Freedom of Information figures supplied by the Department for Work and Pensions have shown that Edinburgh has lost out on £4.1M because of Tory cuts to disability benefit.

The information – requested by investigative news outlet The Ferret – shows the number of people who have lost out on social security benefits following the change from Disability Living Allowance to Personal Independence Payments.

The Tory welfare cuts – taking a total of £56 million away from communities across Scotland – have hit the poorest people hardest, leaving vulnerable and disabled people across Edinburgh without enough money to live on.

Commenting SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon Macdonald, said, “It is absolutely devastating that Tory welfare cuts have taken £4.1 million out of our communities, in Edinburgh.

“This really hits home at how disastrous these cuts have been for people across Edinburgh – robbing our society and vulnerable people of the money they were entitled to until the Tories decided that they no longer were.

“It is shameful that those most in need of support in Scotland have lost over £56 million under this cruel Tory regime.

“While the Scottish Government is busy setting up a new social security agency with dignity and respect at its heart, figures such as these continue to emerge showing just how damaging Tory welfare cuts are for Edinburgh.

“Only with full powers over social security can Scotland treat all those in need of support with the respect they deserve, not the cruelty they face under a toxic Tory government.”

The NHS in Edinburgh and the Lothians is set to benefit from a share of a £50 million Scotland-wide investment to help deliver swift treatment and diagnostics.

Scotland already invests more per head of population than anywhere else in the UK. Tory-led England and Labour-led Wales continue to lag behind Scotland, including on A&E waiting times where Scotland has had the lowest waiting times for over 3 years.

This extra funding is part of a package of measures to help reduce waiting times – and which will also see two independent diagnostic leads appointed to improve co-ordination across the country on specialist tests.

Commenting, SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon Macdonald, said:

“The staff of Scotland’s NHS do a fantastic job day in day out. This funding boost will support a package of measures to help further improve performance across the Capital, including new independent experts being appointed to speed up diagnostic tests.

“The Scottish Government has already committed to invest an extra £2 billion above inflation by the end of this parliament – the highest funding offer of any party at the last election – and already invest more in our NHS per head of population than anywhere else in the UK, supporting frontline health services across Edinburgh. That’s one of the reasons why Scotland’s A&E’s continue to have the best performance of anywhere in the UK for the last 3 years.

“It is this type of continued action and determination that will help shape the treatment and care we need for the future”

Local MSP Gordon MacDonald has called on Tory Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson to reverse his predecessor’s proposals to close Redford Cavalry and Infantry Barracks by 2022.

Former Tory Defence Secretary Michael Fallon proposed eight military sites in Scotland as part of the Ministry of Defence’s drastic 20% cuts to Scotland’s defence estate, including Redford barracks, whilst committing to spend £205 billion renewing Trident.

A 2016 National Audit Office report found that the MoD’s proposed closures would not guarantee financial savings, concluding that the Ministry of Defence had increased costs over the long-term and risked the UK’s military capability by engaging in poorly planned cost cutting exercises and working from a confused long-term strategy.

SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald for Edinburgh Pentlands said:

“The Tories think they can do whatever they want to Scotland and get away with it – and that includes the massive cuts to Scotland’s defence footprint.

“It is little wonder a National Audit Office report concluded the MoD did not have a plan for the funding and delivery of an ‘optimised estate’ when vital investment is being taken away from Scotland’s conventional while hundreds of billions of pounds is committed to Trident nuclear weapons.

“Having raised the issue with MoD previously about the impact of the proposed closure of Redford Cavalry and Infantry Barracks – his department told me to write to Fife council. This shows a complete disregard for the jobs and communities in the south west of Edinburgh which depend on the bases.

“I want the Defence Secretary to reverse his predecessor’s unjustified and poorly planned decision to slash Scotland’s defence estate by 20% and end this damaging centralisation agenda that completely ignores the needs of Scotland.”

Photo: Gordon Macdonald at mobile bank, Currie Library.

A recent question by Gordon Macdonald MSP, on Wednesday 16 May, into banking provision by RBS has revealed that the Scottish Government believes the proposals to have “serious implications for disabled people”.

The Cabinet Secretary for Communities, Social Security and Equalities confirmed that she has raised the matter with the Equalities and Human Rights Commission to consider whether these implications breach the Equalities Act 2010, to ensure equality of access for people with disabilities.

Responding to questions raised by Gordon Macdonald, the Scottish Government minister, Angela Constance went on to say that the apparent inaccessibility of the mobile banking alternative was unacceptable and that this could mean that people with mobility issues “could, in effect, be excluded from conducting their financial affairs”.

Earlier this month, EHRC confirmed that it had already raised the issue with RBS and that it was high on their agenda. Other campaigners who have backed these efforts include Disability Equality Scotland (DES) and Scottish Rural Action.

Commenting SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon Macdonald, said:

“It’s reassuring that the Scottish Government share my concerns that the mobile banks which have been introduced in areas like my own constituency, Edinburgh Pentlands, do not provide disability access.

“RBS have a duty to ensure that people with mobility issues can access the same services, as those fully abled - this is, quite frankly, unacceptable and must be challenged.

“They have already taken away the day to day services, which has particularly hit the most vulnerable customers. And now, not only are these replacement mobile schemes a poor substitute for a real branch network, they also appear to be make it impossible for those services to be used by people with mobility difficulties.”

New figures show that the Scottish Government’s business rate relief scheme saved 8,291 businesses in Edinburgh a total of £638 million between 2009-10 and 2016-17.

Across Scotland, this scheme has saved taxpayers around £4.5 billion between 2009-10 and 2015-16 by reducing their rates liability and taking many firms out of business rates altogether.

And across the Scottish Capital, the latest figures show that 8,291 local firms benefitted from this flagship Scottish Government policy in 2016. This figure does not, however, include premises that qualified for the new 100% reliefs introduced, including Day Nursery Relief and the Business Growth Accelerator.

Commenting, Edinburgh Pentlands MSP, Gordon Macdonald, said, “The SNP is delivering the most competitive business rates relief package in the whole of the UK, saving businesses across Edinburgh £638 million over the last seven years. The Scottish Government are also set to spend an estimated record £720 million on rates relief across Scotland in this year alone.

“Since coming to office, the SNP Scottish Government has taken strong action to support business growth and jobs in our capital, helping to keep money in our neighbourhoods and boost our local economies.

“Only the SNP are taking the necessary action to help our local firms – and it is great to see 8,291 firms benefitting from rates relief in 2016, a figure that will likely rise with the new measures introduced in this year’s budget.”

Gordon Macdonald MSP has joined MS Society Scotland in their campaign to “Kiss Goodbye to MS”.

The campaign is encouraging people to give up their guilty pleasure this May to raise money for research into MS – with the MS Society driving research into more, and better, treatments.

With MS affecting more than 11,000 people in Scotland, causing problems with how we walk, move, see, think and feel, MS Society Scotland recently held an event in The Scottish Parliament to raise awareness of the important role research plays in the lives of people affected by MS.

MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands has pledged his support for MS Society Scotland’s “Kiss Goodbye to MS campaign”.

Commenting SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon Macdonald, said, “Everyone has their own guilty pleasure and I encourage everyone, that can, to free themselves of that guilt for a few weeks and get involved in the Kiss Goodbye to MS campaign.

“MS is an unpredictable condition that is different for everyone and the more research undertaken, the better our care and support will be.

“Kiss Goodbye to MS is about people coming together globally and supporting MS International Federation to accelerate the research into multiple sclerosis across the world.”

Morna Simpkins, Director for MS Society Scotland said, “By joining a global group of fundraisers and taking part in ‘Kiss Goodbye to MS’, your small sacrifice could help us find new treatments for people living with MS and their loved ones.

“For more than 11,000 people in Scotland, living with MS is a daily reality. This is why the MS Society is driving cutting-edge research into more – and better treatments to ultimately stop MS.”

