SNP Announce Team for Huntly, Strathbogie and Howe of Alford

Local Commitment and Experience
Sitting Councillor Gwyneth Petrie has been selected by local SNP members to stand for re-election, alongside Kate Monahan, who currently works as a Constituency Support Manager for Stuart Donaldson MP, in Ward 14: Huntly, Strathbogie and Howe of Alford.

Kate lives with her large family and has a background in corporate communication, with a Post Graduate Degree in Political Communication.

Gwyneth lives with her partner and young son and has been a Councillor for Huntly, Strathbogie and Howe of Alford since a by-election in 2015. She currently works part-time as an Office Manager for Gillian Martin MSP and has a legal degree and diploma.

Commenting on Kate's selection, Stuart Donaldson, MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine said;

"It is fantastic that Kate has been selected as a candidate for Huntly, Strathbogie and Howe of Alford.

"Since working for me, Kate has been a tireless advocate for vulnerable individuals and families, and she is able to draw on her own considerable professional and personal experience to always try and secure the best outcome for constituents.

"She has worked closely with businesses and communities in an effort to secure better broadband services and boost the tourism potential of the area, and I am certain Kate will be a great representative for the people living throughout ward 14."

Commenting on Gwyneth's re-selection, Alex Salmond, MP for Gordon said:

"As the youngest elected member of Aberdeenshire Council, Gwyneth has brought a different perspective to the Chamber and ensures that the voices of the young people of Aberdeenshire are heard.

"Gwyneth has worked exceptionally hard since her election in 2015 and continues to be a strong advocate for Huntly and the surrounding areas. She has an excellent local knowledge and commitment to the ward and I fully endorse her candidacy."

Kate Monahan added:

"It is an honour to have been selected as one of the SNP candidates for Ward 14. Aberdeenshire is a great place to live and work, and I am proud to call it home.

"Working for the local MP, I have an in-depth understanding of the challenges and opportunities faces by businesses, families and communities throughout the Howe of Alford, and I am keen to stand up for schools, cares services and charities.

"I will work tirelessly to ensure that vital public services are protected and local businesses are supported."

Cllr Gwyneth Petrie said:

"I am delighted to be standing alongside Kate for election. I was born and brought up in Huntly, and Kate has an excellent understanding of the Alford area through her work. Together, we can be a strong and effective team representing the whole of Huntly, Strathbogie and Howe of Alford.

"Since being elected, I have worked with local people and groups to try and resolve a number of issues, including the recent influx of seagulls to Huntly, anti-social driving throughout the ward, and the condition and use of our local halls and community centres.

"It has been a privilege to represent the people of the area, and I very much hope to be re-elected on the 4th May."

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Alex Salmond Praises Local Fire Service

50 Firefighters Tackled the Blaze in Inverurie
Alex Salmond MP (Gordon) has praised the fire service for their hard work in tackling the blaze at Lethenty Mill in Inverurie.

Fire fighters were called out at 0440 hours this morning to Lethenty Mill to a well-developed fire which has caused significant damage as to the furniture shop, photo studio, car workshop, engineering workshop and flats.

Commenting Mr Salmond said:

"Terrible news coming from Inverurie today. However, I am relieved to hear that there are no casualties.

"My thanks go to the 50 firefighters who have been working tirelessly throughout the night and today at Lethenty Mill to control the blaze.

"I am very familiar with the Mill and the businesses there as I recently produced an audio book in the recording studio.

"A great loss to the local community and I hope it can be restored and businesses returned."

SNP Candidate for Aberdeenshire East, Gillian Martin added:

"This is devastating for the local businesses who are based at Lethenty Mill, all of whom are well known in the area and beyond.

“I'm relieved to hear that no-one has been injured and thank the fire service for their quick response."

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Cllr Joanna Strathdee – SNP Colleagues Pay Tribute to “Outstanding Community Servant”

Colleagues of Aberdeenshire Councillor Joanna Strathdee have been paying their tributes to “an outstanding public servant”, following the news that the SNP politician had passed away following a long illness.

Cllr Strathdee, who represented the Huntly, Strathbogie and Howe of Alford ward, died peacefully on Sunday afternoon surrounded by her family.

Cllr Strathdee, who grew up on her parents' farm in the Huntly area, was elected to represent the Huntly West ward on Aberdeenshire Council at the 1999 and 2003 elections, before being re-elected on to represent the multi-member Huntly, Strathbogie and Howe of Alford ward in 2007 and 2012.

A former SNP Group leader on Aberdeenshire Council, Cllr Strathdee was well known for her love of Harley-Davidson motorcycles and for her enjoyment of Scots music and culture. She also stood for election to the UK Parliament in her home seat of Gordon in 2005, as well as in Aberdeen North in 2010, where she came second.

