My Christmas Message

Last year I sent out an emailed animated Christmas card from Unicef and made a modest donation. This year they don't have the same service on offer so I've given them a donation anyway and made my own Christmas message which can be viewed on the clip below. I'm available for contract work, rates very reasonable ......

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Too busy to post ? Poor excuse !

A week since my last post ! I'm so ashamed ! It has been extremely hectic ; still dealing with the effects of the weather, trying to get accurate information out to constituents, preparing for Council meeting on Thursday, enduring Council meeting on Thursday which ran to 11 hours and on top of that caught some bug that kept me off food and drink for 48 hours (probably won't do me any harm if I'm honest).

The Council meeting may turn out to be one of the most significant in recent years, 12 deputations covering a range of subjects from Advocacy Services to the Assembly Rooms and Winter Weather to Equal Pay. Two further issues addressed were that the Council has had to agree to the Scottish Government's funding settlement which means 4.5% funding reduction as long as the Council implements SNP Government policy priorities, but a much greater reduction if we decline (£34m). A sort of blackmail really and strange behaviour from a party that believes in independence for Scotland but wants to remove independent decision making from Scotland's Councils.

The Council also agreed to take a further step towards privatising three strands of Council services through a process called Alternative Business Models (ABMs) which could see 3,500 Council jobs transferred to the private sector under contracts that will last between 7 and 12 years. The LibDem/SNP Administration don't seem to recognise that they are almost beyond the point of no return and with support from the Tories (no great surprise) they agreed the report and our amendment to suspend the process was defeated.

After a couple of days off colour I was almost back to normal yesterday and got along to the Juniper Green Christmas Farmers Market and then down to Tynecastle to watch a keen fought and entertaining draw with Inverness. Managed to persuade a few pals to head to the German Market after the game where we enjoyed a hot Belgian Cherry Beer before going to the pub.

Hope the Thaw continues

Met Alistair Darling at the Balerno Christmas Farmers Market yesterday. Given the recent weather problems they did a remarkable job to get the market on and it was good to see so many people supporting it and the christmas tree exhibition in the church hall. Even managed to pop in to the Grey Horse for a half pint and see Paul and the guys for a chat. The 44 is almost back to a normal service but we had an anxious 20 mins wait at the bus stop before it eventually arrived to head back in to town. Headed straight for Tynecastle to enjoy a fantastic 5-0 victory over the poorest Aberdeen side I've ever seen. Going to visit Ratho today. Conditions are improving but I want see what signs there are of work being carried out to facilitate the re-instatement of the 48 bus service to the village. Ratho residents are feeling a bit hacked off and I don't blame them.

The Cavalry are coming - but is it too late ?

Juniper Green Community Council bravely persevered with their meeting last night at the Village Hall and got an excellent turn out. Obviously discussions centred around the current conditions and how this is affecting the local area. As well as expressions of frustration and dismay at the Council's response there were a number of really useful ideas that could help to tackle the current problems and hopefully prevent a re-occurrence in the future. A Winter Code for example, a list of common sense advice points for citizens and businesses that could be formally endorsed and promoted by the Council and other agencies. I think this should be developed further.

Left the meeting at the back of 8 and just missed two 44s charging down Lanark Rd ! Decided I should wait for the next bus rather than attempt to walk. After 40 mins of nothing either way another two 44s passed going west towards Balerno. I reacted by doing what any sensible person would. Marched straight in to the Juniper Green Inn and ordered a half pint and a large Grouse, then caught the bus after it had turned and was heading back to town.

Today, back to chasing up various local issues and trying to concentrate on solutions to get the 33, 44 and 48 buses running their full routes. Have put forward quite a few suggestions and hope they will contribute to a solution. The request for help from the army seems to have been heeded and will certainly be a big help.

The Crisis Continues

Another few hundred emails and calls later and I'm still trying to impress upon senior people in the Council that we need more resources for the Pentland Hills Ward if we are to have any hope of clearing the snow before next winter ! Was invited to a meeting this afternoon of senior officers and politicians and did at least manage to crystallise the discussion into a few key issues, bus services, schools, availability of grit, resources to clear the snow, priorities and communication. I understand a request has been made for support from the army but this has to be authorised by the Scottish Government. Here's hoping they give the go ahead. There is a lot of good work getting done on the ground but it is inevitably, painfully slow. I hate to nag, I really do, but I will continue to be a pain in the a**e to all and sundry until we get on top of this.