Sign up on the MS Society website at https://signup.mssociety.org.uk/page/21227/data/1?locale=en-GB

Gordon Macdonald, MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, is encouraging local residents to share their views on the current civic square, located at the front of Westside Plaza, as part of Wester Hailes Community Trust’s Making Places: Westside Plaza project.

Community drop in sessions, funded by the Scottish Government’s Making Places initiative, will be held at Clovenstone Community Centre and WHALE Arts Centre, is supporting and encouraging everyone to actively contribute to the development of this community space. The sessions will allow local people to meet with the Wester Hailes Community Trust, partners in local organisations and the City of Edinburgh Council to voice their views on the civic square and what they would like to see to improve the area.

The end of these sessions will be marked with a charrette for local people to work with architects, planners and other relevant individuals to create a Local Place Plan for the future of the Plaza.

People can also contribute by using the Scottish Government Place Standard tool to give their opinions about the Westside Plaza Project online.

Commenting SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon Macdonald, said, “This is a brilliant way for people to have their views incorporated into the ongoing community-led design process. These views will be taken on board and used by Architects HarrisonStevens to create a master plan for the future of the plaza.

“The Plaza has the potential to become a focal point for the community where activities and events could take place – and that’s why it’s important that these processes are available and that the community have the opportunity to choose what works for them.

“Communities have the best local knowledge to consider how places should evolve and I encourage everyone to take part, either at a drop-in session or online, and have their say about what works best for them and the area.”

Notes: Scottish Government Place Standard tool: https://placestandard.scot/start/westside-plaza-civic-square Scottish Government announcement of Making Place Initiative, for Westside Plaza Civic Square: https://beta.gov.scot/news/designing-communities-2017-12-26

Creative projects in Edinburgh will benefit from over £40,000 as part of the Scottish Government’s aim to tackle inequalities experienced by Scotland’s young people, in the Year of Young People 2018.

Six arts projects throughout Edinburgh will receive funding as part of the CashBack for Creativity Open Fund, which has awarded a total of £252,000 to 32 projects across the country.

MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon Macdonald, joined the Justice Secretary, Michael Matheson, to hear the announcement on a visit to WHALE Arts - who, in partnership with Dance Ihayami, will be delivering one of the successful projects: Inspire Indian Dance Project, a project that will allow young people to participate in Indian dance, choreography, costume and set design and music activities.

The fund, which redistributes the proceeds of crime to benefit young people, offers a fantastic chance for young people to access a range of high-quality arts, screen and creative industries activities including film-making, fashion, design, arts and crafts, dance creations, music making and creative writing.

Commenting SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon Macdonald, said, “It’s great to see the Scottish Government investing in local creative projects, like the Inspire Indian Dance Project and The BIG Project in Broomhouse. It is so important for everyone to experience and explore these creative opportunities, at a young age.

“These projects have the ability to inspire our young people, put creativity at the heart of their personal, educational and career development, and allow them to shape their local communities.

“The funding allowing every young person, regardless of their background, access to these creative opportunities – projects that encourage them to think outside the box, problem solve, work as part of a team and learn vital communication skills that will give them the best chance possible to reach their full potential.”

Commenting Justice Secretary, Michael Matheson, said, “Today’s investment of £252,000 in 32 CashBack for Creativity projects underlines the Scottish Government’s commitment to tackling inequalities across Scotland by helping young people reach their full potential in life.

“Since 2008 we have committed £92 million to CashBack and other community programmes with £6.3 million invested in CashBack for Creativity initiatives. I am keen to ensure that such opportunities continue to be provided to help young people develop skills for the workplace, gain confidence and find employment.”

Commenting Laura Black, Arts Officer – CashBack for Creativity, Creative Scotland, said:

“The first round of the CashBack for Creativity Open Fund supported over 34 projects, providing access to hundreds of young people who are now producing, creating and exhibiting their own work. For many this is the first time they’ve been able to access creative opportunities.”

Edinburgh is next in line, alongside Stirling, to be transformed as part of CityFibre and Vodafone’s partnership to roll-out ultra-fast, Gigabit-capable full fibre broadband across the UK.

The announcement, which brings the total number of homes and businesses identified as part of the partnership to over half a million premises across seven cities, represents an investment by CityFibre of £110m in the cities.

With the full support of The City of Edinburgh Council, a detailed planning and construction programme is underway and will build on CityFibre’s existing Gigabit City networks in the city - which are already accelerating the digital capabilities of businesses and the public sector customers. Construction to homes and businesses across Edinburgh will begin this year, with CityFibre using modern build techniques to deploy the networks quickly and minimise disruption to residents.

Commenting SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon Macdonald, said, “This is great news for Edinburgh and reaffirms that the Scottish Government’s ambition for every home and business in Scotland to have access to superfast broadband by 2021 is working. It is a significant step towards ensuring that Edinburgh, and the entire of Scotland, has the digital infrastructure it needs to thrive in an increasingly digital economy – and also a real vote of confidence in the future of Scotland’s digital economy.

“Access to gigabit broadband speeds will help Edinburgh continue to attract and preserve innovative technology companies, whilst importantly benefiting thousands more Scottish homes.”

SNP MSP Gordon MacDonald has called on the UK Government to protect Edinburgh's skilled EU workers following the UK's departure from the European Union.

When questioned by the SNP MSP at Holyrood's Economy Committee, UK Business Secretary Greg Clark claimed that Brexit would not prevent talented people from coming to the UK, however the latest Office for National Statistics data shows that the number of EU citizens coming to the UK for work-related reasons has fallen over the last year.

Mr MacDonald says the UK Government must go further than giving EU citizens 5 year temporary permits and the right to apply for settlement - and provide clarity to those workers who have already made Scotland their home.

Commenting SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon Macdonald, said, "It is really concerning that the UK Business Secretary does not seem to share my concern that the Scottish economy and indeed Edinburgh's economy will suffer without vital EU workers.

"The latest ONS data shows that EU net migration to the UK has fallen as fewer EU citizens are arriving, especially those coming to look for work in the UK, and the number leaving has risen.

"This is on top of a litany of depressing examples of the Home Office denying visas for talented workers applying to work in Scotland's NHS and elsewhere in the Scottish economy.

"The Tories think they can do whatever they want to Scotland and get away with it – but we cannot let them risk jobs and the economy in Edinburgh all in the name of a reckless hard Brexit."

Links: -

Gordon in committee.

Statistics from ONS.

Gordon Macdonald, has hailed the news that the SNP Government has already exceeded its Programme for Government pledge to deliver fibre broadband to more than 95% of premises in Scotland as a “landmark achievement.” The Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband (DSSB) programme is being delivered through two projects – the first covering the Highlands and Islands and the second covering the rest of Scotland.

The project covering "the Rest of Scotland" is valued at £264 million and led by the Scottish Government with funding from BT Group, local authorities, the EU via the European Regional Development Fund as well as the UK Government through Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK).

Commenting SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon Macdonald, said, “It is a landmark achievement that we have already exceeded the SNP Programme for Government 2017-18 target of ensuring 95% of homes and businesses have access to fibre broadband.

“The DSSB project is the most ambitious fibre infrastructure programme in the whole of Europe that has already connected 890,000 premises in Scotland and without which, it is estimated only 66% of Scotland would be able to receive fibre broadband.

“Fast and reliable internet is fundamental for the future economic and social success of Edinburgh and the SNP Government is setting its sights even higher pledging to deliver access speeds of at least 30Mbps to 100% of premises in Scotland by the end of 2021. We will not rest until that final 5% of households are connected.”

Convener of the Scottish Parliament’s Cross Party Group on Independent Convenience Stores, Gordon Macdonald MSP, is encouraging Edinburgh residents to shop locally and support the 18,710 small businesses in the local economy.

The Scottish Government is committed to supporting businesses in Scotland, including retailers, providing the most competitive package of non-domestic rates reliefs anywhere in the UK in the 2018/19 budget. This includes the Small Business Bonus scheme that has already saved smaller firms £1.5bn, lifting 100,000 business premises out of rates altogether.