Paying tribute, Gordon MP and former Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond said:

“Joanna was an exceptional councillor and an extraordinary human being.

“Totally dedicated to her beloved town of Huntly, she gave unstinting support to her community and party. I'm proud to say that Joanna was my proposer in the recent general election.

“This was a lady of courage and conviction and she will be missed by family, friends and colleagues to whom she was a constant source of inspiration.”

Aberdeenshire Council Co-Leader and SNP Group Leader Cllr Richard Thomson said:

“We are all heartbroken at the news. Joanna was a wise head and a much loved friend and colleague who was respected right across the council chamber. Above all else, she was an outstanding servant to her community and her constituents.

“Joanna battled bravely against her illness for many years but never allowed it to stop her carrying out her duties as a councillor or living her life to the full. The thoughts of all her colleagues in the SNP and in Aberdeenshire Council are with her family right now.”

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Salmond Welcomes Poll Advances as Local SNP Unveil New Team

First Minister and SNP MSP for Aberdeenshire East Alex Salmond has told a meeting of local party members that opinion across Scotland is swinging towards a 'Yes' vote in September's independence referendum.

Mr Salmond made his remarks as he chaired the Annual General Meeting of the Aberdeenshire East SNP Constituency Association in New Deer, where a new team of local office bearers was unveiled for the year ahead.

The group, which co-ordinates the party's local campaigning activity, will take forward the SNP contribution to the Yes Campaign in Scotland's independence referendum year.

Addressing the meeting, Mr Salmond highlighted recent opinion polling and told members that the “weight of campaigning across the country” being undertaken by 'Yes' activists was having a measurable impact on those polling figures.

“There's a clear direction of travel, month by month, poll by poll, reflected in these figures”, he said. “People's minds are changing because of the activity which is taking place on the ground. That's something which the 'No' campaign just can't match.”

Speaking afterwards, Constituency Association Vice-Convener, Mid-Formartine Councilor Allan Hendry, said that the local party was in excellent shape for what would be a historic year for Scotland.

“Over the past year, SNP members have been playing their part, together with members of other parties and people of no party political affiliation, in campaigning for a ‘Yes’ vote”, he said.

“In that time, we’ve taken the message to local people through leaflets, newspapers, by knocking on doors and through organising street stalls and holding public meetings. With similar activity taking place right across Scotland to bring more information to voters, it’s no surprise that the opinion poll gap is starting to narrow.

“Between now and September, we’ll be stepping up our local activity and taking the positive message of the ‘Yes’ campaign to as many people and places across Aberdeenshire East as we possibly can”, he continued. “I’d urge anyone who wants Scotland to be independent and a better and fairer place for future generations to live in to get in touch with us so that they too can play their part.”

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Portlethen Councillor Welcomes Jubilee Hall Funding Bosst

North Kincardine SNP councillor Alastair Bews has welcomed the announcement by First Minister Alex Salmond that Portlethen Jubilee Hall is to receive £60,000 in Scottish Government regeneration funding to help its refurbishment.

The hall, which was built by the community in 1890 to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee, is the subject of a local fundraising drive to restore it to its former glory, with work required to bring it up to standard for the 21st century.

Commenting, Cllr Bews said:

“This is tremendous news for the hall committee, who have been engaged in a lengthy period of fundraising for the Jubilee Hall. It’s a very welcome boost to their efforts.

“The Jubilee Hall is well-used and is a valued local facility. This funding will be a great help to get the hall back to its former glory.”

The First Minister said the range of activities for people of all ages carried out every day in the historic building showed the Jubilee Hall was “a vital focal point” of the Portlethen community and a valuable local resource that would now benefit from £60,000 from the Scottish Government’s housing and regeneration budget.

Mr Salmond made the announcement as the Scottish cabinet met in Portlethen before carrying out the second in a series of public discussion events designed to allow communities across Scotland to quiz ministers on Scotland’s Future – your guide to an independent Scotland.

First Minister Alex Salmond said:

“The Jubilee Hall is a fantastic and well used resource for the local community, run by an incredibly dedicated team of volunteers for the benefit of people of all ages in Portlethen.

“The range of classes and events that take place in the hall is impressive, from line dancing to Zumba; mother and baby groups to primary school gym lessons and a community café, every day is busy at the Jubilee Hall. It truly is a vital focal point in the Portlethen community, just as it was when it was first opened in 1890.

“I am therefore delighted to be able to announce that the impressive fundraising efforts which have so far raised thousands towards refurbishing this fantastic facility will be boosted with £60,000 in regeneration funding to help bring it back to its former glory.

“I hope that the new funding will enable the ambitious plans I know the trustees of this fabulous place have to come to fruition and allow the hall to serve the people of Portlethen for many more generations to come.”

