of Scotland to withdraw its Mobile Branch from Aberdeenshire.
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The bank has announced that the service will stop calling at communities such as Insch, Huntly, Alford, Turriff and New Pitsligo with effect from May 2024.
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Commenting, Richard Thomson MP said:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;"><i>“This is obviously very disappointing, especially for those communities such as Insch and, in particular, Huntly who were given the mobile service after losing their physical Bank of Scotland branch just over three years ago.
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“It is, however, the inevitable outcome when banks try to replace a high street presence with something that’s intermittent and can’t replicate the same range of services that could be accessed previously.”</i></div><br />
<b>Councillor for Huntly, Strathbogie and Howe of Alford Gwyneth Petrie</b> added:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;"><i>“Huntly was still considered viable for a physical Bank of Scotland branch up until 2020 so this represents quite a turnaround from that time.
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“I appreciate that more and more people are using online banking but most people still have an occasional need to service their account face-to-face and the Mobile Branch seemed to me to be a cost-effective way of reaching as many communities as possible.”</i></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32226060.post-85250930912753216282023-11-03T13:59:00.001+00:002023-11-04T09:29:13.555+00:00Faulty Road Signs Back in Action Within 36 Hours After MP & Huntly Councillor Intervene<b>Gordon MP Richard Thomson</b> and <b>local councillor for Huntly Gwyneth Petrie</b> have welcomed the swift action from Amey Highways to restore to working order the new electronic safety signs on the A96/A920 junction.
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBHQRKBkAdMPqEfaFCZAINWpe_5Jowmp9qTG7jURaeTZ1BkFVMpXrAUA82d9KeK1mz5Je8PJhdiuZCSfM5Mq3uNqzebMB4pF_4O21DBEg1WDD1lU5eMtny1mjzPsatat1dEY1KvWJHYvFhu0HXd_CpWzL35NrBCOVWCrFDbrWu-4w92Xf8kzza4Q/s2676/20230512%20GordonMP%20Gwyneth%20Petrie%20Huntly%20The%20Square9.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2201" data-original-width="2676" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBHQRKBkAdMPqEfaFCZAINWpe_5Jowmp9qTG7jURaeTZ1BkFVMpXrAUA82d9KeK1mz5Je8PJhdiuZCSfM5Mq3uNqzebMB4pF_4O21DBEg1WDD1lU5eMtny1mjzPsatat1dEY1KvWJHYvFhu0HXd_CpWzL35NrBCOVWCrFDbrWu-4w92Xf8kzza4Q/s320/20230512%20GordonMP%20Gwyneth%20Petrie%20Huntly%20The%20Square9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The signs were installed recently by Transport Scotland as part of road safety improvements at the junction but it is understood a faulty battery caused an outage earlier this week – leading to a Conservative MSP issuing a statement blaming the Scottish Government.
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Commenting, Gordon MP Richard Thomson said:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;"><i>“My office contacted Amey Highways, which is directly responsible for maintaining the signs, as did local councillor Gwyneth Petrie. While the Aberdeen-bound sign is working, they advised that there’s a fault with the battery on the Keith-bound carriageway sign.
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“While it’s obviously disappointing that a fault has developed so soon after installation, Amey advised would return to the site to replace the faulty battery and carry out further tests to ensure that the sign is working as intended. Amey did so within 24 hours of being alerted to the fault so I am grateful to their staff for their efforts to get the signs working again so quickly.
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“I’d have to say in passing though, that I find it odd that the first reaction of an MSP on discovering a fault with a road sign was to issue a statement attacking the Scottish Government, rather than focussing on getting the fault fixed.”</i></div>
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Cllr Gwyneth Petrie (SNP-Huntly, Strathbogie and Howe of Alford) added:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;"><i>“A faulty battery on a road sign is not a political issue and if an MSP wants to get involved in that then it should be from the point of view of trying to get it fixed rather than attacking the Scottish Government.
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“I’m pleased that working with the local MP we’ve managed to get this fixed thanks to Amey’s local team. We will continue to advocate for further road improvements and to support the Scottish Government’s stated aim of upgrading the A96 to dualled status.”</i></div>
<br />
Amey Highways can be alerted to road defects and faults via an online reporting form here: <a href="https://netrunkroads.scot/report-a-problem/" target="_blank">Report a problem | North East Trunk Roads (netrunkroads.scot)</a> or by contacting their control room <a href="https://netrunkroads.scot/contact-us/" target="_blank">Contact us | North East Trunk Roads (netrunkroads.scot)</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32226060.post-10497591854655569832023-09-01T09:24:00.004+01:002023-09-01T10:40:45.182+01:00Councillors Bring Family Fund and the Independent Living Fund to Peterhead<center><b><i>Grants and Support Available to Families<br />with Seriously-Ill or Disabled Children</i></b></center>
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<b>Peterhead councillors Stephen Smith and Leeann McWhinnie</b> have announced that Family Fund, a highly-respected charity which supports families with disabled or seriously ill children or young people, will be coming to Peterhead during September to raise awareness of the support and assistance they can offer.
