Your Scotland, Your Referendum
On Burns’ Nicht, the Scottish Government launched their consultation on an Indepedence Referendum – which will be the most important question for the people in Scotland for over 300 years.
The consultation is mainly online, and you can take part here. Alternatively, we have copies available in reception, or we can mail them out to you, let us know if you have any difficulties!
MSPs ‘Delight’ At Malmaison Option for Tay Hotel
Dundee’s constituency MSPs today expressed their delight at news that the Malmaison hotel chain is to take a long-term option on the former Tay Hotel and bring it back to life.
MSP for Dundee City East Shona Robison said: “Generations will remember the Tay Hotel and its predecessor Mathers’ Hotel on the site and many will have had their weddings, family functions and other social events there, so it is wonderful that the unique building is being brought back into service.
“I am delighted that the prestigious Malmaison hotel chain will operate on this key site which greets visitors to the city and which will face the V&A Museum. This is a feather in the cap for the Dundee Waterfront partnership.”
Joe FitzPatrick Dundee City West MSP said: “The rebirth of this unique B-listed landmark hotel on the corner of the Waterfront is fantastic news for the ongoing regeneration of the city. I know that many were concerned at the fate of this formerly-popular building in recent years.
“This is yet another vote of confidence in a new Dundee and consolidates the onward momentum of regeneration of the Waterfront.”
MSPs Welcome Enterprise Area Status for Dundee Harbour
Dundee’s constituency MSPs today welcomed the announcement that Dundee
Port is to be one of two Enterprise Areas for Low Carbon and
Renewables as announced today by the Scottish Government’s Cabinet
Secretary for Finance John Swinney.
The Port of Dundee will comprise the Renewable Energy Enterprise East
Area along with Leith.
“Shona Robison, Dundee City East MSP said: “We welcome confirmation
today that Dundee Port is to be granted Enterprise area status.
“Dundee Port, as an Enterprise area, will be able to offer incentives
to private investors and this will undoubtedly boost the city’s
prospects of becoming a renewable energy hub.
“The Enterprise areas programme is great news for the city and will be
a key stimulus for greater growth and investment here.”
Dundee City West MSP Joe FitzPatrick said: “The Scottish Government
had promised to give Dundee Port serious consideration for Enterprise
area status and we are delighted that we now have confirmation of it
today.
”The Scottish Government’s Economic Plan previously identified the
locations across Scotland which offer the biggest potential for
private developers to base their manufacturing operations, the
Strategic Energy Sites – of which Dundee is one.
“Dundee will benefit from today’s announcement by being able to offer
incentives to attract private investors and secure a great many good
quality engineering jobs and of course apprenticeships.”
SNP Council Team Moving Dundee Forward in 2012
Elections to Scotland’s local authorities take place in May this year. Since 2007, SNP candidates have been elected in 20 of the 47 local by-elections, more than for any other party and in the last 12 months the SNP has won nine local authority by-elections. In contrast Labour have won only three with the Lib Dems on one seat. The Tories have secured only one by-election win in the last four years.
Since 2007, the SNP has moved into the leadership of Dundee and Stirling Councils and become the lead partner in the administration of Aberdeen City Council. Today, after a no-confidence vote in the Labour administration on Clackmannanshire Council, the SNP have taken on the leadership there too.
Last week, all 32 of Scotland’s local authorities confirmed in principle that they would accept the Scottish Government’s funding settlement – which will keep council tax frozen, protect teacher numbers, and maintain the 1,000 additional police officers delivered by the SNP Government.
In Dundee, the SNP team of Councillors and Council Candidates has been working to ensure that the party makes gains to retain control of Dundee City Council and safeguard the service improvements made since taking power in March 2009.
Commenting, SNP Councillor Stewart Hunter, who represents Strathmartine Ward on Dundee City Council and is the Council’s Deputy Education Convenor, said: “The SNP goes into the Local Council elections in May with a strong record and growing support across the city.
“Dundee City Council is working hard to keep the city’s regeneration on track and bring hundreds of new green jobs. What we are trying to achieve is no less that the re-industrialisation of Dundee.
“All 32 of Scotland’s local authorities have confirmed acceptance of the SNP Government’s funding settlement – which will keep the council tax frozen and protect teacher numbers and the 1,000 additional police officers delivered by the SNP, despite the biggest ever cut in funding from the UK Government. It is this record of delivery which SNP candidates will stand on in May.
“The SNP has a strong track record of easing the burden on local people with our council tax freeze, constructing new schools, a new leisure centre and new council houses and expanding access to free school meals.
“The choice for Dundee’s voters will be to move forwards with an SNP-led Council which is working hard with the SNP Scottish Government and key partners to deliver better services or to go backwards to the bad old days of Labour-Tory coalitions which hiked the Council tax every year and had no vision, no enthusiasm or new ideas.
“The SNP are moving Dundee forward.”