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Salmond Welcomes Aberdeenshire Ranking for Quality of Life

The news that Aberdeenshire has topped the rankings of a new Bank of Scotland quality of life survey has been welcomed by Alex Salmond, MSP for Aberdeenshire East.

The survey assessed health, life expectancy, employment, school performance and climate and rated Aberdeenshire as the top place to live in Scotland for quality of life for the fourth time in the last seven years.

Commenting on the Bank of Scotland survey, Aberdeenshire East MSP, Alex Salmond said:

“This is a great news for Aberdeenshire, although we must not be complacent given the many issues that are currently facing our coastal towns and rural villages.

“Aberdeenshire benefits from excellent community spirit and empowerment. This is evident from local campaigns on health services at Pitmedden and Tarves, to the first community-owned and operated wind turbine of its kind on the Scottish mainland at Udny.

“Community participation in local amenities has also been a great success, as we have seen at Strichen Community Lake, and countless other examples across Aberdeenshire.

“People in Aberdeenshire are rightly proud of the communities they have built and which make the region such a fantastic place to live and I am sure they will be delighted that the quality of life in Aberdeenshire has again been recognised with this survey."

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Alex Salmond Becomes Scotland's Longest-Serving First Minister

TENURE MARKED BY RISING TRUST IN SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT

Congratulating Alex Salmond on becoming Scotland’s longest-serving First Minister, Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon pointed out that he has also become the longest serving government or parliamentary party leader anywhere in the UK.

During his time as First Minister, Mr Salmond has been up against 11 opposition leaders in the Scottish Parliament, there have been three UK Prime Ministers, and he has worked with four First Ministers from Wales and Northern Ireland.

Commenting, Ms Sturgeon said:

"The people of Scotland overwhelmingly trust the Scottish Government headed by Alex Salmond - 71 per cent trust the Scottish Government to act in Scotland's interests, up from 51 per cent under the previous Lab/Lib Executive in 2006, and compared to just 18% who trust the UK Government.

“In 2011, people in Scotland gave a remarkable vote of confidence in Alex Salmond’s leadership and the team, record and vision of the SNP - delivering an overall majority at Holyrood, and becoming the only First Minister to win two elections.

“It is this record of success that will help win a Yes vote in the referendum for an independent Scotland in autumn 2014. People in Scotland know what can be achieved with devolved powers in terms of free education, 1,000 more police officers, no prescription charges, and a record 25,000 Modern Apprenticeship places a year - and we believe that the case for Scotland to be governed equally well in all areas with the powers of independence will be unanswerable in 2014."

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AWPR Decision 'a just ruling' - FM

First Minister Alex Salmond today welcomed a Supreme Court ruling that will now allow the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR) to proceed as a “just ruling” for the north east that will bring in billions to the local economy and create 14,000 jobs.

Mr Salmond said it was now time to “crack on and deliver” the project after ministers won a legal battle with protesters against the AWPR with a unanimous rejection of their appeal by Supreme Court justices. The decision brings to an end to the legal challenges available to the protesters.

The First Minister visited Aker Solutions in Aberdeen to announce that the AWPR will now be brought together with the Balmedie to Tipperty road scheme as a single construction project under one NPD contract, ensuring best value for money for the public purse.

He confirmed that work on the extended project would begin immediately, with prior information notices to be issued this week and drilling works to commence on site next month. The project will go to tender early next year, with works now expected to be completed by spring 2018.

The construction contract will stipulate that all job opportunities must be advertised through local job centres and all sub contracts to be tendered must be advertised on the Public Contracts Scotland web portal. As with other major contracts, minimum requirements will be set for apprentices, graduate trainees and jobs, securing wider benefits for the local community.

Mr Salmond said:

“The decision by the Supreme Court is a just ruling for the north east of Scotland and an opportunity for Scotland that marks the end of five incredibly frustrating years for the vast majority of people who are behind this ambitious project.

“Over the next three decades, the AWPR and the Balmedie to Tipperty road schemes are expected to bring in an additional £6 billion to the local economy, creating around 14,000 new jobs. It is therefore crucial that we crack on and deliver these vital and frankly long overdue infrastructure projects.

“The minority who have held up the AWPR have had many days in court – not to mention a protracted public local inquiry – and they have lost on every occasion. Now that their challenge has come to an end, our focus is now to move on from these unwanted legal problems and make quick progress for the people of the north east – they have waited long enough.

“Work will now proceed apace, and I am delighted to announce that a prior information notice signalling the start of procurement for the project will be published in the coming days with investigative drilling set to begin on site next month. We anticipate that this long-awaited project will be underway in 2014 and complete by the spring of 2018.

