Politics - Aberdeen Voice

Aberdeen People’s Assembly: Sat 25th May

May 212013

With thanks to Doug Haywood.

The Aberdeen Radical Independence Campaign (RIC) will be holding a People’s Assembly in the Foyer from 1.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. on Saturday 25^th May.

This is a chance for people to come together, share ideas, ask questions and discuss the kind of Scotland that we want to build.

The event is free and speakers will include John Finnie MSP, Susan Archibald the Disability Rights Campaigner, Maggie Chapman a Green Party Councillor, Jill from Aberdeen Against Austerity and Euan Benzie from the local RIC group.

Aberdeen RIC was set up following the national Radical Independence Conference in November last year which agreed a Declaration that is explicit about what we need for the citizens of Scotland.

The UK is the 4^th most unequal country in the developed world. Alistair Darling, head of the NO campaign has said that Labour will cut “tougher and deeper” than Thatcher. No matter who is in power in Westminster, a fairer society will not be on their agenda and the worst of the austerity cuts are still to come.

A YES vote in 2014 is the first step towards a fairer Scotland. This is not just a campaign for independence but a campaign for a better Scotland which we believe can only begin with independence.

We are tired of complaining about Britain – it is time to talk about what Scotland can be.

Scotland can be a participative democracy.

Where no-one’s view is worth more because they have money.
Where financial interests don’t drown out the voices of the people.
Where decision-making belongs to the many and not just an elite.
Where communities are not told what they will be given but decide what they need.
Where our institutions are reformed to include the people in their governance.
Where the media is balanced, education creates active citizens and information is free to all.

Scotland can be a society of equality.

Where poverty is not accepted.
Where pay gaps are small and poverty wages are ended.
Where tax redistributes wealth.
Where no human attribute is a justification for discrimination and prejudice. Where human rights are universal.

Scotland can be a just economy.

Where profit never justifies damaging people and the environment.
Where essential industries are owned by all and not exploited by the few.
Where workers have the right to fair treatment and to defend themselves.
Where industrial democracy makes better businesses.
Where investment is for development, not for speculation.

Scotland can be a great welfare state.

Where the social contract is not between the state and the people but between the people themselves.
Where from cradle to grave society cares for all regardless.
Where delivering more and better social services is the national priority, not austerity.
Where the government of the people is never used to create private wealth.

Scotland can be a good neighbour.

Where we seek to work with nations around the world to resolve global inequality, climate change and conflict.
Where we never join international alliances for exploitation and war.
Where we work to reform and democratise multinational institutions.
Where we see our deeds, our national culture and our values as a message of hope.

Scotland can be a moral nation.

Where mutuality, cooperation and fellowship define our relationships.
Where we are good stewards of our country and hand it on to the next generation in a better state than we inherit it.
Where our values are not dominated by greed, selfishness and disregard for others but by patience, generosity, creativity, peacefulness and a determination to be better.

This is a Scotland which British politics has robbed from the Scottish people. We want it back!

Our future is unknown, which is good. Only in uncertainty can hope and possibility prosper.

We choose the chance to fight for a better Scotland; we reject the offer to endure more of the same indefinitely. We are socialists, feminists, trade unionists, greens. We are from the peace movement, from anti-poverty campaigns, from anti-racists groups. We are community activists, civil liberty campaigners, the equalities movement and more.

This is going to be a lively afternoon and we hope that as many people as possible will come to ask questions and contribute to the conversation.

The Aberdeen People’s Assembly is being held in:

The Foyer,
Marywell Centre,
Marywell Street,
Saturday 25^th May.
1.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m.

For more information check out our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/AberdeenRIC/ or telephone 07813 085896.

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Beacon Community Centre: What’s In A Name?

Community, Information No Responses »

May 172013

With thanks to Anne Florence.

The many changes that have taken place in the Beacon Community Centre over the past couple of years have left many in the Bucksburn community wondering if we still have a building to call our own.

The inclusion of our community centre in the 3Rs project left us with a refurbished building, but with a smaller programme of activities as many did not continue after the building re-opened and much of the time and space was given to Sport Aberdeen.