Commenting SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon Macdonald, said:

“Shopping locally is good for communities, good for the environment and great for the local economy, supporting 102,830 workers in Edinburgh in small businesses.

“Today’s market provides many new challenges for retailers, including the move to online shopping as well as Brexit-fuelled inflation and more expensive imports that translate into higher prices at the checkout. Brexit is the biggest threat facing the Scottish economy and the SNP will continue challenging the Tory government’s extreme Brexit plans and standing up for Scottish businesses and jobs.

“Given these challenges, wherever possible, we should all seek to support Edinburgh’s huge variety of brilliant independent, locally run businesses such as the Corner Café in Currie, Splash Bathrooms and Parkhead Bakers. Each small business offers something unique and special, and it is important that we support them and help our local economy to thrive in a market that is increasingly dominated by the big players.”

As the close date nears for applications for a new entrepreneurial support scheme, local MSP, Gordon Macdonald, is pushing the call to all ambitious talented entrepreneurs looking to start up a business in Scotland to apply to the new programme.

The £4M Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) Unlocking Ambition Enterprise Fellowship Programme, backed by the First Minister, will invest in 20 early-stage high-potential entrepreneurs with innovative projects – providing a dedicated mentor for each Fellow as well as access to professional, financial and entrepreneurial networks.

Commenting SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon Macdonald, said, “Scotland is rightly proud of our reputation as a nation of innovators, and this is a new and creative opportunity to support our young entrepreneurs, academics and researchers in reaching their potential - and presents the ideal start-up opportunity by supporting promising ideas with the necessary skillsets to build them into successful companies.

“This type of scheme shows the commitment, across the board, to support Scotland in becoming a world-leading entrepreneurial nation. It demonstrates the backing and support available for new ideas in Scotland - and I would encourage anyone from Scotland, the UK and from right across the world to submit ideas which have the potential to be.”

Edinburgh Pentlands MSP Gordon Macdonald has welcomed a range of Scottish Government proposals to tackle child poverty – including plans for a new income supplement, which will provide financial support to families who need it most.

Increasing family incomes and reducing living costs are prioritised in the Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan, which sets out how the Scottish Government will meet ambitious legal targets to tackle child poverty.

Actions include a new £12 million employment support fund will help parents in work progress their careers and support unemployed parents into work.

Other initiatives include a new national entitlement for the School Clothing Grant, to help with the costs of uniforms and sports kits, and new support for after-school and holiday childcare, helping parents work more flexibly and increase their incomes.

The report comes after independent analysis found that, if the Scottish Government did nothing, Tory welfare cuts would mean 38% of Scottish children would be in relative poverty by 2030/31.

Commenting SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon Macdonald, said, “In a country as prosperous as Scotland no child should have their chances limited by poverty.

“I’m delighted that this ambitious plan includes a range of actions to support families across Edinburgh with the cost of living and direct financial support.

“And the ambitious proposal for a new, targeted income supplement show that, when we have the power, the SNP take action to make Scotland a fairer, stronger country.

“Under Tory cuts, money being is taken from the pockets of low income families, pushing them into crisis, debt, and poverty, with our public services and emergency aid responding as best they can. That is why the SNP in government will take action to increase household incomes and reduce costs, supporting children and families here and now.”

Following last week’s week-long festival celebrating the leading role the capital has in the future of global data-driven innovation, Gordon Macdonald MSP asked the Scottish Government what steps were being taken to support Edinburgh’s ambition as the future Data Capital of Europe. It became apparent that although the Scottish Government are support the industry through structures like the City Deal, as a result of Brexit the future of Edinburgh’s ambition could be facing doubt.

Last week, experts from around the globe came to Edinburgh to see a showcase of Scotland’s world-class data science capabilities at the international science festival, DataFest18. However, this week, in a response to a question from Edinburgh Pentlands MSP, Gordon Macdonald, it was revealed that Brexit could create significant obstacles to those prospects.

The Minister for or Business, Innovation and Energy, Paul Wheelhouse MSP, said that it is vital that we are able to attract workers with the right skills and that ending access to the single market and freedom of movement is a “matter of great concern” that “will have a negative impact on our economy and our business”.

Commenting SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon Macdonald, said, “Edinburgh’s potential in data driven innovation is huge. Scotland already has impressive data infrastructure and skills, and is renowned as one of the leading data science landscapes in the world - with world class research taking place in our universities and a thriving data business sector.

“The industry should be playing a significant part in boosting our economy and we should be seizing the opportunity to become the data capital of Europe. However, due to the Tory government’s focus on dragging us out of the single market and customs union, data innovation is yet another industry being put at risk.”

Extra £52.5 Million To Support Local Health Services

A funding boost delivered by the Scottish Government for NHS Lothian will support frontline health care and help meet new demands across the Lothians, SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald has said.

NHS Lothian is set to receive an extra £52.5 million compared to last year – taking the total investment from the SNP Scottish Government for the year ahead to £1,384.3 million.

The commitment is part of a funding increase of over £400 million across Scotland – and NHS staff are also set to benefit from the ending of the public sector pay cap, boosting wages for hard working nurses, doctors, cleaners and clerical staff throughout the NHS.

Commenting, SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald said:

“The SNP in Government continues to deliver for our NHS in the Lothians.

“The extra £52.5 million will ensure that Scotland continues to have the best performing NHS across the UK – with lower waiting times and higher patient satisfaction.

“NHS Lothian having an extra £52.5 to play with in the coming year will be transformational for our communities – supporting frontline health care in the Lothians and helping us meet new demands and pressures across primary, community and social care, as well as in mental health.

“And this SNP Scottish Government budget also delivers a pay rise for workers in our NHS – the only part of the UK to make such a commitment, proving that when it comes to supporting workers in our NHS, only the SNP can be trusted.”

Scottish tourist attractions had more visitors than ever before in 2017 – with over 30 million visitors passing through their doors throughout the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology.

The latest figures from the Association of Scottish Visitors Attractions show 77% of visitor sites reporting an increase in the number of visits – helping support the local tourist economy across Edinburgh.

An increase in tourism has also helped create a booming accommodation market with a 13% increase of visitors staying in serviced accommodation and a 17% increase in self-catering in Edinburgh since last year.

Commenting, SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon Macdonald said:

“These latest figures are great to see – and show that Edinburgh and Scotland remain favourite destinations for tourists, with our world leading attractions seeing over 30 million visitors during the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology.

“The £4.6bn being spent on tourist day trips annually is a brilliant contribution to the Scottish economy that we should continue to encourage – while the increase in people staying overnight in our local hotels and guest houses boosts our local economy in Edinburgh.

“Tourists boost our restaurants, pubs and cafes by spending around £995 million on food and drink annually while visiting Scotland – and the whole tourist industry is worth over £6 billion to Scotland, supporting jobs and livelihoods across the town.

“It’s no surprise that visitor numbers continue to rise across Edinburgh and Scotland – attractions such as the Castle and our architecture and museums will always bring people from far and wide to this corner of the country, and these figures are something for all of us to celebrate.”

The full ASVA figures and list of attractions are available here.

Pay rise for public sector workers and lower taxes for 70% of Scots.

The Scottish Government’s budget protects low and middle income earners and delivers for public services and public sector workers, SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon Macdonald, has said as Stage 3 of the Budget (Scotland) (No.2) Bill is laid before the Scottish Parliament.

The budget delivers progressive reforms to Scotland’s income tax system, with modest increases on higher earners, while 70% of taxpayers will pay less than they did last year and 55% will pay less than the rest of the UK. Opinion polling found that Scots back the SNP’s tax plans by 2 to 1.

The Budget will also deliver an additional £400 million for the NHS, an expansion in childcare, more spending on broadband, extra funding for our police and fire services, and a pay rise for hard-working public sector employees.

Commenting, SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald said:

“This is a budget for a stronger economy and a fairer society – with increased funding for the NHS and protection for low and middle income earners.

“The Scottish Government is delivering lower income tax for 70% of Scots, with every worker earning less than £33,000 paying less in tax next year – while protecting public services across Edinburgh that we all hold dear.