“Quite clearly, these unwanted delays will result in a substantial increase in the overall cost of this project, but its value to the north east and wider Scottish economy is such that it must go ahead. Work will now begin to quantify the total project costs and we will update Parliament with revised figures as soon as possible.

“When it is finished, the AWPR/Balmedie-Tipperty project will bring economic, environmental and road safety benefits to the area as well as improving the integration of public transport and access to Aberdeen. The time for debate is over, let’s deliver a project for the people of the north east that will make us all proud.”

Matt Corbin, managing director of the subsea business within Aker Solutions, said:

“As one of the largest employers in the north-east of Scotland we have more than 2,300 people travelling to and from our offices in Dyce, Portlethen and the city centre. The AWPR will ensure better, faster and more efficient travel in the region.

“Not only by easing congestion in and around Aberdeen and improving road safety and access but by linking key locations such as outlying communities, the airport and major industrial areas, it will ensure the region’s economy can continue to flourish.”

Tom Smith, Chair of Aberdeen City and Shire Economic Future, added:

“At long last, the work to make this road a reality can begin in earnest. On completion, the north-east of Scotland which has continued to perform well despite the economic challenges, will be better served with fit-for-purpose infrastructure.

“Delivery of the local development plans and key projects such as Energetica, as well as hot-spots such as the Haudagain and Dyce Drive all hinge on the AWPR. We will now start to see major advances on these as the road gets underway.

“In addition to the recognised significant economic benefits, a better road infrastructure means greatly improved conditions for drivers, with a road built for the purpose of bypassing the centre of Aberdeen. This will lead to fewer accidents on the rural roads used as alternatives to the gridlocked A90 at peak times and beyond, as well as a reduction in fuel costs and journey times which have cost the economy millions in the intervening years.”

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First Minister Welcomes Support of "Job Creator"

Jim McColl

Welcoming the comments of Clyde Bowers Chief Executive Jim McColl in today’s Scotsman in which he offers his support for Scotland becoming independent First Minister Alex Salmond said:

“Jim McColl is one of Scotland’s most successful business figures and job creators, and his opinions are widely respected across the country.

“This is a hugely significant intervention in the debate on Scotland’s future and I welcome his comments, which will only help to persuade more people of the need for an independent Scotland with the economic tools we need to create jobs and prosperity.

“The contrast between the job creators like Jim McColl and the job destroying policies of George Osborne and his Tory colleagues could not be clearer.  The job creator is in support of an independent Scotland, the job destroyer is against it.

“Scotland needs no lessons from a Tory Chancellor whose failed economic strategy is thwarting recovery, jeopardising jobs and threatening livelihoods and family budgets across the country. And the more the Tories and the rest of the anti-independence parties continue to offer nothing to Scotland, the more people will be persuaded to vote Yes to independence.”

The full article by Jim McColl can be found at  http://www.scotsman.com/news/jim-mccoll-why-scotland-requires-the-levers-of-full-economic-control-1-2512107

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SNP Names Shadow Administration to Move Aberdeenshire Forward

SNP Aberdeenshire councillors met today (Monday) on the first day of the summer recess to agree their Shadow Council Administration team.

At May’s elections, the SNP emerged as the largest party in Aberdeenshire in terms of both votes and seats, with twice the number of councillors as the next largest party.  However, a Tory-led coalition of Liberals and Independents, backed by Labour, united to keep the SNP out of administration.

With such a wide-ranging coalition, the SNP Group in Aberdeenshire has decided to name a Shadow Administration to be ready to step in and take over the running of the council.

The key positions are:

SNP Group Leader & Shadow Leader of the Council	:	Cllr Hamish Vernal (Inverurie & District)
SNP Group Deputy Leader	:	Cllr Stephen Smith (Peterhead South & Cruden)
Chair of the Group	:	Cllr Jim Ingram (Central Buchan)
Finance spokesperson	:	Cllr Fergus Hood (East Garioch)
Infrastructure Services spokesperson	:	Cllr Rob Merson (Ellon & District)
Housing & Social Work spokesperson	:	Cllr Anne Allan (Peterhead North & Rattray)
Education, Leisure & Learning spokesperson	:	Cllr Jean Dick (Mearns)
Scrutiny & Audit spokesperson	:	Cllr Richard Thomson (Ellon & District)

Commenting, SNP Group Leader and Shadow Leader of the Council Cllr Hamish Vernal said:

“The SNP Group has spent some time taking stock of where we are and how we can best move Aberdeenshire forward in the interests of its residents.

“Clearly, at a time when frontline services are being cut, when classroom assistants are being removed and when sheltered housing warden cover is being reduced, it is simply unacceptable to suddenly find that the council has underspent to the tune of £20 million.

