Cathy with the new £50 banknote

Falkirk East MSP Cathy Peattie has welcomed the new Clydesdale banknote designs – particularly the new £50 note.

Cathy said: “I am doubly pleased by this new design. On one side, the the note shows Scots doctor and suffragette Elsie Inglis, one of Scotland’s most inspirational women. On the other side is an an image of the Antonine Wall, an important part of my constituency’s heritage.

“It’s great to see the Antonine Wall included in the new design. Given the Wall’s historic importance and status as a World Heritage Site, it deserves greater recognition and exposure. I know that the council is working hard to promote the Wall, and I will be lobbying for more support from the Scottish Government.

“Without a doubt, Elsie Inglis is one of Scotland’s greatest pioneering women, both as a doctor and as a proponent of women’s suffrage and equality. She is famed for her medical work, founding the Edinburgh Hospital and Dispensary for Women and Children - now the ‘Elsie Inglis Memorial Hospital’ – and renowned for her work in the First World War, setting up the Abbaye de Royaumont hospital in France, and a total of 14 medical units across Europe. As an ardent campaigner for women’s rights, she helped to create the Scottish Women’s Suffrage Federation.”

Falkirk East MSP Cathy Peattie, Convener of the Cross Party Group on Carers, helping to launch Scotland’s first ever Charter of Rights for people with dementia and their carers.

Falkirk East MSP Cathy Peattie, who chairs the Cross Party Group on carers at the Scottish Parliament, said that there are “more than 69,500 people living in Scotland who have been diagnosed with dementia, and this is projected to increase to 127,000 by 2031. People with dementia and their carers have the same human rights as every other citizen. However, it is widely recognised that, in addition to the impact of the illness, they face cultural, social and economic barriers to fulfilling these.

“This Charter aims to empower people with dementia, those who support them and the community as a whole to ensure their rights are recognised and respected. In recent years numerous reports have demonstrated that levels of care for people with dementia are simply not at a high enough standard. The publication of a Charter of Rights for people with dementia and their carers is long overdue.”

Cathy wants people to give their support to the Charter by “signing up” online at http://www.dementiarights.org/support-the-charter/

The Charter was developed by the Scottish Parliaments Cross Party Group on Alzheimer’s which brought together MSPs and external organisations, including Alzheimer Scotland, the Mental Welfare Commission, the Scottish Human Rights Commission, Crossreach and the Royal College of Psychiatrists. The final document is the culmination of over half a year’s work, including a series of roadshows throughout Scotland which brought together service users, medical professionals and care home staff.

Henry Simmons, Chief Executive of Alzheimer Scotland, said: “For too long the rights of people with dementia and their carers have been in the shadows. Although they have the same rights as everyone else in Scotland, people with dementia have become disadvantaged, disenfranchised and disowned. We call on as many people as possible to sign up in support of this Charter, which we want to act as both a charter mark for service providers and a key influence on the National Dementia Strategy that’s currently in development.”

Duncan Wilson, Head of Strategy and Legal at the Scottish Human Rights Commission, said: “This Charter brings some long overdue focus on empowering people with dementia to understand and claim their rights, and will help to increase the ability – and accountability – of those responsible for caring for vulnerable adults. The Commission welcomes the efforts of the Cross-Party Group to reflect international human rights standards in their work. Looking ahead, we hope that a wide range of public and private bodies will be encouraged to make human rights part of their day to day work with older people.”

Cathy Peattie MSP with HSE board member Danny Carrigan, HSE Chief Executive Geoffrey Podger, and Chair of the HSE Judith Hackitt.

On Tuesday evening, 22nd September, Cathy hosted a meeting for the Health and Safety Executive in the Scottish Parliament.

“It was good to get so many people together to discuss how we can improve health and safety in Scotland,” said Cathy.