The management committee (the only four remaining) have been faced with meetings (across the present and last Administration) while the Council try to work out how volunteers can take the place of the community learning staff that they have effectively disbanded.

The Council also expect these groups to maintain their “lifelong learning” programme in centres across the city. The remaining committee would like to see the centre used for all the activities it served before – sports for all ages and abilities and crafts and learning for adults and children – but we do not have the time between us to put in the work that that would entail.

We have had a very constructive talk with Sport Aberdeen and were pleased to learn that they share our view that the centre should once again provide a wide range of activities. They are prepared to help that happen and, for our part, we have agreed to do all we can to find out what the community would like to see happening in their centre and help bring it about.

You can do that by e-mailing beaconcommcentre@gmail.com or by leaving a letter for the management committee at reception in the centre. Tell us what activities and groups you would like to see, or better still become a part of the local forum that will continue to have a role in the centre.

It is now called the Beacon Centre – it’s up to you to put the community back into it.

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Old Susannah’s Journal 120 – Portrait Of A Lady

Opinion, Satire and Humour 7 Responses »

May 132013

Voice’s Old Susannah takes a look over the past week’s events in the ‘Deen and beyond. By Suzanne Kelly.

Apologies for the late arrival of this service; it’s been a busy week.

John Aberdein, author of works including Strip the Willow, was in town, and I am pleased to have been able to spend some time with him.

We met at the May Day March, where a surprisingly large number of people attended.

You almost got a sense that people weren’t all that happy with the way central government is bringing us economic prosperity.

There were some interesting speeches on issues such as the bedroom tax, health assessments, inflation, loss of workers’ rights, forced employment, austerity, exploiting young workers, service cuts and closures, and other trivialities.

For some reason I could only see Labour councillors around.

I’d hoped some of our Conservative and LibDem councillors would be on hand to dispel the Labour propaganda; they could have for instance given back-up for the Department of Work & Pensions’ claim that one in four people on sickness benefit is fit for work. I’d have also appreciated their reassurances that everything is fine and that ‘we’re all in it together’.

I keep meaning to ask a ConDem councillor exactly what ‘it’ is that we’re all in together? Economic prosperity? Fair taxes and a fair society? A bed of roses? I’d love to ask for instance Councillor Gillian Owen what ‘it’ is, but alas! She’s not going to be communicating with me.

I could conceivably have done or written something upsetting, but I now have the anxiety of waiting until Christmas time to see whether or not she’ll be sending me a card.

Rather than only offering definitions this week, I thought a portrait of Councillor Owen might make a refreshing and pleasant change, together with some related timely terms.

Councillor Gillian Owen: (Proper noun; name of an elected official in Aberdeenshire)

Conservative Party Councillor for Ellon & District, Aberdeenshire Council. Chair of the Council’s Chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Scrutiny and Audit Committee

Councillor Gillian Owen is a multitalented woman, serving her ward and its constituents, overseeing the Scrutiny and Audit Committee, and, er. working at Snappy Snaps now and then.

Alas! I seem to have offended the lady; I’ve no idea how that could be. Some weeks ago, a number of Aberdeenshire residents gave me permission to write to their councillors on their behalf. Oddly enough, some residents don’t think their elected officials are taking them and their views seriously enough.

clearly she wanted me to call instead, as she sent her mobile number

When I wrote to councillors, some were slightly hostile; some were slightly helpful, and some simply didn’t write back to me or their constituents (they probably get so much fan mail that they don’t really have time to answer it all).

But Cllr Owen’s modest replies warmed my heart and the hearts of those voters who’d asked me to write to her in the first place.

When first contacted about her friend Donald Trump’s development and its slight tendency to occasionally deviate from the plan, she wrote:-

“As previously requested remove this email. I do not wish to receive emails from you.”

I did try to remove the email, but I didn’t have much luck. She said she didn’t want to receive emails from me; clearly she wanted me to call instead, as she sent her mobile number.

I thought I’d clarify why I was writing, and sent this:-

“Reminder Councillor: I am writing at the behest of your constituents – shall I tell them you do not want to hear from them? Thank you for clarifying//END”

To which Gillian Owing-Trump-A-Favour replied:-

‘NO I JUST WANT TO HEAR FROM THEM NOT YOU.’-

Which was rather thoughtful; full caps are so much easier for Old Susannah to read. Her constituents who’d asked me to write were touched by this warm exchange; no doubt these words deserve a wider audience.

