Author: Rhoda Grant

Highlands and Islands Labour MSP Rhoda Grant has called on the Scottish Government to “show the people of Barra some respect” by giving a full explanation of where plans for a new hospital now stand.

Two weeks ago, the island was shocked when the Health Secretary, Michael Matheson, told community representatives in an on-line call that plans for the hospital, first promised in 2008, had been cancelled as it was no longer affordable.

Mrs Grant said: “The lack of explanation, far less apology, provided to people on Barra and Vatersay has been truly shocking. No Minister is entitled to treat a community like this in a zoom call and then assume that is the end of the matter”.

She said: “Barra’s hospital was forced into a Public Private Partnership package by SNP Ministers and now the whole thing seems to have fallen apart. We need to know if there is any alternative plan and also implications for other parts of the package.

“I have tabled questions to establish what remains of plans to replace St Brendan’s Hospital and also the dental clinic and GP unit. We also need to understand the knock-on effects for other parts of the so-called ‘hub’ package including a new school, recreation facilities and a police station”.

Mrs Grant said: “Severe doubts were expressed from Barra about whether the Public Private ‘hub’ model which lumped all these facilities into one complex was appropriate for a small island community. These concerns were brushed aside and Barra was told this was the only way to get anything.

“While the local authority says it remains committed to its parts of the project, questions remain about whether these are deliverable, and at what cost, under the changed circumstances. The Scottish Government cannot just walk away and leave the council with that problem”.

Mrs Grant said it was “astonishing” there had been no comprehensive statement about the fate of the overall “hub” project and added: “Mr Matheson should show the people of Barra and Vatersay some respect by going there and facing up to the implications of what he has hit them with from a safe distance”.

Highlands and Islands Labour MSP Rhoda Grant today (Tuesday 16 May) led a debate on Highly Protected Marine Areas, reflecting the vehement opposition to the proposals across her region.

Mrs Grant urged the Scottish Government to rethink their slap dash and vague policy, saying: “The alarm the Government’s approach has caused means that they must revisit this policy.  To say that they will not impose this where communities are vehemently opposed actually ramps up the pressure rather than calms it down.

“Communities now must focus on demonstrating their vehement opposition rather than working with government to try and protect our seas and the livelihoods they support.”

Mrs Grant stressed that the policy had not been built on evidence and that coastal communities were already being punished because of Scottish Government policy that didn’t place communities at its heart.

“The impact that HPMAs could have on fishing are devastating, even on the most sustainable and environmentally friendly forms of fishing.

“We are quoted the success of the No Take Zone in Lamlash Bay, but yet the Clyde Fishermen’s Association who were instrumental in setting up the No Take Zone, tell us that the success is unmeasured.

There have been no comparative studies to show whether or not the policy has worked.

“We also have the No Take Zone in Broadbay, which has not worked at all. Therefore, we must have robust science to guide our management of the seas.”

She added that the plans along with the abysmal management of the ferry fleet were leading to cries of Scottish Government undertaking a second clearance via stealth.

But the Minister responded by congratulating Skipinnish for “capturing the strength of feeling” and claimed that they are still at the drawing board and that they are reviewing the consultation responses.

Speaking after the debate Rhoda Grant MSP said: “The Scottish Government claim to want to protect the marine environment yet they continue to progress this legislation. No one wants to protect the seas more than the fishing communities who have harvested it for years. The Skipinnish song The Clearances Again highlights that and the deep damage it will do to our rural and island communities.

“This policy desperately needs a re-think and the more this SNP-Green Scottish Government drag their feet, the more infuriated communities will feel.”

 

On Wednesday 22^nd March 2023, Rhoda Grant MSP attended the first Scottish Parliamentary reception for motor neuron disease (MND) in more than three years.  The reception marked the anniversary of the launch of MND Scotland’s report No time to lose: Addressing the housing needs of people with MND, which highlights that, despite MND being a rapidly progressing terminal illness, people affected wait too long for the adaptations and accessible housing they urgently need.  The report has several government recommendations and the reception was an opportunity to highlight that, a year on, little progress has been made.

