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                                       ABERDEEN DONSIDE CONSTITUENCY (Scottish Parliament)

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BRIAN ADAM MSP

Born in 1948 and educated at Keith Grammar School and Aberdeen University. Formerly principal biochemist at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. He was an Aberdeen District Councillor for Middlefield (& Heathryfold) 1988-95 and an Aberdeen City Councillor in 1995-99.First elected to the Scottish Parliament in 1999 as a Regional List MSP for the North-East, he gained ABERDEEN NORTH from Labour in 2003, by the narrow margin of 457 votes. However, in 2007 he greatly increased the majority to 3,749. He was re-elected (for ABERDEEN DONSIDE) on 5 May 2011, with an even greater majority over Labour.  Brian lives in the Bridge of Don area of Aberdeen, is married and has four sons, one daughter and two grandchildren.

Contact BRIAN ADAM at his CONSTITUENCY OFFICE:                                                   

825-827 Great Northern Road                                                                                                                                        Aberdeen                                                                                                                                                                                AB24 2BR

Tel.:  01224 789457   *   Fax:  01224 695397   *   Text relay calls welcome                                                        

Office hours:   Monday - Friday,  10.00am to 4.00pm 

................................................................................................................................................................................................. Anything you want to know about the SNP and its policies? Please e-mail us at contact@aberdeensnp.org  If your query relates specifically to your own locality, please tell us your ADDRESS so that your message can be forwarded to the appropriate MSP, Constituency Branch or Councillor. We also welcome comments and suggestions regarding this website.

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FEWER HOMELESS IN ABERDEEN

NHS GRAMPIAN                                                                                                                    

The announcement that NHS Grampian is to receive a real-terms 3.4% increase in funding in 2012-13 -- above the national average of 2.8% -- was welcomed by BRIAN ADAM MSP on February 13. The Scottish Government has said that Health Boards are to benefit from a share of £8,802billion in revenue funding in this financial year. Indicative figures show that in 2012-13 and 2014-15 funding will increase by an average of 2.8% and 2.6% across Scotland.

Mr Adam said: "The Scottish Government has shown the priority they are giving to our nation’s health by increasing NHS funding. NHS Grampian will once again see an above-average increase of 3.4% so that we have a £713.1million budget in the North-East to tackle and prevent health problems. This extra funding, along with the new £115million EMERGENCY CARE CENTRE at Foresterhill (pictured), shows that the Scottish Government is investing in the North-East to improve our healthcare. An increase in funding is set to continue over the next three years, allowing NHS Grampian to deliver the SNP's promise that no-one should have to wait more than 18 weeks from referral to treatment.”

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POLICE & FIRE REFORM

The introduction of the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Bill to the Scottish Parliament on January 19 was welcomed by BRIAN ADAM, MSP for Aberdeen Donside.

The Bill provides for unified national police and fire services, which will have a statutory duty to provide adequate local services. Designated local senior officers will have and a new and strong relationship with Local Authorities. Councils will approve plans for their own areas, and many more councillors will have a say in their operation than under the current arrangements. The services will be independent, and subject to Parliamentary rather than Ministerial scrutiny.

Mr Adam said: “Today’s Bill is the first step in the Parliamentary process to delivering a better police and fire service for Aberdeen and the whole of Scotland. Under the new legislation, there will be more local accountability than ever before, with a designated local policing commander and senior fire officer for Aberdeen alone. The full City Council will now be involved in determining the priorities and objectives for Aberdeen's police and fire services, rather than just the six councillors from the city who currently sit on the Grampian Joint Police Board. With budget cuts continuing to come from Westminster, this Bill will ensure that resources can be prioritised to the front line, rather than having eight forces duplicating their back-office functions. The SNP Government has delivered on its promise of increasing the number of bobbies on the beat by 1000, while driving down crime to a 35-year low. The reforms introduced by the Bill will keep our communities in Aberdeen safer, and secure the future of our police and fire services.” 

###  On 2 November 2011, BRIAN ADAM MSP welcomed new statistics which showed a 30% fall in violent crime over the last two years. The Scottish Crime and Justice Survey also showed a direct link between alcohol and violent crime. 

