Alan Reid M.P. Writes for An Tirisdeach

admin — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 23:54:47 +0000

Water is one of life’s essentials which we tend to take for granted. It always comes as a shock when we turn on the tap and find the pipe is empty.
The recent disruption in the supply to 75 houses on Tiree showed that Scottish Water’s procedures for coping with a fault in the island’s water supply were not up to the job. I have written to their Chief Executive asking for an explanation of why the fault occurred and why their contingency plan wasn’t up to the job. I have asked them what their revised plans are should disruption to the island’s supply happen again in the future. I will let your readers know Scottish Water’s response.
My home is on the Cowal peninsula, so when the ferries go off, there is always an alternative route to connect the rest of the world to us. However, for islanders this is not the case and reliable ferry services are essential. The disruption to services at the end of May because of a mechanical failure on the Clansman highlighted the absence of back-up vessels. With an ageing CalMac fleet, there is clearly a risk that mechanical failures will become a more regular occurrence. Since the new agency Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL for short) took over responsibility from CalMac for commissioning new vessels, the ordering of new vessels seems to have dried up. I have written to Scottish Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson about this and urged the Scottish Government to invest in a modern fleet for CalMac.
Following concerns raised with me by fishermen about the siting of the planned offshore windfarms in prime fishing grounds, I wrote to the Crown Estate. I’ve received a reply from Ian Pritchard, their Head of Offshore Operations. In his reply, Mr Pritchard says that there is still to be a great deal of consultation and data gathering before any final decision is take and writes, “I would anticipate site boundary changes and/or mitigation measures to be adopted as a result.”
Two controversial proposals out for consultation are the Draft Crofting Reform Bill and the Council’s proposals for Care of Elderly. I would be interested in hearing people’s views on these or any other subjects.
I will be visiting Tiree later on in the summer as part of my annual constituency tour.
If anyone would like to see me during my visit, please contact my office.
I am always interested in hearing from constituents and can be contacted at my constituency office, 95 Alexandra Parade, Dunoon PA23 8AL, Tel 01369- 704840, Fax 01369-701212, email reida@parliament.uk
Alan Reid MP 20 July 2009

Scottish Youth Parliament

admin — Fri, 22 May 2009 02:04:12 +0000

YOUNG PEOPLE URGED TO STEP FORWARD FOR SCOTTISH YOUTH PARLIAMENT

Attention 14-25yr olds

Young people in Argyll & Bute are being urged to put their names forward for election to the Scottish Youth Parliament.

The two youngsters who are standing down said
“It’s a great opportunity to find new ways of making things better for young people”.

The role of a MSYP is to represent the views of other young people both locally and nationally. To be an MSYP, you must be aged between 14- 25yrs and live in Argyll & Bute. Argyll & Bute Council Leader Dick Walsh urged young people to put their names forward
“This is Scotland’s leading rural area, and it is vital that we have an effective voice at all levels. This is an excellent opportunity for any young people who want to make a difference.

A chance to have your voice heard as a representative for your generation. If you have any questions about what is involved in being an MSYP, EMAIL Argyll & Bute at youngscot@argyll-bute.gov.uk.

antirisdeach.com | The online version of the fortnightly newsletter from the Isle of Tiree » scotland

Alan Reid M.P. Writes for An Tirisdeach

Scottish Youth Parliament

YOUNG PEOPLE URGED TO STEP FORWARD FOR SCOTTISH YOUTH PARLIAMENT