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.

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.”

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.

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.”

Local Councillors Highlight Launch of New e-Bike Leisure Hire Scheme

Ellon and District SNP councillor Louise McAllister has highlighted a special event being held in Ellon this weekend giving local people the opportunity to try out new e-bikes which can be hired along a popular North-east leisure route.

Aberdeenshire Council and project partners are renting out 20 electric bikes for use along the Formartine & Buchan Way among other local routes.

The public is being invited to an official launch event to try out the e-bikes at Ellon Community Campus on Saturday 13 May from 12.00noon-3.00pm which will also feature Dr Bike, bike rides with the Aberdeenshire Bothy team, cycling merchandise and Love 2 Ride activities.

Peterhead North and Rattray SNP councillor Leeann McWhinnie has welcomed the scheme being rolled-out to Peterhead Leisure and Community Centre, where the e-bikes will be available to hire.

Under the initiative, the e-bikes will also be available to hire from Fraserburgh Community and Sports Centre, Ellon Community Campus, MACBI Mintlaw and Aden Country Park.

Although primarily intended for use on the old rail line, the e-bikes can also be used to visit other aspects of the North-east communities, with trip ideas suggested on the website www.ebikeaberdeenshire.co.uk

E-bikes are very similar to normal bicycles but have a small electric motor which can be utilised when the rider tires or encounters steeper inclines.

You can hire an e-bike in 2-hourly slots at a cost of just £6.60 per two hours, but first you must download the free mobile MOQO phone app from the App Store or Google Play Store.

Commenting, Ellon and District SNP councillor Louise McAllister said:

“I am delighted to see this fantastic opportunity coming to Ellon as the development of our cycle paths and active travel routes are encouraging more of us to get on our bikes.

“There is a great deal of interest in e-bikes which can enable and support and so, without having to commit fully, this will give us all the chance to come and ‘give-it-a-go’.”

Leeann McWhinnie, SNP councillor for Peterhead North and Rattray added:

“This initiative has so many benefits, from encouraging active healthy lifestyles, to increasing visitors’ usage of the Formartine and Buchan Way, to encouraging more people to give cycling a go.

“I’m sure if this scheme is successful it can be extended to other areas in the North-east as well and I very much welcome the inclusion of Peterhead.”

Turriff Councillor Welcomes Funding Award for Improvements at the Haughs

Turriff and District councillor Alastair Forsyth has welcomed the funding award of £72,274 for The Haughs Improved Access Project in the town.

The award is for Stage 1 of a long-term regeneration masterplan for The Haughs, designed to improve year-round access and connectivity across, to and from this key open space in Turriff. Considerable work has been undertaken to identify key improvement areas and engage with the community. This stage will address some of the underlying structural weaknesses of the area including enhanced lighting, accessibility improvements to the A947 underpass and shared path improvements.

Commenting, Turriff and District SNP councillor Alastair Forsyth said:

“I am delighted that The Haughs has attracted over £72,000 of funding for improvements.

“The community have been engaged for some time now to drive forward the ambitions of the town. The Haughs is the recreational hub for Turriff catering for all sorts of sport and leisure activity and this funding will reward the hard work by the community and the volunteers who help improve the safety and amenity of the area and make Turriff a good place to live and visit.”

Broch Councillor Welcomes 'Top-Up Tap' for Fraserburgh Beach

Fraserburgh and District SNP councillor Seamus Logan has welcomed the provision of the new ‘Top-Up Tap’ recently installed at Fraserburgh Beach.

Publicly-owned Scottish Water’s network of Top-Up Taps provides free, world-class drinking water at over 85 high-footfall community sites across the country, with the latest sites completed in Aberdeenshire located at Aden Country Park, Cruden Bay’s Harbour Street, and Fraserburgh Beach.

Commenting, Cllr Seamus Logan said:

“I’m delighted the top-up tap is now installed and ready for service.

“With 76% of people in Scotland carrying a refillable water bottle while they’re out and about, the taps are in demand and helps to make a significant dent in the number of single-use plastic bottles. 

“So far, Scottish Water’s Top-Up Taps have dispensed the volume of more than 3.5 million bottles of tap water.”

Scottish Water’s Corporate Affairs Officer, Sam Simpson, is a member of the team delivering Top-Up Taps across Scotland. He said:

“It’s heartening to see the response from communities as they welcome Top-Up Tap installations. Not only are they serving as great meeting spots for groups enjoying social and leisure time outdoors, it’s a great money-saving option as people can stay hydrated for free.”

Gillian Martin MSP Expresses Concern for Upcoming Cuts to Bus Services Across the North-East

Aberdeenshire East MSP Gillian Martin has raised her concern regarding Aberdeenshire Council’s forthcoming withdrawal of funding for some fixed route bus journeys, due to begin June 12.

Plans to cut bus services were announced after the council’s review of the supported bus network, in context of the reduction in the 2023/24 Revenue Budget allocation for supporting bus services – which was agreed by the council in early March.

Funding for 19 services/part services is being withdrawn. The number of users on a service over an agreed period was among the criteria used to evaluate which services were no longer viable.

The council will continue to spend more than £3.2million in the coming financial year to support or partly support 35 fixed routes and its A2B dial-a-bus services.

Councillor Geoff Crowson (SNP: Central Buchan) has been outspoken on the matter, and has said:

“Central Buchan no longer appears central but has an increasing feeling of isolation amongst villagers who rely on public transport. I am constantly receiving complaints about the service connecting New Pitsligo, Maud and New Deer to the towns and the proposed cuts will affect these already poorly served areas.

“The residents are already feeling Isolated and frustrated and we should be looking for ways to improve the service, not exacerbate the current situation. I will continue to try and find some resolution.”

A number of councillors have supported maintaining the current level of service, which Aberdeenshire East MSP Gillian Martin has responded to by saying:

“Free bus travel provided by the Scottish Government has been a major boost to our rural communities, helping people access education, healthcare, and leisure. But when the Conservative administration cut vital bus services, they are taking this freedom away from these groups – this is short sighted and damaging.

“The Scottish Government has funded free bus travel for Under 22s, over 60s, and people with disabilities. But what use is this help when bus services are cut? Aberdeenshire East residents living in our towns and villages, whether they’re in Hatton or Turriff, depend on express services to Aberdeen and Peterhead.”