<br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVTnHAr2F-tvjsDlDMdBiIA8G627FBJtYZmdvgUvxTpfTg-CsRijLnJ5RfW3Of8fajseh-Z5tehpSyCMSfqI3i1XMk2SUUFFb_3afG3_1C4j4qPH-Xn7GCL2Nalg55vZY9BNzco0sq7W72Y67ZwLz0lB08M0K_FScAse4xcuI1_AMA0zFuIszCrA/s4128/20230512%20Family%20Fund%20Salena%20Begley3.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVTnHAr2F-tvjsDlDMdBiIA8G627FBJtYZmdvgUvxTpfTg-CsRijLnJ5RfW3Of8fajseh-Z5tehpSyCMSfqI3i1XMk2SUUFFb_3afG3_1C4j4qPH-Xn7GCL2Nalg55vZY9BNzco0sq7W72Y67ZwLz0lB08M0K_FScAse4xcuI1_AMA0zFuIszCrA/w240-h320/20230512%20Family%20Fund%20Salena%20Begley3.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Cllr Stephen Smith with Salena Begley MBE<br />Family Fund’s Partner Engagement Manager <br />for Scotland</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />
A representative from Family Fund will be at the Men United office at 5 Union Street, (at the bottom of Broad Street), Peterhead, between 9.15am and 12.00pm on Wednesday 13 September. A representative from the Independent Living Fund will also be in attendance to discuss the support available from that organisation.
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With families in Scotland raising disabled and seriously ill children amongst some of the hardest hit by cost-of-living price rises, Family Fund want to share the news about the essential grant support they can provide.
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Family Fund has grants available for parents or carers on a low income raising disabled, or seriously ill children, up to the age of 18 to help ease pressures caused by the rise in the cost-of-living.
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Commenting, Cllr Leeann McWhinnie (SNP-Peterhead North and Rattray) said;
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;"><i>“I’m delighted that Family Fund have agreed to visit Peterhead and I’m very grateful to Men United for hosting their visit.
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“This respected charity provides vital support to parents and carers of disabled or seriously ill children and young people and it’s important to get the message out to those who could benefit that support is out there.”</i></div>
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Cllr Stephen Smith (SNP-Peterhead South and Cruden) added:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;"><i>“As well as individuals, local organisations are encouraged to come along who may be unaware of the opportunity to access support on behalf of eligible children/families from BBC Children in Need Emergency Essentials Programme and also Family Fund Business services.
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“Whether you need a kitchen appliance like a fridge, cooker or washing machine; clothing and bedding; sensory or play equipment; technology for your child, or a much-needed family break, Family Fund are here to help you apply for items that will help meet your child’s additional support needs, and make life easier.”</i></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32226060.post-11205081234041552662023-08-31T21:17:00.001+01:002023-09-01T09:08:51.940+01:00Aberdeenshire Opposition Group Welcome Interim Return of Chapelton School TransportAt a meeting of the Education and Children’s Service’s Committee of Aberdeenshire Council today, Opposition Group Councillors moved a motion to reinstate a bus for children from Chapelton who attend Newtonhill Primary School. The bus service was removed by the council at the start of the 23/24 academic year.
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A report was taken to the Committee following receipt of a petition from the community asking for the service to be reinstated, due to safety and congestion concerns.
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<b>Cllr Alison Evison (Independent)</b> proposed a motion to reinstate the transport until a more comprehensive report can be received by the Committee. This was seconded by <b>Cllr Louise McAllister (SNP)</b> and passed unanimously.
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Commenting, Cllr Evison said:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;"><i>“It was clear from the petition that concerns about road safety have not yet been resolved to the satisfaction of local residents. We listened and responded as we were empowered to do today, with a further report now planned for a future Committee where a final decision can be made. We were pleased to see unanimous agreement for the reinstatement of the bus service until this decision.”</i></div>
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Cllr McAllister added:
<br /><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;"><i>“I am very pleased with the outcome of today’s committee meeting and the decision to revisit the question of school transport for the children of Chapelton currently travelling to Newtonhill Primary School.
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"The safety of our children is of paramount importance and the reinstatement of school transport, whilst the decision to stop the service is being revisited, will allow children and their families some comfort and flexibility. The commitment to look again at this particular set of circumstances, bearing in mind a primary school is already in the offing, is very encouraging."</i></div>
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<b>Local SNP Councillor for the area, Catherine Victor</b>, added:
<br /><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;"><i>"I am delighted that we have, once again, managed to reinstate the Chapelton to Newtonhill Primary school bus service, albeit on a temporary basis, whilst a further report is undertaken on the safety concerns.