MND Scotland’s event, which took place in Garden Lobby of the Scottish Parliament, was hosted by Bob Doris MSP. Key speakers included Bob Doris MSP, Marie Cartwright – whose husband Ian died of MND in 2019, MND Scotland Chief Executive Rachel Maitland, and the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Housing and Local Government, Shona Robison.

More than 100 guests were in attendance, 70 of whom had been directly affected by MND. They were joined by MSPs, Scottish Government ministers and members of MND Scotland’s staff and Board of Trustees.

The Cabinet Secretary, addressed the reception, acknowledging the importance of fast-track, simpler and flexible processes for people with illnesses like MND when they try to secure adaptations and accessible homes.  She stated that that she was unhappy with the pace of change achieved since the launch of the report and would reach out across government to improve progress.

Rhoda Grant MSP said: “I was delighted to be able to attend MND Scotland’s reception. The event was a great opportunity to raise awareness of this devastating disease, the impact that housing issues have on individuals and families and to talk to people affected by the illness about how we can support them.

“MND Scotland’s report ‘No time to lose: Addressing the housing needs of people with MND’, highlights the need for people with MND to be fast-tracked and prioritised for adaptations and accessible housing. I pledge to work alongside MND Scotland to help create much needed change for those living with MND.”

Rachel Maitland, MND Scotland’s Chief Executive, said: “MND’s rapid progression means people become increasingly disabled. This makes moving around homes safely, more and more difficult. As a result, people with MND often need adaptations to their home, such as ramps and wetrooms, and they need them fast. If adaptations can’t be made to the property, they need an alternative accessible home.

“Speed is key when you have an illness like MND. People with MND need to be prioritised and fast-tracked but those who took part in our research told us that this is not happening. We need change now.

“I’d like to thank all of the MSPs who came to our reception to hear first-hand about the experiences people with MND are facing and I look forward to working with you.”

 To find out more about MND Scotland’s report visit www.mndscotland.org.uk/housing.

About MND Scotland 

MND Scotland’s vision is a world without motor neuron disease (MND). Until that day comes, we are here to make time count for everyone affected by MND in Scotland. We support people living with MND and their loves, campaign for lasting change to make living with MND easier and fund ground-breaking research and world-class clinical trials to find a cure.

More at mndscotland.org.uk.

About MND 

Motor neuron disease (MND) is a brutal terminal illness affecting the nerves that control our muscles. It can rapidly strip a person of their ability to walk, talk, swallow, and breathe. Most people live for between one and two years after a diagnosis, but almost half will die within a year. As it stands, there are no meaningful treatments for MND, and the impact of a diagnosis on individuals, families, and wider networks is devastating.

Key stats

• Someone’s lifetime risk of getting MND in 1 in 300
• Average life expectancy is just 18 months from diagnosis
• 30% of people with MND die within 12 months
• On average almost 200 people are diagnosed each year in Scotland, and around 200 people will die each year
• There are approx. 400 people in Scotland currently living with MND

Highlands and Islands Labour MSP, Rhoda Grant MSP, lent her support to Marie Curie’s largest fundraising appeal month, the iconic Great Daffodil Appeal, at an event at the Scottish Parliament recently.

Meeting with staff and volunteers from Marie Curie, Ms Grant heard about the care and support that is provided to people living with terminal illness, their families and carers across Scotland.

The leading end of life charity supported over 8,600 terminally ill people across Scotland in their own homes and at its two Scottish hospices during 2021/22. In the Highlands and Islands Parliamentary Region, over 3,800 visits were made by the charity’s Community Nursing Service to support people in the comfort of their own homes.

Supporting the Great Daffodil Appeal, which started in 1986, by donating and wearing a daffodil pin in March helps Marie Curie to continue providing vital palliative and end of life care and support.

