Working Together?

Are we going to see an outbreak of common sense with the SNP and Labour working together to protect the victims of the Bedroom Tax? This tax hits the most vulnerable in our society and in particular it hits those whose family have now moved from the family home. Both Labour and the SNP know this has been introduced by the Tory/Lib Dem coalition. The argument has been what can be done by the Scottish Government. Labour has been arguing that the Scottish Government could use its powers and budget to give additional support to those who are affected. Now the SNP Government has signalled that it is at least willing to talk to Labour about the issue. Let’s hope that the politicians can put aside their differences and come up with a package for those who are being hardest hit.

Castle Semple I am always surprised to learn from some local people that they have never visited the fantastic Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park which is on our doorstep. One of the Park’s many attractions is the Castle Semple Centre which offers a range of water based activities. I recently hosted an exhibition in the Scottish Parliament which showed to MSP’s what the Centre can do for youngsters with disabilities and additional support needs. I have witnessed the joy and excitement of some of the young people. I honestly never realised until I witnessed it, just how much this experience meant to them and how much they got from it. Activities which we take for granted, are opened up to young people who have previously been excluded. It’s fantastic to see their personal development and their thrill of participation. Thank you to everyone at Castle Semple for what they are doing. But remember that Clyde Muirshiel Park is there for everyone, all year round. It’s a fantastic asset.

Presidential Spending What is Alex Salmond trying to hide? Journalists had to use Freedom of Information to find out he had charged taxpayers £250 for a pair of tartan trews. Now he is refusing to provide details of his stay at a five star hotel in Chicago during a taxpayers' funded trip to watch the Ryder Cup. Did he really need to spend £1000 for a pianist to play at dinner? Why is he so coy in telling us how he is spending our money?