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"My thanks go to the parents of Chapelton and Newtonhill, who have fought hard alongside me to keep this service going.
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"There are around 30 children using the service, who will have to travel to Newtonhill until the new Chapelton school is completed, and it is imperative that we support them to do so in the safest way possible. I look forward to a positive outcome from the requested report and always making sure our children have safe journeys to and from school."</i></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32226060.post-41752470666136011382023-08-02T11:27:00.001+01:002023-08-02T11:33:38.957+01:00McWHINNIE Highlights Family Fund's 'Discover Digital' Summer Festival<b>Peterhead North and Rattray councillor Leeann McWhinnie</b> is encouraging eligible parents to check out Family Fund’s ‘Discover Digital’ programme this summer.
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqQb90UmYgY-EtpuEGy0Xh9JcVwOGr2JYh0070sxXDWy0gmC5XZsrEBoxU8Wx7BJcyZ_dcCbC3ItJpWqX2ZfgB4myJUjwask7Gig5KOW3_Vm67fAIlRR583tDvbhWiQ9mVFoOIw23CZ3Iy4EitzOi9bhaDlLJm88CJKaA697dxqxRFPBA-qSdYbQ/s940/2023%20Jul%20Family%20Fund.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqQb90UmYgY-EtpuEGy0Xh9JcVwOGr2JYh0070sxXDWy0gmC5XZsrEBoxU8Wx7BJcyZ_dcCbC3ItJpWqX2ZfgB4myJUjwask7Gig5KOW3_Vm67fAIlRR583tDvbhWiQ9mVFoOIw23CZ3Iy4EitzOi9bhaDlLJm88CJKaA697dxqxRFPBA-qSdYbQ/s400/2023%20Jul%20Family%20Fund.png" width="400" /></a></div>Designed for families with a disabled or seriously ill child, participants in the programme will learn wide-ranging new skills with their iPad, like how to make art, a video game, a podcast or a movie, while also making friends and having fun. Family Fund has partnered with the RNIB and the charity will attend a number of sessions to support children and young people with a visual impairment.
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Commenting on this initiative, Cllr Leeann McWhinnie said:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;"><i>“Family Fund is a grant-making charity for families raising a disabled or seriously ill child, on a low income, and does excellent work helping them have the same choices, quality of life, opportunities and aspirations as wider families.
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“The ‘Discover Digital’ summer festival is open to all children and young people with additional needs but is also a festival for the whole family, with siblings very welcome too.
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“This is a great way to help develop new IT skills whilst at the same time having some fun.”</i></div>
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More details of the programme can be found here: <a href="" target="_blank">bit.ly/DiscoverDigitalfestival</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32226060.post-64336295951545284872023-08-01T08:15:00.001+01:002023-08-01T09:35:19.761+01:00Peterhead Councillor McWhinnie Welcomes Bus Interchange Improvements<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8owAnacHTwCnWKPBtXL6YgWwLSw6JbWQKTNhT19sifBLwKhoyHsXihlbZlJ5kQUSJN_AqNGDXArc9fOBpkEjn9s-XuxG7xtoQJ5c4VEEAsGGAFPMcM0WNxXsUm0qA6teXRrS8GBqx6DDFTTtApgKVn0suX-jWLV3vncad26dF5WKxkl6cF3NuYQ/s4000/CE2022%20Leeann%20Portrait9%20%281%29.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; padding: 1em 5px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2672" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8owAnacHTwCnWKPBtXL6YgWwLSw6JbWQKTNhT19sifBLwKhoyHsXihlbZlJ5kQUSJN_AqNGDXArc9fOBpkEjn9s-XuxG7xtoQJ5c4VEEAsGGAFPMcM0WNxXsUm0qA6teXRrS8GBqx6DDFTTtApgKVn0suX-jWLV3vncad26dF5WKxkl6cF3NuYQ/s200/CE2022%20Leeann%20Portrait9%20%281%29.jpg" /></a></div><b>Local SNP councillor Leeann McWhinnie</b> has welcomed the completion of improvements to Peterhead’s transport interchange following works arranged by Aberdeenshire Council and largely funded by the North-east’s regional transport partnership, NESTRANS.
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Energy-efficiency has been a key focus of the scheme, with the five new enclosed bus shelters installed by Commutaports featuring sedum vegetation roofing and solar-powered LED lighting.
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The site also has three Papercast ‘electronic paper’ displays powered by long-life batteries and installed by Pindar Creative.
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New benches incorporating planters will bring extra colour and increase biodiversity at the bus station, with wider works at the site involving repairs and some replacements of barriers and bollards, along with painting, road-lining, and landscaping.
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New cycle lockers are to be installed in the coming weeks, and the large shelter in front of the mural will be made fully available as paving is completed.
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Commenting, Peterhead North and Rattray councillor Leeann McWhinnie said:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;">“The facilities at the interchange were in need of upgrade and repair and I’m pleased the interchange has re-opened according to the timescale.
