Aberdeen CENTRAL
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ABERDEEN CENTRAL CONSTITUENCY (Scottish Parliament)
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KEVIN STEWART MSP
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KEVIN STEWART MSP
Born and bred in the city, Kevin Stewart (43) was elected as MSP for ABERDEEN CENTRAL on 5 May 2011, taking the seat from Labour. His Constituency Office opened in early January 2012.
Kevin made his Maiden Speech to the Parliament on May 26, and was appointed as the Deputy Convener of Holyrood's Local Government & Regeneration Committee on June 1. Joe Fitzpatrick MSP (Dundee City West) is the Committee Convener. At its meeting on June 22, Kevin was appointed to serve as its European Union Reporter.
Kevin Stewart's Parliamentary career followed on from his wide experience in local government. For 12 years he led the SNP group on ABERDEEN CITY COUNCIL, resulting in its current pre-eminence. He was first elected in May 1999 for Auchmill ward, re-elected for the ward in May 2003, and again, for Northfield, in May 2007. Kevin took the party's 12 councillors into coalition with the Liberal Democrats in 2007, and was appointed as Depute Leader of the Council. He also became convener of the influential Finance & Resources Committee -- something of a poisoned chalice, for he was soon made aware of the Council's £50million debt, incurred over the years by profligate and incompetent administrations*. Showing considerable courage and tenacity, Kevin Stewart succeeded in making the necessary savings in the Council budgets, without which the city would have faced near bankruptcy, and his efforts were recognised by the electors of Aberdeen Central in the Scottish General Election. He will step down as a councillor in May.
*for more details see the COUNCILLORS page. 
Contact KEVIN STEWART at his CONSTITUENCY OFFICE:
Third Floor 27 John Street Aberdeen AB25 1BT
Tel.: 01224 624719 * Text relay calls welcome * Fax No.: TBA
Office hours: Monday to Friday, 10.00 - 12.00am and 1.00 - 4.00pm
E-mail: kevin.stewart.msp@scottish.parliament.uk
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STEWART ENCOURAGES ABERDEEN TO JOIN THE DEBATE
KEVIN STEWART MSP has called on residents of Aberdeen to involve themselves in discussions leading up to the Independence
Referendum in Autumn 2014. Speaking on January 11, Mr Stewart said: “Over the next two and a half years, Aberdonians have an exciting opportunity to be involved in the debate on the constitutional future of Scotland. Never in Scottish political history have ordinary citizens been so empowered to forge their own destiny. This is the most significant issue in Scottish politics for generations, and everyone in all parts of our city can get involved. I would encourage all residents of Aberdeen and across Scotland to join the discussion to take our country forward.”
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TAXATION OF OIL AND GAS PRODUCTION
KEVIN STEWART has called for stability in oil production taxation by the UK Government.
The Aberdeen Central MSP attended the SCDI (Scottish Council for Development & Industry) conference on Oil & Gas and Scotland’s Future in Edinburgh on February 21. The conference heard that more than half of North Sea and Atlantic oil and gas reserves are yet to be extracted, but that the UK Government's sudden changes to the taxation of oil and gas production has adversely affected the industry and stunted investment.
Mr Stewart said: "Oil and gas production requires financial stability. I’m not against taxing the industry, but the companies need to operate within a stable tax regime or they will move their investment to areas that have more fiscal stability. Beyond that, oil and gas taxation needs to be structured in a way to incentivise investment. More focus needs to be put on providing an environment where investment is met with a fair return. If we want growth in the industry, and Aberdeen to remain as the energy capital of Europe, we have to provide the investment environment to do this. We have also heard how important it is that decommissioning relief is not withdrawn or restricted in the future, and that this can be reliably structured into investment. I would urge the UK Chancellor to take cognisance of all of this in his forthcoming Budget.”
### A Sunday Express 'State of the Nation' poll by Angus Reid on 11 September 2011 found that the vast majority of Scots believe that Scotland should be allocated the revenue from North Sea & Atlantic oil and gas. 68% agreed to the proposition, with only 23% against. The UK PM was confronted with the figures by the SNP's Angus MacNeil MP in the House of Commons. Amid derisive laughter from both Tories and Labour, David Cameron's insulting response was: "If you ask a stupid question, you get a stupid answer."