“There is a lot being done to address poor health and safety, but there are still many problems and I am particularly concerned that Scotland has higher rates than the rest of the UK, fewer successful prosecutions, and relatively low levels of fine being imposed. I think there needs to be a formal initiative that brings together and coordinates health and safety action in Scotland, to maximise the benefits of existing work, and to identify what can be done to address the “Scottish Safety Anomaly”. I know some people think that this is down to a different mix of employment and a different culture, but if that’s the case, let’s not use it as an excuse – we need to tackle the causes.”

Cathy signed up to the HSE pledge

We, the undersigned: 

• Agree to play our part in reducing the numbers of work-related deaths, injuries and ill-health in Great Britain.
• Call on employers to put health and safety at the heart of what they do and to take a common sense approach to health and safety.
• Commit to debunking myths around health and safety that trivialise the impact of injuries, ill health and deaths on individuals and their families.
• Recognise the importance of health and safety in difficult economic times and the dangers of complacency.
• Pledge to work with the Health and Safety Executive and its partners to Be Part of the Solution.

The HSE would like companies to sign the pledge – the form is on http://www.hse.gov.uk/strategy/signup.htm

Falkirk East MSP Cathy Peattie has called for action on pavement parking and other road safety hazards.

Speaking in a Scottish Parliament debate on road safety, Cathy highlighted the problems pedestrians face because of badly parked vehicles:

“Children are forced to use busy roads when going to and from school. Although we are extremely grateful for the dedication of crossing patrols, the plight of children, the elderly, wheelchair users and those with prams is made worse by obstacles, not the least of which is pavement parking. It is a recipe for an accident when vehicles park on the pavement and pedestrians are forced to use the road. Badly parked vehicles can also make it difficult to see oncoming traffic. More could be done to tackle those problems, perhaps by enforcing existing laws or by creating new byelaws. Failing that, we should consider what legislation we could introduce in the Parliament. We must ensure that people take responsibility for their parking. Motorists should realise the effect that bad parking has on children, young people and others who have to walk on the road. For those who do not take their responsibilities seriously, we need to have recourse to legal remedies.”

Cathy also called for

“Instead of taxing cyclists, we should improve their lot,” said Cathy. “We want more people to get on their bikes, so we should do what we can do to make the roads safe for them. Young cyclists could benefit from better training but what would benefit them most is more consideration from other road users.”

She also argued for better consultation with vulnerable road users.

“When we consider road safety improvements, we should pay more attention to the views of those who are endangered by bad practices. We should not only give out fridge magnets and lecture children; we should consult schools and the young people who attend them when we formulate policy. Getting it right for all road users is about persuading people to travel safely and sustainably. We should encourage and protect those who use environmentally friendly modes of transport.”

Falkirk East MSP Cathy Peattie wants people to be wary of doorstep charity collections.

She has been contacted by a constituent from Whitecross about leaflets being put through the door for an “urgently needed clothing collection”.

“The leaflets contain no company name or contact information,” said Cathy, “but my constituent tracked them down before approaching me. Their company registration number revealed that they are W&W Help Ltd., who were wound up in March for failing to submit accounts. They have since been found leafletting in various locations, requesting donations of old and unwanted clothes to help people in developing or eastern European countries. I understand that that as a result of these activities, they are being investigated by police and Trading Standards.”

“People should be aware that collections like this can be charitable or commercial. Both are legitimate if they work within their respective rules, and you can check them out using their charity registration numbers or company details. Personally though, I would advise caution when approached by doorstep collections. If it’s a charity you don’t know, and you cannot tell or aren’t sure about the collection, it’s safer to recycle clothes or take them to a charity shop.”

Will Scotland be excluded from UK Equality legislation?

UK legislation to tackle inequality and discrimination may not apply in Scotland if the Scottish Government gets its way.

Westminster’s Equality Bill contains a commitment to ensuring that spending by government at every level and by public bodies is scrutinised to ensure that it is fair to all, including a duty which would mean public bodies would have to consider how its decisions might tackle inequality – for example, in health and education.