Rhoda Grant MSP said: “In the Highlands and Islands, 90% of people who died in 2021-22 had a palliative care need and we know that palliative care demand will continue to increase with two thirds of all deaths likely to happen in a community settings.

“Marie Curie nurses allow patients to die with dignity in the setting of their choice while also supporting family members and carers during this time.

“When days are few, life becomes very precious for both the patient and their families.

“Marie Curie’s work is invaluable and I am pleased to support their efforts during their Great Daffodil Appeal month.”

Hayley Smith, whose husband Matt was cared for by Marie Curie Nursing Service at home, before being admitted to Marie Curie Hospice, Edinburgh, spoke at the event.

Hayley said: I’d gone a whole year of Matt being very ill with no support. I was basically his full-time carer, had to shower him and everything, and was doing all the cooking, all the cleaning, still working in between. I had absolutely no support.

“But in July 2021, Marie Curie stepped in and I went from having zero support to having all the help I needed.  The Nurses who came to the house were fantastic. Just coming in in the morning, giving Matt a bath, enabling me to have some respite. I know people think they can do it on their own, but in reality it’s not sustainable – both mentally or physically.

“The Marie Curie Nurses and Healthcare Assistants really helped Matt keep his dignity. He had the 7-day service for a week before we got a call saying that there was a bed available at the Marie Curie hospice in Edinburgh.

“I work for a hospice charity, and I think for a lot of people they don’t really understand how amazing hospices are, but for me I knew Matt was going to be really well looked after there. It also meant I just knew when he was in the hospice I could actually go and spend time with him as him, not caring for him, which was so important.”

Amy Dalrymple, Associate Director of Policy and Public Affairs, Marie Curie, Scotland, said:

“Thank you to Rhoda for her ongoing support.

“Seeing and hearing first-hand stories of how living with a terminal illness and caring for someone is a sad reminder that many of us have and will encounter Marie Curie at some point in our lives.

“We know that by 2040, a further 10,000 people will be dying with palliative care needs. We need to ensure Marie Curie Nurses will be able to be there for everyone across Scotland who needs them, which is why buying a daffodil pin in March, can help make this possible”.

To find out more about the Great Daffodil Appeal, visit mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil

Photo attached: Left–Right is Ann Traynor, Senior Marie Curie Nurse, Rhoda Grant MSP and Lee McLean, Marie Curie Nurse.

Highlands and Islands Labour MSP Rhoda Grant “gets to the heart of a societal problem” while raising bullying in schools at FMQs.

Today, Mrs Grant raised with the First Minister for Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, that school bullying does not only happen within school and that it also takes place outside and on the way to school. This causes problems for schools as they cannot be responsible for what happens to pupils off school grounds.

She then asked the First Minister what steps her Government and Police Scotland are taking to protect children from school bullying when it takes place off school grounds and what actions are being taken to hold bullies to account.

This comes after reports of incidents in Lochaber where bullies attacked peers off school grounds. In some cases, these attacks were filmed and posted online for other school pupils to see.

The First Minister agreed with Mrs Grant and said she gets to the “heart of a societal problem”. She then said that there is a collective responsibility to tackling bullying off school grounds from Police Scotland and from national and local Governments. She then ended by saying that we all have a part to play in ensuring that children are protected and safeguarded.

Speaking after FMQs Rhoda Grant MSP said: “The First Minister is correct in stating that this is a societal problem and it is one that needs to be addressed.

“Children now face bullies on and off school grounds. Whether that be outside school, on the way to school or on social media. These attacks are preplanned in that they are recorded from before the start of the attack yet Local Authorities and Police seem unable to provide solutions leaving child victim without protection.”

Scottish Labour have accused the SNP of doubling down on their broken promises on the A9 after the Scottish Government voted against Labour’s amendment calling for the project to be progressed as a matter of urgency.

The party said the vote exposed the SNP’s “empty promises” on the A9.

Meanwhile, Fergus Ewing broke the party’s whip to back Labour’s amendment.