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“It’s important that public transport is made as accessible and as attractive an option as possible and these new facilities will assist in that.”</div></i>
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Cllr Michael Hutchison, vice-chair of NESTRANS said:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;"><i>"We have invested to support the bus network here and we're delighted to see the work completed and the interchange re-opened. It’s important to create a welcoming, comfortable, and safe environment for bus passengers as part of their journey.
<br /><br />
"I hope these improvements allow folk to have a pleasant and smooth start to their journeys, while also giving a better first impression to visitors arriving by bus.”</i></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32226060.post-79660020183334805962023-07-28T11:48:00.041+01:002023-07-28T14:37:39.284+01:00MP and Councillors Meet with Virgin Money over Ellon Branch Closure<b>Gordon MP Richard Thomson</b> has met with senior managers at Virgin Money to discuss the closure announcements made by the bank at its Ellon and Turriff Branches.
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The Ellon Branch has been a fixture in the town since 1877 and occupies a prominent site in the centre of town and Turriff Branch, while outside Gordon Constituency, serves a number of Gordon customers, particularly since other surrounding bank branches have closed in recent years.
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5_YUg1E7srAw1JwRv7s-a1peQIeJ1dj85MMUvK3GWoRcTGZfRawKQnh2Izh4UwfBGe4fQEcIcPI-CAJ3dKb09xWjP0LeUPfECDLPrjQY9kkdSCqKXdbj0PL6WcDrjF0cKTK1JS54nVgbcJUS3212w0pXy0tWZ_JeC7Fqbp3MxMAVzazu--kNF1w/s3014/2020%20Clydesdale%20Bank%20Ellon.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2471" data-original-width="3014" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5_YUg1E7srAw1JwRv7s-a1peQIeJ1dj85MMUvK3GWoRcTGZfRawKQnh2Izh4UwfBGe4fQEcIcPI-CAJ3dKb09xWjP0LeUPfECDLPrjQY9kkdSCqKXdbj0PL6WcDrjF0cKTK1JS54nVgbcJUS3212w0pXy0tWZ_JeC7Fqbp3MxMAVzazu--kNF1w/s400/2020%20Clydesdale%20Bank%20Ellon.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Commenting after the meeting, which was also attended by <b>Ellon and District Councillor Louise McAllister</b> and <b>Mid Formartine Councillor Jenny Nicol</b>, Richard Thomson MP said:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;"><i>“The closure announcements are obviously a blow to the communities concerned, and I was keen to explore with the bank what options had been considered prior to their announcement.
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“Chief among these was the practice adopted by Santander and Nationwide of maintaining a branch presence but reducing the counter opening hours and having staff assist with call centre queries and internet banking whilst based at the branch.
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“I am also seeking an assurance about ATM provision in Ellon. While there are – currently – a number of free-to-use ATMs around the town, there is only one located in the town centre. Most of these are provided by US-based private companies, and there has been an alarming trend recently for other providers to introduce charges for withdrawing cash. Free cash withdrawals are important and would be greatly protected if Virgin Money could commit to maintaining an ATM in the town centre.”</i></div>
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Cllr Louise McAllister (SNP-Ellon and District) added:
<br /><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;"><i>“It’s so disappointing that the Ellon Branch has been earmarked for closure and a lot of customers will be inconvenienced by the move, whilst recognising that many have moved their banking online, which is part of the reason for the decline in branch usage.
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“I was keen to explore the support offered by Virgin Money with introductions, in person, to the Post Office if desired and the three digital education sessions scheduled to take place over the next few months. I look forward to being able to share the timetable for this as it unfolds.
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“I’m grateful to my colleague Richard Thomson MP for arranging this meeting and pressing the case for retention of a free-to-use cash machine in the town centre, and he has my full support in this.”</i></div>
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Cllr Jenny Nicol (SNP-Mid Formartine) said:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;"><i>“If these closures go ahead, then ensuring people know how they can access banking services at their Post Office will be vital. As someone who used to run a Post Office, I know that a lot of customers didn’t know how to access banking services there until after their bank had closed, and I was pleased to get an assurance from Virgin Money that they took this point on board.”</i></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32226060.post-811555872017162452023-07-28T11:44:00.012+01:002023-07-28T14:28:36.212+01:00Turriff Councillor and MP Meet with Virgin Money over Bank ClosuresA Turriff councillor is pushing for a Post Office BankHub to be opened in Turriff following a meeting with Virgin Money over its closure plans for the former Clydesdale Bank branch in the town.