Kevin Stewart commented: "With 49% of the electorate supporting the SNP in three recent opinion polls, the party is already reflecting the views and opinions of the people of Scotland, who clearly seek access to the record tax revenues being generated by Scottish North Sea & Atlantic oil and gas. Our oil and gas resources – a trillion pound asset base - are set to generate an all-time record £13.4BILLION in tax revenue this financial year. Yet at the same time we have still not seen the introduction of a road fuel regulator to offset sky-high fuel costs. The Scottish Parliament urgently needs new powers over North Sea & Atlantic oil and gas taxation to allow us to take the right decisions to encourage exploration and prolong development, in contrast to the Westminster Government which is imposing damaging tax hikes on the industry. This cavalier conduct by the UK Treasury, of increased taxation without consultation in the Scottish sector, underlines that the oil and gas industry is too important to be left in the hands of the Government in London. No wonder our unionist opponents are on the run when they want Westminster to keep control of this important job-creating industry. The offshore oil industry still has a great future, and would have been booming now, were it not for this unwelcome intervention by the UK Government.”
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RECYCLING AWARDS FOR CITY BUSINESSES
Five Aberdeen businesses have been awarded E2B Pulse National Recycling Stars for 2011. Alison Light, operations manager of the St Nicholas & Bon Accord Centre was also named Member Of The Month for January. Silver awards went to Petrofac Aberdeen and the Holiday Inn Express Aberdeen City Centre. The Bon Accord & St Nicholas Centre and Brentwood Hotel earned Bronze awards, and the University of Aberdeen received a Green award.
KEVIN STEWART MSP, whose Aberdeen Central constituency is home to all five prizewinners, commented on February 6: "Aberdeen is already at the forefront of the renewables sector and, through the efforts of these businesses to improve their recycling rates, we are adding to the city’s green credentials. I would like to praise all those involved in helping to earn their award. Their determination and initiative will go a long way to helping the planet and the environment for future generations. I hope that more businesses in Aberdeen will get involved with the E2B Pulse scheme. It will enable them to connect with other organisations that lead the way in recycling, and allow them to share best practice. Those that make a particularly determined drive to recycle could also find they qualify for Recycling Star awards. Our growing renewables sector and determination to increase recycling mean that, in years to come, we may become known as the Green City as well as the Granite City."
The Government's Recycling Roadshow visited three supermarkets in Aberdeen on Feb. 17-19. The public were reminded of the wide range of items that can be recycled, and top tips were provided on how to recycle more. Mr. Stewart added: “Increasing recycling rates is essential to Aberdeen. The more we recycle, the less Aberdeen City Council has to pay in Landfill Tax, thus making more money available for frontline services. We have made great strides in our recycling rates, but we can go much further and help to build a cleaner, greener future. I hope everyone will take the opportunity to see how they can do a little more, and the impact they can make as an individual."
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FIRST BUS REFERRED TO OFFICE OF FAIR TRADING 
On February 5, KEVIN STEWART MSP referred FirstBus to the Office of Fair Trading, because of the company taking unfair advantage of its monopoly status in Aberdeen. FirstBus operates almost all the bus routes in the city, except a few that overlap with Stagecoach, which covers most of the Aberdeenshire routes. Aberdeen passengers do not benefit from FirstBus’s market domination, and have to pay the highest urban fares in the country. The operator has just raised its prices for the second time in a few months, and most recently by an inflation-busting 8.5%.