“That is money which has been taken from the taxpayer on the understanding that it would be used to finance exactly the sort of services which we have seen being cut.  This is just one example of where fresh thinking and a more thorough scrutiny of the council’s budget is required, but I fear we will not get that from the Tory-led coalition.

“The SNP Group is resolved to carry forward the manifesto which gained us 41% of the seats in this council and we will push for our common-sense proposals to be implemented.  Sometimes we will be successful, such as the Public Petitions Committee which we argued successfully for last week; sometimes our suggestions will get voted down, such as our plan for a Budget Monitoring Committee, but we will be an effective Administration-in-Waiting for the people of Aberdeenshire.”

Cllr Joanna Strathdee (Huntly, Strathbogie & Howe of Alford), who has led the SNP Group since the 2007 election, said:

“I’m immensely proud of having led the SNP Group to a position where we are now the biggest party in Aberdeenshire, both in terms of seats and votes.

“Obviously I remain disappointed that the SNP was prevented from forming the new administration but that’s politics and we remain in a strong position as the largest group by far on the council. 

“This is clearly an exciting time in the history of our nation and May’s election results demonstrate that people are willing to put their trust in the SNP to deliver for them at a local level, and I’ll be working hard to transform that into a vote for a positive future for Scotland at the forthcoming Referendum.”

Aberdeenshire East MSP Alex Salmond added:

“Joanna has led the council group in Aberdeenshire with great distinction over these past five years and the Party is extremely grateful to her for her hard work and dedication.

“I have great confidence in the abilities and expertise of Hamish Vernal and wish him great success in leading the largest party in Aberdeenshire.”  

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SNP win Scotland's Election With Over 429 Councillors

SNP DOUBLE LEAD OVER LABOUR - GAINED MORE SEATS THAN ANY OTHER PARTIES

SECURE FIRST MAJORITY COUNCILS AND LARGEST PARTY IN MORE COUNCILS

TALE OF TWO GOVERNMENTS – SNP WIN WHERE UK COALITION COLLAPSES
The SNP tonight won Scotland’s local elections with the party securing over 420 councillors and on course to double the lead over labour. Five years into government the SNP has also gained around 58 additional seats, outnumbering Labour gains in Scotland, with one ward in the Highlands still to declare.

The SNP has secured two overall majorities in Dundee and Angus, where it had none in 2007 and is the largest party in 10 local authorities across the country – up from 6 in 2007.

The SNP is the largest party in former Labour strongholds of North Ayrshire and East Ayrshire along with Stirling, Moray, Aberdeenshire, Perth and Kinross, Argyll and Bute and Highland.

In Midlothian, won by Labour in 2007, the SNP has drawn level with Labour and in Clackmannanshire voters have rewarded the SNP’s efforts since taking control in January by putting the party in the position to form a new administration.

The SNP won the most first preference votes in Dundee and Aberdeen, SNP representation increased by 6 seats in Edinburgh and by 5 in Glasgow with a swing from Labour to the SNP in first preferences across Glasgow . Labour failed to win a single extra seat in Glasgow.

Increased councillors were also secured in North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire, Fife, and the Borders as the SNP widened the gap with Labour

SNP councillors will now discuss the way forward for administrations across the country.

Welcoming the excellent results and continued growth in support for the SNP Scotland’s First Minister and SNP leader Alex Salmond said:

“With over 420 councillors, an increase of around 60 on 2007 and double the lead over Labour the SNP has won Scotland’s election.

“This is a great win for the SNP and for Scotland . Five years after backing the SNP for the first time Scotland continues to move forward with the only national party. That is a substantial achievement.

“This year the SNP has secured our first two overall majorities in Dundee and Angus and the SNP has become the largest political party in 10 local authorities, far more than in 2007. That is a major step forward for the SNP and for Scotland.

“In 2007 we were the largest party in only 7 authorities and held no majorities.

“The SNP has won seats from Labour, from the Lib Dems and from the Tories in all parts of Scotland, urban and rural. We set ourselves the target of securing more councillors and we have met that target with around 60 extra councillors.

“This is a tale of two governments. The Lib Dems and Tories have had a disastrous day, feeling the full force of the Scottish people who have rejected their damaging austerity agenda in favour of the SNP locally and nationally.

“And in Labour’s heartlands it is clear that Fortress Glasgow is no more. Labour’s campaign stalled in Glasgow with not a single extra seat while the SNP increased our number of councillors and pushed Labour to the wire in their heartland.

“This is a major success for the SNP, and I look forward to working with all councillors across the country to see Scotland take another step forward.”

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Alex Salmond Calls On Voters To Back Fairness For Families

ONLY THE SNP CAN BE TRUSTED WITH THE COUNCIL TAX FREEZE
On the last full day of campaigning ahead of the Local Government elections, SNP Leader Alex Salmond has called on voters to back the SNP and ensure that their council delivers the five year council tax freeze.