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<b>Cllr Alastair Forsyth</b> met with Virgin Money bosses at a meeting arranged by <b>Gordon MP Richard Thomson</b>, primarily to discuss Ellon Branch but recognising the impact the proposed closure of Turriff will have on Gordon constituents, particularly customers of the now closed Huntly Branch of the bank.<div>
<br /><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglHXys-IRwJvTRJLqwM3Yv45JY-iIKRiWayOlq4dUU4htCNBusA5rOIB0UxhaPQHgeVMzxa-XjM9Bg0k3kRd759UE2Ojexly9gAGXRp8hnC6g6UiVkaQogDQeZzy2bIrUuzQ337a9RtrQeMwiIpd6jzB5SxYY-WvzzgZZ6hdnum1AWCmybCNxopQ/s2860/2023May%20MP%20Turriff%20MayDay2%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1996" data-original-width="2860" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglHXys-IRwJvTRJLqwM3Yv45JY-iIKRiWayOlq4dUU4htCNBusA5rOIB0UxhaPQHgeVMzxa-XjM9Bg0k3kRd759UE2Ojexly9gAGXRp8hnC6g6UiVkaQogDQeZzy2bIrUuzQ337a9RtrQeMwiIpd6jzB5SxYY-WvzzgZZ6hdnum1AWCmybCNxopQ/s320/2023May%20MP%20Turriff%20MayDay2%20(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div></i><br />Commenting, Cllr Alastair Forsyth (SNP-Turriff and District) said:<br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;"><i></i></div><i><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;">“Since being elected in 2017 I have had many conversations with banking executives and regional managers and the mainstream media about Turriff banks closing. I said in 2017 that I foresaw closures accelerating to a point where it was likely that Turriff could have no High Street Banking. Regrettably this may come to fruition much sooner that I could have imagined.
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“I have some serious concerns about the long-term future of the post offices in our towns. The Horizon scandal is not helping to inspire new entrants into the Post Office franchise.
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“As a former employee of RBS, I have some experience regarding the reasons banks are closing. I believe that the banking industry have not handled closures well and are being seen to quit the High Street and its customers in favour of shareholders.
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“Vacant banking premises are challenging and expensive to repurpose and I think it’s right that some consideration be given by departing banks to leaving a ‘legacy’ to the town, whatever form that might take.
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“I am seeking a commitment that Turriff will have the facilities of a Post Office BankHub if the proposed exit by the last of the big four banks goes ahead.”</div></i></div>
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Commenting after the meeting, which was also attended by <b>Ellon and District councillor Louise McAllister</b> and <b>Mid Formartine councillor Jenny Nicol</b>, Richard Thomson MP said:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;"><i>“Alastair made the point very strongly during the meeting that for the last one of the four high street banks to simply walk away from Turriff after well over 100 years in the community does a great disservice to Turriff.
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“He is absolutely right to press for an assessment of whether a shared BankHub is viable, as has been done in other communities, but also an organisation which made over £595million before tax last year surely has some obligation to leave something behind in the communities which have contributed to its success over many years.”</i></div><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32226060.post-87861970959272952092023-06-27T16:49:00.001+01:002023-06-28T09:00:17.660+01:00Local Councillor Comments on £330k Upgrade of Power Lines in Cruden Area<b>Aberdeenshire councillor for the Cruden area Stephen Smith</b> has welcomed today’s announcement by SSEN of a £330,000 upgrade to the power lines serving Cruden Bay, Hatton and Longhaven – which comes the day after another prolonged power outage which affected residents in those communities.
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The programme of works, which will boost network resilience and improve the security of supply to around 1,700 customers, will start on 10 July and run through to the end of August, and see teams working on over 100km of SSEN Distribution’s existing network, replacing poles, lines and equipment to ensure the infrastructure is in optimum condition.
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Commenting, Peterhead South and Cruden SNP councillor Stephen Smith said:
<br><br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;"><i>“Coming as it does just the day after the Cruden Bay, Hatton and Longhaven area suffered another prolonged power cut, this announcement from SSEN will be welcomed by local residents.
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“The area is in desperate need of having its power supply made more resilient so I’m glad that this investment is taking place and look forward to the works being completed over the summer.”</i></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32226060.post-53663555293892281842023-06-21T13:45:00.005+01:002023-06-28T09:05:09.093+01:00Peterhead Councillor Urges Carers to Apply for Short-Break Funding Before Monday<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8owAnacHTwCnWKPBtXL6YgWwLSw6JbWQKTNhT19sifBLwKhoyHsXihlbZlJ5kQUSJN_AqNGDXArc9fOBpkEjn9s-XuxG7xtoQJ5c4VEEAsGGAFPMcM0WNxXsUm0qA6teXRrS8GBqx6DDFTTtApgKVn0suX-jWLV3vncad26dF5WKxkl6cF3NuYQ/s4000/CE2022%20Leeann%20Portrait9%20%281%29.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; padding: 1em 5px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2672" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8owAnacHTwCnWKPBtXL6YgWwLSw6JbWQKTNhT19sifBLwKhoyHsXihlbZlJ5kQUSJN_AqNGDXArc9fOBpkEjn9s-XuxG7xtoQJ5c4VEEAsGGAFPMcM0WNxXsUm0qA6teXRrS8GBqx6DDFTTtApgKVn0suX-jWLV3vncad26dF5WKxkl6cF3NuYQ/s200/CE2022%20Leeann%20Portrait9%20%281%29.jpg" /></a></div><b>Peterhead North and Rattray SNP councillor Leeann McWhinnie</b> is urging carers of disabled children, young people and their families to ensure they get their application in for the ‘Take a Break’ grant scheme before the deadline of Monday 26 June.