Mr. Stewart said: “FirstBus is taking advantage of their market position, and pushing up prices because they know there is no alternative for passengers. Aberdeen is the birthplace of First, but it is being milked by the company. For many residents it is cheaper to take a car rather than the bus, which is a ridiculous situation. For many people though, including myself, the bus is the only option and these inflation-busting price rises cannot be justified. When the management took over the company from the Council, they told the city 'we bought it for you'. Right now, the perception appears to be 'we bought it for us, and we’re now fleecing you!' ”
Hydrogen buses
KEVIN STEWART has called on Scottish Enterprise to help fund hydrogen buses for Aberdeen. The vehicles use hydrogen fuel cell technology that emits only water vapour, thus helping to improve air quality. Aberdeen City Council has made allowance in its 2012-13 budget for the funding of world-leading hydrogen buses, but Scottish Enterprise has so far refused to commit to the project.
Mr. Stewart said on February 12: “I have written to Scottish Enterprise to ask them to reconsider their unwillingness to give financial assistance for this innovation. We have already received support from the European Union, but domestic funding would allow for a bigger and better development of a "green bus" system, which could see Aberdeen lead the country in hydrogen bus transport. Renewable technology is the future, and Scottish Enterprise should join Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group and Aberdeen City Council in securing a brighter, greener future for the city."
Aberdeen MSP criticises rail fares
KEVIN STEWART has heavily criticised First ScotRail for their confusing and expensive pricing structure. In a letter to Steve Montgomery, Managing Director of the company, the Aberdeen Central MSP called for fairer pricing for people travelling to and from the Granite City.
Mr Stewart commented: “Constituents have highlighted their difficulties in accessing reasonably priced tickets, particularly on long distance journeys. Fares are confusing, and often far higher than they need to be. If First are able to offer a £19 return fare to anywhere in Scotland for nearly three months, they shouldn’t need to charge my constituents £77.80 to go to Edinburgh and back. In competing with other travel options, ScotRail relies on its cheapest fares to attract passengers. But these are only available to people who can plan their journey well in advance and avoid peak times. First would do well to stop treating people in the city where they are based like livestock – having to stand in crammed carriages and then milked for the privilege.”
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MSP WELCOMES CAMEROON TEAM TO ABERDEEN
KEVIN STEWART, MSP for Aberdeen Central, welcomed the Cameroon Olympic Team to Aberdeen by raising a motion in the Scottish Parliament. There will be a series of community engagement activities as part of the team's training camp. A mini-Olympics will also be held for local children in advance of the team’s arrival, and participants will be able to meet some of the athletes.
Mr. Stewart said on February 3: "Aberdeen has high quality sporting facilities that have attracted the Cameroon team to the city. It's great to have elite athletes training here and preparing for the Olympic Games. The Cameroon team will be an exciting addition to Aberdeen in the run up to the Olympics. The team is very welcome and gives us the opportunity to show off the best our city has to offer."
Motion by Kevin Stewart in the Scottish Parliament on 3 February 2012:
That the Parliament welcomes the Cameroon Olympic team’s decision to base its Olympic training camp in Aberdeen; believes that the high quality of sports and athletic facilities available in the city of Aberdeen helped influence this decision; hopes that this will help encourage people of all ages in Aberdeen to get involved with a variety of sports though the community engagement programmes that the athletes will take part in, and further wishes the Cameroon team all the best at the 2012 Olympics in London.
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EUROPE REQUESTED TO PREVENT AIR ROUTE MONOPOLY
British Airways (BA) recently announced the takeover of the BMI airline, including its Aberdeen-Heathrow route. The merger means that BA will be free to use the landing slots, currently used for the Aberdeen service, for other flights from the main London terminals. This strangle-hold will make it almost impossible for another airline to compete for a market share on the route.
The situation is of concern to Aberdeen Central MSP, KEVIN STEWART. On January 31 he said: "Currently, Heathrow is a hub to the rest of the world as well as an airport to access London. When people are travelling abroad, via Heathrow, they will have to either fly to another airport, and travel across London to Heathrow, or just accept whatever price BA decide to charge. It is important not to allow a monopoly to develop on these routes. I have written to the European Commission about the BA-BMI deal, and to ask them to consider a PSO (Public Service Obligation) which would require the UK Government to open up the slots to other providers. Only the European Commission can grant a PSO allowing the Westminster Government to intervene, and I have called on the Commission to take action to protect this vital route. A monopoly on Aberdeen to Heathrow flights is not good for Aberdeen or its travelling public. We need competition, not domination by one airline.”
