Local MSP Gil Paterson says that he was delighted to meet artists from the Centro Arte Club of Corigliano-Rossano, Italy, last week. The group, which included a representative from Corigliano-Rossano Municipality, staged a joint exhibition with Clydebank’s Wee Scottish Art Group at the Backdoor Gallery in Dalmuir.

Mr Paterson discussed how close relations between West Dunbartonshire and Corigliano-Rossano can be encouraged and strengthened for the benefit of both communities.

Mr Paterson heard how City Council member of Corigliano-Rossano Municipality, Mr Tiziano Caudullo, has written to West Dunbartonshire Council’s Provost Hendrie and Baillie Denis Agnew to explore opportunities for friendship and cooperation between the two communities. The Italian Honorary Consulate in Glasgow was among those who have visited the prestigious exhibition.

The Wee Scottish Art Group have been in touch with Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce to explore the best way to capitalise on the links with Corigliano-Rossano and Mr Paterson has submitted a motion to the Scottish parliament marking the event.

Speaking about the groups’ visit and the art exhibition, Mr Paterson said:
“This is a fantastic initiative which really promotes cultural, economic and social links between Clydebank and Calabria.
“Art in all its guises helps us form friendships, highlight what we have in common and celebrate our differences.
“With all the negativity stemming from Brexit it is gratifying to see the unifying power of culture in action right here on our doorstep.
“Members of the Wee Scottish Art Group are to be thanked and congratulated for getting the message out there that Clydebank and Scotland are open for business and that we very much welcome links with our European friends.
“Initiatives such as this provide tremendous opportunity not just for our artistic community but for local businesses, for our schools and social groups as well.
“I was delighted that the group brought the sunshine with them from Italy, so they could enjoy the beauty of Scotland in pleasant weather.”

The collaboration between the two groups follows The Wee Scottish Art Group’s very successful trip to the European May festival in Italy last spring. At the prestigious festival the Clydebank group flew the flag for Scotland and West Dunbartonshire by joining Centro Arte in an exhibition of art, photography, theatrical performances, Scottish music, dancing and traditional food and drink.

The Chairman of the Wee Scottish Arts Group, Salvatore Volpe, came to live in Clydebank from Corigliano-Rossano in the Calabria Region of Italy 10 years ago. He has been the driving force in establishing a relationship of collaboration between his old community in Italy and his new community in Clydebank
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During their stay the Italians visited Glasgow University and the Hunterian Museum, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Loch Lommond. They also took a tour of the Auchentoshan whisky distillery and sampled a traditional fish and chip tea.
 
The exhibition is free to view and runs until 28th September,
 

Local MSP Gil Paterson says that, following his request to Glasgow Airport, he is pleased to see that a dedicated page on the airport’s website has been created where members of the public can get information about the vortex protection procedure.

Speaking to the Clydebank Post, Mr Paterson said;
“While vortex incidents are rare it is important that, when they do occur, residents know where to go to find out what to do.
“Vortex can happen at any time of the day or night – they don’t stick to office hours – so the dedicated priority email account is essential to make sure that any repairs necessary are carried out quickly.
“This is a new initiative by Glasgow Airport and I’m very pleased that they have listened both to me and to local residents and have been proactive in putting folk’s minds at ease.”
The new dedicated website page where members of the public can access the Glasgow Airport vortex policy, as well as the dedicated, priority email address for reporting vortex incidences can be found here  https://www.glasgowairport.com/vortex-protection/
​

Manty thanks to all who attended the recent very successful Child Bereavement Information Event at the Scottish Parliament. It is reassuring to see the quality of support available and the event was a sage reminder of where we would be without the voluntary sector. 

Local MSP, Gil Paterson says he is delighted by West Dunbartonshire Council’s decision to carry out an unprecedented aircraft noise mitigation pilot study in conjunction with Glasgow Airport which will have major beneficial implications for the whole of Scotland.
Mr Paterson has been working on this issue of aircraft noise for over 12 years now and has carried out extensive research, including retrofitting a house in Whitecrook, to prove the adverse effects of aircraft noise can be lessened using the right materials and techniques. Earlier this year he brought the issue to the attention of the nation by sponsoring a debate on the health implications of aircraft noise at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh.
Speaking about the pilot scheme Mr Paterson said:
“This is a ground-breaking initiative from West Dunbartonshire Council and Glasgow Airport with Scotland-wide positive ramifications.
“Based on my own research, I am confident that major and massive improvement is possible. This scheme will not only herald significant improvement to the health and wellbeing of the residents of Clydebank, who have been patient for so long, but will benefit everyone living under the flightpaths of all major airports in Scotland. The Scottish Government will be keeping a close and supportive watch on the results.
“I am grateful to all those who are involved in this revolutionary scheme, this is an initiative that has never happened anywhere else, in tackling these very difficult issues.
I want to give particular credit to two community stalwarts, Joe Henry and Tam Brady, who have been working almost daily for 12 years and more on this matter. Their dedication and sticking to the task has been remarkable and commendable and have been at my side every step of the way.
All the hard work and determination has brought us to this point where real progress is being made for the benefit of the people of Whitecrook and the wider community.
“I’m both grateful and relieved that this revolutionary initiative will now take place, this is a huge step forward.”​