Mr Adam said: “I am pleased that thanks to the hard work of the Scottish Government and our police forces, communities are becoming safer, and violent crime fell by 17% in the last year. Crime is now at its lowest rate for 35 YEARS;  more people are reporting crimes to the police; and fewer offenders are being found in possession of weapons. Our streets are safer in Aberdeen, thanks to the SNP's policy of putting more bobbies on the beat and improving our justice system.

“Worryingly, the survey showed that 63% of victims of violent crime believe offenders were under the influence of alcohol at the time of the attack, and nearly half of all violent crime takes place at weekends and overnight when people will have been drinking, This is why the Scottish Government is committed to the re-introduction of an Alcohol Minimum Pricing Bill. Alcohol abuse must be tackled."

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NORTHFIELD ACADEMY

The results of the most recent inspection by Education Scotland into Northfield Academy have been welcomed by BRIAN ADAM MSP. The school, in Mr Adam’s constituency, has been regularly inspected since 2009. Education Scotland has now stated that it is satisfied that sufficient improvements have been made --with better learning experiences for pupils and improved attainment in writing and maths.

Speaking on February 9, Mr. Adam said: “I would like to congratulate head teacher Sue Muncer and her team in delivering these improvements to Northfield Academy. The school plays an important part in the community. It has not been without its problems, so it is good to see pupils are now getting better support in the classroom. Whether it is cooking for the Duchess of Cornwall, participating in the 2011 Rock Challenge, or sitting Standard Grade exams there is evidence that pupils are now getting better results from their education.  Every school in Scotland should be helping children develop the skills they need to get on in life.  I am very pleased that more children are now succeeding at Northfield Academy, and I hope that pupils and staff will continue to deliver better results in the years ahead.”   

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AWPR AND HAUDAGAIN ROUNDABOUT

On 11 August 2011, Aberdeen Donside MSP BRIAN ADAM said he was pleased that the courts had found in favour of the ABERDEEN WESTERN PERIPHERAL ROUTE (AWPR). "This is a red letter day for the North-East and great news for the local and national economy. The building of the by-pass will give a boost to the construction industry and release the opportunity for further economic growth in Aberdeen and across the country. The decision will come as a great relief to many of my constituents who are also waiting for a resolution to the heavily congested HAUDAGAIN roundabout.  We are committed to implementing a solution to the roundabout as soon as the AWPR is built."  A large section of the new road will run through Mr. Adam's constituency.

Unfortunately , the "RoadSense" objectors decided to appeal against the decision. The cost of the hearing, on 13-16 December 2011, was again met by taxpayers. The Court of Session's ruling should be known sometime in March. Over 15,000 Aberdeen and North-East residents have already signed an online petition in protest at their actions. You can sign at www.gopetition.co.uk/petitions/roadsense-stop-the-nonsense.html

### BRIAN ADAM welcomed the announcement by Keith Brown, Minister for Transport, that £3million is being allocated to take forward design work to improve the HAUDAGAIN roundabout, which is in his constituency. A solution to traffic congestion at this notorious bottleneck will involve a new slip road being built through Middlefield.  On February 9, Mr. Adam  said: “The Scottish Government is correct to be investing £3million to ensure that as soon as the AWPR is finished we can start work and resolve the traffic problems at the Haudagain. The money will ensure that designs are updated to take into account changes to proposed developments in the area, and I hope that they will also give local residents in the Middlefield  area a clearer picture of what the future holds. Of course, the whole project has been held up due to the legal challenges to the building of the AWPR, but we have no choice but to wait for a decision to be made on the issue. The Scottish Government is investing in infrastructure to relieve congestion and make roads safer. The AWPR and Haudagain, together with more money announced  for the INVERAMSAY BRIDGE (near Inverurie), demonstrate that the Government is committed to solving the North-East’s traffic problems”

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INVESTMENT IN ABERDEEN SOCIAL CARE

On January 17, AILEEN CAMPBELL, Minister for Children and Young People, announced that 19 organisations which have a base in Aberdeen will receive assistance from the Voluntary Sector Development Fund (VSDF). £429,120 will be allocated to develop staff training and continue to raise standards across the voluntary sector in Scotland. VSDF will be making up to £1million available in the financial year 2011-12. Recipients will include services such as care home support for adults, guidance with housing issues and care-at-home assistance for vulnerable people.