“This budget brings an additional £400 million to NHS Scotland, delivers a pay rise for public sector workers, £756 million for affordable homes, additional funding for the arts and culture sector, a £4 billion investment in infrastructure, including in superfast broadband, as well as significant investments in research, education and childcare.

“In the face of massive Westminster cuts, ongoing Tory austerity and a damaging hard Brexit – this budget provides investment to seize the opportunities of tomorrow.”

The draft budget 2018/19 can be found here.

Further details can be found here.

City of Edinburgh Council will receive an extra £12 million funding under the revised budget proposals unveiled by Finance Secretary Derek Mackay.

The budget boost comes as the Scottish Government confirmed that local government will receive an above inflation increase in resource funding.

The SNP budget will give Scots the best deal in the UK – with investment in public services and a tax cut for lower earners.

Under the progressive tax reforms 70% of taxpayers will pay less than last year, while higher earners will face a modest increase.

These tax changes will allow the Scottish Government to increase health spending by £400 million to £13.6 billion, lift the public sector pay cap and provide a package of investment in the economy.

Commenting, SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald said:

“The draft budget shows that where Scotland has the power, the SNP will take a different, fairer approach – and give Scots the best deal in the UK.

“Thanks to the decisions made by the Scottish Government, local government funding is increasing by inflation and today Edinburgh Council have today been given an extra £12 million to spend on local services.

“That’s a good deal for taxpayers and for public services in Edinburgh – and is only possible because of the SNP’s progressive tax reforms, that are backed by the public by 2 to 1.

“In the face of massive Westminster cuts, the Scottish Government is using its powers progressively to invest in our schools and our hospitals – and in communities across Edinburgh.”

A Scottish Government fund aimed at boosting the attainment levels of the most deprived pupils is set to pay out £7.5 million to schools across Edinburgh next year.

More than 2,300 schools across Scotland are set to benefit from the funding – including 122 across Edinburgh. The significant investment gives money directly to headteachers, allowing them to spend the money on local initiatives that will close the poverty-related attainment gap.

Commenting, SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands said:

“The SNP has made closing the attainment gap our priority in this parliament – and the latest investment of £7.5 million in our schools and our children across Edinburgh is a key part of that.

“Every child should have the best possible start in life, no matter their background – and the role that schools play in giving children the support they need is absolutely vital.

“That is why it is right that this significant investment to close the poverty-related attainment gap goes straight to headteachers – giving those with the most intimate knowledge of their schools the ability to develop initiatives to benefit children across Edinburgh.

“And with 122 schools locally benefiting from this latest round of funding – following a similar significant investment last year – even more of our children are going to benefit from creative new initiatives that will help to tackle the attainment gap in our schools.”

Over 5 million now registered across Scotland – near double 2007 levels.

SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald has welcomed the latest figures that have shown NHS dentist registrations on the rise once again – with 785,433 people now registered across NHS Lothians and over 5 million registered across the country.

The national figure has nearly doubled since the SNP came to power in 2007 – after the previous Labour/Lib Dem administration oversaw a decline in registrations from just over 2.7 million in 2000 to just over 2.5 million in 2007, including over 40,000 fewer children registered.

The percentage of adults registered with a dentist in the Lothians has gone up from 89 % to over 90% during the last year, while the number of children registered has also risen, from 87 % to 89%.

Commenting, SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald said:

“The latest dental registration statistics show the continued progress the SNP Scottish Government is making in improving oral health in the Lothians and across Scotland.

“Since the SNP came to power in 2007, the number of people registered with a dentist has nearly doubled across Scotland, sitting at over 5 million, following years of decline under Labour and the Lib Dems.

“And with nearly 1 million children now registered with an NHS dentist, it is clear that we are building the right attitudes to improve oral health for the next generation as well.

“People across the NHS Lothians area are benefitting from this improvement, with 785,433 people now registered with a dentist, including 149,578 children.

“The new oral health improvement plan will show how we intend to keep this good work going, and ensure that people are not only registering with a dentist, but also getting regular check-ups.

“Our oral health is vital for our wider health and wellbeing – and it is great to see people taking steps to ensure that they are able to access an NHS dentist in communities across the Lothians and throughout Scotland.”

SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald is calling on constituents in Edinburgh Pentlands to contribute to the Scottish Government’s new consultation looking at the causes of social isolation and loneliness and how they can be addressed.

The consultation will run until 30 April and will thereafter feed into a new national strategy, one of the first in the world, to tackle loneliness and isolation. A national strategy to combat loneliness was a key ask of the Jo Cox Commission, which welcomed this announcement.

Views are also being sought on how communities can build on the work of the Scottish Government, and lead on ensuring those at risk of becoming lonely or isolated have access to the right support networks. Commenting, SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald for Edinburgh Pentlands said: -

“It’s important that voices from across Edinburgh Pentlands get involved in the Scottish Government’s consultation to help shape the new loneliness and isolation strategy, especially since each and every one of us has a role to play in reducing loneliness in Scotland.

“Dealing with loneliness and isolation can be incredibly difficult, and by reaching out to our neighbours or anyone we think may be at risk of becoming isolated or lonely – by taking them out, doing a good deed or simply having a chat – we can all have a hugely positive impact.

“Young or old - loneliness doesn’t discriminate and it is linked to both poor physical and mental health, and can have wide-ranging consequences on so many aspects of our lives.

“The SNP Government will be the first country in the UK and one of the first in the world to develop a national strategy to address loneliness and isolation, but this strategy needs our communities and society to lead the way in ensuring those at risk of loneliness get the support they need. I would encourage as many people as possible in Edinburgh Pentlands to have a say on this very important issue by contributing to the consultation.”

The Scottish Government’s consultation will run until 30 April: -

Latest figures from the Scottish Government have revealed that the transformative Baby Box policy has already benefitted 3,834 newborns across NHS Lothian since they were introduced last year – and over 22,000 across Scotland.

The Baby Box is a key part of the Scottish Government’s commitment to making Scotland the very best place in the world to grow up – and contains important items for parents and babies alike, such as baby clothes, a digital ear thermometer, a bath towel, a changing mat and books.

The box itself also doubles as a bed for a newborn, containing a mattress, mattress protector and fitted sheet – providing a safe and warm place for babies to sleep.

Commenting, SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon Macdonald said, “It is excellent to see so many families across the Lothians benefitting from the Baby Box.

“The Boxes are a really positive Scottish Government initiative providing parents with many of the essentials they need to care for their child.

“From thermometers to towels, changing mats to clothes – the boxes are a fantastic way of giving children in the Lothians the very best start in life.

“That 3,834 boxes have already been provided to parents across the Lothians, part of a total of over 22,000 across Scotland, shows how popular they are proving with parents in every corner of the country – and given how beneficial they are to parents and newborns, long may that continue.”

SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald has urged all eligible adults in Edinburgh Pentlands to take up the offer of a free flu vaccination.

Everyone aged 65 and over, pregnant women and people at most risk of serious illness are offered the flu vaccination on the NHS.

Flu rates in Scotland doubled in December with the most recent figures from Health Protection Scotland showing around 46 Scots in every 100,000 were suffering from the virus, comparing to 22 in every 100,000 for the same week in 2016.

Commenting, SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald said, “It’s not too late to get the flu jab – and if you’re eligible for vaccination on the NHS it’s important that you take that offer.

“Cases of flu were at double the rate in December as the previous year, and can be a serious illness that can make even healthy people very unwell.

“NHS staff in Edinburgh are doing a tremendous job at a tough time of year, and we should all do our bit to not add unnecessary pressure on the health service.

“If you’re eligible, please make getting the vaccination a priority and book an appointment with your GP practice or health board as soon as possible.”

Visit www.immunisationscotland.org.uk for more information.

The number of gym goers using City of Edinburgh council-owned fitness facilities has increased by 40% since 2007, new Freedom of Information data reveals.

There has been an overall 36% increase in the numbers using public fitness facilities since the 2014 Commonwealth Games, according to membership figures provided by gym providers across 22 Scottish local authorities.