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The scheme is managed by Family Fund, a highly-respected charity which supports families with disabled or seriously ill children or young people, and as well as its own grants, the charity is also keen to promote the ‘Take-a-Break’ scheme, which is funded by the Scottish Government, and provides grants to parent carers (unpaid carers and eligible kinship carers) of disabled children and young people, aged 0-20 who have complex additional support needs.
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Commenting, Cllr Leeann McWhinnie said:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;"><i>"Monday’s deadline is rapidly approaching and I’m urging all carers of disabled children, young people and their families who may be interested in getting a paid-for respite break to ensure they get their application in.
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"Take a Break is Scotland’s short breaks fund sponsored by the Scottish Government. Take a Break grants can be used for a break away, towards leisure activities or outings; sports equipment and much, much more. Take a Break can accept applications from parent carers and eligible kinship carers, of disabled children and young people, aged 0 to 20 who have complex additional support needs.
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"For more information please visit the Family Fund website at <a href="https://www.familyfund.org.uk/" target="_blank">https://www.familyfund.org.uk/</a>"</i></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32226060.post-73263061434350899312023-06-21T13:26:00.013+01:002023-06-28T08:51:10.919+01:00Stonehaven Councillor Welcomes Full Fibre Project's Completion<b>Stonehaven and Lower Deeside SNP councillor Dawn Black</b> has welcomed the completion of a major project funded by the Aberdeen City Region Deal to bring gigabit fibre connectivity to Stonehaven.
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The Full Fibre project was approved in 2018, and it was put in place to connect as many as 190+ corporate sites in the City Region Deal area to better, faster gigabit fibre technology. The investment was in dark fibre connectivity with gigabit speed capacity. With construction now complete, the focus is now on commercialising the network so operators can provide fibre to the premises services to residents and businesses within the region.
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Increasing the availability of this network, which stretches for some 275km and links six major locations (Aberdeen, Westhill, Stonehaven, Banchory, Inverurie and Ellon), connects 193 public sector buildings across local authorities and parts of the NHS estate, and is within reach of 44,000 homes and 1,700 business premises.
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The investment of £11.5m will open up opportunities for residents, businesses, and internet providers to help further strengthen the region's connectivity.
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Commenting on the completion of the project, which was part-funded by the Scottish Government, Cllr Dawn Black said:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;"><i>“I am very pleased to see the completion of the Full Fibre infrastructure project, which will give more residents, organisations, and businesses super-fast connectivity to enable them to connect and operate more efficiently and effectively in the years to come.”</i></div>
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Scottish Government Wellbeing Economy Secretary Neil Gray MSP said:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;"><i>“This project has connected hundreds of public sector sites to gigabit-capable, future-proofed digital connectivity and has enabled thousands of homes and businesses to access faster broadband.
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“The Scottish Government’s £5 million investment in improving the Aberdeen City region’s digital infrastructure is vital to its long-term economic future, making it a more attractive place to live and work. This will help create and grow businesses, attract business finance and enhance public services.”</i></div>
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The Aberdeen City Region Deal is the agreement between the UK Government and the Scottish Government with Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeenshire Council and Opportunity North East (ONE) as one delivery mechanism for the Region’s economic vision, which focuses on transformational investment supporting the evolution of the region's key sectors, sustainable business growth and creating green jobs for the future. The Deal stimulates diversification of the economy into new areas of activity and markets through programme areas of Innovation; Digital; Transport; and Inclusive Economic Growth.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32226060.post-13909890706990904902023-06-13T17:11:00.003+01:002023-06-28T09:04:48.956+01:00Broch Councillor Welcomes Plans for New Primary School<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZfcFD3RO7SnS-TCm6BIngiR4DqmNGm16EEjG8kkY2VUidY1dqg5QyI_VXwhi7qEvohEt_HMX2TB_cxq7PuKFW5UFuQxBsHoJNLZOq7CyBY2sIQqnMjIVaanxmnm80x-oimZSQDFlPQAC8-xOcOsFY_OC1QKzXuEgMlCouzFgvXJXCXmKdaPFQnA/s5987/CE2022%20Seamus%20Logan5.jpeg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; padding: 1em 5px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="5987" data-original-width="3696" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZfcFD3RO7SnS-TCm6BIngiR4DqmNGm16EEjG8kkY2VUidY1dqg5QyI_VXwhi7qEvohEt_HMX2TB_cxq7PuKFW5UFuQxBsHoJNLZOq7CyBY2sIQqnMjIVaanxmnm80x-oimZSQDFlPQAC8-xOcOsFY_OC1QKzXuEgMlCouzFgvXJXCXmKdaPFQnA/s200/CE2022%20Seamus%20Logan5.jpeg" /></a></div>At today’s Banff and Buchan Area Committee councillors were asked to comment on plans to close the existing Fraserburgh North School and St Andrews School on completion of a new school building and to continue education provision in a merged primary school located at the Fraserburgh Academy site. The proposals were positively received and commented upon by the Committee.
