

Gordon Welcomes Increase In Support For Families Across Edinburgh
SNP MSP Gordon MacDonald has welcomed the package of measures announced today by the Scottish Government to provide immediate support and break the cycle of child poverty for people across Edinburgh. Shona Robison, the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Housing and Local Government, announced an increase of a further £5 to the 'game-changing' Scottish Child Payment - bringing the total payment to £25 per week per child at the end of the year, following the increase to £20


Gordon Urges Edinburgh Pentlands Smokers To "Quit Your Way"
Gordon Macdonald MSP has backed national No Smoking Day by urging Edinburgh Pentlands residents to consider giving up smoking to improve both mental and physical health. The MSP is supporting a campaign led by health charity, ASH Scotland, which is encouraging people to ‘Quit Your Way’ in ways which work best for individual circumstances by seeking advice and support from stop smoking services, community pharmacies or the national Quit Your Way Scotland service run by NHS 24.


NHS Lothian Employs 23,116 Staff – A 15.1% Increase Over Five Years
NHS Lothian has recorded record numbers of staff levels this year with 23,116 employed by the health board – a 15.1% increase over the past five years. Scotland wide, more than 155,000 staff have been hired, with increases in whole-time equivalent (WTE) staff for ten consecutive years. Across NHS Lothian there has been a 4.3% increase in the past year in staffing levels and a 15.1 % increase in the past five years. Commenting, Edinburgh Pentlands MSP Gordon MacDonald said: “O