20 Most Recent News Stories

LOCAL MSP ENCOURAGES RESIDENTS TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF DIGITAL TV DROP IN EVENTS

12.00.00am GMT Thu 25th Feb 2010

North East Fife MSP Iain Smith has welcomed the news that Digital UK will be holding drop in events throughout the constituency for residents who have questions or are seeking advice about the digital TV switchover which will begin in August this year.

Mr Smith, who has been campaigning for a better digital TV service for North East Fife for a number of years, has been raising specific concerns about the availability of Freeview and even Channel 5 reception in the constituency with Digital UK and has even challenged the First Minister in the Scottish Parliament to do more to make sure that quality of digital programme reception is the same for the whole of Scotland.

Mr Smith said:

"I am glad that residents here in North East Fife will have the opportunity to get more information about the switchover as I know there has been growing concern about what its implications will be. I would encourage as many people as possible to get along to their local event.

"Many parts of North East Fife lag behind the rest of Scotland with regard to its TV reception and people in Cupar, parts of the Howe of Fife and the East Neuk are unable to access digital programming unless they subscribe to satellite TV.

"As all license payers pay the same amount, they deserve the same quality of service.

"It is important that the government makes sure that any surplus from the digital levy goes to equipping relay transmitters to improve the quality of digital programme reception for the whole of Scotland and guarantee that no area will be subject to a lesser service."

Notes to editors:

Digital UK drop in events in North East Fife:

1st March: Auchtermuchty Community Centre, 1 Distillery Street, Auchtermuchty between 10am-1pm.

1st March: Corn Exchange, St Catherine St, Cupar between 2pm-5pm.

1st March: Henderson Hall, Main Street, Leuchars between 6pm-9pm.

2nd March: St Andrews Town Hall, Queens Gardens, St Andrews between 10am- 2pm.

2nd March: Crail Community Hall, St Andrews Rd, Crail between 6pm-9pm.

MAKE YOUR VIEWS ON CATCHMENT KNOWN, SAYS SMITH

2.43.00pm GMT Thu 11th Feb 2010

Iain Smith MSP has welcomed the news that Fife Council is to carry out a consultation on possible changes to the secondary school catchment areas for Lundin Mill and Kirkton of Largo Primary Schools, and urged parents to respond with their views.

Mr Smith said, 'For some years now parents in these communities have been voting with their feet, or rather, their children's feet. For example, last summer, out of 26 Lundin Mill pupils in Primary 7, not one was going to Kirkland High, and the majority were going to Waid Academy in Anstruther. It is now up to parents and I would encourage them to respond to the consultation and make their preferences absolutely clear. The great advantage for the pupils of Lundin Mill and Kirkton of Largo of their schools being made catchment primaries for the Waid is that they will be able to benefit from the transition programme offered by that secondary school.'

ENDS

SMITH WELCOMES OFFSHORE WINDFARM BOOST TO FIFE

12.00.00am GMT Thu 4th Feb 2010

North East Fife MSP and Convener of the Scottish Parliament's influential Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee Iain Smith has welcomed the news that the Fife Energy Park has been identified as one of the potential bases for offshore wind farms and has highlighted the importance of the renewable sector to the economic growth of Fife.

"The benefits to the local and national economy of the renewable sector is vast", said Iain Smith.

"Not only will this venture bring jobs to the area but is a major stepping stone in the future development of renewable energy technology for which Fife can play a major role.

" Scotland can produce nearly 35% of Europe's renewable energy through wind, wave and tidal power and has an opportunity to become a powerhouse for renewables if the right investment and development takes place."

SNP SHOULD DROP PROPOSALS TO CUT PUBLIC NOTICES FROM NEWSPAPERS - SMITH

12.00.00am GMT Thu 28th Jan 2010

North East Fife's MSP and Liberal Democrat Culture Spokesperson Iain Smith stood up for local newspapers in a debate at the Scottish Parliament this morning.

Mr Smith was speaking against plans by the SNP Government to remove public notices from newspapers that would not only make it more difficult for valuable information to be made available to the public but also cuts a valuable source of income for local papers.

Commenting after speaking in the debate Iain Smith said:

"SNP Ministers plan to cut a huge chunk of the income of local papers by removing public notices from them.

"The purpose of a public notice is that it is something the public will notice. The public are unlikely to stumble across a relevant notice on the internet. People do not browse the internet like they turn the pages of a newspaper.