Commenting, Gordon Macdonald, SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands said:

“It is fantastic that Edinburgh Leisure has seen a 40% increase in its membership since 2007 and a 10% increase since we hosted the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

“This rise in gym goers in Edinburgh is testament to the SNP Government’s commitment to investing at a school, community and national level to create a Scotland where people are more active more often.

“The SNP’s increasing investment not only in sport and fitness, but also in areas such as nursery education and childcare are helping to break down the barriers that prevent many people from increasing their levels of physical activity.

“As the country takes steps towards becoming the world’s first Daily Mile nation, and as we approach the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games as well as the Glasgow 2018 European Championships – I hope we can continue to inspire more Scots to make fitness a priority in 2018.”

In order to help promote online safety for families, Gordon Macdonald MSP, is helping to promote the Digital Parenting Magazine, produced by Vodafone and Parent Zone.

This edition has advice from teachers, parents, and online safety experts on subjects ranging from virtual reality to privacy settings on Snapchat, Facebook and other social media sites. There is also an updated guide to setting parental controls on apps and devices, as well as information on gaming and keeping kids safe while they play.

SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon Macdonald, has welcomed the news that that dental registrations across the Lothians have increased in the last year, following new statistics from ISD Scotland.

The number of adults registered with dentists in the Lothians is up to 667,052, climbing from 643,257 – part of a national rise from 3,880,815 in 2015/16 to 4,004,645 in 2016/17. The number of children registered across the Lothians also rose from 155,540 to 156,467 in the last year. The number of adults registered with an NHS dentist across Scotland is at 91.1%, up from 45.6% since the SNP came to power. The number of children registered has also increased from 66.6% under Labour to 94.1% under the SNP.

The total number of registered dental patients in Scotland is now at 4,975,850 – and the Scottish Government continues to take action to improve dental health across Scotland, including through the new Oral Health Improvement Plan and an investment of over £400 million in NHS dentists in the community. Gordon Macdonald has encouraged those who are not currently registered to sign up with their local dentist.

Commenting, SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon Macdonald, said:

“This is welcome news for Edinburgh and the Lothians and shows that efforts to increase the number of people receiving regular dental check-ups is paying off, with 667,052 adults and 156,467 children now registered across the Lothians.

“It is a huge boost to see more and more people using the excellent dental services that we have – and by doing so we are able to prevent potentially more damaging and costly treatments in future.

“Those that aren’t registered should sign up with their local dental practice to get the dental treatment now and in the years to come.

“The SNP has a strong record on dental and oral health – increasing the number of adults registered with an NHS dentist in Scotland from 45.6% under Labour to 91.1% now, and the number of children registered has grown by 27.5% under the SNP.

“Scottish Government funding and commitments have been a key driver of these improvements, which is why we now have nearly 5 million registered dental patients across the country. The new Oral Health Improvement Plan will only boost this further still.

“Programmes such as ChildSmile have proven effective in getting children the dental treatment that they need – and with more adults registering with practices across Scotland, the SNP is making sure there is plenty to smile about across Scotland.”

WEST EDINBURGH ACTIVE TRAVEL PROJECT SHARES IN £22 MILLION FUND

SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon MacDonald, has welcomed news that Edinburgh is set to be boosted by Scottish Government funding for the West Edinburgh Active Travel Network to support walking, running and cycling.

The funding is part of a £22.5 million grant for five projects across the country from Transport Scotland, being delivered through Sustrans Scotland – and it represents a massive boost to Edinburgh as the Scottish Government seeks to increase the number of people engaged in active travel through the Active Nation initiative.

The project proposes to transform the west of Edinburgh into a Dutch-inspired cycle and pedestrian friendly neighbourhood from Roseburn to Edinburgh Park – including access to Edinburgh Napier University, Heriot-Watt University, the Gyle shopping centre, new housing developments at East Craigs and Cammo, and existing communities of Stenhouse, Broomhouse, Saughton, Sighthill and Wester Hailes.

Commenting, SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon MacDonald, said, “This is very welcome news for Edinburgh and will undoubtedly help support local jobs and our local economy, as well as of course boosting efforts to get more people in Edinburgh involved in walking, running and cycling.

“This funding announcement will play a key role in getting people active across Edinburgh, helping to reduce air pollution caused by traffic while encouraging healthy lifestyles.

“And it follows the SNP Scottish Government’s announcement that the total active travel budget is to be doubled to £80 million as part of the Active Nation strategy.

“This project will help create a more integrated transport network in Edinburgh and beyond, supporting pedestrian routes from Roseburn to Edinburgh Park and benefitting communities such as Stenhouse, Broomhouse, Saughton, Sighthill, Wester Hailes, East Craigs and Cammo, as well as our world-class universities.

“Active travel is a vital part of the Scottish Government’s transport strategy – and the funding for the West Edinburgh Active Travel Network will be a great boost to people across Edinburgh as we seek to become a more active nation and society.”

SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald is encouraging bus users across Edinburgh Pentlands to get involved in two new public consultations that will help shape the future of bus services and smart ticketing in Scotland.

Transport Scotland will conduct a number of events and stakeholder workshops to encourage participation in these consultations before they close on 5th December.

Commenting, SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald said, “Millions of people across Scotland use buses every day.

“Transport Scotland’s two new consultations offer the public and stakeholders in Edinburgh an important opportunity to have their say on how best to improve Scotland’s bus services.

“In order to develop an effective, joined up, Scotland-wide smart ticketing and payment service, it is important that as many transport operators, public bodies and users as possible are consulted.”

The two consultation can be found below: -

1. Local Bus Services in Scotland – Improving the Framework for Delivery

2. The Future of Smart Ticketing

Please take the opportunity to let the Scottish Government know in order to shape the services you receive.

Latest statistics have revealed that NHS Scotland has again hit its four hour A&E target in June – with 95.5% of patients seen, admitted or discharged within four hours throughout the month.

The most recent data for NHS Scotland shows that 95.7% of patients in NHS Lothian’s emergency departments were seen, admitted or discharged within four hours in June – beating the 95% target and up from the 94% achieved in May.

Scottish hospitals have now had the best performing emergency departments in the UK for more than two years, according to the most recently available figures – and figures for NHS Lothian for the week ending 23rd July show that over 97.1% of patients were seen within four hours.

Commenting, SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald for Edinburgh Pentlands said, “Scotland has had the best performing emergency departments in the UK for more than two years – which is testament to the hard work of our NHS and social care workers.

“It is extremely encouraging that Emergency Departments in NHS Lothian are meeting the four hour waiting times target, with the latest figures published showing that 97.1% of patients are being seen within four hours – and the figures for June show that Scotland’s NHS is performing very strongly, with over 95% of patients across the country being seen within four hours throughout the month.

“We will always value the vital work done by our NHS staff – and we should always celebrate their success and continue to support their efforts.”

The most recent data for NHS Scotland reveals that 96.6% of patients in NHS Lothian’s emergency departments were seen, admitted or discharged within four hours – beating the 95% target.

Scottish hospitals have now had the best performing emergency departments in the UK for more than two years, according to the most recently available figures.

Commenting, SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald for Edinburgh Pentlands said, “Scotland has had the best performing emergency departments in the UK for more than two years – which is testament to the hard work of our NHS and social care workers.

“It is extremely encouraging that Emergency Departments in NHS Lothian are meeting the four hour waiting times target, with the latest figures published showing that 96.6% of patients are being seen within four hours.

“We will always value the vital work done by our NHS staff – and we should always celebrate their success and continue to support their efforts.”

Schools in Edinburgh will receive £800,000 in 2017/18 to help close the poverty-related attainment gap, the Scottish Government announced this week.

More than £45 million of dedicated funding will be provided to primary and secondary schools across Scotland in 2017/18 to help pupils from low-income backgrounds succeed at school.