Scrutiny and Audit Committee: (compound proper noun) A group within Aberdeenshire Council looking into issues including:-

“Residents and Employee Surveys;
“Internal and external audit reports;
” Issues raised by residents, local community groups and external organisations…”

Residents of course already know how deeply their councillors care about their concerns. It is reassuring Cllr Owen is at the helm, helping to decide what issues raised by residents will be scrutinised and audited.

As David Milne’s petition going before Holyrood on 14 May has nearly 19,000 signatories demanding a public inquiry into the handling of the post-approval developments at Trump Scotland, Gillian will doubtless prioritise this issue for her constituents. I’d ask her to confirm this myself, but she’s not going to answer.

If any readers living in the Shire would like her committee to look at issues of policing, security, environment, rights of access, adherence to the Outdoor Access Code and so on at the Menie Estate, she can be contacted at Cllr.G.Owen@aberdeenshire.gov.uk – just tell her Old Susannah sent you.

‘And what are the values of this committee?’ I practically hear people asking. They are:-

“Open, Transparent, Investigative, Deliberative, Evidence-based, Accountable, Responsive, Inclusive, Influencing, Flexible, Proactive, Non-partisan and Outward Looking.”

How important indeed it is to be open, transparent, accountable and responsive is reflected in so many things councillors do. As an aide to that transparency and openness, electors have the right to know more about their councillors. One way this noble aim is accomplished is via the Register of Interests.

Register of Interests: (compound noun) A detailed record, legally required, showing the outside interests (paid and unpaid), hospitality received and other activities of councillors so that any potential conflicts of interest can be identified and compromising situations avoided.

Codes of ethics and standards are hardly necessary for our elected officials; I for one am happy to take it on good faith that they are all working without any thought of reward other than their salaries and that they would not compromise themselves by taking inappropriate hospitality.

For instance First Minister Alex Salmond is still feeling the heat for meeting with Donald Trump while planning issues were being discussed. At least I guess he must have recorded the hospitality on his register of interests’ entry. Not doing so would be rather naughty indeed. I do get the feeling that any future dinners are somewhat unlikely.

“The Register is accurate as at today’s date [April 25 2013]” - an Aberdeenshire council employee confirmed to me recently. I had asked for clarification, as amazingly, Councillor Owen’s record did not show any remuneration, shares, election expenses, or gifts and hospitality.

Many are impressed by this saintly abstention from gifts and hospitality; it contrasts greatly with the record of old City councillor Kate Dean [Who she? Ed], who had managed to get to a heck of a lot of events indeed. No, our Councillor Owen is too busy to write to me or for any socialising or gift-getting. Canonisation cannot be far off.

Newsletter: (noun) A means, printed or electronic, of updating people on current events, news, etc.

One thing Councillor Owen does have time for is keeping us all updated on the latest news. Her newsletter can normally be found here (I have randomly chosen a lovely story link from the site):-

http://gillianowen.yourcllr.com/2012/07/11/gillian-visits-the-trump-international-golf-links/.

But alas! This newsletter website was down last night. Happily it is back up and running now, for I foresee an increased interest in it.

Just in case the site is not working when any Aberdeen Voice readers try to access it I’m certain that Cllr Owen-us-an-explanation will be more than happy for me to share this lovely photo, which I managed to save as a screenshot from her newsletter some time ago:-

It’s amazing what can happen when two world-class celebrities get together; I don’t know about you, but I simply adore this image.

This is text of the story in case it can’t be accessed on line for some reason:-

“I had the pleasure today to see at first had the new Trump International Golf Links at Menie. I must say it was a marvellous sight and a fantastic golf course. I have supported this development since it came before the Area committee five years ago and have always believed that it will provide the North East with a superb facility and a legacy which will grow and one day I hope will host The Open. Enjoy a couple of the photos that I took today!”

