CACA Junior Youth Club

I recently visited the CACA Junior Youth Club to see the amazing work’ of a group of volunteers in Cowdenbeath who give up their time to organise and run the towns junior youth club. I visited on a Friday evening to meet volunteers and talk with the young people who participate in the club. Over […]

Call for Review of Ambulance Capacity in Fife

Ambulance services in Fife are operating beyond stretching point putting massive stress on staff and failing patients. I have written to the new Health Secretary Neil Gray MSP calling for a review of ambulance services across the Kingdom. In the letter I highlighted the case of a lady in her 80s who had to wait […]

Shingles Vaccinations Programme 2024

All elected members have received correspondence from the Public Health Minister about the delivery of the Shingles Vaccination Programme. There has been recent enquiries about the expansion to this programme and hopefully the following information is helpful to anyone with queries. Eligibility of the Shingles Vaccination Programme has changed to allow individuals to get protected […]

Rail Peak Fare Suspension Should be Permanent

I urged the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop MSP, to make the suspension of peak fares on Scotrail services permanent as it is simply a tax on workers. I raised the issue in a question in the Scottish Parliament, saying the Scottish Government’s decision to suspend peak fares was “absolutely correct” and called for […]

MSP Urges Awareness Against Scams Targeting Older People

I am urging older people across the region to be “scam aware” as incidences of targeted scam and fraud crimes against them have seen significant rises. I recently met with representatives from Age Scotland at the Scottish Parliament where the very real threat of scammers trying to take advantage of older people was discussed. Recent […]

Concerns Over Scottish Water Rates Hike

I have raised concerns over the announcement that Scottish Water water and waste charges will increase from 1 April 2024 by 8.8% amid speculation that the increase will repeat annually until 2026/27, meaning an overall increase of 29% in the next three years. Water and waste charges, paid via Council Tax, are determined by the […]

Fife Pupils Gaining Skills and Knowledge of Career Options

An alternative curriculum pathway offering school pupils the chance to sign up for a 10 week programme out of school in venues across Fife is a great success. I visited one of the sites at the Lochgelly Miners Institute this week where 3rd and 4th year pupils are undertaking courses in construction, mechanics and engineering […]

ScotRail Fare Hike Despite 42% Increase in Revenue

I have questioned the decision to raise train fares by almost 9% as ScotRail published accounts for year to March 2023 show a 42% increase in revenue and a 36% increase in journeys from the year before. The published accounts, the first for the new public sector operator, show passenger revenue of £265million over 64 […]