### The extension of the main runway at Aberdeen Airport will enable larger aircraft to use Dyce, resulting in more direct overseas flights by other airlines from Aberdeen. See the Aberdeen DONSIDE page.
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ANDERSON DRIVE CLEAN-UP
On January 25, KEVIN STEWART MSP called for Anderson Drive to be cleaned up. It serves as Aberdeen's inner ring road, has a high volume of traffic, and is often the first view many visitors get of the city.
The problem of litter on Anderson Drive was raised by an Aberdeen Central constituent, who complained about the wind-blown rubbish collecting in the vegetation of the central reservation, resulting in a trail of waste through the city. Mr. Stewart has written to BEAR Scotland, who are responsible for the maintenance of Anderson Drive, to ask them to improve the condition of the central reservation. He said: “It is important to maintain high standards in the city, to provide the best environment for residents and the best appearance for visitors. For those passing through Aberdeen, Anderson Drive will be their only experience of the city, so it is vital that we always protect its image. I hope to see BEAR Scotland making progress in maintaining this vital route in my constituency."
### UPDATE: KEVIN STEWART has welcomed BEAR Scotland taking the first steps towards landscaping the central reservation of the A90 (Anderson Drive). The company has announced it is planning to meet with Aberdeen City Council and Transport Scotland to take the work forward. Mr. Stewart commented on February 14: “The central reservation of the A90 is an unsightly mess. At the moment, those driving into Aberdeen are greeted by dying plants and trapped rubbish. Hopefully, the landscaping of the central reservation will happen soon, giving Anderson Drive a much needed facelift. I look forward to seeing this project being completed and providing a fitting gateway to the Granite City.”
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HIGH WORLD RANKING FOR SCOTLAND'S UNIVERSITIES
The Leiden Rankings for Science have placed a disproportionately high number of Scottish universities in the world's top 100. The rankings assess universities on a number of indicators. For scientific impact, three of the UK's 11 placings were in Scotland; and for scientific collaboration, two of the UK's three rankings were Scottish.
The UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN was placed top in Scotland for scientific collaboration, with only the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine placed higher in the table. Aberdeen Central MSP KEVIN STEWART hailed the success as further evidence of Scotland’s universities succeeding on the international stage. Speaking on January 18, Mr. Stewart said: “It is particularly pleasing to see Aberdeen University, in my constituency, being hailed as the best in Scotland, and second in the UK, for scientific collaboration. Scotland’s universities have consistently been successful internationally, but we often don't realise just how well they do. The Leiden Rankings show that our universities achieve a record of excellence disproportionate to our population, and we are truly punching above our weight. I look forward to our universities continuing to perform well internationally. We should set our sights high and aim to be the best in the world."
Motion by Kevin Stewart MSP in the Scottish Parliament on 18 January 2012:
LEIDEN SUCCESS. That the Parliament recognises and congratulates the University of Aberdeen on being rated first in Scotland, and second in the UK, in the 2011-12 Leiden Ranking for scientific collaboration; understands that this particular ranking recognised only three UK-based universities in the top 100, and that two of these were from Scotland; further notes that, out of the top 100 universities ranked for scientific impact, 11 were from the UK and that three of these were Scottish-based; considers that these results demonstrate further the success of Scotland's universities on the world stage, and believes that, per head of population, they perform better than others internationally.
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MSP BACKS HELP ON ENERGY BILLS 
CITIZEN ADVICE SCOTLAND’s drive to help people reduce their electricity and gas bills as been backed by KEVIN STEWART, the MSP for Aberdeen Central. As part of Big Energy Week, the organisation has released survey data showing that one in three people are worried they cannot afford their next fuel bill, and 50% feel financial strain through the cost of energy.