BRIAN ADAM, MSP for Aberdeen Donside, commented: “This funding will help improve the quality of care and assistance provided by these 19 voluntary groups in Aberdeen. From the Cyrenians to SAMH, the voluntary sector works hard to improve the lives of some of our most vulnerable residents. This will assist organisations working in Aberdeen, by ensuring their staff have the right skills and confidence to deliver the best possible care.”

Organisations which are receiving funding:-- 

ABERDEEN CYRENIANS LTD., Aberdeen, £10,500 ; ARCHWAY (Respite Care & Housing) LTD.., Aberdeen,  £12,000 ; AUTISM INITIATIVES UK, incl. Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire, £7,000 ;  BEANNACHAR CAMPHILL COMMUNITY, Aberdeen, £3,000 ; BLACKWOOD, incl. Aberdeen, £34,620 ; CAIRNLEE HOUSE, Aberdeen, £4,300 ; COMMUNITY INTEGRATED CARE, incl. Aberdeen, £35,000 ; CORNERSTONE COMMUNITY CARE, incl. Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire, £34,000 ; CROSSREACH, incl. Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire, £34,700  ;  INSPIRE (Partnership Through Life), incl. Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire, £31,000  ;  LEONARD CHESHIRE DISABILITY, incl. Aberdeen, £34,500 ;  PENUMBRA, incl. Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire, £25,200 ; SACRO, incl. Aberdeen, £10,000 ; SUE RYDER, Aberdeen, £13,000 ; VOLUNTARY SERVICE ABERDEEN (VSA), Aberdeen, £23,500.

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BRIAN ADAM MSP has encouraged constituents who are concerned about their fuel bills this winter to contact the Home Heat Helpline.

New figures reveal that 8,000 households in Aberdeen are entitled to some form of assistance with their fuel bills.  That help is worth an average of £250 per household and a free helpline is available for more information. It is a free service that provides independent advice to people on low incomes on how to get help with their gas and electricity bills, as well as other help such as grants for insulation or a new boiler. Speaking on 14 December 2011, Mr Adam said: “I know that many residents in Aberdeen are concerned about the price of staying warm in their home this winter. There are around 8,000 households in the city who are entitled to help, and I would encourage anyone who is struggling with their bills or would like advice to get in touch with the Home Heat Helpline. I would also ask people to look out for neighbours, friends or relatives who may be in difficulty and make sure that they are aware of the Home Heat Helpline." Christine McGourty from the Home Heat Helpline also advises people to think about what they can do around the home to reduce their energy consumption. 

*** The tel. no. for the Home Heat Helpline is 0800 33 66 99 or you can visit www.homeheathelpline.org.uk

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PRIME FOUR BUSINESS PARK

BRIAN ADAM MSP has welcomed the announcement by the Drum Property Group, on 3 November 2011, of their plans to invest over £100million in a new office and training complex at Home Farm, KINGSWELLS in his constituency. Apache North Sea Ltd., Nexen Petroleum UK Ltd. and Transocean Drilling UK have all committed to the Prime Four Business Park site, which is located near Kingswells Park & Ride and adjacent to the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route. A spokesman for the property group said: "Our economic consultants have estimated that the first phase, when fully operational, will sustain around 1,200 jobs locally and be worth £300million a year to the local economy."

Mr Adam commented: "I congratulate Drum Property Group on their announcement that they are going to submit a planning application for this exciting new office and training complex, and for already securing the business of three important energy firms. The Prime Four development looks like a very high quality site which will complement the local Kingswells village.   I hope local residents will take the opportunity to view these plans and engage with them when they are made available. The long-term commitment from Apache, Nexen and Transocean, all important players in the oil and gas industry, adds to the rising confidence of the industry's future in Aberdeen."