Nicola Sturgeon, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing, wrote to the UK Government on 25th March saying that she was not prepared to extend this “socio-economic duty” to Scotland.

The Scottish Parliament’s Equal Opportunities Committee, however, agreed unanimously that the Scottish Government should consult on this measure and the Scottish Government has now responded to that pressure.

Falkirk East MSP Cathy Peattie said that she was worried that services such as health and education would not address economic and social disadvantage if the UK legislation was not adopted in Scotland.

“If you share my concerns, then tell Nicola Sturgeon that she must extend this to Scotland. It is not enough to claim that disadvantage is being tackled, we need to have an obligation to tackle disadvantage and transparency so that we can see whether problems are being addressed.

“The Scottish Government consultation says that this issue is primarily for public bodies; I believe it is a matter for everyone who wishes to see a fairer, more just, Scotland. If you don’t want Scotland to fall behind in the struggle against inequality and discrimination, you can either respond to the consultation direct; or write to Nicola Sturgeon MSP; or write to or email me as your local MSP.”

The Scottish Government consultation has now been launched and can be accessed at www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009/08/Socio-EconomicDuty

The closing date is 26th October 2009.

Cathy Peattie has signed up to groundbreaking study into the causes of breast cancer

Cathy with Audrey Birt, Scotland Director 0f Breakthrough Breast Cancer

Falkirk East MSP Cathy Peattie is one of nearly 7,000 Scottish women participating in the world’s most comprehensive study into the causes of breast cancer – the Breakthrough Generations Study. The study will follow 100,000 women for the next 40 years, providing information about lifestyle, environmental, genetic and hormonal factors which will help identify the causes of breast cancer. In future the findings will enable women to reduce their risk of the disease and hopefully to ultimately prevent it.

The Breakthrough Generations Study has been set up in partnership between Breakthrough Breast Cancer and The Institute of Cancer Research. Participants in the study are asked to fill out a detailed lifestyle questionnaire and give a blood sample every five years for the next 40 years. Such a long study is required in order to understand the complex mixture of factors which may be involved in the development of breast cancer and which may act at different stages of life.

Cathy said: “4,000 women in Scotland are diagnosed with the disease each year. Over a thousand die.

“In the Forth Valley area, we have nearly 200 diagnosed each year, and for more than a quarter, breast cancer is fatal. I am very pleased to take part in the Breakthrough Generations Study as it is vital we establish what actually causes breast cancer. I am keen to play my part, and I would like to thank all the others, locally and nationally, who have done so.”

Audrey Birt, Scotland Director for Breakthrough Breast Cancer, said: “The Breakthrough Generations Study is an amazing example of women from all walks of life working together with scientists to try to find answers to breast cancer and we are very pleased to have Cathy’s support. We hope that the information collected by the 100,000 participants will lead to significant leaps forward in our knowledge of this disease.”

The Breakthrough Generations Study has been set up in partnership between Breakthrough Breast Cancer and The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR). The ongoing analysis costs of the study are being met in part by Marks & Spencer, through its support of Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

• The target for recruitment was set at 100,000 women. This target has now been met and as such the Study is not looking to recruit any more participants.
• 234 women are taking part in the Forth Valley area
• The study is led by Anthony Swerdlow, Professor of Epidemiology at The Institute of Cancer Research, and Professor Alan Ashworth, Director of the Breakthrough Breast Cancer Research Centre.
• Breakthrough Breast Cancer is the UK’s leading charity committed to fighting breast cancer through research, campaigning and education. In January 2009, Breakthrough Breast Cancer established an office in Scotland based in Thistle Street, Edinburgh. Telephone 0131 226 0763 or email scotlandinfo@breakthrough.org.uk
• To find out more about the Breakthrough Generations Study, visit www.breakthroughgenerations.org.uk

Breast cancer facts:

• Around 4,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in Scotland.
• Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women in Scotland. It accounts for nearly 1 in 3 of all cancers in women.
• More than 1,000 women die of breast cancer every year in Scotland.
• It is estimated that over 80% of women diagnosed with breast cancer in Scotland will survive for at least five years.
• The most recent estimate suggests around 1 in 100 women in Scotland have had a diagnosis of breast cancer.
• Over 80% of breast cancer occurs in women over 50 years of age.
• More women than ever before are surviving breast cancer thanks to better awareness, better treatments and better screening.
• Around 20 men are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in Scotland.