Speaking on January 17, Mr. Stewart said: “With the cold weather starting to hit the North-East, people begin to worry about the cost of heating their homes through the rest of the winter. I would encourage anyone who feels they may struggle to pay their bills to speak to Citizens Advice. The Aberdeen Citizens Advice Bureau organises surgeries throughout the city and has an office at 41 Union Street. The advice offered is excellent and can make a great difference to people’s lives. They will be able to help you by suggesting better methods of payment or using cheaper suppliers. There are many ways to reduce your "energy footprint", and also reduce your bills. One of the easiest ways to save money is to switch payments from top-up to direct debit. The extra cost incurred by those using top-up meters can be enough to push them into fuel poverty. People should also discuss this with friends and neighbours -- advising each other about energy-saving tips, and recommending the good work of the CAB."
### For HOME HEAT HELPLINE see Aberdeen DONSIDE page.
Boiler Scrappage Scheme
On February 15, KEVIN STEWART MSP welcomed the announcement by Alex Neil, Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure & Capital Investment, that a further £500,000 will be available to households switching from poor performing boilers to a more energy efficient model. The funding arises from the 2011-12 "Barnet consequentials", as part of the Spring Budget Revision. The boiler scrappage scheme is managed by the Energy Saving Trust and delivered through the network of local Energy Saving Scotland advice centres. The scheme is demand-led rather than area-based, and offers a £400 subsidy towards replacing the least energy-efficient boilers, (less than 70% efficiency rating) in privately owned homes, with new Energy Saving Trust recommended models. Boiler installers must be Gas Safe registered and are likely to be a member of a recognised industry body such as SNIPEF (Scottish & Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers Federation). Over 1,000 households in Scotland could receive £400 towards the cost of their new boiler by phoning the Home Energy Scotland hotline.
Mr. Stewart said: “I am always happy to see schemes like this that can reduce both bills and energy consumption. Aberdeen is well known for its ability to produce energy -- from the oilfields of the North Sea to the renewables industry that we are committed to leading. But this doesn’t mean that we also can’t reduce our energy usage in the first place. We’ve had a mild winter in Aberdeen, but initiatives like this can help us stave off the bills when the cold begins to bite. The Scottish Government is committed to eradicating fuel poverty and reducing household carbon emissions. One of many changes people can make is to install energy-efficient boilers. This scheme could help households in the North-East make savings of up to £300 per year on their fuel bills. I would suggest that anyone interested in this should call the Home Energy Scotland Hotline and speak to the advisors, who can take their application over the phone. The scheme is operated on a first-come-first-served basis so I would urge my constituents to be quick of the mark."
### Home Energy Scotland hotline: 0800 512 012 (calls are free,) or visit http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/scotland/boilerscrappage
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DISABILITY GROUPS CONGRATULATED
ABERDEEN DAY PROJECT LTD. and SPECIAL OLYMPICS GRAMPIAN AREA GROUP have been congratulated by KEVIN STEWART MSP. Both groups work with people with learning difficulties, and both recently received funding from the Awards for All Big Lottery Fund.
Aberdeen Day Project Limited received £10,000, to help provide an increased number of work experience and training places for adults with additional support needs. Special Olympics Grampian Area received £3,840, to purchase team ski clothing for its intermediate ski team and to introduce newcomers to the sport. The Special Olympics Grampian Area team will soon be traveling to Pila, Italy to take part in the Special Olympics Alpine Ski Championship. Kevin Stewart said, on January 13: “I warmly welcome this funding to these two invaluable groups in my constituency. This assistance will help to develop opportunities for people with learning difficulties. It is important for all people in our communities to have opportunities to work and be involved in social activities such as sport. Maintaining opportunities such as these groups are offering will help contribute to the goal that no one should be left behind. I hope to see both groups continue to thrive and particularly look forward to hearing about the successes of our athletes in Pila.”
Motion by Kevin Stewart MSP in the Scottish Parliament on 12 January 2012:
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE ABERDEEN DAY PROJECT & SPECIAL OLYMPICS GRAMPIAN. That the Parliament congratulates Aberdeen Day Project Limited and Special Olympics Grampian Area on receiving £10,000 and £3,840 respectively from the Awards for All Big Lottery Fund; notes the success, over a number of years, of both initiatives in offering opportunities to people with learning difficulties; hopes that this funding will allow what it sees as their great work to help more individuals in the future, and wishes the five athletes and five coaches from Scotland travelling to Pila, Italy, for the Special Olympics Alpine Ski Championship the best of luck.