​Local MSP Gil Paterson is calling on the UK Government to sort out the mess they have made of access for EU students to study in Scotland following Brexit.
 
The UK Government have announced their intention to introduce 3-year temporary leave for EU nationals to study in the UK seemingly ignoring the 4-year standard honours course in Scotland.
 
SNP MSP Gil Paterson pointed out that the UK Government's plans for three-year temporary leave for EU nationals in the event of a no-deal Brexit won’t cover EU students studying in Scotland – where a degree is typically 4 years - or those on specialist courses in the rest of the UK.
 
EU students would have to apply for a Tier 4 visa to complete their course or face the threat of being forced to leave before finishing their education. Extra paperwork and uncertainty could mean that fewer EU nationals come to Scotland to study.
 
Speaking to the Herald Mr Paterson said:
 
“Yet again Scotland’s interests have been ignored by this Tory UK Government desperate to appease the right-wing Brexiteers in their party.
 
“Our excellent universities are flourishing, and our EU students make an enormous contribution to academic life, our culture and economy. When we are dragged out of the EU, Scotland’s colleges and universities will miss out on millions of pounds of EU funding, our young people will be stripped of the opportunity to take part in the Erasmus programme and forcing EU students to apply for a visa to complete their studies just adds insult to injury.
 
“Scotland voted overwhelmingly to remain in the EU but throughout the Tory Brexit process our voice has been ignored and our needs disregarded. The UK Government must sort out this threat to our universities immediately.
 
“We have the perfect opportunity in the EU elections on the 23rd May to send a strong message that Scotland opposes Brexit and I am hoping for a strong turnout from Remain voters.”
 

​MSP Gil Paterson has joined local activist Pauline Bowie to highlight Lyme Disease Awareness Month. Pauline, who suffers from the Lyme disease, has arranged for the Titan Crane to be lit-up green on the 16th May to help raise awareness locally.
 
Lyme disease is an increasingly common disease caused by a bacterial infection spread by infected blacklegged ticks – also known as deer ticks. Ticks are found crawling around in tall grass and leaf litter waiting for a host to attach themselves to. They do not jump or fly.
 
Symptoms, the best known of which is a red or pinkish rash in a bulls-eye pattern, are likely to appear 2 – 30 days after a bite from an infected tick. However, less than 20 % of all Lyme disease rashes have this classic bulls-eye appearance so the advice is to remove ticks promptly and seek medical advice as soon as possible.
 
Other early symptoms of Lyme disease include muscle and joint pain, fever, fatigue and headache with some people noticing areas of numbness or tingling.
 
Speaking to the Clydebank Post, Mr Paterson said;
 
“Lyme disease can be a debilitating disease and can produce symptoms throughout a lifetime.
 
“It is becoming increasingly common so everyone should be aware of the dangers and what to do if you pick up a tick. That’s why I commend Pauline’s efforts to highlight this issue by arranging for the landmark Titan Crane to be lit-up green during Lyme Disease Awareness Month.
 
“Pauline has worked tirelessly to help educate people about the facts of Lyme disease and to promote research into treatment.
 
“The best course of action is to prevent infection by using insect repellent, covering your skin when you are out in the countryside – tuck your trousers into your socks - and sticking to the middle of the path where possible.
 
“It is also a good idea to wear light coloured clothing so that the dark coloured ticks show-up and are easier to see.
 
“I would urge everyone to check for ticks whenever they’ve been out in the countryside or in tall grass anywhere. Better safe than sorry.”
 
Left untreated a Lyme infection can affect any system in the body and can produce debilitating fatigue, headaches, muscle pain, arthritis in any joint, numbness, tingling, nerve pain and weakness, heart problems, psychiatric disorders, difficulty with thinking and memory as well as problems with vision and hearing. The sheer variety of symptoms can make diagnosis difficult.
 
Treatment is generally a course of antibiotics, it can be necessary to take antibiotics over a sustained period of time.
 