Whilst out campaigning in Edinburgh, Mr Salmond has said that freezing the council tax is central to the SNP's pledge to help families through tough financial times, and only the SNP has the track record and the cast-iron commitment to deliver this policy.

Mr Salmond pointed to Labour's multiple and inconsistent positions on the council tax freeze - together with their consistent track record of opposing it in the Scottish Parliament - and said that only SNP councils can be trusted to maintain the freeze until 2016.

Commenting, Mr Salmond said:

"Anyone out knocking doors in this election will know just how important the council tax freeze is to families. That's why SNP Councils have a cast-iron commitment to working with the Scottish Government so we can keep it in place right up until 2016.

"At a time when family budgets are being put under considerable strain through the Westminster government's handling of the economy, more than ever councils need to help keep money in people's pockets.

"I remember when I became First Minister, they said the freeze would never happen, then it would never last beyond the first year. Yet here we are committing to a freeze all the way until 2016, saving the average Band D household over £1200 in tough times.

"We have a track record on delivering the council tax freeze, and voters know that we are the only Party in this election with a cast-iron pledge that they can trust to be delivered.

"If you look at Labour, they've never liked the council tax freeze, and they've been all over the place on it. In fact, the only thing they've been consistent on is opposing it in the Scottish Parliament.

“SNP councils can be trusted to deliver the council tax freeze, just as they will deliver 600 hours of free and more flexible childcare, deliver a living wage for council employees and deliver investment in jobs and recovery.

"So I urge voters to back the SNP tomorrow for jobs, for family budgets and for a fairer Scotland.”

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SNP MSPs Welcome Progress On Inveramsay Improvements

Dennis Robertson MSP and Alex Salmond MSP have welcomed an announcement from Transport Scotland that the improvements at Inveramsay Bridge have moved a step closer to being delivered.

Following public consultation last October, the “road over rail river route” option has now been chosen to progress this key infrastructure upgrade.

A £5 million Scottish Government investment, announced in February as part of budget consequentials, will enable works to get underway on this multi-million pound scheme.

Dennis Robertson, MSP for Aberdeenshire West, said:

“I am pleased a design has now been selected to carry out these important improvements to the A96 bottleneck at the Inveramsay Bridge. I look forward to the completion of this work, which will allow my constituents, and those visiting my constituency, to do so without the delay at the traffic signals.

“This was recognised by the Scottish Government as a vital issue affecting those living and working in Aberdeenshire and, as such, they remain committed to delivering the improvements within this parliamentary term.

“After years of inaction from previous administrations, the SNP Government is making significant progress on this upgrade that will improve business links and promote economic growth in the area.

“The fact we are delivering on this important route in the face of huge Westminster cuts, is testament to our commitment to improving this stretch of road.

"The changes will benefit everyone, from individuals to businesses, and I am delighted that another step has been taken in this essential project.”

MSP for Aberdeenshire East, Alex Salmond, added:

“These vital works will see improved journey times and reduced congestion for commuters and businesses alike, and I am delighted that we are a step closer to seeing the upgrade take shape.

“After the well attended public consultation, the chosen option will bring increased safety, keep disruption on the current route to a minimum and also deliver the best value for the public purse.

“After years of inaction by the previous administration and after almost 30 years of Lib Dem representation in the constituency, the news that the improvements are due to get underway during this parliamentary term, subject to the completion of statutory processes, will be welcome news in the area.

“These much needed improvements are now being delivered as a result of the Scottish Government’s commitment to the project and everyone who uses the A96 to enter and leave my constituency will benefit from the smoother traffic flow and reduced journey times.”

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SNP Announce Team For Inverurie & District

FORMER DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION TO STAND FOR SNP

SNP members in Inverurie & District ward have reselected Councillor Bryan Stuart to stand in the Aberdeenshire Council elections on May 3^rd.

In a measure of how much support for the SNP has increased in recent years, the party will be putting up two candidates in the ward, hoping to get both of them elected.  Joining Bryan as part of a strong local team standing for election is Hamish Vernal.

Hamish is a former Director of Education & Recreation for Aberdeenshire Council, holding that position from 2000 to 2005.

Aberdeenshire East MSP Alex Salmond commented:

“Bryan Stuart has a reputation as an assiduous councillor who is not afraid to speak up on behalf of his constituents.

“Inverurie has been fortunate to have a hard-working councillor like Bryan as one of its representatives.

“I’m delighted that Hamish Vernal has joined our team of candidates for the Garioch, also standing in Inverurie.  Hamish brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge and will be an asset when, as we hope, the SNP takes over the running of the council from the Liberal Democrats, who have run out of steam after 17 years in power.”