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MSP SUPPORTS BUILDERS IN VAT CUT CALL 
The FEDERATION OF MASTER BUILDERS SCOTLAND has received support from KEVIN STEWART MSP in its call for the UK Government to reduce or abolish the VAT on housing repairs and maintenance. This unfair and punitive tax, which has been increased to 20%, is not applied to new houses, but is disincentivising investment and improvements to existing properties.
Mr. Stewart has been calling for a reduction in VAT for housing repairs and maintenance since he was elected to Holyrood. On January 12 he said: “Small businesses are the drivers of our economy. That is why the Scottish Government introduced the Small Business Bonus. Despite this assistance, one in five small building firms are having to cut jobs because of the UK Government's VAT rise. VAT on building repairs should be abolished, or reduced to the lowest level of 5%, to help boost small building firms and investment in our housing. Home improvements help maintain our communities and allow more sustainable long-term investment. I hope the UK Government will heed the growing calls to cut VAT on home improvements.
BRIAN BERRY, Director of External Affairs at the FMB said: "The FMB warned the Government at the time that raising the rate of VAT to 20% would suppress demand for building work and cost jobs. Unfortunately, our prediction has been borne out by our latest research which shows that the VAT increase is hurting the very small businesses that the Government is looking to for economic growth. More than 200,000 construction jobs have been lost since 2008 when the UK economy was hit by recession. There are obviously a large number of different factors affecting employment in the construction industry, but we do know from these survey findings that the rise in VAT has made things worse."
Motion by Kevin Stewart MSP in the Scottish Parliament on 4 July 2011:
CUT VAT ON HOUSING IMPROVEMENTS. That the Parliament recognises that many small construction firms are suffering because of the economic downturn; notes that new house building is VAT exempt, but that housing extensions and improvements are not, and calls on the UK Government to consider cutting or abolishing VAT on housing improvements and extensions to allow for the security and survival of Scotland’s small construction companies.
The motion received cross-party support in the Parliament.
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DVLA OFFICE CLOSURES CONDEMNED
On 15 December 2011, KEVIN STEWART, MSP for Aberdeen Central, condemned the UK Government's proposed closure of all Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) offices in Scotland, including the Aberdeen office at Greyfriars House, Gallowgate, which is in his constituency. Offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Inverness also face the axe.
Mr. Stewart said: “The UK coalition Government's intention to close all regional DVLA offices is troubling. Direct local access to the DVLA's services by vehicle owners in Aberdeen would be removed. This centralisation will also mean that those without Internet access will not be able to contact the DVLA directly and quickly. The closure of all five of Scotland’s DVLA offices is totally unacceptable -- throwing away years of staff knowledge and expertise, and diminishing important services which are actually paid for by Scottish taxpayers."
Motion by Kevin Stewart MSP in the Scottish Parliament on 13 December 2011:
PROPOSED DVLA CLOSURES. That the Parliament condemns the UK Government’s proposals to close Scotland’s five Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) regional offices; disagrees with the opinion that centralising services in Swansea will mean a quicker turnaround time that will meet customer needs, and calls on the UK Government to retain the offices in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness.
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STEWART HELPS TO FUND CHARITY MINIBUS
KEVIN STEWART, the councillor for Northfield who was elected as the SNP's MSP for Aberdeen Central on 5 May 2011, has donated all of his net councillor salary to good causes in Aberdeen. Previous recipients include CLAN (Cancer Link Aberdeen & North) - £500, and the NE Disabled Veteran's Association - £100. Mr. Stewart, who will step down from Aberdeen City Council in May, said: "I feel it is important that no individual should profit from holding two public offices and, along with other Parliamentary colleagues, have given up my council salary."