For further information, visit the Lyme Resource Centre at http://www.lymeresourcecentre.com/
 

​A team from the school’s P6 travelled to the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh to take part in the national finals of the Scottish European Educational Trust Euroquiz and were delighted to come out on top. Team members Beth Dalrymple, Daniel Scullion, Cian Hynde and Michael Pearce carried on the winning ways for the school who also topped the table at last year’s event.
 
Local MSP Gil Paterson visited the school to congratulate the quiz team members who told him that they had “worked very hard and had lots of fun” practising for the quiz. They said they had a “great team” and were glad that their hard work had all paid off. The team also paid tribute to school teacher Ms Donnelly who trained the team and said “they couldn’t have done it without her.”
 
Ms Donnelly told Mr Paterson she was extremely proud of the pupils’ hard work, dedication and enthusiasm.
 
Euroquiz is an annual project open to all P6 pupils across Scotland, which sees teams of four working together to broaden their knowledge of Europe and the wider world. Subjects covered include languages, history, geography, culture and European affairs. The team from St Mary’s won through the heats, which take place in every local authority, to represent West Dunbartonshire, along with runners-up Levenvale Primary School, in the National Euroquiz Final which was held in the Debating Chamber of the Scottish Parliament.
 
In the final round of the competition St Mary’s faced the team from Levenvale, who were also runners-up in the national final as well as the West Dunbartonshire heats, meaning the top two slots went to West Dunbartonshire schools.
 
Speaking to the Clydebank Post, Mr Paterson said:
“This is a fantastic achievement for the quiz team and for St Mary’s.
“The team members are a credit to their school, to their parents, and to our whole community.
“I must also pay tribute to Ms Donnelly who gave so much of her time to prepare and motivate the children. I’m sure they will look back on their experience with pride and happy memories.”

UK Government changes to the eligibility criteria for claiming Pension Credit will take effect from 15th May 2019 and local MSP Gil Paterson wants to warn pensioners of the deadline in order that those who qualify now don’t lose out.
 
Pension Credit is an entitlement for people on the lowest levels of the State Pension to top up their pension but changes to the eligibility criteria for pensioner couples introduced by the UK Government in Westminster could mean that thousands of older couples living in Scotland could be worse off to the tune of £7,000 a year.
 
When the changes come into effect a pensioner who lives with a younger partner (who is not yet of pension age) will no longer be able to claim Pension Credit. These pensioners will also miss out on extra entitlements such as housing benefit, council tax reduction, cold weather payment and support for dental and eyecare costs. The initial £7000 reduction effectively doubles when you take into account the value of these other benefits pensioners can claim if they are in receipt of Pension Credit.
 
Mr Paterson commented saying:
 
“Pensioners need to act right now to safeguard their entitlement.
 
“If you are not sure if you qualify for Pension Credit then speak to your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau or get in touch with Age Scotland on their free helpline. Don’t delay as the deadline of the 15th May is looming so you need to act now.
 
“I think it is despicable that the Westminster Government is treating our poorest pensioners in this fashion and the Conservative UK Government know it is, otherwise why would they sneak the announcement out on the day of their first meaningful Brexit vote?
 
“This is yet another glaring example of why Scotland needs control of all of our social security.”
 
The charity Age Scotland say they believe that changes will have a devastating impact on the lives of some of the poorest pensioners in Scotland and have advised those affected to call their helpline on 0800 12 44 222 before the 15th May deadline.

The helpline is free to call and is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
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Local MSP Gil Paterson has written to Nicola Sturgeon to highlight the case of a Clydebank firefighter who is deeply worried about his future in Scotland after Brexit.
 
Fabrice Dubois has worked for the Scottish Fire Service since 2009 and routinely puts his life on the line as a firefighter to save lives. He is an EU National who has lived in Scotland since 2005 and has two Scots-French children. Prior to the 2016 EU referendum he had the security of his EU citizenship and thought of Scotland as his home but the result of the referendum and the UK decision to leave the EU has shattered his peace of mind. He is now stressed and anxious over what the future holds.
 
Mr Paterson submitted a question for First Minister’s Question Time on behalf of Mr Dubois but, unfortunately time ran out before his question could be put to the First Minister.  He is working very closely on this case with his SNP colleague, West Dunbartonshire MP Martin Docherty-Hughes. 
 
Speaking to the Clydebank Post, Mr Paterson said;
“I find it deeply disturbing and unacceptable that someone like Mr Dubois, who puts his life on the line on a regular basis for the people of Clydebank, should have to worry about his future in Scotland.
“The people of Scotland benefit enormously from the contribution EU Nationals like Mr Dubois make to our society and their treatment at the hands of the UK government is disgraceful. Clydebank is Mr Dubois’ home and he is very welcome here.”
 