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AIRPORT RUNWAY EXTENDED

The main runway at Aberdeen Airport has been extended by 124m (406ft.), which will enable larger aircraft to land at the Dyce facility. The extension, which cost £10million, was officially opened on 6 October 2011.

The runway extension will open up new routes and destinations from Aberdeen. BRIAN ADAM MSP commented: “These additional flights will facilitate easier commutes for business to the oil capital, and for other travellers alike. I welcome the news that additional flights are  being introduced by Eastern Airways to Leeds, Bradford, and Bristol. It just goes to prove that the unfortunate decision by Ryanair to stop offering their low cost route to Dublin bucks the trend at Aberdeen Airport. With the completion of the runway extension I am confident that the airport will be successful in luring even more routes to improve access to and from the city. Aberdeen Airport has a substantial role to play in forwarding the economic cause of the North-East. I look forward to further good news to come, and welcome BAA’s continued commitment to the area.”

***On 29 Sep. 2011, the London Treasury announced it would be devolving the collection of AIR PASSENGER DUTY to Northern Ireland, but on the same day attempted to defend its decision not to do the same for Scotland. The devolution of APD was recommended by the Calman Commission, whose report forms the basis for the current Scotland Bill. The Scottish Parliament has heard evidence from the Scottish Chamber of Commerce and from AMANDA McMILLAN, Managing Director of Glasgow Airport, in favour of devolving the tax to Scotland.

BRIAN ADAM MSP, who has Aberdeen Airport in his constituency said: "The recent Offshore Europe event in Aberdeen demonstrated the numbers that the airport can handle, but we need to make Scotland more competitive to attract more passengers every week. Giving the power over Air Passenger Duty to Northern Ireland, but not to Scotland, is blatantly hypocritical of the UK Government. The Calman Commission said APD should be devolved – but instead Westminster left it out of their Scotland Bill. When Danny Alexander admits that the UK doesn’t listen to Scotland, devolving APD would be a sign that Scottish voices are being heard. Support is growing for the devolution of this tax. The Scottish Chamber of Commerce says it believes the duty should be devolved to bring more visitors to Scotland and bolster international connectivity. Also, the Managing Director of Glasgow Airport says devolving APD would ensure that the importance of aviation to Scotland is properly recognised. It is time for the UK Government to stop being hypocritical and allow Scotland to have control over flight taxes, just like Northern Ireland."

On 10 October 2011, a group of leading NE Scotland business and public sector figures wrote an open letter to the UK Chancellor, calling for immediate action to be taken on AIR PASSENGER DUTY. The letter noted that there were many similarities between the economic contexts of Northern Ireland and Scotland, which is trying to increase inward investment and export revenue to support recovery from the economic recession. DEREK PROVAN, Managing Director of Aberdeen Airport, said “Earlier this year, as a group we asked the Chancellor to consider devolving APD to the Scottish Government. Scottish Ministers have been supportive of this proposal, and we have sought confirmation from them that, should it be devolved, the monies raised would be used for the long-term good of the aviation industry in Scotland.  The announcement regarding changes to the system in Northern Ireland makes it increasingly difficult to ignore our argument.” DERICK MURRAY, director of North-East transport body NESTRANS said: “An economic impact study, carried out for Scottish airports into Air Passenger Duty, clearly shows the relationship between this tax and passenger numbers. Because of the North-East's geography and global economy, a very high proportion of passengers are businessmen, and this duty taxes us disproportionately. Devolution to the Scottish Parliament, as proposed for Northern Ireland, would permit taxes to be set that wouldn't penalise our companies."

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MAJOR SCOTTISH NORTH SEA OIL DEVELOPMENTS

On 13 October 2011,  it was announced that BP, and its partners Shell, ConocoPhillips and Chevron, are to develop four new oilfields in the Scottish sector of the North Sea and Atlantic, with a total investment of almost £10BILLION over the next five years. BP said: "We now see the potential to maintain our production from the North Sea at around 200,000-250,000 barrels of oil a day until 2030. And we are working on projects that will take production from some of our largest fields out towards 2050.”

