Gil Paterson has commended the fundraising efforts of Ken Wright from Bearsden with the Scottish Parliament.

Motion Number: S5M-08516
Lodged By: Gil Paterson
Date Lodged: 30/10/2017

Title: Fundraising for Alzheimer’s Research

Motion Text:
That the Parliament recognises the outstanding work of Ken Wright from Bearsden, and friends, to raise over £7,000 for Alzheimer’s Research UK by climbing Mount Fuji in Japan after the experience of his mother having dementia; notes that Ken is the Head of Broker Development at AXA Insurance and is also a partner of the charity; further notes that he has raised more than £280,000 in total; considers that fundraising from individuals contributes hugely to charities that work tirelessly to support people with dementia, the numbers of which are predicted to increase from 46.8 million in 2015 to 131.5 million in 2050, as well as helping to advance research for treatment, and thanks Ken and all of his associates for their efforts in fundraising.

FRACKING would have been a “scourge” on the Scottish countryside, MSP Gil Paterson has said.

The Clydebank and Milngavie MSP’s words follow the Scottish Parliament uniting behind the SNP government’s fracking ban.

MSPs backed the fracking ban by 91 to 28 on Tuesday October 25.

Gil Paterson warned the extraction of unconventional oil and gas would have been taking place adjacent constituency Strathkelvin and Bearsden, if the SNP hadn’t banned it.

He said: “It would have been terrible news for Clydebank if fracking were not stopped because not far away, just across the border in Strathkelvin and Bearsden constituency, it would have been taking place.
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“The environmental and health problems fracking can cause are well documented, from contaminating water supplies, causing earthquakes and the tearing apart of countryside to do it.

“Let us not forget the impact fracking would have in devaluing the prices of houses around the areas where it is taking place. The housing market would be struck by fracking.
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“Constituents in Clydebank have expressed fears about fracking taking place in their communities. I have had to reassure them that under the SNP, it will not ever be taking place.

“Fracking is just not worth the risk — it’s like burning the furniture to keep the house warm. It would have been a scourge on our world-renowned landscape.

“I could not be happier that we have fended off the opposition and saved Scotland from this destructive practice.”

ENDS

From Gil Paterson MSP by Alan Ferguson (07342 061722)
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BACKGROUND: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-41722485

MSP Gil Paterson is urging constituents to take part in a public consultation on a Scottish National Investment Bank.

The establishment of a national investment bank was a key measure announced in the Programme for Government in September.

Launched on Friday October 20, views are now being sought in the consultation on how best the Bank can meet its objective of supporting the Scottish economy.

Mr Paterson, a member of Holyrood’s economy committee, said:

“The creation of a Scottish National Investment Bank is a massive moment for not just Scotland’s economy but our wider society.

“This public-owned institution will support infrastructure investment, which includes knowledge, research and development and digital infrastructure.

“The Bank will also lend assistance to Scotland’s army of businesses which make our private sector prosper.

“It is a wider bid to build Scotland’s economy and pursue an economic vision that makes everyone in this country better off.

“I hope all of my constituents with an interest in this area can take the time to look at the proposals and provide feedback.”

ENDS

From Gil Paterson MSP by Alan Ferguson (07342 061722)
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NOTES TO REPORTER

Link to consultation: https://consult.scotland.gov.uk/economic-policy-unit/scottish-national-investment-bank/
Background: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-41695773

MSP Gil Paterson has echoed comments made by First Minister on setting up a publicly-owned renewable energy company.

Nicola Sturgeon told the SNP party conference in Glasgow the company will sell the clean energy to as “close to cost price as possible”.

Further details will be announced by the Scottish Government in its Energy Strategy, but the company will be set up by the end of this parliament, 2021.

Mr Paterson said: “This is an incredible announcement from the SNP conference this week – and one I am very happy with.

“The simple fact is, too many people struggle with high energy bills and end up having to endure the freezing cold throughout the winter.

“A public-owned energy company will bring electricity to the homes of my constituents cheaper than anywhere else.

“The fact it will be delivered as green energy is also great news for our environment, we must strive to promote clean energy as much as possible.”

ENDS

MSP Gil Paterson has held a meeting with representatives from community councils in his constituency Clydebank and Milngavie.

It is part of a new initiative to increase communication between community councillors and the MSP so he can assist with local issues they are tackling.

The meeting was held on Monday October 2 in the Titan Enterprise Business Centre in Clydebank.

​Mr Paterson added: “It was a very successful first meeting in Clydebank where we discussed a number of matters affecting the whole constituency such as problems with the Hardgate Roundabout.

“I also got a great opportunity to hear what the local concerns are of each of the community councils who in turn benefited from hearing what others are doing in their locales.

“Community councils have a huge amount to contribute and I hope to hold these meetings regularly to ensure I can see how I can help them in the good work they do.”
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ENDS

CAPTION: (L-R) Stuart Crawford, MSP’s senior caseworker, Gordon Cox – Bearsden North CC, John Hainey – Linnvale & Drumry CC, Tam Brady – Clydebank East CC, Tom Patton – Duntocher and Hardgate CC, John Redpath – Duntocher and Hardgate CC, Kate Waddell – Milngavie CC, Drummond McNair – Parkhall North Kilbowie & Central CC, Isobel Plunkett – Old Kilpatrick CC, Daphne MacKay – Old Kilpatrick CC, Ian Mackay, MSP’s researcher, Lorraine Hamilton – Linnvale and Drumry CC, Gil Paterson MSP, Gilbert Howatson – Parkhall North Kilbowie & Central CC, Rhona Young – Old Kilpatrick CC.