 MSP Gil Paterson says a shuttle bus will replace services through Old Kilpatrick and Bowling that are to be temporary cancelled.
For a fortnight in February, works on a rail bridge on Roman Road will cause all main services — 1/A/B/E — to bypass the villages. However, after discussions with transport authorities since October, Mr Paterson today (January 29) welcomed that there will now put on a shuttle bus. It followed a period of uncertainty whereby authorities said there would be no service to connect the towns to the major bus lines. Mr Paterson, MSP for Clydebank and Milngavie, said: “On behalf of my constituents, I have been facilitating communication and pressing for a solution on this matter since it came to my attention. “As such, I am very pleased we have got to a positive outcome whereby bus services will resume, albeit in a different manner, during the works to the rail bridge at Roman Road. “Public bodies can take a lot of stick for seeming to not engage with members of the public on important localised matters, so I praise all the parties involved for coming together to get something done. “The replacement shuttle bus to connect Old Kilpatrick and Bowling to regular bus lines is a necessary measure – especially for the elderly, infirm and vulnerable – so I am delighted we now have a solution.” This story has been extensively covered by the Clydebank Post, please see some background here: https://www.clydebankpost.co.uk/news/18195575.old-kilpatrick-residents-hit-halt-lifeline-bus-service/  CITIZENS of the EU living in Scotland post-Brexit Day have been invited to a special event where legal advice and settlement assistance will be on hand.
The event in Clydebank Town Hall on Monday February 17 will provide an opportunity for EU citizens to speak to a legal expert, get general advice and support for applying to the EU Settlement Scheme. EU citizens and their family members will be able to book individual appointments with an ‘OISC Level 1’ trained adviser if they need help with the identity verification and application process. Mr Paterson, MSP for Clydebank and Milngavie, will be hosting the event in association with EU Citizens Right Project Scotland, which will last from 6pm to 8pm. The MSP said: “Now we are out of the European Union, I want to ensure my EU constituents are given as much help as possible in the settlement scheme. “It has been a turbulent and divisive few years following the EU referendum, and there have been questions asked about the situation EU citizens here will face. “I am seeking to bring about some clarity to EU citizens, remind them of their rights and that they should not be leaving Scotland because of Brexit. “The event will offer expert legal advice and assistance with the whole process of applying to the EU Settlement Scheme.” EU citizens currently living in the UK will have to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme by 30 June 2021 if they want to keep living in the UK after this date. To be eligible to apply to the Settlement Scheme, EU citizens will need to show they are resident in the UK by December 2020. The event will be held in Clydebank Town Hall, 5 Hall Street, Clydebank, G81 1UB at 6pm to 8pm on Monday February 17 2020.  PLANS for a £2bn national investment bank have been backed by Clydebank and Milngavie’s MSP.
MSP Gil Paterson voted in favour of establishing the Scottish National Investment Bank in the Scottish Parliament on January 22. It will see £2bn funds invested across ten years into small businesses and community groups in Scotland focusing on climate change. It is part of the SNP’s Green new Deal to help kick-start investment and build momentum in tackling climate change and create high quality jobs. He said: “Supporting the Scottish National Investment Bank is a no brainer – it will mean putting billions into small Scottish business. “It is excellent that funds that could be supporting innovation, new technologies and ideas to make our country and planet cleaner and healthier place. “Scotland will be at the forefront of investing in businesses and groups that are pioneering measures to tackle global problems affecting our environment.” ENDS BACKGROUND: https://www.gov.scot/policies/economic-growth/scottish-national-investment-bank/ A written constitution would uphold Scotland as a democratic nation amid UK political chaos27/1/2020  MSP Gil Paterson has thrown his support behind a former provost’s campaign for a written constitution in Scotland.
Denis Agnew, also a councillor at West Dunbartonshire Council, is petitioning the Scottish Parliament for an “enshrined Bill of Rights”. A written constitution would help protect fundamental rights, the rule of law, minority rights and preserve Scotland as a truly democratic nation, Mr Paterson has added. A contentious debate on leaving the EU and the subsequent fallout since the vote emphasises the need to secure citizens’ rights in Scotland. The MSP for Clydebank and Milngavie said: “A written constitution would ensure the fundamental rights of every person in Scotland in a clear and precise manner. “At a time when turbulent change is being brought upon Scotland against its will - Brexit - it is important we emphasise our rights and the rule of law. “In implementing a written constitution, we also underpin that minorities are protected for generations to come. “Due to the clarity a written constitution offers, no ruler or government can exercise powers arbitrarily, upholding Scotland as a democratic nation. “We would be shielded against the impulses and desires of Westminster politicians who have brought chaos upon Scotland and the rest of the UK recently. “In light of this, I applaud the efforts of Denis Agnew and fully support the campaign for a written constitution in Scotland.” ENDS  FUNDS to run a STEM challenge in Clydebank and Milngavie secondary schools have been welcomed by MSP Gil Paterson.