Thank you Gillian, we will enjoy the rest of those photos indeed. (I fear my odds of getting my copy of the Owen-Trump photograph signed are somewhat low; if any readers who are getting glossy prints made of this great picture autographed could ask for a spare signed copy one for me, I’d be most grateful. I might however just run down to Snappy Snaps to get some blow-ups made. I suppose Gillian got her copies made there; I wonder if there was an employee discount.)

Let’s hope it was a very very quick visit or our Councillor would have been tempted to have a coffee, tea, or meal – and as we know, the prices for a bite at the temporary clubhouse are slightly more expensive than a Big Mac Meal.

Obviously, any hospitality taken in July at the world’s greatest golf course would have shown up on the gifts register, particularly as Owen-Trump-A-Lunch seems likely to have voting power which could benefit her friend and ours, Donald. Again if anyone wanted to bring any issues to the attention of Cllr Owen for scrutiny, please see her email address above.

While I am at it, another useful website address just happens to be at hand; this is for Standards Commission Scotland http://www.standardscommissionscotland.org.uk/ . If you have for any reason any issues of potential conflict of interests, incomplete register of interest entries and so on, the Standards Commission might be a good website to visit.

Next week: A look at some recent Freedom of Information requests, and possibly some more on ethics, conflict of interest, gifts, hospitality and so on

PS: All the best to David Milne tomorrow as he attends Holyrood trying to get a much-needed public inquiry into the catalogue of disasters that ensued following planning permission going to Trump at Menie. At last count there were over 19,000 people wanting answers as to how the planners, councillors, police, environmental advisory group MEMAG, the countryside access officers and so on acted. Holyrood has to agree to this inquiry.

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PCS: Rolling Industrial Action From Monday 13.05.13

Aberdeen City, News No Responses »

May 112013

With thanks to Brian Carroll.

Following on from the action which Public and Commercial Services ( PCS ) members took on Budget day, 20 March 2013, and on Tax Return Day on 5 and 8 April 2013, PCS branches in the Scottish devolved sector will be taking part in a 3 day rolling programme of action from Monday 13 May until Wednesday 15 May.

The action will be taken as follows:-

Monday 13 May

Justice Sector (All day) Registers of Scotland (pm only)
Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (all day)
Registers of Scotland (pm only)
Scottish Courts Service (all day)
Scottish Prison Service (all day)

Tuesday 14 May

Registers of Scotland (am only) Culture Sector branches (pm only)
Creative Scotland (pm only)
Historic Scotland (pm only)
National Galleries of Scotland (pm only)
National Library of Scotland (pm only)
National Museums of Scotland (pm only)
Registers of Scotland (am only)
VisitScotland (pm only)

Wednesday 15 May

Culture Sector Branches (am only)
Scottish Government, Scottish Parliament and related public bodies (all day)
Architecture and Design Scotland – all day
Audit Scotland – all day
Creative Scotland – (am only)
Highlands and Islands Airports – all day
Highlands and Islands Enterprise – all day
Historic Scotland – (am only)
National Galleries of Scotland (am only)
National Library of Scotland (am only)
National Museums of Scotland (am only)
Risk Management Authority – all day
Scotland’s Commission for Children and Young People – all day
Scottish Enterprise – all day
Scottish Government – all day
Scottish Natural Heritage – all day
Scottish Parliament – all day
Scottish Public Services Ombudsman – all day
Skills Development Scotland – all day
Sportscotland – all day
Visit Scotland – (am only)

This covers a multitude of workplaces over different days. This Branch, Scottish Courts Branch, is part of the Justice Sector and will be taking action All Day Monday 13 May 2013 and Picket Lines will be in place in all major court locations from around 7am to 10am and members will be taking action in all courts.

This is action to defend our Pay, our Pensions, our T&C’s, jobs and services.

We are requesting that the Government enter into National Negotiation around these issues and for a fair settlement to be arrived at.

The Government Refuses to talk, so we are walking !

Massive Mayday March: Music, Munchies And Messages

Aberdeen City, Featured, Information 5 Responses »

May 092013

By Suzanne Kelly.

This year’s Mayday March in Aberdeen impressed everyone with a sizeable turnout.

Some 500 people marched down Union Street to the Castlegate, where speeches were delivered by Trade Union representatives, politicians, and local activists.

