Friends of Kinneil

The work of the Friends of Kinneil has been highlighted in the Scottish Parliament at Ministers’ question time.

Celebration of James Watt anniversary gathers steam

A Scottish Parliamentary motion in praise of the Scots inventor James Watt – who carried out the development of the steam engine at Kinneil Estate in Bo’ness – has gained cross-party support.

More support needed for Wall and Railway

Speaking in the Scottish Parliament, Cathy Peattie has called on the Scottish Government to do more to support the Antonine Wall and the Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway. Cathy used the debate on Scotland’s Historic Environment to highlight the national and international importance of the World Heritage site and industrial museums such as the railway – “unique resources for our economy and our people” – and the difficulties they face and the potential they have to benefit the area and Scotland as a whole, given adequate government support and funding.

Cathy welcomes Clydesdale £50 combination

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.”

Pledge to improve Health & Safety

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.”

Antonine Wall – World Heritage Site

Falkirk East MSP Cathy Peattie, whose constituency includes the easternmost section of the Antonine Wall, at Kinneil in Bo’ness, has welcomed the announcement that the Wall has been given World Heritage Site status.

“This has been a long campaign, launched over five years ago,” Cathy said.

“A concerted effort by all concerned has seen us through the various stages, and I hope that we can now build on the newly confirmed World Heritage Site status, to increase international awareness and appreciation of our Scottish heritage.

“One end of the wall and some of the best preserved remains are in my constituency, so I’m naturally very pleased by the announcement, and keen to see the cooperation that has brought this success continued with further study and preservation of the wall and the development of local educational and tourist resources.”

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motion: Antonine Wall – A World Heritage Site

That the parliament welcomes the confirmation of the Antonine Wall’s status as a World Heritage Site; congratulates all those who have contributed to this achievement, including Historic Scotland, campaigners from Bo’ness to Old Kilpatrick, Falkirk Council and other local authorities, the Scottish Executive past and present, and the UK government; notes that this will focus international attention on the area, helping to promote tourism and increase awareness of Scotland’s roman heritage; and looks forward to a continuing partnership approach to ensure the preservation, study, and development of educational and tourist resources highlighting the global importance of Scotland’s heritage.