Breast cancer risk factors

• Although we still don’t know the exact causes of breast cancer, we do know that women who maintain a healthy weight, limit alcohol consumption and exercise regularly can reduce their risk of developing the disease.
• Getting older increases a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer.
• Find out what else can increase or decrease risk at: http://www.breakthrough.org.uk/about_breast_cancer/breast_awareness_risk_factors

Speaking at a meeting in the Scottish Parliament, Falkirk East MSP Cathy Peattie gave her support to the Post Bank Coalition, which is campaigning for the creation of a new ‘Post Bank’ system.

The PostBank could provide personal and business bank accounts serviced by the Post Office network.

 ”This is a unique opportunity to answer concerns around secure finance for people and the future of the post office network,” said Cathy.

“The Post office already provides many vital services. The creation of a Post Bank would enhance the Post Office network and benefit our local communities. People who have been unable to access commercial banks will be able to get a bank account and stay in control of their finances; the trusted and valued Post Office network will be revitalised with a new role for 21st century Scotland, and a Post Bank will also create jobs in urban and rural communities across Scotland.”

 Cathy and her colleague Hugh Henry MSP have tabled motions in support of the PostBank. After speaking at the meeting to launch the campaign in Scotland, they issued a joint statement:

 ”Based upon the Post Office network, local Post Banks could provide financial services such as a bank account to the three million people who are still not using banks, including the most disadvantaged people, pensioners, and people who live in very remote rural areas. There are also many small businesses that are looking for alternative sources of finance – two out of five would consider banking with a post bank. We believe that Post Banks will renew and support the Post Office, help people who are currently excluded by high street banks, and provide a significant boost for the local economies they serve.”

 The Scottish Regional Secretary of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) John Brown added: “I was very pleased to see so many MSPs supporting this launch event along with other supporters for what is an exciting and innovative move towards the creation of a Post Bank. We now look forward to further support for the campaign to ensure that the Post Bank is set up in the near future and will be universally available to all, serviced through the trusted Post Office network. This is definitely an ‘idea whose time has come.”

Grahame Smith, Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) General Secretary said: “The STUC welcomes the growing support for a Post Bank. This initiative demonstrates that we can work together to find solutions that not only meet the needs of people in this harsh economic climate, but also contribute to reshaping the way in which our economy should be run and regulated.”

Raising the Bar for Climate Change legislation

With Falkirk campaigners Norman Philp, Corrie Cuthbertson, David Allinson

Falkirk East MSP Cathy Peattie said that she was “extremely pleased that MSPs had voted for a strong Scottish Climate Change Bill” and that playing her part in the passage of the Bill had given her great satisfaction.

“As Deputy Convener of the Climate Change committee, I have been involved at every stage, working with the committee and other MSPs, and with the members of the Stop Climate Chaos Coalition, considering and submitting amendments to make this a world-class piece of legislation.”

Cathy worked with her Labour, Liberal and Green colleagues on the Committee, with the Labour MSPs group, and with members of the Stop Climate Chaos coalition, to put pressure on the Scottish Government to accept more ambitious targets and to strengthen the Bill’s provisions as it progressed through the Scottish Parliament (a list of the most significant improvements won during the passage of the bill is given below).