£4.5billion will be spent on the further development of the giant CLAIR field, 46 miles west of Shetland.  The Clair Ridge is expected to produce a staggering 640million barrels from 2016 to 2050. Earlier this year, a £3billion redevelopment of the nearby SCHIEHALLION and LOYAL fields was  announced, plus £700million in the development of the KINNOULL field in the central North Sea. Altogether, BP says they will provide 3,000 jobs. In June 2010, EnCor Oil discovered  the CATCHER field 110 miles east of Aberdeen, which may contain as much as 300million barrels. This was followed, on August 26, by the German explorer Wintershall announcing that it had found a field containing 60 to 100million barrels, about 93 miles from the Scottish coast. At today's prices, the discovery would be worth more than £4.5billion. BRIAN ADAM MSP says that these major discoveries and developments of North Sea oilfields reinforce even more the already irrefutable case for Scottish independence. “The oil industry has contributed a great deal to Scotland, especially in Aberdeen, and it is showing no signs of drying up, despite the pessimistic view taken by the London parties. A Government Expenditure & Revenue Scotland report has shown that, with independence, Scotland would have a budget surplus of over £1billion, while the UK struggles with a mammoth £50billion deficit. Even the most hardened unionist cannot deny the financial case for independence couldn't be stronger." With full control of its economy, Scotland would be able to set up a Sovereign Wealth Fund, similar to the one in Norway, which now amounts to a massive £355billion. The World Bank chief economist Joseph Stiglitz has said that the UK has squandered Scotland's oil wealth. It is now even more imperative that an oil fund be set up to secure the benefits of the income raised from remaining oil reserves in Scottish waters.                                                        

In March 2011, the present three Aberdeen SNP MSPs wrote to Danny Alexander MP, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, calling on the UK Government to reverse its decision to impose a £10billion NORTH SEA OIL "windfall" tax.  BRIAN ADAM commented on March 30: "For Danny Alexander to be boasting that this was his idea just shows how out of touch the Liberal Democrats are to the needs of people in Scotland. Aberdeen already contributes more than its fair share to the UK Treasury, for precious little in return. And now they want to bleed us dry for the sake of a 1p fall in petrol prices." The UK Government's decision was, however, defended by Mr. Alexander (the Liberal Democrat MP for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch & Strathspey), who declared that it was "absolutely the right judgement." This remarkable statement prompted First Minister ALEX SALMOND to call for Mr. Alexander  to resign over his role in the tax raid.  Mr. Salmond said on April 4: "They are playing roulette with the livelihoods of workers in the North-East. It is to Danny Alexander's eternal shame that there are offshore workers in his own constituency, and he's gambling with their livelihoods as well. He should be writing his resignation letter. In the coming year, oil and gas revenues are due to be an all-time record of £13.4BILLION – nearly £2,700 for every man, woman and child in Scotland, and £4 billion more than the UK Chancellor had planned for."

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CITY PERFORMS ABOVE THE NATIONAL AVERAGE

BRIAN ADAM, MSP for Aberdeen Donside, says that the publication of the 2010 LOCAL AREA LABOUR STATISTICS show that there was wide variation in employment and unemployment rates across Scotland since the recession, but Aberdeen continued to perform above the national average. From the recession in 2008 to 2010, the employment rate reduced by 0.3% (4,000) in Aberdeen compared to a -2.5% rate across Scotland.

The 2010 figures reveal that the unemployment rate in 2007-2010 went up 1.4% (2,000) in Aberdeen, compared to a Scotland-wide increase of 3.0%. However, more recent ONS figures show that Scotland has had eight consecutive months of reported falls in unemployment, and we have lower unemployment, higher employment, and a lower rate of economic inactivity in Scotland than the UK as a whole.Speaking on 11 August 2011, Mr Adam said: “These statistics for 2010 show that Aberdeen continued to perform above the Scottish average, with a higher employment rate and lower unemployment rate than elsewhere, but we must work now to maintain this. In the North-East, the SNP will continue to argue that to drive forward further economic development and improve these figures, the UK Government needs to reverse their decision to increase tax on the oil and gas industry. Of course, what Scotland really needs to promote more employment is the responsibility for key economic levers such as borrowing powers and Corporation Tax, to enhance investment and create more jobs across the Scottish economy."“The Scottish Government will continues its work to stimulate employment. We are already supporting  25,000 modern apprenticeships a year -- the highest ever number in Scotland -- and once the court case is over, I look forward to work starting on the AWPR which will create the opportunity for more growth and job creation in the short, medium and long term.”*** Local Area Labour Markets in Scotland Statistics from the Annual Population Survey 2010 can be found here:    http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/08/09172458/0