The Scottish Attainment Challenge is providing £750 million during the course of this Parliament to tackle the poverty related attainment gap. It prioritises improvements in literacy, numeracy, health and wellbeing of children adversely affected by poverty in Scotland’s Primary and Secondary schools. This funding takes the Challenge Authorities and Schools Programme into its third successive year.

Nine local authorities and an additional 72 individual schools have been allocated funding from the Scottish Attainment Challenge, for education initiatives and projects targeting Scotland’s most deprived children.

Commenting, SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald said, “Improving the education and life chances of our children and young people is the defining mission of the SNP in government.

“The Scottish Government are providing £750 million during the course of this Parliament to tackle the poverty-related attainment gap – and schools in Edinburgh will benefit to the tune of £800,000 this year through our Attainment Challenge.

“This latest round of funding will ensure that schools where the need is greatest have substantial additional funding for the coming year to improve literacy, numeracy and health and well-being.

“I’m delighted that schools in Edinburgh are benefitting from this funding, which is targeted to improve the life chances of children and young people in Scotland.”

New GDP figures show that Scotland’s economy has grown 0.8% in the first quarter of 2017, four times the UK growth rate for the same quarter.

Production grew by 3.1%, accounting for most of the growth in Scotland, and the services industry grew by 0.3%.

Since 2007, productivity in Scotland – the key driver of economic performance - has grown by more than 7%. In the UK as a whole productivity growth has been close to zero (0.4%).

Commenting on the latest GDP figures, SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald for Edinburgh Pentlands said, “We are seeing an improving picture across Scotland – the economy is growing, the number of people in employment is rising and unemployment is at historic lows.

“Edinburgh has lots to be confident about. The SNP Scottish Government’s £6 billion infrastructure plan, £500 million Scottish Growth Scheme and record investment in Modern Apprenticeships and education will continue to support Edinburgh’s economy.

“However Brexit, and being removed from the world’s largest single market, poses the biggest threat to this progress and Scotland’s economy. A blind crusade towards a hard Brexit cliff edge could cost our economy around £11 billion a year by 2030 and result in 80,000 fewer jobs, and the fall in Sterling since the referendum is already pushing up prices and squeezing household incomes. This, accompanied by relentless Tory austerity, means we cannot be complacent.

“The SNP has a plan to grow our economy and we will continue to work hard to support it through difficult times ahead - determined to remain an open, European nation inside the world’s largest single market.”

TORIES MUST DELIVER ON PUBLIC SECTOR PAY

SNP MSP Gordon MacDonald is calling on the UK Government to stop flip-flopping on public sector pay and endorse the SNP’s policy to end the pay cap.

Finance Secretary Derek Mackay told the Scottish Parliament last week that the “time was up” for the annual 1% limit on public sector pay.

The SNP Scottish Government is now engaging with trade unions ahead of the next Scottish budget to discuss a future public sector pay policy that recognises both rising living costs and the need for sustainable public finances in order to ensure fairer pay for nurses, teachers and all public sector workers in Edinburgh.

SNP MSP Gordon MacDonald said, “The SNP Scottish Government has listened to independent pay recommendations - showing the many nurses, doctors and police officers and thousands more public sector workers in Edinburgh that their incredible service is valued and that they deserve pay that reflects real life circumstances.

“Indeed, showing public sector workers in Edinburgh how much we value their service is ever more pertinent as we face endless Brexit uncertainty that is driving inflation, forcing up living costs and intensifying recruitment problems - risking a Brexit brain drain.

“And with some public sector workers in Edinburgh still subject to UK wide pay policies - the Tories must act and act now to confirm that the pay cap will be scrapped.

“The clear message coming from Scotland to the Tory government is to end austerity, and end it now.“

Gordon Macdonald MSP recently hosted a “Blooming Great Tea Party” in his constituency office.

The event is part of a campaign by Marie Curie that encourages people to get together with family, friends, or colleagues to serve cakes and cuppas to raise funds for people living with a terminal illness.

Gordon commented, “We had many people from the community attend our event and raised nearly £200 in an afternoon. It is a simple and effective way to raise funds for a charity that provides a vital service. I would encourage people to host their own tea party”.

Marie Curie provide fundraising packs for anyone wishing throw a tea party. You can apply here:

The most recent data for NHS Scotland reveals 96.5% of patients in NHS Lothian’s emergency departments were seen, admitted or discharged within four hour – beating the 95% target.

Scottish hospitals have now had the best performing emergency departments in the UK for more than two years.

Commenting, SNP MSP Gordon MacDonald for Edinburgh Pentlands said:

“Scotland has had the best performing emergency departments in the UK for more than two years – which is testament to the hard work of our NHS and social care workers.

“It is extremely encouraging that Emergency Departments in NHS Lothian are frequently meeting the four hour waiting times target, with the latest figures published showing that 96.5% of patients are being seen within four hours.

“We will always value the vital work done by our NHS staff – and we should always celebrate their success and continue to support their efforts.”

SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald has welcomed the Scottish Government’s decision to introduce legislation for a soft opt-out system of organ and tissue donation, which was backed by 82% of those who contributed to their consultation.

The 14-week consultation looked at various ways to increase the number of people being referred to the donation services in Scotland.

Currently in Scotland, organ and/or tissue donation after a person’s death only occurs if they have given advance authorisation or if their nearest relative authorises on their behalf.

A soft opt out, or deemed authorisation system, means that a donation can go ahead if the person has not opted out or told their family they do not wish to donate.

Commenting Gordon Macdonald MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands said:

"Today's decision to legislate for a soft opt-out system is great news for our health service.

“With the amazing help of donors and their families, NHS Scotland has already made great progress, including a 34% increase in donors this past year alone. Scotland now has the highest donor rate in the UK.

"However, we can do better and moving to a soft opt-out system is a really important step towards further reducing the number of people in Edinburgh Pentlands waiting for transplants.

"We should always keep in mind the tragic circumstances that give rise to organ donation and forever appreciate the selfless acts of donors and their families that enable others to live. Organ and tissue donation saves lives and is one of the greatest gifts a person can give.”

Gordon Macdonald for Edinburgh Pentlands has welcomed the passage of the Limitation Childhood Abuse Scotland Bill in the Scottish Parliament.

The Bill, which will have retrospective effect, removes the three year time limit in which victims of childhood abuse can bring a civil action against their abuser – meaning that survivors can pursue justice later in life.

Commenting, SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald said:

“This Bill is a big step forward in ensuring that survivors of childhood abuse are able to access justice later in life.

“While bringing a civil action may not be the right solution for all survivors of child abuse, it is vital that survivors have the choice to come forward as and when they feel ready to do so.

“Those who have suffered abuse as a child may delay disclosing the trauma for a whole host of reasons, including a difficulty processing what has happened to them, feelings of shame, suppressed memories or indeed pressure from the abuser. And it’s important that they have the choice to take the time to come forward.

“While it remains the case that the courts will weigh up the available evidence in each individual case, these changes to the law will give survivors the all-important choice about what actions they can legally take to seek justice.”

Exhibition for Comments & Objections

Wednesday 7 June, 3:30pm-9:00pm, Balerno Community Centre

Developers Clarendon intend to build 60 houses on Green Belt land adjacent to the Glenbrook/Johnsburn junction.

This development, if it goes ahead, will set a precedent that will enable more houses to be built in the Green Belt land around Balerno.

Each new house will also likely put an additional car onto the already congested Lanark Road in the morning and put pressure on local services and schools.

Gordon Macdonald, MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, commented, “There will be an exhibition on the development on display at the Balerno Community Centre on Wednesday 7 June from 3.30pm to 9:00pm. You will be able to find out more about the development and submit comments to the developer. Local residents should attend in order to make their views known.”

Scotland’s Chief Nursing Officer has commissioned a review into widening access to nursing and midwifery education and careers.

The review will be led by Depute Principal of the University of West of Scotland, Professor Paul Martin CBE who will work with key stakeholders to identify best practice and current barriers to entering the professions, and to make recommendations to enhance accessibility to a wide range of aspiring nurses and midwives.