Councillor Bryan Stuart said:

“It has been a privilege to represent Inverurie & District on Aberdeenshire Council since 2007, the first SNP councillor to do so.

“At this election, we have the opportunity to replace the current tired Liberal Democrat led administration with a new SNP administration which will bring fresh thinking to issues like parking charges, how we help our town centres survive and thrive, and how we make decision-making more local and more accountable.

“We are now facing the worst economic crisis many of us can remember and it is vital at this time we have a strong team working together in the council alongside the Scottish Government so that we continue to retain local services while letting people keep more of their own money, as happens with the council tax freeze.”

SNP candidate Hamish Vernal added:

“It’s an honour to be nominated and selected as an SNP candidate for Aberdeenshire Council. 

“I believe that Bryan Stuart and myself can be an effective team for Inverurie, delivering for the town as part of an effective SNP administration on the council.  There is a lot of work to be done for the town and I hope to get the opportunity to contribute.”

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BRYAN STUART - INVERURIE & DISTRICT WARD - 3^rd May 2012

Bryan Stuart was born and brought up in the Garioch, and had his secondary schooling at Inverurie Academy.

He attended Aberdeen and Heriot-Watt universities, and holds an honours degree in construction management.  Bryan has run a local timber engineering business started by his father in 1947 for almost thirty years.

Elected as the SNP councillor for Inverurie & District in 2007, Bryan currently serves on the Policy & Resources committee.

Bryan has worked closely with local MSP Alex Salmond to seek to get the best outcomes possible for the town and Aberdeenshire.

HAMISH VERNAL - INVERURIE & DISTRICT WARD - 3^rd May 2012

Hamish Vernal attended Paisley College and Durham University and holds a BSc and Post Graduate Certificate in Education.  He started work as a Geophysicist before entering teaching.

Hamish was a Secondary Maths teacher before moving to Primary teaching.  He was Head Teacher in four different schools from small rural school on the North-west coast to large urban one in Aberdeen over a period of 15 years.

Hamish held a variety of senior posts within Grampian Regional Council and Aberdeenshire Council and from 2000-2005 was Director of Education and Recreation.

Hamish now runs his own education company and is Chairman of Inverurie Events and is currently planning and fundraising to get Christmas lights in Inverurie for 2012.

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Local MSPs Welcome Commitment To Every North East Young Person

£30 MILLION INVESTMENT AND DEDICATED YOUTH EMPLOYMENT MINISTER WILL UNLEASH YOUNG POTENTIAL

Alex Salmond, MSP for Aberdeenshire East and Mark McDonald, MSP for North East Scotland, have welcomed the impact that the latest Scottish Government investment in young people will have in the North East.

The First Minister announced today (Thursday) that a dedicated Minister for Youth Employment will be established and an extra £30 million will be invested in helping Scotland's young people into training, work or education to secure a stronger workforce for the future.

Commenting, Aberdeenshire East MSP, Alex Salmond, said:

“No child in the North East, indeed no child in Scotland, should become an employment statistic at the age of 16 and the Scottish Government’s key commitment is to those young people who yearn to be productive.

“Young people in the North East have a huge amount to contribute to Scotland’s work force and to the North East economy and they hold a genuine desire to reach their full potential – this funding will help them to achieve these goals.

“We have already made an explicit commitment to our 16-19 year olds that if they aren't already in work, education or training they will be offered a place in learning or training through Opportunities for All. This announcement will build on that guarantee, showing our wholehearted commitment to making sure that no school leaver falls through the cracks.”

Mark McDonald MSP welcomed the move, adding:

“Every single young person should have the opportunity to make the most of their abilities and the Scottish Government’s ambitious pledge will make sure that no young person is overlooked.

“Scotland's youth employment rate is higher than the rest of the UK, but in these tough economic times there is no room for complacency and I welcome this bold move to ensure the staff base of the future.

“This announcement is a commitment to our young people, a commitment to Scotland’s economy and a commitment to the future of Scotland’s work force.”

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Salmond Welcomes Inveramsay Bridge Exhibition

Alex Salmond MSP today welcomed the Transport Scotland exhibition on proposals for removing the bottleneck at Inveramsay Bridge.

Commenting , Aberdeenshire East MSP, Alex Salmond said:

“I welcome this exhibition by Transport Scotland which allows the public to see the great progress being made towards solving this notorious traffic blockage.

“The plans show a great step forward in the process of remodelling the problematic stretch of the A96 and I hope the community will take this opportunity to discuss the proposals with Transport Scotland representatives and consulting engineers from URS Scott Wilson.

"After years of inaction by the previous Lib Dem/ Labour administration it has taken an SNP Government to see action on this bottleneck and it’s great to see the project moving forward."