Glasgow Airport’s Flightpath Fund has awarded £7,000 to three schools to run the 10-week Go4SET programme by the Engineering Development Trust (EDT). It will see S2 pupils from Bearsden Academy, St Peter the Apostle High School and Clydebank High School run a project on one of three projects relating to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). Mr Paterson also lodged a motion with the Scottish Parliament commending the allocation of funds by Glasgow Aiport Flightpath Fund. The MSP for Clydebank and Milngavie said: “I would like my constituents – both parents and children – to be aware of the opportunities a career in science, technology, engineering and maths offers. “It is a great career path, with well-paid and exciting jobs, and there is a high demand for young people, both male and female. “I thank Glasgow Airport for making these funds available and I am sure the programme will be an inspiring opportunity for my young constituents to learn about STEM.” ENDS MOTION: Encouraging young people into STEM That the Parliament welcomes funds from Glasgow Airport Flightpath Fund to promote science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) industries to young people in secondary schools in Clydebank and Bearsden; notes that Bearsden Academy, St Peter the Apostle High School and Clydebank High School will benefit from the £7,000 issued to run the 10-week Go4SET programme which will see teams of six S2 pupils work with a company mentor to produce a report, model and five-minute presentation on one of the following topics: Fit for the Future, Smart Surroundings and Future Proof or Designing building for Climate Change; understands the programme by Engineering Development Scotland (EDT) hopes to encourage young people into a STEM career due to shortages in recruitment and potentially rewarding futures they could have within it; agrees that a career in STEM is fulfilling for a number of reasons, but especially in terms exciting career opportunities and earnings potential; and finally thanks Glasgow Airport Flightpath for recognising the value in the programme and STEM’s recruitment issues. FLIGHTPATH PRESS RELEASE: FLIGHTPATH FUND’S £7000 AWARD ENSURES LOCAL PUPILS JOIN STEM CHALLENGE - FlightPath Fund award will see pupils from seven schools take part in the Engineering Development Trust’s Go4SET programme - Pupils from seven local secondary schools will take part in a national Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) competition thanks to a £7000 award from Glasgow Airport’s FlightPath Fund. The project, run by the Engineering Development Trust (EDT), sees teams of six S2 pupils participate in the 10-week regional Go4SET programme. During this time, they will work with a company mentor to produce a report, model and a five-minute presentation on one of three STEM-related projects focusing on sustainability and the environment - Fit for the Future, Smart Surroundings and Future Proof or Designing Building for Climate Change. As part of the project, the pupils will also take part in a site visit to their mentor’s company to see STEM application in the workplace. Go4SET gives the pupils the opportunity to develop skills, inform subject choice and change perceptions about STEM by raising awareness of how studying these subjects can lead to a rewarding career. The pupils taking part in the Go4SET programme will gain an SQA Steps to Work Award SCQF Level 4 and a Bronze Industrial Cadet Award. Support from the airport’s FlightPath Fund has ensured that 42 S2 pupils from the following secondary schools in Renfrewshire, Glasgow, East and West Dunbartonshire participate in Go4SET: Bearsden Academy Gleniffer High School Trinity High School Turnbull High School St Peter the Apostle High School Clydebank High School Drumchapel High School Archie Hunter, Chair of the FlightPath Fund, said: “Our science, engineering and technology sectors face significant challenges in terms of skills and people shortages. “STEM-sector related employment in Scotland is set to grow by 4% by 2027, so projects such as Go4SET are absolutely vital in ensuring these challenges can be met. “The FlightPath Fund focuses its community investment in a number of areas including education, the environment and employment. Go4SET ticks each of these boxes and the £7000 award from the Fund will ensure that the pupils from the chosen secondary schools in our local communities gain an insight to the exciting STEM-related career opportunities that are out there.” More… Research has shown that the exposure of younger age groups to STEM related employers, encourages more students to choose post-16 courses in these subject areas, eventually leading to the study of STEM degrees at university. A regional section of the Go4SET programme was launched today (Thursday, January 23) at the University of the West of Scotland campus in Paisley. Flora Lewis-Gotts, Partnership Manager for Scotland at EDT, said: “We are delighted that the Glasgow Airport FlightPath Fund committee has chosen to support the EDT Go4SET programme this year. “The programme got underway today with a launch event at the University of West of Scotland, Paisley, where the students met their sponsor and company mentor who will guide them through the project and take them on a site visit. “We are looking forward to welcoming the students back to UWS in May for the Celebration and Assessment Day, when one team will be crowned regional winner and go through to the National Final at the Glasgow Science Centre in June.” In 2019, the FlightPath Fund award more than £110,000 to over 70 local clubs, community groups and charities. This amount was also boosted by a record £20,000 donated by Glasgow Airport passengers via six currency collection globes based in the terminal. To find out more about applying for funding support, visit: www.glasgowairport.com/community, Ends Notes to editors:
Issued by: Peter Carroll Communications Manager Glasgow Airport 0141 848 4737 peter.carroll@glasgowairport.com  The people of Scotland must think on whether they wish to be part of Europe or the United Kingdom, MSP Gil Paterson has warned.