Martin Docherty-Hughes MP said:
“The UK government has treated EU nationals appallingly. Scotland has been Fabrice’s home since 2005; he lives here in Clydebank with his family and has worked for the fire service for over ten years.
“There are thousands of EU nationals working in Scotland’s public services, making a vital contribution to our local communities. Yet they face fear and uncertainty over their futures here post-Brexit.
“It’s completely unacceptable and Fabrice has my full support in challenging this UK’s government’s shameful immigration policies.”.

Clydebank MSP Gil Paterson visited Dr Kenny Brophy and his team of local volunteers, students and archaeologists who have been out and about recording the prehistoric archaeology of Faifley.
 
The results of the rock art survey work will be showcased at a drop-in event in the Skypoint Centre on Saturday 23rd March between 2pm and 4pm and Mr Paterson is urging local people to pop along and discover the fascinating history of the archaeological heritage on our doorstep. There will also be a chance to try your hand at making your own rock art.
 
The survey work has been organised by Historic Environment Scotland’s Rock Art Project whose aim is to enhance understanding and awareness of Scotland’s prehistoric rock art by training and supporting community teams to gather detailed information. The recording teams are making 3D digital models of each stone which will be freely available online.
 
Speaking about the project, Mr Paterson said:
 
“The Cochno Stone is becoming better known, no small thanks to Dr Kenny Brophy of Glasgow University, but I wonder how many people realise the true extent of all the rock-art around Faifley?
 
“This area is a prehistoric treasure trove with several sites which have not been seen for many, many years.
 
“All credit is due to Kenny Brophy and his team who work so hard to raise awareness and teach us about our rich heritage. He always seeks to encourage the whole community to engage with our ancient legacy and we should support and participate in these initiatives wherever we can.”
 

​Gil Paterson MSP has sent a written submission to East Dunbartonshire Council regarding the Local Development Plan 2.
 
In his submission he states that he wishes to record his “strongest objection” to any change of designation for the ground bounded by the Mains Estate, the Craigdhu Wedge, Mosshead and Baljaffray in the new plan.
 
The land in question is currently designated as greenbelt and Mr Paterson wants it to stay that way.
 
Speaking to the Herald, Mr Paterson said:
 
“Local people in Milngavie & Bearsden are really concerned about this issue and many of them have contacted me about their worries.
 
“The potential loss of greenbelt, open, agricultural land between the two communities would forever change the character of these separate and distinct areas, the amenity of this green space would also be lost to the people of those communities forever.
 
“Obviously, there will be pressure from residential developers to change the current provision at this location but my view is that would fly in the face of other important East Dunbartonshire Council Policies in relation to greener travel options, lowering traffic congestion and improving poor air quality.
 
“The council have enough development land available at the moment, there is no need to endanger this greenspace. Indeed, the proximity of green spaces goes a long way in making Bearsden & Milngavie such a popular place to live.”
 
Mr Paterson, also urged East Dunbartonshire Council to retain the allocation of land at Allander for the creation of a new rail halt with park and ride facilities, a cause he has long championed.
 

Local MSP Gil Paterson is highlighting calls for the Westminster Tory Education Secretary Damian Hind to end uncertainty over the Erasmus+ programme, the European Union programme for education, training, youth and sport.
 
SNP Education Spokesperson at Westminster Carol Monaghan MP, pressed Mr Hind to commit to further funding in 2019/20 for students currently studying, and planning to study, in Europe in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
 
Erasmus+ aims to modernise education, training and youth work across Europe. Young people can study, volunteer and gain work experience abroad, to develop new skills, gain vital international experience and boost their employability.

Staff can teach or train abroad, to develop their professional practice, build relationships with international peers, and gain fresh ideas and UK organisations can collaborate with international partners, to drive innovation, share best practice, and offer new opportunities to young people.

Last week, the European Commission issued a guarantee that, in case of a no-deal Brexit, current Erasmus students will be able to complete their stay without interruption “provided that the United Kingdom honours its financial obligations under the EU budget." 
 
Speaking to the Herald Mr Paterson said:

“Since 2014 Scotland has received €60 million from this scheme which allows students from all over the EU to travel, study and experience new cultures. 

“It provides opportunity to students who would otherwise not be able to afford to study abroad and benefit from that experience. 

“Erasmus encourages some of the brightest minds to come together, to work together to tackle some of the biggest challenges we face today.
​
“The Tory Westminster government must follow the EU’s lead and commit to funding all 2019/20 Erasmus+ placements. 