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<b>Councillor Seamus Logan (SNP: Fraserburgh and District)</b> welcomed the plans. Commenting, he said:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;"><i>“Despite the difficult times that we all face, it is great news for Fraserburgh that these plans are progressing. We all look forward to the development of a modern school for the town, one which bodes well for the future education of our children, and I hope that the proposed timetable for the new build can be delivered as planned.”</i></div>
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The proposed merger and new build plans will now be considered by the next meeting of the Council’s Education and Children’s Services committee in August.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32226060.post-9489576676751378772023-06-12T09:38:00.002+01:002023-06-28T09:04:04.229+01:00Peterhead Councillor Welcomes Improvements to Transport Interchange<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglVn8iauEkOP1JVgJ8NtdFD-H5kGU8k8_fTaGvY4kSX7bfUJZ6SI3PVdNNxRjUxZfhWB5v7pNVVEZLCJnpYsS8e7UFCa-CdVEqUcYNmM3vfyEMJlRVoVGNK83sRY5t2683hp986R-dhWm1oljoT89nKLQpJuVhwpKslEprkh12p--h87s3E2eNcQ/s4000/CE2022%20Leeann%20Portrait9%20%281%29.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; padding: 1em 5px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2672" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglVn8iauEkOP1JVgJ8NtdFD-H5kGU8k8_fTaGvY4kSX7bfUJZ6SI3PVdNNxRjUxZfhWB5v7pNVVEZLCJnpYsS8e7UFCa-CdVEqUcYNmM3vfyEMJlRVoVGNK83sRY5t2683hp986R-dhWm1oljoT89nKLQpJuVhwpKslEprkh12p--h87s3E2eNcQ/s200/CE2022%20Leeann%20Portrait9%20%281%29.jpg" /></a></div><b>Peterhead North and Rattray SNP councillor Leeann McWhinnie</b> has welcomed plans to improve the town’s transport interchange in a £250,000 programme of improvements.
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Opened in 2007, the facility continues to serve as an important entry point to the town centre with both local town bus services and longer distance services operating out of the interchange.
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Following recent concerns raised by members of the public and local councillors regarding the appearance of the site, including the condition of footpaths and heavy corrosion to bus shelters, Aberdeenshire Council will undertake improvements from June 19 through till the end of July, which are being fully funded by Nestrans.
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Works will include:
<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>General tidying, including painting, road-lining and landscaping </li><li>Repairs to barriers/bollards, including some replacements </li><li>Replacement bus shelters </li><li>Installation of benches and planters </li><li>Replacement cycle lockers
</li></ul><div>To enable works to be undertaken safely, the facility will remain closed throughout, and some parking restrictions will be in place to accommodate temporary bus-stopping arrangements being implemented by Stagecoach.
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Commenting, Cllr Leeann McWhinnie said:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;"><i>“This is good news as the current infrastructure there is in need of upgrading and a general refresh.
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“Bus users were very vocal in the years running up to the opening of the interchange in 2007 that Peterhead needed such a facility, and it’s important it’s maintained to a high standard and kept fit for purpose.”</i></div>
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Ewan Wallace, Head of Environment and Sustainability Services at Aberdeenshire Council added:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;"><i>“The new bus shelters will comprise the new Aberdeenshire high specification standard with sedum planting on each roof, solar-powered LED lighting and low energy battery powered e-paper Papercast displays to provide passenger information.
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“The solar-powered lighting uses modern battery storage methods to charge the batteries in the most efficient way resulting in green energy that provides greater light output with lower power requirements.”</i></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32226060.post-469929204471907202023-05-24T20:22:00.002+01:002023-05-24T22:05:20.970+01:00Seamus Logan Congratulates Fraserburgh Academy on Reaching Finals of Debating Competition<center><b>ONLY STATE SCHOOL IN UK TO WIN THROUGH TO FINAL OF ETHICS CUP</b></center>
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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.
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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.
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The team comprises Ryan Broadley, Ellie Busby, Kirsty Clark, Gary Dixon, Fidelia Ileledewa, and Mackenzie Morrison.