He echoed comments made by Mike Russell MSP, the Cabinet Secretary for Government Business and Constitutional Relations, when he questioned him in the Scottish Parliament. Mr Paterson asked for the cabinet secretary’s views on Boris Johnson’s decision not to grant a section 30 order in relation to allowing Scottish independence referendum. In a follow up question, he asked how Scotland’s interests will be protected following the imminent departure from the European Union (EU). Mr Paterson, MSP for Clydebank and Milngavie, said: “I was glad to raise this matter in parliament with the cabinet secretary because it is evident the people of Scotland want to be given the opportunity to decide its future. “The truth is, Boris Johnson fears the Scottish people will vote for independence due to the extreme material changes the UK has now forced upon us against the wishes of the electorate. “In all latest elections, Scotland has repeatedly backed European Union membership and expressed its will for a referendum. We need the opportunity to decide what path to take – the EU or a materially different UK ruled by a party we never, and are never likely to, support. “I am sure all sides of this debate can agree Scotland is becoming a pressure cooker over the matter of independence and that a referendum would be the healthy option for this country to put the matter of self-governance to bed.” In Holyrood, Mr Russell said: “I encourage the people of Scotland to think on that, to continue to support that position — as they are doing in increasing numbers — and to move forward so that they have the right to choose. That is the issue: do they wish to be part of the EU, as they have repeatedly said they do, or do they wish to be part of Boris Johnson’s bonging Brexit?” ENDS Notes: Scottish Parliament portfolio questions official report from Wednesday January 22: 7. Gil Paterson (Clydebank and Milngavie) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the Prime Minister’s decision not to grant a section 30 order in relation to a second independence referendum. (S5O-04025) The Cabinet Secretary for Government Business and Constitutional Relations (Michael Russell): The rejection by the United Kingdom Government of the people of Scotland’s right to choose is further demonstration of the need for Scotland’s future to be put in Scotland’s hands. That is an utterly uncontroversial opinion. We are keeping our options open for how to respond to the UK Government’s refusal to accept the mandate that was given to the Scottish Government by the people who live in Scotland. The First Minister will provide an update on the Government’s next steps shortly. Gil Paterson: I am sure that the cabinet secretary will agree with me that the Prime Minister’s undemocratic rejection of Scotland’s right to choose is simply unsustainable. For the avoidance of any doubt, will the cabinet secretary outline what measures the Scottish Government is taking to protect Scotland’s interests ahead of our being dragged out of the European Union next week by a Tory Government that Scotland did not, and is likely never to, vote for? Michael Russell: There will be a range of events and announcements next week that are designed to draw attention to two things. The first is that Scotland did not vote to, and does not wish to, leave the EU. The second is that we wish to remain close to the EU so that we can re-enter it within the shortest period possible. It is very significant that, from a week on Friday at 11 pm, the only route for regaining our European citizenship will be choosing independence and using that as the means of re-entering the EU. Other routes are blocked. The status quo finishes. I encourage the people of Scotland to think on that, to continue to support that position—as they are doing in increasing numbers—and to move forward so that they have the right to choose. That is the issue: do they wish to be part of the EU, as they have repeatedly said they do, or do they wish to be part of Boris Johnson’s bonging Brexit?  iScotland’s parliament has formally voted to withhold its consent for Boris Johnson’s Brexit.