Unison, Aberdeen Trade Unions Council, UCATT, CWU, PCS, EIS, Aberdeen Against Austerity and campaign group ‘Save Bramble Brae School’ were among those represented.

Len Ironside, Barney Crockett, Willie Young, Dame Anne Begg and Lewis MacDonald were among the marchers, as was local writer John Aberdein.

It was hardly surprising the turnout was so high. Severe budget cuts, austerity measures, economic uncertainty, bizarre taxes (i.e. bedroom tax) and arcane health checks on benefit claimants imposed by the ruling Conservative-Liberal Democrat government (which is also creating tax loopholes for the wealthy): there was no shortage of reasons to march.

The speeches were arguably the most important part of the day.

Barney Crockett, Aberdeen City Council Leader welcomed everyone.

Dame Anne Begg spoke of many labour issues – there are those who want jobs and cannot find them; young people are being given low (if any) wages, people are forced to take jobs they are unsuited to in order to retain benefits, and people with special needs and different abilities have problems finding employers who are willing to make it easier for them to work.

As to ATOS and other companies giving such assessments, Anne commented that government health agents should be there to help us, not to make us feel ill.

Ian Tasker of STUC reminded all that the Conservatives had wanted to do away with the tradition of Mayday being a holiday and a celebration of workers completely; Cameron had feebly suggested moving this ancient, worldwide tradition to November – hardly a conducive time to get people together for marches and outdoor rallies.

Speakers highlighted virtually all of the issues facing workers at this time when wages are not increasing nearly enough to meet inflation and increasing (and increasingly bizarre and punitive) taxes.

Aberdeen Against Austerity members wrote a speech, delivered by member Jill. Jill went for a positive approach to the current situation; saying:-

“Everyone here cares enough to march down Union Street on a Saturday morning. What we need to do is harness this energy and focus it on dealing with the problem we face today.

“The problem is not corporate tax avoidance.

“The problem is not even the Con-Dem government.

“The problem is much bigger than that!

“The problem is that we live in a world where profit comes before people.

“A world where the price of a T-shirt is £5, but the cost is the lives of 500 Bangladeshi workers. The problem is that we live in a world where corporations have more power than half the countries. The problem is our whole capitalist system.

“So what can we do about it?

“First, we can change the way we think.

“We need to challenge the myth that austerity is the answer to the nation’s economic problems. Austerity measures are simply a deepening of the neo-liberal experiment that got us here in the first place. The drive to cut welfare and privatise our services is purely ideological- the free market economy loved so by Margaret Thatcher and expanded by Tony Blair.

“We must also challenge the current strategy of demonising benefit claimants and immigrants. It is a cynical ploy by the establishment to deflect criticism away from themselves…. Through small personal actions we can start to change the world:

“Sign an online petition. Write to your MP. Tell them you don’t want to pay to bail out banks just so that they can continue to make profits for their shareholders!

“Join a credit union. Boycott companies who do bad things. Better still, opt out of the consumer culture which exists only to fill the offshore bank accounts of people like Philip Green.

“If we look at the cost of an item in human and environmental terms we might start to say no to the automatic phone upgrade or yet another pair of cheap trainers made by a child on the other side of the world. We can change the way we think and take small personal actions but we can also join together and reclaim democracy. Then we can really start to make a change.”

The speeches concluded, and everyone was treated to a celebration in Union Terrace Gardens. Even the sun eventually showed up.

Children enjoyed face painting and comedy from Wildly Unprepared; all enjoyed food from Café 52, music from a variety of acts, and the Guarana Street Drummers, who had led the march.

Things are changing fast economically, socially and politically with amazing speed at present; it remains to be seen where will we be next year.

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Theatre Workshop Scotland: The Happy Lands – May 16th

Events, Featured, History, Information No Responses »

May 032013

With thanks to Helen Trew.

Described as, “remarkable, original and daring,” Robert Rae’s epic, sweeping portrait of a definitive moment in British history is a ground breaking work that casts the people of Fife at the heart of their own story, told in their own voices.