Mr. Stewart announced, on 12 December 2011, that he would be donating £500 to the St. MACHAR PARENT SUPPORT PROJECT, in order to help the group to replace its £23,000 minibus, which had been maliciously damaged by fire. The Project provides information, advice, support, and training to parents. They and their children are helped get the most out of school, and their social development is promoted. The group does this by providing exam support, one-to-one family support, and assisting families who are experiencing difficulties regarding their child's behaviour or health. He said: “This is a great project that is really engaging with the local community, and helping to improve the outcome for children and their parents. It is fantastic to be able to support the great staff at St Machar Parent Support Project. The loss of the minibus affects the good work that is carried out by the Project, and it is sad that they have to raise more money to replace their bus. I am proud to be able to donate money towards such a good cause".
Reading bus supported by MSP
On January 30, KEVIN STEWART MSP donated £500 of his councillor's salary to ABERDEEN READING BUS, to help them distribute more copies of the Doric book Apardion, a Leopard’s Quest. It includes Apardion, A Leopard’s Tail, a children’s story about a spirit of the northern lights visiting 14 landmarks in Aberdeen to find out if it is his birth place.
Mr. Stewart said: “The Reading Bus is a fantastic organisation that has developed in Aberdeen to encourage children to get involved in reading and raise the attainment of children who might miss out. I am happy to support the Reading Bus, and want to allow them to distribute Apardion, A Leopard’s Quest to as many schools as possible, to help boost children's enjoyment of reading and their confidence to use Doric."
Motion by Kevin Stewart MSP in the Scottish Parliament on 30 January 2012:
That the Parliament congratulates Aberdeen Reading Bus on the launch of its Apardion, A Leopard’s Quest website, http://www.apardion.com; recognises the efforts of Jenny Watson and her team for what it considers their cutting-edge literacy initiatives, and hopes that the Apardion Project will encourage even more of Aberdeen’s children and their parents to discover the joy of reading.
MSP donates to Gordon Highlanders Museum
KEVIN STEWART, MSP and retiring Aberdeen City councillor, donated £500 to the Gordon Highlanders Museum on February 17. The funding will be used to pay for bus travel for school field trips to the museum in Viewfield Road, Aberdeen, and comes from Mr Stewart’s council salary. He has donated his entire net wage to charities since being elected as an MSP in May 2011. Travel costs were identified as a difficulty for some schools. The donation will help schools in his Northfield council ward and Aberdeen Central Scottish Parliamentary constituency to travel to and from the museum on field trips.
Mr. Stewart said: “The Gordon Highlanders Museum helps to preserve and recognise the history and service of the Gordon Highlanders and I welcome this opportunity to support their work. Passing on the history of the Gordon Highlanders is important and the museum is a fantastic experience for school pupils. Funding for all activities is often a difficulty, so I am glad to have been able to support the museum’s educational outreach. I hope all pupils and all residents of Aberdeen are able to visit the museum and share in our region’s proud heritage."
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GRAMPIAN HOUSING ASSOCIATION
On 6 December 2011, KEVIN STEWART MSP welcomed the announcement that the Big Lottery Fund has awarded £407,627 to Grampian Housing Association for its SMART Financial Inclusion and Early Intervention project. The SMART project offers free independent financial advice. The funding will help to continue the project's good work, as well as introducing an early intervention service to ensure tenants’ incomes are maximised.
People who are excluded from banking face the highest charges for services through pre-paid electricity, no direct debit discounts, and handling fees that most other people avoid because they have access to mainstream banks. The SMART project offers a saving and loan scheme allowing greater access to affordable credit and helps to open up access to financial services. Kevin Stewart said: “I am glad that, through this donation, people in Aberdeen will be able to continue to access the SMART project, which helps to support people in my constituency before they fall into debt. Statistics which highlight Aberdeen’s successes can also hide people's financial problems. While many in the city find access to advice and services easy, some are excluded. Banks, insurance companies, and financial advisors are not always accessible resulting in the poorest in society paying the highest rates. The SMART project helps to open access to the services many take for granted, but from which some are excluded.”