Commenting, Scottish Labour Transport spokesperson Neil Bibby said:

“The SNP claimed they were still absolutely committed to dualling the A9, but today they have abandoned these empty promises by voting against their own position.

“It is shameful that the SNP-Green government have refused to acknowledge that this deadly road needs upgraded as a matter of urgency.

“The SNP are putting their coalition deal with the Greens ahead of Highland communities.

“This vote is just the latest example of the chaos and splits engulfing this out-of-touch SNP government.”

Highlands and Islands Labour MSP, Rhoda Grant, who also spoke to the Petitions Committee earlier today, urging a Parliamentary Inquiry into this betrayal said:

 “None of the Highlands and Islands SNP MSPs spoke in the debate. Indeed it was MSPs from Greenock & Inverclyde, East Lothian and East Kilbride who spoke from the backbenches for the SNP.

“SNP Highlands and Islands MSPs have abandoned the Transport Minister over the A9. The Scottish Labour Party with its amendment was looking for confirmation from the Scottish Government that they remained committed to dualling the road but they voted against their own stated position.

“Communities throughout the Highlands and Islands are outraged, and rightly so. The SNP-Green Scottish Government now needs to apologise to these communities and come clean about their future plans for the A9.”

Scottish Labour’s Amendment

S6M-07977.1 Neil Bibby

As an amendment to motion S6M-07977 in the name of Graham Simpson (A9 Dualling), insert at end “; notes the statement made by the Minister for Transport on 8 February 2023 that the Scottish Government is still ‘absolutely committed’ to dualling the A9, and believes that this project is a priority and should be progressed as a matter of urgency.”

Highlands and Islands Labour MSP, Rhoda Grant, is pleased to be advised that initial improvements at the Tore Roundabout will be introduced imminently in a bid to improve safety in the area.

The MSP was approached by concerned constituents following a number of accidents in the area last month. Mrs Grant was unsure if the spate of accidents in January were related to weather conditions, but nonetheless contacted Transport Scotland to see how the suggested improvements from the A9 North Kessock to Tore Study (published in 2021) were developing.

Mrs Grant has been advised that BEAR Scotland is currently progressing the design of three resurfacing schemes in the vicinity of the Tore Roundabout on the A9 and that the first scheme is likely to be completed prior to the end of the current financial year.

In addition, the MSP has been advised that ‘Traffic speed surveys were carried out in 2022 around Tore Roundabout to inform a review of the speed limit. Taking the findings of these into account, BEAR Scotland, has developed a proposal for a reduction in the speed limit from the national speed limit to 40mph at this location.’

Transport Scotland also advised Mrs Grant that ‘BEAR Scotland is continuing to develop the outline proposals for active travel improvements at Tore Roundabout, with a detailed design of the proposals programmed for 2023/24. These timescales reflect the need for traffic modelling to optimise the performance of the new layout for non-motorised users whilst minimising the impact on motorised traffic. This will include assessment of options for signals to control traffic movements, and allowing pedestrians to cross the carriageway at dedicated crossings as an improvement to road safety.’

Rhoda Grant said “It’s not clear if the accidents last month were weather related but nonetheless, it’s good to hear that BEAR Scotland is to carry out resurfacing schemes in the vicinity of the roundabout. I’m told the first of the three schemes is likely to be carried out before the end of this financial year.

Mrs Grant continued “It is deeply worrying that pedestrians have to take their life in their hands and cross 4 lanes of dual carriageway at present and while it still has to go out for consultation, I very much welcome the proposals in the pipeline to reduce the speed limit in the run up to the roundabout to 40mph, together with the proposed option to install dedicated crossings to allow pedestrians to cross the carriageway safely.

“Any measures that improve safety on our roads will always be welcome.”

Notes:

The proposed 40mph speed limit covers the two trunk road approaches, the A9 north and south of Tore Roundabout and the A835. The Highland Council has agreed to promote a reduced speed limit on the two A832 minor road approaches to Tore Roundabout, which are the responsibility of The Highland Council.