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Congratulating the school pupils on their achievement, <b>Cllr Seamus Logan (SNP-Fraserburgh and District)</b> said:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;"><i>"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."</i></div>
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Rector at Fraserburgh Academy Irene Sharp said:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;"><i>“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.
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“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.”</i> <div><br /></div><div>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.</div></div>
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Debates will include crackdowns on Airbnb, liver transplants for drinkers and the American politician George Santos.
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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.
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Mrs Sharp continued:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;"><i>“The matches were closely fought, and our team worked extremely hard against the other schools in our three matches.
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“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.
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“Points were awarded for clarity, structure, but also humility, and the ability to help the other team.”</i></div>
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She added:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;"><i>“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.”</i>
<br /><br /></div><div>The final takes place on Thursday (May 25) at St Andrew’s University.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32226060.post-53294787312301546002023-05-23T21:22:00.004+01:002023-05-24T09:05:17.578+01:00Broch Councillor Seamus Logan Calls for Investment in A952 Cortes-Toll of Birness Road<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_uAw8bvFZLk88QnBGMCQhH3vmGxvW0xFsbmdg6oNPWsptNZlUzhwSajZLQVlarJm-fl66gPx2Mwg5wpt5pezI_FDkPiCskijWK9Em_g6lvYGQdEQ24aU13wFDJ3z1fDBQWJcj6M4CLwZxQHaxn5msjxme05cxbS9fynxj2ANoCjmbl-zOgs/s800/CE2022%20Seamus%20Logan%20Council%20Portrait.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="5" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="571" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_uAw8bvFZLk88QnBGMCQhH3vmGxvW0xFsbmdg6oNPWsptNZlUzhwSajZLQVlarJm-fl66gPx2Mwg5wpt5pezI_FDkPiCskijWK9Em_g6lvYGQdEQ24aU13wFDJ3z1fDBQWJcj6M4CLwZxQHaxn5msjxme05cxbS9fynxj2ANoCjmbl-zOgs/s320/CE2022%20Seamus%20Logan%20Council%20Portrait.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><br />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 <b>Fraserburgh SNP councillor Seamus Logan</b>.
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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.
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Councillor Logan expressed serious concerns at the meeting and afterwards, commenting:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;"><i>“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.
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“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.
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“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.”</i></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32226060.post-20383132648139865862023-05-18T12:01:00.001+01:002023-05-18T14:07:43.843+01:00Local Councillor Geoff Crowson Welcomes Electric Vehicle Charging Points at Aden<b>Central Buchan SNP councillor Geoff Crowson</b> 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.
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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.
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The new system comprises two fast 22kW chargers and two standard 7kW chargers providing a total of eight charging points.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Commenting, Cllr Geoff Crowson said:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;"><i>“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.”</i></div>
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Aden Project Co-ordinator Neil Shirran added:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;"><i>“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.”</i></div>
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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.
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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.
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David Jackson, VisitScotland Regional Director, said:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;"><i>“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.
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“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.”</i></div>
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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.
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For more information on RTIF, please visit <a href="https://www.visitscotland.org/supporting-your-business/funding/rural-tourism-infrastructure-fund" target="_blank">https://www.visitscotland.org/supporting-your-business/funding/rural-tourism-infrastructure-fund.</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32226060.post-45439258621390148382023-05-11T14:05:00.011+01:002023-05-11T16:46:55.895+01:00Scottish Government Grant Funding for Longhaven Project Welcomed by Local CouncillorAberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee approved a recommendation to grant funding for improvements to the coastal path and access at Longhaven Cliffs nature reserve.
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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.<div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1DaIG9P9_VspWJ7OW7qszD3MnPsuqdkgmqCLkJdwV_s-JHzdJQqzpJqpSquI7raO95gt9t_-NU6L_aeVT773yqUM1ZwkSthHe9ExMuOYVRYid3kMC2iUulVoyUtahgr-T_RVfYC1LRxOM_eHvL7Wo6qa9zRJbW11b73BoQ9L7j80_bIOsI0/s1186/CE2022%20Stephen%20Smith%20Portrait.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; padding: 0em 10px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1179" data-original-width="1186" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1DaIG9P9_VspWJ7OW7qszD3MnPsuqdkgmqCLkJdwV_s-JHzdJQqzpJqpSquI7raO95gt9t_-NU6L_aeVT773yqUM1ZwkSthHe9ExMuOYVRYid3kMC2iUulVoyUtahgr-T_RVfYC1LRxOM_eHvL7Wo6qa9zRJbW11b73BoQ9L7j80_bIOsI0/w200-h199/CE2022%20Stephen%20Smith%20Portrait.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Commenting, <b>Peterhead South and Cruden SNP councillor Stephen Smith</b>, who is a member of the Committee, said:<div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;"><i>“The coastal path between Cruden Bay and Longhaven is extremely popular and seems to be getting more so since lockdown.
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“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.”</i></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com