“The Brexit negotiations have been utterly and completely shambolic, Erasmus+ cannot be put at risk by an incompetent UK government putting party interests before country interests especially those of our young people.”

Gil Paterson MSP has called on the UK government to revise its approach to digital connectivity and invest more money delivering high-speed broadband for residents in Clydebank, after it was criticised for ‘short-changing’ Scots on high-speed broadband by a parliamentary committee.
 
The Scottish Parliament’s Rural Economy and Connectivity committee this week called on the UK government to deliver its fair share of UK broadband funding after it was revealed that the Tories have contributed just 3% of the total funding for the ‘Reaching 100%’ project.
 
Despite connectivity and broadband being a reserved matter, the Scottish Government has invested £600 million in the ‘R100’ programme to deliver super-fast broadband to every home and business in Scotland.
 
Commenting, Mr Paterson said:
 
“Digital connectivity is an essential part of modern life and an indispensable tool for business, stimulating economic growth. Here in West Dunbartonshire we have some of the highest speeds in Scotland but the Tories’ lack of ambition for broadband is extremely disappointing, and far behind that of the Scottish Government despite the fact that connectivity and broadband is wholly under the power of the UK Tory government at Westminster. Rural areas have been especially let down by Westminster with a lack of adequate broadband coverage.
 
‘’The Scottish Government has committed to extending superfast access to all of Scotland by 2021 – with speeds of at least 30Mbps – and committed £600 million to delivering that.  The UK government contribution is a paltry £20.99 million which is about 3% of the overall budget.
 
“It’s time for the Tories to step up to the plate and deliver for the people of Clydebank. They must commit to joining Scotland in the 21st century.”
 

You can access the consultation documents for my Bill proposal here. I'be very grateful if you would take a minute to let me know your thoughts.
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Local MSP Gil Paterson has lodged a proposed Bill at the Scottish Parliament to change the procedure for a second post mortem examination in cases of murder.
 
Mr Paterson began working on the proposed change in legislation after meeting with the family of Paige Docherty following her tragic murder in  March 2016. He had his first meeting with Police Scotland to discuss the issue in July 2016.
 
Since then Mr Paterson has consulted extensively meeting with forensic pathology experts, the Dean of the Faculty of Advocates and the Crown Office & Procurator Fiscal Service in 2016 as well as accompanying Paige’s mother, Pamela Munro, to a meeting with the First Minister.
 
In 2017 he met again with the Dean of the Faculty of Advocates on several occasions, the Law Society of Scotland and the then Justice Secretary.
 
After his comprehensive research, Mr Paterson arrived at a proposal that he says would make the process of requesting a second post mortem examination more transparent and easier to understand for the families of victims while at the same time protecting the absolute right of the accused to a fair trial.
 
Mr Paterson’s suggestion is that there should be a time limit for the defence lawyers to conduct a second post mortem examination and, only if there were sound reasons why they could not do so within the agreed time, they would be able to apply to the court for an extension to the time limit.
 
Speaking about his proposed Bill, Mr Paterson said:
 
“This is an extremely complex issue which is why it has taken such a lot of work to arrive at this proposed change to legislation. It is in everyone’s interest that the right person is found guilty and no one, least of all the families of victims would want to see that interfered with. Obviously, it is an issue which needed careful thought and sensitivity never forgetting that I was working with very traumatised families and loved ones.
 
“However, I believe it is possible to protect the right to a fair trial while, at the same time, giving victims’ families greater certainty about when they will be able to hold a funeral for their loved ones.
 
“I’m dedicating this work to the memory of Paige Docherty and to her mother, Pamela Munro, and family.”

​Local MSP Gil Paterson is warning Bankies to keep their wits about them following reports of scam phone calls from crooks pretending to be from HMRC.
 
The scammers have managed to clone the HMRC helpline number and when people answer the call they hear a recorded message telling them that they are being investigated for tax fraud and a warrant has been issued for their arrest.
 
Commenting on the scam, Mr Paterson said;
 
“The conmen who prey on innocent, often elderly, people with scams like this are despicable, we all have to be vigilant so that they don’t get away with it.
 
“HMRC have told me that they would never contact you over the phone, if HMRC need to get in touch with you they will write, they will not phone so don’t ever give any personal information over the phone.
 
“The message is clear, just hang up, don’t engage in conversation with these people, don’t press any keys on your phone, hang up immediately.”
 
HMRC advise anyone who thinks that they may have fallen victim to this scam to contact the police. Anyone who has revealed financial information should also contact their bank.