Health Secretary Shona Robison formally launched the review at Edinburgh Napier University’s Simulation and Clinical Skills Centre, where she met current students.

Ms Robison said, “Nurses have a vital role to play in achieving our vision for health and social care in Scotland and are at the heart of our NHS – it is important that we continue to maximise the opportunities to pursue careers in nursing and midwifery. The Scottish Government remains committed to free tuition fees and protecting the non-means tested, non-repayable nursing and midwifery student bursary – which we believe is essential to ensure a steady supply of trainees into the profession. This commission aims to maximise that investment.”

Gordon Macdonald MSP, MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, notes, “The final report will identify what obstacles there are to nursing and midwifery careers. The recommendations will cover actions to improve access to education and careers. The commission will form an important strand of the 2030 Nursing Vision that aims to shape the future of the nursing profession. Nursing and midwifery is at the heart of our health and social care provision.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced the creation of new doctoral economics scholarships at Heriot-Watt University’s Edinburgh Business School, and the development of Panmure House as a centre of economic and social thought and debate in Scotland, during her visit to Stanford University today.

Speaking alongside Dr Heather McGregor, the new Executive Dean of the Edinburgh Business School at Heriot-Watt University, Ms Sturgeon encouraged students from Stanford, one of the world's leading research and teaching institutions, to advance their studies by applying for a new PhD scholarship at Panmure House in Edinburgh.

Panmure House was the final home of Scottish economist Adam Smith, who wrote the “The Wealth of Nations”, published in 1776.

On the second day of her official visit to the United States, Ms Sturgeon said, “Heriot-Watt University’s Edinburgh Business School is in the process of restoring the home of Adam Smith. Panmure House will play host to the ideas of the Scottish enlightenment and play a part in renewing those ideas for the 21st century.

Dr Heather McGregor, the Executive Dean of Edinburgh Business School, Heriot-Watt University said, “These scholarships at the Edinburgh Business School provide a truly unique opportunity for our new doctoral students to follow in the footsteps of the great Scottish economist Adam Smith. Panmure House is set to be an inspiring place, a home for economic and social debate and the latest academic thinking. This doctoral opportunity for students from all over the world is a proud example of the international nature of our Business School.”

Local MSP, Gordon Macdonald, recently pledged his support for Scottish veterans with mental health conditions at the Scottish Parliament. The MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands met with employees from veterans’ mental health charity Combat Stress to hear more about their work to support veterans living in Scotland rebuild their lives.

Combat Stress is the UK’s leading mental health charity for veterans and provides free specialist clinical treatment to ex-servicemen and women across the UK with mental health problems. They provide a range of free services including short-stay clinical treatment, a specialist PTSD Intensive Treatment Programme, Occupational Therapy, Community support and a free 24-hour Helpline (0800 138 1619).

Gordon Macdonald MSP said, “Our veterans are an asset to Scotland and the work Combat Stress does to support veterans in Edinburgh Pentlands and across the country is invaluable. It is vital that all veterans have access to the specialist support that they need for conditions such as PTSD, depression and anxiety. We all owe a significant debt to those who have served in our armed forces, and we must work together to ensure that they have access to the support they need and deserve.”

Andy Smith, Combat Stress’s Regional Operations Manager, said, “With recent research showing that Scottish veterans face a greater risk of deprivation than the general public, it is vital that we encourage all ex-service personnel to access the support they need. The Scottish Government’s support for veterans, including the Scottish Veterans Fund, is welcome – the 71% increase in referrals that we experienced over the past five years illustrates the rising demand for our work.”

SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon Macdonald, has said that the will of Scotland’s parliament must be respected by the UK government – after MSPs backed the Scottish Government’s plans to hold a referendum on independence after the terms of Brexit have become clear.

Scotland voted overwhelmingly to remain in the EU last June, with 74.4% of voters in Edinburgh voting to Remain. Yesterday, the Scottish Parliament pledged its support to giving the people of Scotland the right to choose between either a damaging Tory hard Brexit or Scottish independence.

Commenting, SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald said, “The Scottish Parliament has voted in favour of holding an independence referendum, once the terms of Brexit are clear, to give people in Scotland a choice over their future. It is would be undemocratic, indefensible and completely unsustainable for the Tory government at Westminster to ignore the will of the Parliament and block a referendum.

“The Scottish Government has a cast-iron democratic mandate to bring forward a referendum on independence. The First Minister has set out a clear, fair timescale for a future vote – and it is up to the UK government to engage with the Scottish Government over this timing.

“The lack of respect afforded by the UK government to the Scottish Government’s compromise proposals sets a worrying precedent – and triggering Article 50 before securing the promised a UK-wide agreement proves that the Tory government has no interest in working with the other administrations across the UK.”

Children with additional support needs will have improved access to nursery education thanks to £2million announced by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon today.

The money will fund specialist training and equipment to ensure all nurseries offering the free early learning and childcare (ELC) entitlement are equipped to care for children with additional support needs.

Today’s announcement builds on the First Minister’s pledge last week that 8,000 existing and all additional childcare staff will be paid at least the Living Wage by the end of this Parliament and comes ahead of the announcement tomorrow (Thursday 23 March 2017) of the Scottish Government’s plans to deliver a doubling of free childcare over this parliament.

Announcing the funding while visiting Smile Childcare Early Years Centre in Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, the First Minister said, “Expanded provision must be delivered in a way that ensures equality of access for all children. We want our expansion plans for early learning and childcare to be built on a foundation of fairness and equity, whether that’s for the children benefiting, their carers or the staff delivering high quality learning. We know that there are a number of barriers which can prevent children with additional support needs from accessing early learning and childcare and this funding will help break down those barriers.

Local MSP, Gordon Macdonald, noted, “This will give providers the skills and equipment necessary to ensure that all children, regardless of need, can benefit from this massive expansion of early learning and childcare. In order to close the attainment gap, it is essential to intervene as early as possible in order to ensure children are given the best start in life and this funding will help to do that.”

Notes: -

The consultation on the ELC Blueprint for 2020 highlighted that some children with disabilities or additional support needs still face barriers in accessing their entitlement.

The Minister for Childcare and Early Years, Mark McDonald, will set out the full response to the ELC Blueprint for 2020 consultation in a Parliamentary statement on Thursday (March 23).

All three and four year olds and vulnerable two year olds in Scotland are currently entitled to 600 hours of free ELC. The expansion to 1140 hours by 2020 will be the most transformative infrastructure project of this Parliament.

The money announced today will see £0.5m provided each year for the next four years to set up an Early Learning and Childcare Inclusion Fund.

SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon Macdonald, has condemned the Tories for choosing to increase whisky duty in the recent Budget, which is set to harm distillers across the Lothians.

The tax on a bottle of whisky will now be 79%, and comes at a time when the Tory government is already threatening the whisky industry’s ability to export due to their plans for a damaging hard Brexit outside the single market.

Scotland’s distilleries have experienced a boom in recent years due to diversification beyond whisky and increased exports– Gordon Macdonald MSP has said that it is unacceptable to see Westminster attempting a cash grab on distilleries.

Commenting, SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon Macdonald said, “The Tory budget yesterday was deeply disappointing and is nothing more than an attempt to use Scotland’s whisky and distilling industry to plug the budgetary black hole caused by Tory austerity and the hard Brexit that is coming down the line.

“While the Scottish Government is making every effort to support our food and drink sector, the Tories at Westminster are determined to hit the industry ever harder with tax at a time when the industry is investing in the future – with excise duty on whisky now 21% higher than in 2010.

“Distilleries are vital to the local economy and create important jobs for our surrounding communities.

“To see the Tories put this under threat, firstly by increasing taxes on the sector yet again, and secondly by pursuing a damaging hard Brexit, is completely unacceptable and something that the SNP will fight at every opportunity.”

Analysis by the Scotch Whisky Association states: -

• Scotch in the UK is now taxed more than 80% higher than the EU spirits tax average.

• Scotch would face an extra £31 million excise bill in the UK on the basis of 2016 volumes.