This work draws its audience into Britain’s only revolutionary action, the General Strike of 1926 – only seven years after the slaughter of the trenches, miners unions lead the country against savage austerity cuts handed to the nation by a Liberal/Conservative government.

Inspired by true stories from local families in Fife, The Happy Lands follows the journey of law abiding citizens who become law breakers in a heroic battle against the state.

The unique and strikingly audacious approach to making The Happy Lands is the first and foremost of its many virtues.

The genuine artistic excellence on display and the integrity that was maintained in the engagement of the ancestors of the mining community sets a new precedent for Scottish film making, and marks The Happy Lands as a unique work of significant artistic and international importance.

Rae’s film has been lauded for its exceptional production values and the outstanding and moving performances of the non-professional actors, particularly those of Kevin Clarke as Michael Brogan, and BAFTA Scotland nominee Joki Wallace as Dan Guthrie

The film taps into a strong spirit of Scottish nationalism, more prevalent now than at any other time in recent history as the world anticipates the landmark 2014 referendum on Scottish independence, falling on the 300th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn and in the official Year of Scottish Homecoming and provokes conversation about Scottish national identity and heritage.

The Happy Lands is currently on release in UK prior to it’s BBC Scotland broadcast.

The film premiered at Glasgow film Festival Feb 2013, had screenings in both Scottish and UK Parliaments, and was recently screened at the China National Film Museum in Beijing to invited audiences.

Comments on The Happy Lands include:

“A powerful account of miner’s’ struggles…the Film transports us back to the realties of 1926….we are swept up in their lives, both tragic and comic. We believe in it. It is a huge success….a superbly innovative way of story-telling.”

- The Morning Star

“A powerful new film…compelling, vivid performances…..a real story told by real working class people….authentic in a way that Hollywood stars never could be”

- Socialist Worker

“This is original and daring … this film is unique. It will become a shining beacon of hope. I’m still not sure that everyone appreciates just how significant this film is. It is the working class telling working class history.

“That is rare and valuable and stands up, head high, alongside any political film I ever helped make, or any I have seen. It will live forever.”

- Producer, Tony Garnett (Kes, Cathy Come Home)

“Overwhelming – it is marvelous cinema and so much more.”

- Tom Brown, Political commentator, columnist, broadcaster and author.

“… beautifully shot and very moving. The acting is excellent.”

- David Elliot, Director Arts, British Council, China

“Re The Happy Lands: this is a great day …for the Scottish Film Industry”

- Former Prime Minister, Rt Hon Gordon Brown MP

The Happy Lands, which is directed by Robert Rae and produced by Helen Trew, is a Theatre Workshop Scotland production, supported by Creative Scotland through The National Lottery, in association with BBC Scotland.

Showing at Belmont Picturehouse, Aberdeen on 16^th May, 2013.

To book, contact the Belmont Picturehouse, Aberdeen on 0871 902 5721
Our telephone lines are open from 9.30am – 8.30pm, seven days a week (call cost 10p a minute from a BT landline).

Further information can be found at:

www.thehappylands.com and
www.theatre-workshop.com

Committed To Life In The Faslane?

Community, Information No Responses »

Apr 292013

Ally Coutts and Jonathan Russell from Aberdeen and District CND urge sympathisers to get involved in Faslane Peace Camp.

With ridding Scotland of Trident weapons high on the political agenda, we are keen to encourage interested and committed people to become part of the Peace Camp community.

The Peace Camp is located close to the Faslane nuclear weapons base on the Clyde and although it’s been occupied for the past thirty years it’s currently facing closure.

This is despite the efforts of four young people who have worked hard to restore the Camp and build a community. These committed activists need others to join them if the Peace Camp is to remain open.

A meeting on the Camp’s future took place on 14 April and it was decided to defer the final decision for a month to see if interest could be drummed up.

To find out more about supporting the Peace Camp or living there, you can contact:

Ally Coutts via mobile 07961 454297 or e-mail faslane30@gmail.com
Julia on mobile 07448 040044 at the Peace Camp.

If you’re interested you can arrange a visit.

High Profile Scientist Launches Better Together Aberdeen

Aberdeen City, News 5 Responses »

Apr 262013

With thanks to Kathryn Russell.