Cathy personally submitted and successfully moved a series of amendments at stage 2 and stage 3 that included: 

• extending the duty on Ministers to improve energy efficiency; and ensuring
• that Ministers have greater accountability to the parliament, with annual reporting on Scottish emissions and progress towards targets;
• that all public bodies take account in their decision-making of what they can do, in the most sustainable way, to help achieve emissions targets and support climate change programmes agreed by the Scottish Parliament;
• that the definition of public bodies is broad and flexible, based on those covered by the Freedom of Information Act;
• that Scottish Ministers must give guidance to relevant public bodies in relation to climate change duties and those bodies must have regard to such guidance; and
• that action is taken promptly following the Bill being passed.

She also spoke at stage 3 against attempts to weaken and undo these measures.  Labour, Liberals, Greens and independent Margo Macdonald combined to narrowly defeat – by 62 votes to 60 – two crucial wrecking amendments moved by the SNP with Conservative support (and as a result, other weakening amendments were withdrawn).

After speaking to her amendments earlier in the day, Cathy had a chance to take a broader view in her speech during the open debate – and to look to the future challenges that we face.

“There can be no doubt that the bill is one of the most important pieces of legislation that the Scottish Parliament will ever pass. Not only does it define what Scotland can do to address the challenge of climate change—reduce emissions, build a green economy and adapt to change—it contributes to global action against climate change and allows us to set an example and raise the bar for climate change legislation. We have worked hard to incorporate many strands of policy and action into the bill to ensure that we encourage the best use of technology, the best practice in our public bodies and the best development of working practices and to ensure that we promote sustainable travel for work and leisure, public participation and awareness raising.

“Scotland can be proud of the bill. I thank the clerks for their hard work. They must have used candles to stay up late at night to make sense of our amendments. I congratulate all those who have campaigned and lobbied for a strong Climate Change (Scotland) Bill. The Stop Climate Chaos Coalition has been fantastic. I also thank everyone who is present at the debate, everyone who has written, everyone who is working to change the way that we live and everyone who is doing what they can to contribute to a more sustainable use of our planet.

“I am proud to have played a part in the bill, but the process does not end here; it is only the beginning of a new stage in our work to address climate change. The Copenhagen protocol has been published ahead of the forthcoming climate change talks. Reducing emissions will require a transition to an economy that is based on more sustainable production and consumption and the promotion of sustainable lifestyles. That must be underpinned by a just transition for the workforce, which is central to achieving an agreement that is based on the active participation of all stakeholders. Anything else would simply repeat the mistakes of the past. Economic reconstruction should not neglect industries and communities. I hope that the United Kingdom negotiators will reflect the widespread support among trade unions and other civic organisations for a just transition clause.

“Of course, it is easy to be cynical about what people are trying to do to tackle climate change. People say to me, “Well, actually, it’s not a problem, so you’re talking nonsense.” Others choose not to think about the implication of not tackling climate change. Some people think, “Well, it’s just too big, so we can do absolutely nothing.” We have a real job to do to win hearts and minds in communities across Scotland and, indeed, across the world.

“The idea that 2050 is too far into the future to think about is nonsense. Forty years is not a long time, looking back. This is my ruby wedding anniversary—I do not want presents or drinks. On this day, 40 years ago, I married as a teenager. I had no idea then what would happen in 2009. Indeed, apart from nuclear weapons, I was not interested in the possibility that anything might destroy our world. I might not be here in 2049, but I hope that my children and grandchildren – I am getting emotional now – will be, and I care about the world that they will inherit. Let us pass the bill so that we can get on with the task of making this world a better place, both now and in the future.”