• The tax burden on an average priced bottle of Scotch will now be nearly 80%.

• The excise duty on Scotch is now 21% higher than in 2010.

SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands has said that it is absolutely correct and appropriate for the people of Scotland to be offered a choice, once the options become clear, between a Tory hard Brexit and becoming an independent country, after the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed plans to seek parliamentary approval to begin discussions with the UK government to bring forward an independence vote.

Ahead of the UK government’s triggering of Article 50 and the beginning of the process of leaving the EU, the First Minister said that the Westminster government has been guilty of complete intransigence in the face of Scottish Government attempts to find a compromise – and has continually acted against the best interests of Scotland, not least by ruling out membership of the single market without consulting the Scottish Government.

SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald has said that it has become clear that the UK government has no intention of respecting Scotland’s 62% vote to remain in the EU and Edinburgh’s 74% vote to remain in the EU.

Commenting, SNP MSP for Gordon Macdonald said, “Throughout the entire Brexit process to date, the Scottish Government has been consistent in its pursuit of a compromise with the UK government, putting forward substantial proposals for Scotland to remain in the single market – yet the UK government has rejected these and is pursuing an ever harder line.

“It is within this context, with the UK government intent on pursuing a damaging hard Brexit and set to trigger Article 50 without communicating with the devolved governments, that it has become ever clearer that the people of Scotland must be offered a choice over our future.

“The SNP will always stand up for Scotland’s interests and we are intent on protecting Scotland’s place in the single market. The people of Scotland deserve to choose, once the terms of Brexit are clear and before it is too late to decide our own path, honouring the manifesto pledge that we were elected on last year.

“Scotland now stands at a crossroads, and we cannot drift along for two years hoping for the best. We face the real prospect of right-wing Tory governments until at least 2030 and being dragged out of the EU and Single Market with all the damage to our economy and society that will cause.”

SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands has said that it is absolutely correct and appropriate for the people of Scotland to be offered a choice, once the options become clear, between a Tory hard Brexit and becoming an independent country, after the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed plans to seek parliamentary approval to begin discussions with the UK government to bring forward an independence vote.

Ahead of the UK government’s triggering of Article 50 and the beginning of the process of leaving the EU, the First Minister said that the Westminster government has been guilty of complete intransigence in the face of Scottish Government attempts to find a compromise – and has continually acted against the best interests of Scotland, not least by ruling out membership of the single market without consulting the Scottish Government.

SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald has said that it has become clear that the UK government has no intention of respecting Scotland’s 62% vote to remain in the EU and Edinburgh’s 74% vote to remain in the EU.

Commenting, SNP MSP for Gordon Macdonald said, “Throughout the entire Brexit process to date, the Scottish Government has been consistent in its pursuit of a compromise with the UK government, putting forward substantial proposals for Scotland to remain in the single market – yet the UK government has rejected these and is pursuing an ever harder line.

“It is within this context, with the UK government intent on pursuing a damaging hard Brexit and set to trigger Article 50 without communicating with the devolved governments, that it has become ever clearer that the people of Scotland must be offered a choice over our future.

“The SNP will always stand up for Scotland’s interests and we are intent on protecting Scotland’s place in the single market. The people of Scotland deserve to choose, once the terms of Brexit are clear and before it is too late to decide our own path, honouring the manifesto pledge that we were elected on last year.

“Scotland now stands at a crossroads, and we cannot drift along for two years hoping for the best. We face the real prospect of right-wing Tory governments until at least 2030 and being dragged out of the EU and Single Market with all the damage to our economy and society that will cause.”

Gordon, as constituency MSP for the Marie Curie Hospice, Edinburgh, is supporting a call to “make every daffodil count” for Marie Curie as the terminal illness charity’s Great Daffodil Appeal gets underway.

The Great Daffodil Appeal is Marie Curie’s biggest annual fundraising campaign taking place throughout March. The charity is asking people to simply give a donation and wear a Marie Curie daffodil pin. All funds raised help Marie Curie Nurses be there for people living with a terminal illness in their own homes or at the charity’s two Scottish hospices in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Marie Curie Nurses work night and day in people’s homes across the UK, and hospices provide expert care round the clock. In 2015/16 in the Lothian area 440 patients were supported in 4,352 visits, including 2,616 fast track visits, from Marie Curie. In 2015/16 the Marie Curie Hospice, Edinburgh saw 425 inpatient admissions. 6,000 people will need palliative care in the Lothian area each year. Marie Curie continues to work with the new health and social care partnerships to ensure that palliative care services reach more people and everyone gets the care they need.

Gordon MacDonald MSP said, “Marie Curie nurses and volunteers provide sensitive and considerate care to those in need. Every day, they give hands-on assistance and vital emotional support to people in our community. This appeal is a great way people can show their support and give back to the organisation.”

Richard Meade, Marie Curie Head of Policy and Public Affairs Scotland said, “One in four people, around 11,000 in Scotland, miss out on the care they need and that’s not good enough. Join our biggest annual fundraising appeal and help us provide vital hands on care and emotional support to people living with a terminal illness, and their loved ones. Make every daffodil count by donating and wearing your daffodil pin.”

www.mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil or call 0800 304 7025. To donate £5, text DAFF to 70111*

*Texts cost £5 plus your standard network rate. 98% of your donation is received by Marie Curie

Gordon Macdonald, SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, has called on constituents across the area to claim the benefits that they are entitled to, following the launch of a Scottish Government awareness campaign.

Throughout Scotland, it was estimated that there were over 500,000 cases of individuals or families not claiming the tax credits and other main income-related benefits they were entitled to in 2014-15 – and the campaign seeks to correct this by raising awareness through a week of radio and press adverts.

Commenting, Gordon Macdonald said, “It is vitally important that families and individuals get the support that they are entitled to and the support that they need – and I encourage everyone across Edinburgh Pentlands to check what support that can receive through the social security system.

“The initiative has the backing of a number of key social security organisations, including Citizens Advice Scotland, One Parent Families Scotland and Age Scotland – and CAS are working closely with the Scottish Government in providing a dedicated web page that supplies all information on benefits and tax credits.

“People throughout the constituency might be missing out on a whole range of benefits that they are entitled too – causing their existing income to become increasingly stretched and leaving many in financial difficulty. By raising awareness that there is a whole range of benefits that people can claim, we can help to alleviate the difficulties that many people face on a day to day basis.

“I encourage all local people to use the resources available and to check what benefits that they are entitled to – and to make use of the services available through the Scottish Government and third sector to ensure that they aren’t missing out on financial support.

“The Scottish Government is committed to putting dignity and respect at the heart of social security policy in Scotland, and this campaign is a step in the right direction towards doing that.”

Notes:

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) provide GB or UK level estimates of take-up rates for pension credit, housing benefit, income-based JSA, income support and ESA, tax credits and child benefit.

For further information, visit: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland/benefits/

One Parent Families Scotland provides specialist information for single parents. Visit www.opfs.org.uk or call the freephone Lone Parent Helpline – 0808 801 0323.

Age Scotland can help older people check whether they are missing out on payments - contact their helpline on 0800 12 44 222.

The Scottish Government are consulting on changes to the planning system. This consultation ends on 4 April 2017. The proposed changes can be found here and the consultation can be found here.

Gordon Macdonald MSP noted, “Currently, developers have too great a say in where and when sites are built on. This consultation is an opportunity to create a planning system where local residents have a greater influence and the potential to share in the benefits.”

An independent panel who reviewed the system heard from communities, developers, professional planners and a wide range of organisations with an interest in planning. The panel set out clear recommendations for change.

Gordon continued, “Planning policy has a long-term impact on our communities — on our health, wellbeing, sense of identity, prosperity, environment, and more often than not, on the congestion on our roads. I have campaigned in many areas of Edinburgh Pentlands against wrongly-placed and ill-thought-out housing developments — many times successfully, sometimes not. With a more robust planning policy, protecting open spaces and the Green Belt would be a lot easier. I would urge you to participate in the consultation.”