Seasonal Greeting
MERRY CHRISTMAS and A HAPPY NEW YEAR
to all our constituents
ALL THE BEST FOR 2012
from Shona Robison MSP, Joe FitzPatrick MSP, Stewart Hosie MP
and all at Dundee SNP
The SNP Office is open Wednesday 28th – Friday 30 December and will re-open on
Wednesday 4th Jan.
Dundee’s SNP Politicians Look Back at the Highlights of 2011:
Dundee has a strong SNP team; an SNP controlled Council whose 14 SNP councillors across the city work alongside the two constituency MSPs at Holyrood, Shona Robison and Joe FitzPatrick and Dundee East MP Stewart Hosie at Westminster to deliver for the city. They are supported by a rapidly increasing SNP membership and branch structure throughout every area of the city. SNP membership is on the rise and Dundee is moving forward. 2011 has been an important year for Dundee and here the politicians consider the highlights:
Stewart Hosie MP (Dundee East)
“Apart from the astonishing election victory of the SNP in May, good news during 2011 included the announcement of significant investment to secure the long-term future of 860 jobs at Michelin in Dundee and the announcement of an extra 140 jobs, the announcement of the winning design of the new V&A Dundee building and the Scottish Government’s prompt delivery of funding to allow the construction phase to go ahead a year earlier than planned.
“The recent signing of an agreement with SSE will result in Dundee Port becoming an established centre for manufacture of offshore wind turbines and bring hundreds of green jobs to the city. Crime in Scotland reached a 35 year low and Dundee’s and Scotland’s educational statistics continue to improve. On a personal level I have been appointed onto the Treasury Select Committee at Westminster and am therefore able to intervene directly on key issues and speak up for Scotland. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all my constituents.”
Shona Robison MSP (Dundee City East)
“2011 was a tough year with sweeping cuts to the Scottish budget from the UK Coalition Government which we are having to deal with. The momentous result of the Scottish election in May with the historic election of a majority SNP Government is leading to a rise in confidence in Scotland and more people are starting to believe that we can take steps to make our country better, create jobs – particularly in the renewable energy sector – and emerge from the recession. Our first priority is tackling unemployment and creating jobs.
“I was delighted to be appointed Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport and pleased to see the first benefits of Scotland hosting the Games in 2014 starting to come onstream.
“2011 is also the year in which it became certain that a Referendum on Scotland’s future would be held within the next three years. Independence is by no means guaranteed but we will work very hard over the next three years to convince everyone that it is the only way – and the best way – forward for Scotland. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all my constituents.”
Joe FitzPatrick MSP Dundee City West)
“On a personal level, I have been delighted to return to Holyrood with an increased majority and to be appointed Convenor of the Local Government and Regeneration Committee which has an important role in development and expanding the economy across Scotland. I’m pleased that I have been able to work with others and set-up a Cross Party Group on Computer Games. This will help the sector – which is so important to Dundee – to develop and promote itself.
“The SNP team in Dundee is working strongly to promote our city. Working with Shona at Holyrood and Stewart at Westminster alongside an SNP Council in Dundee, we have been able to support ongoing redevelopment at the Waterfront including a new Leisure & Swimming centre, the building of new schools in the city and of course the V&A Museum which will be the icon of our city’s regeneration into the future. We have high aspirations and ambitions for Dundee and Scotland. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all my constituents.”
Your Name Here?
Together – with your continued help – we can move Scotland forward to a better future. You can play your part. Why not make joining the SNP a New Year Resolution and help to create a better more prosperous and fairer Dundee and Scotland. Phone 903210 or email: contact@dundeesnp.org
City MSPs Welcome SFA Move at Dundee School
Dundee’s constituency MSPs Shona Robison and Joe FitzPatrick today welcomed news that the Scottish Football Association are to create an elite football academy at St John’s RC High School, using the quality of a similar set-up at the school presently run by Dundee United FC.
Two months ago, the MSPs joined Dundee City Council Education Convenor Liz Fordyce at St John’s RC Academy to meet the members of ‘the football school’ sponsored by Dundee United FC.
The scheme is now in its second year and brings pupils to the school from a wide area who wish to achieve excellence in football. The class participate in all school activities but have additional training and football study at certain times of the day. The politicians were introduced to the students by Headteacher Mrs F McLagan.
Speaking during his visit, Joe FitzPatrick MSP for Dundee City West said: “This is an excellent scheme that will help to create the sporting talent of tomorrow. Dundee United and St John’s RC Academy are to be commended for their initiative in setting up and continuing this popular scheme and it is excellent news that the SFA are to take over the scheme and develop it further.”
Dundee City East MSP Shona Robison, said: “I was struck by the seriousness and determination of these pupils who are all highly ambitious. I hope to see some of them playing professional football in the not-too-distant future.