4 Dec 2010

As planned I got the 44 to Balerno on Saturday to see the conditions and make a few visits. Walked up Main St and Mansfield Road, back down through the Threipmuirs and into Deanpark where there were teams of contractors clearing snow and gritting in the streets around the Primary School. Then walked up to Ravelrig Park where residents were gamely shovelling snow. Pavements up there were impossible and pedestrians had walk on the road. After a brief and welcome coffee I walked back down via Cherry Tree Park and Crescent, both of which were horrendous with the snow, and down into Curriehill Castle Drive. From there up to Currievale Park Grove and then through the High School to Thomson Road. Waited 20 mins for a 44 home and then 6 came at once ! My conclusions ? Lots of snow, heaps of community spirit with residents working together to clear what they could and Council staff and contractors working hard with heavy duty machinery. However, with the best will in the world these workers can only do so much in a shift and I still don't think there are enough resources being deployed to make the difference that needs to be made. I'll keep banging on about it within the Council.

Clear roads ahead ?

Having received hundreds of emails and telephone calls from residents of Baberton, Juniper Green, Currie, Balerno and Ratho in the last week about the horrendous conditions they have been enduring I'm going to head for Currie and Balerno today (by bus, wouldn't be clever to have another car stuck in the snow !) and see what's happening on the ground. I hope I will see teams of Council workers and contractors with heavy duty machinery clearing and gritting roads and pavements. That's certainly what I've been calling for all week. There is some evidence that the Council have listened but I want to make sure proper progress is being made. I did invite four (very) senior officials of the Council join me today on site. Two declined and the other two didn't reply. Bit disappointed about that.

Chris Mullin

We were delighted to welcome former Labour MP and minister Chris Mullin to our fundraising event last night. About 60 Labour activists braved the conditions and travel problems to listen to Chris's witty and thoughtful reflections of his own political career and 13 years of a Labour government at Westminster. He sold a fair number of books as well and made a very generous donation to the election campaigns funds for myself and Sarah Boyack who chaired the event. Excellent bloke and a successful night. You can find more info about about Chris at www.chrismullinexmp.com

Snow place like home.....

The current conditions certainly are "unprecedented" at least in my life time, and I've been around for a while. Haven't seen so much snow, so quickly before and its caused widespread havoc. I've received numerous complaints from constituents who are basically snowed in and upset as they feel they have been forgotten by the Council. The policy of prioritising main roads and bus routes is fundamentally sound but existing council workers and vehicles can only do so much in a working day (plus overtime). That's why I called for additional resource to be employed, "unprecedented" conditions demand an "unprecedented" response and it looks like my nagging may not have been in vain. Extra contractors armed with JCBs are to be brought in. They've got a big job ahead of them but at least its a start.

Snow and Ska

The Skatalites and Bombskare were both excellent last night, good crowd and a great atmosphere. If the video works you should get a little blast of "Message to you Rudy". Click on the small triangle, bottom left hand corner.

Heavy snow last night, heavier than last winter perhaps ? The forecasters are saying it will be with us for a few weeks yet.

Saturday Night is Ska Night !

Going to see the Skatalites, supported by Bombskare at the Picture House tonight. Looking forward to it. Its thought that the Skatalites were largely responsible for creating what we now know as Ska, they played with Bob Marley and the Wailers, among others, in the 60s and 70s and merged reggae with other music to produce Ska. Madness and the Specials have much to thank them for. Bombskare are an Edinburgh band and play regularly around the city. Well worth checking out.

Winter arrives ....

Well, the snow set in overnight but the Juniper Green Farmers Market still went ahead as planned. Bought a jar of Bucks Fizz Marmalade ! Very indulgent.
After carrying out the standard Labour Party risk assessment i.e. it was too cold and slippy, decided to abandon any notion of delivering leaflets. Good decision. We can resume deliveries when the weather is better (end of February probably !)
Popped in to the Balerno Christmas Fair at the High School, numerous stalls selling all things festive and all things not. It was heavin', going like a fair, you might say.... Bought some cakes, raffle tickets and bid £30 for a weekend in Largs in the Silent Auction !

The Happyometer

Campaigning in Kingsknowe and Currie this afternoon. Went well but it was bloomin' freezin' ! Off to an exhibition of cartoonist Frank Boyle's work this evening. I've only ever featured in one Boyle cartoon to the best of my knowledge. Don't know if I should be pleased or upset about that fact ! Juniper Green Farmers Market tomorrow, followed by campaigning in Wester Hailes, followed by Balerno Christmas Fair at the High School. Better get an early night !