The second resurfacing scheme is planned for construction in the 2023/24 financial year with the third planned by the end of the 2024/25 financial year, subject to budget allocations.

Commenting on news that A9 dualling has been delayed as the contract is re-tendered Scottish Labour Highlands and Islands MSP Rhoda Grant said:

“This is a total betrayal of the Highlands and yet another broken election promise.

“Lives are being lost on this dangerous road while communities go without the upgrades they have waited years for.

“It is shameful that on the day Volodymyr Zelensky is addressing the UK Parliament, SNP Ministers are trying to blame the war in Ukraine for the their failure to deliver a manifesto pledge from 2007.

“This is a mess of the SNP’s own making – and the Minister’s desperate excuses can’t hide that.

“The SNP need to come clean and tell us when they will actually deliver this long overdue promise.”

Today the Scottish Parliament’s Citizen’s Participation and Public Petitions Committee considered petition PE1723 on Essential Tremor.  Brought forward by petitioner and formidable campaigner Mary Ramsay from Inverness, the petition calls for Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) technology to be made available on the NHS.

The non-invasive and effective treatment could benefit over 4000 patients currently living with essential tremor.  The treatment can also be used to treat a number of conditions and offers the opportunity for further research.

Mary has campaigned for disability rights and equality for more than 40 years.  She remains mystified that since starting her campaign in Scotland, England has two centres which now use MRgFUS. “We have long waiting lists here, folk are waiting to access invasive Deep Brain Stimulation, some are being referred south of the border to receive MRgFUS treatment, at a cost.  It’s madness that the Scottish Government are not seizing the opportunity to provide it on the NHS, a treatment that we have the capability and resources for.

I am thankful that the Committee continues to consider my petition but it would fantastic if they could push the Scottish Government and National Services Division to come forward with more clarity on the decision making process.

In March we have an event in the Scottish Parliament for politicians to come and meet with patients and clinicians.  I hope the Cabinet Secretary for Health will attend to hear, first hand, the massive benefits this can have for people.  Hopefully this will assist them with their decisions making process.  I will continue to campaign for MRgFUS treatment to made available here on the NHS.”

Rhoda Grant, Scottish Labour Highlands and Islands MSP has been supporting Mary with her petition. “I am disappointed that we are no further forward but I hope that this will change in the near future.  I have asked the Committee to write to both the Scottish Government and National Services Division asking for an update.

This would be a brilliant opportunity for the NHS in Scotland to roll out a treatment that would not only benefit so many but provide opportunities for world renowned research into many areas.  I hope that the Mr Yusuf will see the light after the event in March and pave the way for more formative and positive action.”

 

Scottish Labour has revealed that the amount being paid out in compensation to CalMac customers has soared four-fold over the last four years.

In 2018-19 – the year that the delayed Ferguson’s Marine ferries were originally scheduled to be delivered – a total of £159,000 was paid out to CalMac customers for disruptions. This works out at an average of £13,250 a month.

In the first four months of 2022-23 alone, CalMac had already paid out £215,000 – an average of £53,000 per month.

This means passengers are facing more delays and disruption on CalMac routes, costing the publicly-owned operator four times more than it did in 2018-19.

Labour warned that the late Ferguson’s Marine ferries along with years of poor planning under the SNP have left island communities with an ageing fleet and left taxpayers with spiralling costs.

Commenting, Scottish Labour Islands spokesperson Rhoda Grant said:

“These spiralling costs expose what a mess the SNP have made of lifeline ferry services in Scotland.

“Our ferry fleet has been left to rust because of years of failed planning, as well as the ferry fiasco where the Scottish Government have failed to deliver two new ferries.

“Now islanders are stuck with chaos, cancellations and delays while taxpayers foot the bill.

“The SNP have no short-term answers and no long term plan to fix this shambles. We need a national ferry building programme that supports Scotland’s shipbuilding industry and delivers the ferries we need.  In the meantime, they must buy additional tonnage to have enough capacity to cover the daily breakdowns that are happening due to the ageing fleet.”