• Pressure at stage 1 from Scottish Labour MSPs forced the SNP to bring forward the interim target date for a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 2030 to 2020.
• In the course of the Stage 1 debate, Labour secured agreement from SNP Ministers that they would automatically raise the interim target from 34% to 42% if the Copenhagen agreement delivers an agreement for Europe-wide action. Labour then put forward a Stage 3 amendment, with the backing of Stop Climate Chaos, which required the Scottish government to seek expert advice on the interim target and argued that the percentage target in the Bill should therefore be raised from 34% to 40%. This led to a final agreement on a 42% interim target in the Bill, adjustable up or down on the basis of expert advice from the UK Committee on Climate Change.
• a requirement that annual targets must be in line with the goal of hitting the longer-term targets, to prevent the government putting off early action.
• a legal requirement for local authorities to reduce Council Tax by at least £50 for those homes who install energy efficiency measures (e.g. insulation or microgeneration like mini wind turbines or solar panels). The schemes will apply across Scotland and to all Council Tax bands.
• We worked with other parties to bring in business rate reductions for those businesses taking action to improve the energy efficiency of their  premises (e.g. by installing insulation or microgeneration like mini wind turbines or solar panels).
• Scottish Ministers now have to produce concrete provisions regarding emissions of greenhouse gases from international aviation and international shipping by 1 June 2010 or as soon as practicable thereafter.
• We amended the Bill to ensure that the reduction on climate contribution is predominantly through action in Scotland rather than through the mechanism of international credits. The SNP however weakened these restrictions by creating a loophole.
• We amended the Bill to require Ministers to have regard to jobs and employment opportunities in setting their climate change targets and objectives.
• We put forward clauses introducing duties on public bodies which will require all public bodies to consider climate change in their decision-making.
• We amended the Bill to require Ministers to have regard to the impact on poorer and deprived communities, and on remote rural and island communities in setting their climate change targets and objectives.
• We worked with the Church of Scotland and other political parties to have a requirement for a public engagement strategy included in the Bill.
• We added to the functions of the advisory body to provide advice, analysis, information and other assistance to Scottish ministers in respect of setting and delivering the interim target.
• We set tight limits on Scottish Ministers crediting carbon units to the net Scottish emissions account in the period 2013-2017.
• We put in place effective reporting arrangements, including a requirement that ministers should attend parliamentary committees to give evidence, the publication of advice and additional reporting requirements on cumulative emissions and consumption.
• We added a clause requiring a 2015 reporting date on how Scotland is doing on early action, ensuring that between now and 2015 the Government will be under pressure to make the necessary progress on meeting the interim target.
• We secured  support for an amendment that obliges public bodies to report on how they use procurement policies and wider workplace policies to comply with their climate change duties.
• We ensured that employers and trade unions are involved in and consulted upon adaptation policies and that there will be public engagement on adaptation policies.
• We amended the Bill to require the production of a land-use strategy.
• Through amendments on behalf of the Energy Committee we ensured targets are put in place for the Scottish Government’s energy efficiency plan.
• Through amendments on behalf of the Energy Committee we ensured the assessment of the energy efficiency of living accommodation is included in the energy efficiency plan.
• We introduced amendments which enable the planning and building control systems to encourage increased energy efficiency.
• We proposed regulations removing the burden of non-domestic rates on distribution pipes and risers, thereby making it easier to take forward combined heat and power schemes in Scotland.
• We ensured permitted development rights would be brought in, to encourage the use of air source heat pumps and mini wind turbines in domestic properties and non-domestic buildings.
• We amended the Bill to require the identification of expected contributions towards annual targets from the energy efficiency, energy production, transport and land use sectors.
• We introduced a sustainability duty on Ministers and on the advisory body.
• We amended Schedule 1 of the Tenements (Scotland) Act 2004 to include the installation of insulation as “maintenance”.

Representatives of the Grangemouth Transport Forum have met Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson to discuss Grangemouth transport needs – and what Grangemouth has to offer to Scotland’s economy and Scotland’s climate change strategy.

At a meeting held in the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday 17th June, the Minister heard presentations from Walter Inglis (Grangemouth Community Council); Kevin Collins (Falkirk Council); David Eaglesham (Road Haulage Association); Tom Curry (Direct Rail Services); Alan Burns (Forth Ports); and summary comments from Cllr Robert Spears.