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Salmond Welcomes North East Insulation Support

ABERDEENSHIRE TO BENEFIT FROM UNIVERSAL HOME INSULATION FUNDING

MSP for Aberdeenshire East, Alex Salmond, has today welcomed the announcement that the Scottish Government is to provide over £620,000 to help Aberdeenshire residents insulate their homes.

The move is timed to coincide with the Scottish Government’s winter preparedness programme, and will be rolled out in the coming months. The fund is aimed at reducing household bills, improving energy efficiency and reducing fuel poverty, as energy prices continue to rise in the North East.

Commenting on the cash boost for households, Mr Salmond said:

“Price hikes from fuel companies continue to threaten homes across Scotland with fuel poverty, which has no place in this energy-rich nation.

“We need to make sure we are as prepared as possible for winter when it comes, and this new funding boost for Aberdeenshire households will not only tackle fuel poverty this year, but will continue to drive down winter bills for years to come.

“Aberdeenshire Council successfully bid for the scheme and will administer the allocated fund. I encourage as many homes as possible to take up this opportunity.”

Notes:

1. Figures on allocations can be obtained from http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/Housing/warmhomes/uhis/areas  
2. Over the next year, the £12.5 million Universal Home Insulation Scheme (UHIS) will be administered by local authorities to offer a range of free home insulation measures to improve energy efficiency and reduce fuel poverty.

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Salmond Welcomes High Smoking Cessation In Grampian

Local MSP for Aberdeenshire East, Alex Salmond, has today welcomed figures which show over 20,000 people have attempted to quit smoking in the NHS Grampian area.

The figures, recorded since April 2008, show that the North East is one of the most eager regions in Scotland to quit smoking, with the Scottish Government’s target for smoking cessation smashed by 6.1%.

Commenting on the figures, Mr Salmond said:

“If there’s one thing someone can do to dramatically improve their health, it’s quit smoking. It is extremely encouraging to see that people in the Grampian area and across Scotland have recognised this and have helped to exceed the Scottish Government’s challenging targets.

“These figures are also a positive reflection on the support network in place for those who want to quit, specifically, the work of NHS Grampian, who have improved their capacity to respond to increased demand and to deliver these impressive results.

“Whilst we should welcome this news, we should also recognise that there is still great work to be done in tackling this habit. The Scottish Government has introduced tough new display regulations for cigarettes and tobacco, and will continue to think of new and innovative ways to encourage people to lead a smoke-free life.”

The figures can be viewed at:

http://www.scotpho.org.uk/home/Publications/scotphoreports/pub_scotphoreports.asp

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Salmond Welcomes Strichen School Success

Local Aberdeenshire East MSP, Alex Salmond, has today welcomed the announcement that Strichen School is to receive £7500 of 'Awards for All' funding.

The cash boost, which meets the organisation’s 'healthier communities' category, will be used to build an adventure trail for pupils. It is hoped the new facility will encourage local children to exercise regularly both in and out of school hours.

Commenting, Mr Salmond said:

"This is great news for the pupils at Strichen School and I am especially pleased to support this development in my home town.

“The Scottish Government is committed to promoting fitness and healthy lifestyles from an early age, and this new facility will do just that.

"It is extremely encouraging to see dedicated staff taking the initiative and working to improve their school. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their efforts on behalf of the community."

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Alex Salmond MSP Welcomes Plans For £100 million Business Park

DEVELOPMENT COULD BRING 2,000 JOBS

Plans for a £100million business park next to Aberdeen Airport that could create up to 2,000 jobs have been welcomed by First Minister and SNP MSP for Aberdeenshire East, Alex Salmond.

North-east business Ribnort unveiled the proposals for a 54-acre park at Dyce called ABZ which will feature a mixture of high specification office and industrial units.

The business park’s units, that will also boast a four star airport hotel, are anticipated to open for occupation from summer 2012.

Alex Salmond, MSP for Aberdeenshire East, said:

“This is fantastic news not only for Aberdeenshire but also for the whole of Scotland.

“The possible creation of 2,000 new jobs will boost the country’s job market and reinforces the SNP’s message that Scotland is an attractive place for people to invest their businesses in.

“Attracting and retaining the presence of major companies in the north-east is vital for making the economy flourish and I am delighted Ribnort, in conjunction with Aberdeen Airport, have announced this plan.

“And building a four star hotel will boost the region’s increasing reputation as a tourism destination.

“The SNP is committed to seeing Scotland’s cities flourish with investment in the economy, culture and tourism industry.

“This is why I support Ribnort’s new business park that will attract new companies and retain existing ones, while enhancing the airport’s already great reputation as the gateway for Scottish tourism.”

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