 ***The 8 months consecutive fall in unemployment is reported here:  http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2011/07/13103300 

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BRIAN ADAM BECOMES GOVERNMENT MINISTER

On 20 May 2011, BRIAN ADAM MSP was one of those promoted to ministerial rank in the newly re-elected SNP Government. He was appointed Minister for Parliamentary Business & Chief Whip and will now be responsible to Cabinet Secretary Bruce Crawford for maintaining focus and discipline in the party's much expanded Parliamentary group. He will be assisted by three Deputy Whips: BILL KIDD MSP (Glasgow Anniesland), GRAEME DEY MSP (Angus South) and FIONA McLEOD MSP (Strathkelvin & Bearsden).Commenting on the appointment of new Parliamentary Committee Conveners and Deputy Conveners on June 1, Mr. Adam said: “These appointments reflect the skills and experience of the SNP Parliamentary group.  Alongside experienced MSPs, we have new members with considerable talents and experience from Westminster and Local Government who will take up roles as Deputy Conveners. I am confident all SNP Conveners will work with the members of their Committee of all parties to hold this Government to account, to improve legislation and to ensure all MSPs in this Parliament play a full role in making Scotland better.”

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 "PERFECT STORM" CLOUDS SCOTLAND BILL                         

Eminent economists have warned the Scottish Parliament that the combined impact of the UK Government's SCOTLAND BILL and its tax plans could create a “perfect storm”, which would damage Scotland’s economy and public spending, and potentially risk jobs by coming in at the end of four years of Tory-Liberal stringent spending cuts.

BRIAN ADAM MSP, the Deputy Convener of the Committee, apologised to the economists for the conduct of opposition politicians on the Committee: "We've treated these two witnesses shabbily, and personally I would like to apologise for the way they've been treated. My concerns are for the reputation of the Parliament and its Committees. I am afraid that if the conduct of last week’s Committee is continued it will be difficult to have open and frank discussions in public with independent experts offering evidence, for no personal benefit, in the future." He later added:  “The SNP and the Scottish people want a Parliament with the powers to create jobs.  The Tories, backed by Labour, simply want the power to raise taxes as part of a tax trap that will put thousands of jobs at risk. This warning of a “perfect storm” of fewer tax payers, lower revenues and potentially fewer jobs is one that parties and MSPs must heed.  The SNP is certainly listening to the concerns raised that the tax raising powers in the Tory plans could damage Scotland’s economy and lead to the loss of Scottish jobs." 

The disgraceful treatment accorded to visiting economic experts by the Parliament's Labour-led and unionist dominated 2007-11 SCOTLAND BILL COMMITTEE, also led to extremely strong criticism from ALAN TRENCH, a research fellow at Edinburgh University and the Constitutional Unit of University College, London. To avoid the same thing happening to him, Mr. Trench asked in advance what the Committee wished to discuss. They were unable to give him a clear answer, which led to Mr. Trench's refusal to give evidence to the committee. Wendy Alexander MSP later announced that she would not be seeking re-election in the May 2011 Scottish General Election.

###  See SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT page for the latest news on the Scotland Bill. 

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WINNING FOR SCOTLAND!      

The SNP won all three ABERDEEN constituencies in the General Election on 5 May 2011.               

Election Result:  ABERDEEN DONSIDE

Brian Adam                   SNP             14,790

Barney Crockett           Lab.              7,615

Ross Thomson              Con.              2,166

Millie McLeod         Lib. Dem.              1,606

David Henderson           Ind.                 371

Chris Willett         Nat. Front                 213 

SNP Hold            Maj.  7,175          Turnout  47.6%