Some 92 to 29 MSPs voted against approving The Withdrawal Agreement Bill. The Scottish Parliament and Scottish people have spoken clearly and consistently on this matter. We voted against Brexit and continuously returned pro-Europe majorities in elections. Anti-independence parties were crushed to near extinction in the latest election. But the control the UK has over Scotland will once again mean we are held back. The democratic wishes of our people and parliament remain completely restricted. Despite these massive changes in our material circumstances we are denied our voice. Scotland is entitled to decide over its future in this increasingly unrecognisable UK. But a fearful Boris Johnson has again rejected our appeal for a simple independence referendum. Evidently, he and his party fear Scotland will vote for its own liberation. Losing control over our nation and its wealth would be an unmitigated disaster for the unionist powers. This unwillingness to allow us to vote on these vastly changed circumstances is a sign of weakness. Boris Johnson fears giving the people of Scotland a vote because he knows he would lose. But he is only delaying the inevitable – that Scotland needs to be able to consider independence sooner rather than later. Last week’s Scottish Parliament vote to withhold consent to withdrawing from the EU is emblematic of this struggle. England and Wales are getting their wishes granted to leave the EU and Northern Ireland, a special deal. Scotland, alone of the four nations, voted to remain but is being forced to leave with no special arrangements. The Scottish Government and Scottish Parliament is right to withhold its consent on this basis alone. However, there are more reasons, that the Scottish public rejected this Withdrawal Agreement Bill at the GE. Additionally, this Bill firmly puts a no-deal Brexit back on the table – something disastrous for our economy. To protect our economy, we argued the UK should remain in the single market and customs union. Despite a positive case in our ‘Scotland’s Place in Europe’, it was contemptuously ignored by the UK Government. A close variant of this was given to Northern Ireland. The UK securing a free trade deal with the EU will be an extremely complex and unique activity. Doing so in under a year is totally unrealistic and will drive the UK towards a hard Brexit when it fails to achieve it. This is unless they give an extension to the one-year limit placed upon these negations. While everyone’s views in Scotland matter, we have a duty to respect the clear and consistent majority. No matter how you voted, Brexit will affect you, and you should have the right to consider a different path. ENDS (459 words) Superfast broadband access at nearly 100 per cent — MSP praises Scottish Government initiatives13/1/2020  Nearly 100 per cent of homes and premises in the Clydebank and Milngavie constituency can connect to superfast broadband.
The information was revealed following a question by MSP Gil Paterson at General Questions at the Scottish Parliament on Thursday January 9. Paul Wheelhouse MSP, the Secretary for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands, told how 98 per cent of premises are hooked up. He said: “Through a combination of commercial and DSSB investment, latest Ofcom figures show that 98 per cent of premises in Clydebank and Milngavie now have access to superfast broadband. “Despite telecoms being reserved to Westminster, the Scottish government as committed to build on the success of the £400 million Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband programme by committing to our £600 million Reaching 100% programme.” Mr Paterson, MSP for Clydebank and Milngavie, was delighted at the news and praised the Scottish Government’s efforts. He said: “Given how much my constituents rely on internet now for accessing vital services, streaming multiple devices, entertainment, shopping, learning and more, it is essential all homes and business premises can access superfast broadband if they so wish. “We have all experienced the frustration of a slow and unreliable internet connection – so I am very pleased we are moving towards 100 per cent superfast broadband coverage not just in Clydebank and Milngavie, but across the nation. “Superfast internet is the bedrock of a modern economy and thanks to the Scottish Government’s efforts are well ahead of other countries in preparing for the future. “I’m hoping these will allow some of the final gaps of connectivity to superfast broadband be filled in the not so distant future.” ENDS NOTES: Answer from the Scottish Government: SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT ORAL ANSWER 9 January 2020 Index Heading: Organisational Development and Operations Gil Paterson (Clydebank and Milngavie) (Scottish National Party): To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the development of the broadband infrastructure in the Clydebank and Milngavie constituency. S5O-03982 Paul Wheelhouse: Through a combination of commercial and DSSB investment, latest Ofcom figures show that 98% of premises in Clydebank and Milngavie now have access to superfast broadband. Despite telecoms being reserved to Westminster, the Scottish Government has committed to build on the success of the £400 million Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband programme by committing to our £600 million Reaching 100% programme. As the member may be aware, I will be making a statement later today on the R100 procurement and will be able to say more at that point. MSP Gil Paterson's comments have appeared in the Clydebank Post following a press release breaking the below story: Press Release:
MSP Gil Paterson has condemned plans to leave part of his constituency marooned from “lifeline” bus services for nearly two weeks. Old Kilpatrick and Bowling will be cut off from all bus services for around 12 days in February for works at a rail bridge north of Roman Road. Network Rail has refused to fund a replacement shuttle bus service following correspondence with Gil Paterson MSP, SPT and First Bus since October. Services 1/A/B/E will be affected and will leave Old Kilpatrick and Bowling without any bus services for the duration of the works. The works are scheduled for February, but an exact date has yet to be announced. Mr Paterson, SNP MSP for Clydebank and Milngavie, said: “I condemn Network Rail’s refusal to fund a replacement bus service while it disrupts lifeline bus services in my constituency. “Members of the public in Old Kilpatrick and Bowling are right to be angered as they will be marooned from services they rely on in their day to day lives. “It is especially damaging in these cold and dark wintry days for elderly people, the disabled and other vulnerable members of the public. “Local businesses will also be negatively affected from this withdrawal of customers traversing this busy bus route. “I renew my call for Network Rail to fund the shuttle bus and show some accountability for the lengthy disruption it will cause.” ENDS Extra Information:
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