The issues addressed by the meeting included local traffic and how heavy traffic could be kept away from residential areas through improved motorway access to port and industry; the link to the M8 via the A801 Avon Gorge road; and improvements in Grangemouth’s freight and passenger rail links.

Campaign for better road and rail provision

Falkirk East MSP Cathy Peattie, who organised the meeting, said:

“The road improvements that we are lobbying for have been agreed in principle, but must now compete for priority with other projects that have also been identified as desirable. We are therefore arguing very strongly that the improvements we seek offer benefits, locally and nationally, that far outweigh their cost. Put simply, they would be a very good investment in Scotland’s future. The rail improvements are also clearly desirable, although they depend to some extent on other developments taking place, and there are some technical issues that need to be addressed.

“The other thing that really stood out at the meeting was that the Grangemouth Transport Forum was able to put forward a very strong case because it has brought together the different interest groups, who have collaborated to look for solutions that benefit everyone. So much so that the Minister commented on the strength of the united front presented to him by the Forum.

“This was never going to be a short campaign, and that’s more true given the current global recession. The meeting with the Minister was a significant step, but it’s not the end of the story. We are going to have to maintain and build the pressure for these improvements, but I am pleased to say that we have a sound basis on which to do so.”

Presentation to Minister

Speaking on behalf of the Community Council, Walter Inglis noted that Grangemouth has a long industrial history in support of the National economy and is proud of its contribution.

“We readily acknowledge the potential environmental benefits for Scotland but want to ensure that the Community of Grangemouth does not suffer from increased noise and air pollution, to meet a national aspiration. We broadly welcome the economic benefit that development could bring to the community but want to ensure that the growth will be delivered in a sustainable way.”

Falkirk Council Transport Planning Coordinator Kevin Collins addressed Grangemouth’s role in the national plans, and the current difficulties that needed to be addressed.

“The Grangemouth Freight Hub needs improvements in road and rail infrastructure to support Grangemouth’s role as Scotland’s largest container port and major freight distribution centre. We need improved railhead access within the port and electrification of the rail link through Falkirk Grahamston; better connections to the M9 motorway; a better link to the south; and improvements to the local road network including separation of community and dock traffic.

“This is acknowledged in the Strategic Transport Projects Review, where project 20 includes upgrades to M9 junction 6, upgrading of the A801 between Grangemouth and the M8, and improved rail access to provide capacity enhancements at and around Grangemouth junction.”

Speaking on behalf of local hauliers, David Eaglesham said that “the RHA welcomed the constructive meeting with Stewart Stevenson. The Association is in complete agreement with the priorities of the Forum – its now time for the Scottish Government to play their part and deliver the funding”

The issue of a rail station was addressed by Tom Curry. He compared Grangemouth to Alloa, noting that with a similar population and lower costs, a station in Grangemouth was likely to be good value for money.

“I believe there is room for passenger services to Grangemouth. If electrification were to be put in place, then we would also be to run freight services direct to continent without a loco change. Tying together these and other projects will give wider benefits, and upgrading the rail facility in the port could see tens of thousands of road movements taken off local and national roads.”

Alan Burns of Forth Ports reminded the Minister that Grangemouth was the main artery for Scottish imports and exports, handling approximately 27% of Scotland’s GDP, and that Grangemouth had a lot to offer to strengthening Scotland’s economy through sustainable connections.

Grangemouth was a “future proofed solution to Scotland’s needs. We can reduce inland transport distances, remove traffic bottlenecks, be a major catalyst for new distribution developments, and create new jobs – and not least, the improvements we seek would allow us to become a better neighbour to Grangemouth residents”.

Summing up, Councillor Robert Spears emphasised the importance of people working together for a common goal.

“It augurs well for the project when everybody is on board. I am asking the Government to get on board too. This work needs to be undertaken sooner rather than later – if the economy is to grow, we need to get things moving with all possible haste.”