The Big Lottery Fund's letter said: "Dear Mr. Stewart. I am delighted to inform you that Grampian Housing Association Limited, in your Aberdeen Central constituency, has been successful in applying for a £407,627 grant. Grampian Housing Association's `SMART Financial Inclusion and Early Intervention' project aims to improve the financial capability of tenants through a programme of advice, information and support around issues including debt, budgeting, fuel poverty, income maximisation and employability. The project will engage tenants, at the start of their tenancy, to ensure relevant benefit entitlements are claimed; the client has access to a bank account; and that payments for Council Tax and rent are set up. The project will then provide ongoing support to improve financial skills and reduce household debt."
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MSP WELCOMES ENERGETICA PROGRESS
SNP MSP for Aberdeen Central KEVIN STEWART, on 7 September 2011 welcomed progress on the "Energetica Corridor"by lodging a motion in the Scottish Parliament. The Energetica project, which aims to deliver £750m of investment in the North East, includes 590 acres of high quality development between Aberdeen and Peterhead, aimed at attracting energy industry investment in the region and strengthening the economy.
Mr. Stewart commented: “The people of the North-East will benefit from the opportunities created by this project. Aberdeen must take steps to protect and improve our long term economic future as the oil and gas industry in the North Sea matures. The city and region have the potential to be a renewable energy capital, just as the area is currently a centre of excellence for the offshore energy industry. The Energetica developments will help to maintain our status as a world leader in the energy field. It is encouraging that 30% of the potential investment is already being progressed. I hope that this increases over the coming years, providing vibrant employment and housing opportunities in our area.”
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AWPR DELAYED BY OBJECTORS
The decision, by the Court of Session, on 11 August 2011, to reject attempts to block the construction of Aberdeen's vital WESTERN PERIPHERAL ROUTE, was welcomed by the SNP and Aberdeen Central MSP KEVIN STEWART. Mr. Stewart said: “This is excellent news for Aberdeen and the North-East. The AWPR is a vital infrastructure link for the North-East and for Scotland as a whole. Getting the go-ahead for this road will boost the economy, cut congestion and improve links across the region. Aberdeen has been waiting since 1948 for this road. The Labour/Lib Dem administrations of 1999-2007 dragged their feet on this issue, and for the last few years objectors have dragged Aberdeen through the courts. We now need to get down to work as soon as possible."
Commenting on the appeal against the decision by the objectors, he added: “RoadSense have not had to bear the cost of this case and, in my opinion, the legal bills for their appeal should be borne by them and not by the public purse.” Unfortunately, on October 28 the Court of Session ruled that taxpayers would again have to meet the cost of RoadSense's appeal on 13-16 December 2011. Their ruling should be known sometime in March. Over 15,000 Aberdeen and North-East residents have already signed an online petition deploring the actions of the group. You can sign at www.gopetition.co.uk/petitions/roadsense-stop-the-nonsense.html
### On February 8, KEVIN STEWART welcomed the announcement by Transport Minister Keith Brown of improvements to two notorious traffic bottlenecks: the HAUDAGAIN roundabout in Aberdeen and the INVERAMSAY railway bridge over the A96, near Inverurie in Aberdeenshire.
£3million was allocated for re-designing the Haudagain junction, while £5million will go towards the expected £12-15million cost of road realignment and upgrade of the bridge at Inveramsay. Mr. Stewart, the former chairman of NESTRANS (NE Scotland Transport Partnership) commented: “I have campaigned for these improvements for a very long time and am pleased that an SNP Government is going to deliver on these projects. This is great news for Aberdeen and the North-East as a whole.”
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On 28 May 2011, Kevin Stewart MSP wrote to Ian Suttie, the owner of the long-derelict Broadford textile factory. The large site is bounded by Maberly St., Ann St. and Hutcheon St., which lie north of Aberdeen city centre. Mr. Stewart said: "I am extremely concerned about the state of the Broadford buildings, and am worried about the ne'er-do-wells that are being attracted to it. This is an extremely dangerous site and I hope Mr. Suttie will take action to develop it quickly. Until then, he must ensure that the area is secure so that no-one comes to grief there." 