“The Scottish Government will create a National Football Academy and alongside that objective, we will be encouraging football ‘performance schools in towns and cities across Scotland to promote excellence and create access to top-level coaching for the next generations of young footballers.”
Shona and Joe are pictured with the 'football class' of 2011, Headteacher Mrs McLagan and Cllr Fordyce.
MSP’s Delight As SSE Sign Renewables Jobs Agreement
Dundee’s constituency MSPs today welcomed news that a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed by Energy giant SSE, Port of Dundee owner Forth Ports, enterprise agency Scottish Enterprise and local authority Dundee City Council to secure Dundee’s position as a vibrant hub for Scotland’s rapidly-developing offshore renewables sector.
Dundee’s MSPs Joe FitzPatrick and Shona Robison welcomed news that representatives of the four organisations discussed their plans with First Minister Alex Salmond today at St Andrew’s House where they signed the MoU.
Shona Robison said: “I am delighted that this agreement has been signed today. All key partners have been working hard to bring these jobs and investment to Dundee. The vision of Dundee as a renewables manufacturing hub is set to become a reality. This is a massive Christmas jobs boost for the city.”
Commenting, Joe FitzPatrick said: “Today is a major step forward in the campaign to bring investment and jobs to Dundee. The National Renewables INfrastructure Plan indentifies Dundee as a leading location for renewables and particularly for manufacturing major high value components for the offshore wind indsutry.”
SSE is one of the UK’s leading developers of offshore renewable energy, with major offshore wind projects situated off the east coast. SSE has therefore identified Dundee as a key strategic location for the development of its offshore wind supply chain. The company has taken a proactive approach to developing its offshore wind supply chain, forming strategic alliances and investing directly in companies of strategic importance.
Dundee is ideally-placed to become a key hub for the rapidly growing multi-billion pound offshore renewables industry, particularly and initially in offshore wind.
Lena Wilson, Chief Executive at Scottish Enterprise said: “The Port of Dundee and the wider city region have a crucial role to play in the future of Scotland’s renewables sector. We have a short window of opportunity to put in place the critical infrastructure for a prosperous developing industry and this partnership will bring the public and private sector together with one goal in mind – to create the ideal breeding ground for Scotland’s renewable supply chain to generate maximum economic and environmental benefit.”
Charles Hammond, Chief Executive of Forth Ports, said “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Scottish Enterprise, SSE and Dundee City Council on this significant project for the Port of Dundee. Our ports in Scotland play a key role in supporting Scotland’s economy and this agreement gives great confidence that our Port in Dundee will maximise its competitive advantage as a key location for SSE’s supply chain and a renewables hub for the offshore wind industry.”
Ken Guild, Chair of Dundee renewables and Leader of the Administration at Dundee City Council, said: “We have been pursuing Dundee’s case at the highest levels with our partners and this Memorandum of Understanding represents a renewed opportunity to maximise the city’s potential in the renewables industry. I welcome SSE’s choice of the Port of Dundee as a prime location for the delivery of its ambitious offshore wind projects. The city council will do everything it can to support efforts by Forth Ports and SSE to build a successful commercial development.”
Launch of MSPs & MP’s Official Charity Christmas Card
A photocall was held in ASDA Kirkton today to launch the official joint Christmas card for local MSPs Joe FitzPatrick and Shona Robison and MP Stewart Hosie and the picture shows Shona and Joe with George Cant, Director of Fairprint (front row, second from left) and Mary Robertson, Community Oficer for ASDA and ASDA store Manager Martin Green with members of the Society of St Vincent de Paul – which is the charity benefitting this year.
Shon explained: “As in previou years our joint card is designed by the winner of a competition and due to a three-way tie up with sponsors ASDA and Fairprint, it leads to a total donation of £450 to the charitable work of the Society of St Vincent de Paul which supports people with learning disability amongst other projects.
“We are delighted to be able to organise our official Christmas Cards in such a way that we can reward local artistic talent and benefit local charities at the same time.
MSP Supports Action Against Rowdy Football Fans
Commenting on news that British Transport Police are seeking witnesses to help identify rowdy football supporters on a Dundee to Stirling train, Shona Robison said: “I very much support the action of British Transport Police in pursuing these individuals who were indulging in sectarian activity on a train leaving Dundee.
“I would echo their call for the public to come forward if they have any information.
“This kind of behaviour is not acceptable and the Scottish Government is determined to tackle sectarian behaviour whether at, or going to or coming from football matches or anywhere else.
“That is why we held a ‘Football Summit’ and formed a Joint Action Group earlier this year, to identify how we can work harder to tackle these issues and we will be doing this in the forthcoming new bill.
“We need to work together with all agencies and the public to stamp out this kind of mindless anti-social behaviour which causes real fear and intimidation to ordinary members of the public.
The vast majority of the public and football fans are totally opposed to this kind of sectarian anti-social behaviour which blights our national sport.”