Broomhouse loses a long serving friend

It was a pleasure last night to attend a retirement bash in the Broomhouse Centre for local Community Police Officer Neil Doig MBE (Member of the Broomhouse Executive, apparently). Neil has been a well kent face in Broomhouse and surrounding areas for the last 23 years and made a major contribution to various streams of partnership working in the area dealing with young people. He supported the local community when they stood up against some serious anti social behaviour a few years ago and can certainly be credited with making Broomhouse a better place to live for many people. His presence will be sadly missed and I understand he would have stayed on of it wasn't for current budget pressures. Chiefs and Indians spring to mind....

Talking of budget pressures, attended a couple of briefings today on the Council Budget and Alternative Business Models which are now intrinsically linked with hopes pinned on the ABMs delivering significant savings going forward. We shall see...... both reports will go to the next Council meeting on 16 December.

Pentlands Campaign Committee meeting tonight, hoping to plan the next phase of the parliamentary campaign and build on what has been a very promising past two months of activity.

A wet, but productive, weekend

Campaigning this weekend in Currie and Balerno. I didn't think we'd get much done this week due to the weather but a small, and perfectly formed, team of volunteers braved the elements to deliver 2000 leaflets and get through a bit of door knocking. One gentleman in Currie, after a brief chat and obvious, careful consideration said to me - "Aye, I'd vote for you, you look normal."...... People say the nicest things !

Hearts game on Saturday wasn't great but if you're a connoisseur of great goals and penalty saves Messrs Skacel, Templeton and Kello certainly delivered the goods. Nice tribute to Jim Cruikshank as well with a perfect 1 minute silence and a yellow (Cruikie's colour) Hearts goalie top hung in the net behind Marian Kello.

WHEC International Award

Was delighted to accept an invite to the WHEC recently for the presentation of a British Council award in recognition for their international work and particularly their twinning relationship with Barkly High in South Africa. We were treated to some wonderful photographs of the last visit to South Africa as part of a presentation about the link and various projects connected to it. Four young people from the WHEC are due to make a nine day return visit in February. I'm sure it will be fantastic experience for them and I hope they bring back many happy memories.

Fair Treatment at Work ?

Both surgeries last night at Ratho and Balerno and then on to Ratho Community Council which was busy as usual. Didn't manage to get to Currie Youth Club management committee. Must try harder to be in more places at once!

Labour Group meeting tonight to go over the Council Agenda for Thursday, including the proposal to close Blindcraft.

Interesting story on the BBC Scotland website tonight - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-11766264 - Pay freeze in return for no compulsory redundancies at the Parliament. How strange, when we proposed that some cuts be supported in return for a commitment to no compulsory redundancies at a Council meeting a few weeks ago we were treated with contempt by the SNP/LibDems and Tories. Its the right thing to do at Holyrood but the wrong thing at the City Chambers. Council workers obviously don't merit that level of respect or security.

Tynecastle Remembers

For the second year the annual Hearts Remembrance Service was held at Tynecastle. This of course is a temporary arrangement until the Memorial Clock is reinstated to its rightful place at Haymarket. It was an excellent service with the right balance of remembrance, history, tradition and even some gentle humour. Jim Jeffries read a couple of poignant letters from and to the Hearts Manager of 1914 corresponding with the young widow of one his players. The rain was incessant but there a huge turn out (2,000?) for this fitting tribute. I know the memorial and the service must return to Haymarket but the Tynecatle events are well managed and have all necessary elements that allow more people to attend and pay their respects than is possible when huddled round the clock, in between the traffic at Haymarket. It would be good if someone could find a way of combining the best elements from both experiences......

Community Award

As expected, the Currie & Balerno News 3rd Community Award evening at Currie Rugby Club was again a great success. I'm delighted to report that Phyliss Tait (pictured with her award and me and husband Jim) was the judges' choice in recognition of her many years of work with numerous groups in and around the Balerno area. The identity of the winner is not revealed until it is announced at the event so it came as a great surprise to one and all, particularly Phyliss !

It was good evening too for networking with representaives from local schools, churches, clubs, community councils, police and many, many more. The C&B News are to be congratulated on their initiative that recognises local contributions but also brings people together in a social setting to celebrate all the good things that do happen locally. Congratulations again to Phyliss, I'm sure the award will have pride of place on the mantlepiece.