Better Together Aberdeen, part of the pro-UK Better Together campaign, was launched yesterday, Thursday 25 April by Aberdeen’s own world-renowned scientist Professor Hugh Pennington at Aberdeen’s Park Inn Hotel.

This important event in the campaign for Scotland’s future featured North East MSPs and local business and community leaders.

Ahead of the meeting, Professor Pennington said,

“I am delighted to be launching the local Better Together group in Aberdeen. The meeting will be a chance for people to find out how they can get involved in the campaign for a strong Scotland in the UK.

Richard Baker MSP, Better Together Director, said,

“Now that we know the date of the referendum, Better Together are stepping up our campaign. The response we have been getting in Aberdeen has been fantastic; so many local people have expressed their support and wish to remain in the UK. This launch is a chance for local people to get involved in the campaign for a strong Scotland in the UK, regardless of campaigning experience.”

Daniel O’Malley, a youth member of Better Together Aberdeen, added,

“In September 2014 Scots will make the biggest political decision of our lives. Better Together Aberdeen will campaign hard to ensure that local people have the facts to make this decision. We’re looking forward to talking to residents about what separation would mean and signing up more local people to our campaign. Whether you’ve campaigned before or not; if you believe Scotland is stronger as a part of the UK – we need you.”

The event starts at 8pm.

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Youth Councillor Calls For Action After School Blaze

Aberdeen City, News No Responses »

Apr 262013

With thanks to Kenneth Watt.

After it was damaged by fire last weekend, local Youth Council spokesperson Kenneth Watt has called for urgent action being taken to restore the sensory garden at Hazlewood School in Aberdeen – a facility which one of his close family attends weekly.

Kenneth said:

“I have a very close family member who attends a Saturday club run by VSA at Hazlewood every weekend for disabled kids. This facility isn’t just a school, it is a lifeline to the most vulnerable children in our society.

“I am urging local politicians to do all in their ability to restore this garden which is close to the hearts of so many disabled children and their families.

“I am deeply saddened by this and am shocked that anyone would have the effrontery to commit such a crime.

“I know that the community as a whole shares my utter disgust at whoever did this. As reported recently, Aberdeen is home to some of the richest businessmen in the UK. The time is now for all to step in and give and do whatever they can to save this garden and stand up to this detestable, odious individual.

“Whoever did this needs to imagine being one of the pupils, overcoming immense challenges and unable to do some of the tasks many take for granted, turning up to school in the morning – one of few environments that they consider safe – to find that someone wanted and succeeded in destroying it.

“Just imagine how they would feel!

“My thoughts go to all at Hazlewood and I hope that we can have their garden restored as soon as possible.”

PCS Slams Court Closures

Aberdeen City, News No Responses »

Apr 222013

With thanks to Brian Carroll.

The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) have called on Justice minister Kenny McAskill to reject the recommendations of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) to close courts across Scotland as part of a cost cutting exercise.

The union, which represents staff in the courts service, has been actively campaigning for the retention of access to justice in the communities affected across Scotland, including a substantial response to the SCS consultation and evidence submitted to the Scottish Parliament.

Lynn Henderson, PCS Scottish Secretary said:

“The Scottish Courts Service and the minister claim that no one will lose their job because of these closures but some staff stand to lose substantial sums of money if their court closes.

“The Justice Secretary must ensure that the guarantee of no compulsory redundancy is met and that staff are not forced to give up their job if their court closes and their job is relocated.”

Brian Carroll, Secretary of the PCS Scottish Courts Branch said:

“The closure of 10 Sheriff Courts, the proposal to consolidate sheriff and jury trials and high court business will mean vast areas of the country will be left with no courts to deal with anything but minor criminal cases.

“This will affect not only the accused, but also witnesses, jurors and victims of crime. These proposals will also affect all those who wish to use the civil courts and who wish to apply for adoptions and commissary applications.

“We are extremely disappointed that Ministers appear to have accepted the recommendations made by the Scottish Courts Service without examining the full impact of the permanent removal of sheriff courts from communities across Scotland.

“It will mean staff and users of the courts will have to travel substantial distances to attend and will reduce the access to justice for all users.”

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