"This will sound the death knell for many papers in remote and rural communities across Scotland.

"Daily titles like the Courier play an important role in reflecting national and local issues relevant to the communities they serve and in rural communities throughout Scotland, weekly newspapers, such as the Fife Herald, St Andrews Citizen and East Fife Mail that serve my constituency, are an essential source of community news and information. They are also central to the democratic process.

"It is often only through the pages of local newspapers that there is any debate about how a local council is performing. It can also be the only place where community views on local planning issues are aired.

"If these proposals go ahead there will be no local press to scrutinise anything.

"The SNP should drop this ill thought out proposal."

MINISTER LEFT MANY QUESTIONS UNANSWERED - SMITH

12.00.00am GMT Thu 14th Jan 2010

Commenting after Energy Minister Jim Mather's appearance before the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee, Convener and Liberal Democrat MSP Iain Smith said:

"The Minister was still frustratingly tight-lipped on details of the Beauly-Denny power line.

"This line needs to be built and built quickly to transfer the renewable energy potential of the North down to the Central Belt.

"Hopefully building will begin this summer, but the Minister didn't say when it would finish. Local residents desperately want to know how long building will cause disruption.

"Local residents will also be eager to hear about how the effects of the line can be mitigated.

"The Minister failed to give any more clarity about what would be required to meet the mitigation requirements, but did not rule out re-routing, re-siting or undergrounding.

"Last week Mr. Mather said further statutory consents would not be necessary. This morning he said they might. We need to know which is true. More planning consents will delay the project further.

"The reporter in Stirling concluded that the landscape impact was acceptable. Mr. Mather gave no explanation as to why he rejected this view.

"This raises the suspicion must be that his decision was in the nationalist interest rather than national interest.

"There are many questions that still need to be answered. The Minister needs to stop dithering and tell us what we need to know."

Ends.

SMITH CALLS FOR SEVERE WEATHER BRIEFING FROM COUNCIL

12.00.00am GMT Mon 11th Jan 2010

North East Fife's MSP Iain Smith is calling on Fife Council's Chief Executive to provide a full briefing of the Council's severe weather operation at Friday's meeting of Fife's elected representatives.

Mr Smith, who has already called for an investigation into the Council's operation to establish what lessons could be leaned for the future, is keen to establish what emergency arrangements are in place to identify and assist vulnerable people in North East Fife in instances such as the current cold snap.

He is also looking for clarification on the Council's preparations for dealing with any flooding which may arise as a result of a rapid thaw.

In his letter Mr Smith said:

"I would be grateful if you could give serious consideration to including on the agenda for Friday's meeting a full briefing about Fife Council's severe weather operation. It would be also be useful to be briefed on the Council's salt and grit supply and procurement.

"Furthermore, clarification on how Fife Council identifies vulnerable people and what emergency arrangements are in place to assist them, especially if they are in isolated areas and not on priority routes, would be welcomed.

"It would also be helpful to discuss how Fife Council is prepared for dealing with any flooding that may arise as a result of a rapid thaw."

MSP CALLS FOR INVESTIGATION INTO COUNCIL'S COLD WEATHER OPERATION

12.00.00am GMT Tue 5th Jan 2010

North East Fife's MSP Iain Smith has called on Fife Council to instigate an immediate investigation into why there was not an adequate supply of salt for roads and pavements in Fife and the apparent lack of preparedness by the Council to cope with the recent cold weather.

Mr Smith expressed his concern in an urgent email to Fife Council Chief Executive Ronnie Hinds after receiving complaints from his constituents and made the call for an investigation to ensure that lessons are learned.

In his email Mr Smith said:

"This is an example of the concerns being expressed about the condition of roads and pavements in Fife, and the apparent lack of preparedness by Fife Council to cope.

"I'd be grateful for your immediate comments, for an assurance they Fife Council is doing all it can to rectify the situation and for an investigation into what has happened to ensure lessons are learned for the future."

Christmas Message From Iain Smith MSP

9.00.00pm GMT Thu 24th Dec 2009

Over the past year I have been approached for assistance by many of you. The cases have ranged from major issues such as the proposed boundary changes in Largo and Lundin Links, the pharmacy at Leuchars and the quality of broadband in North East Fife, to the more individual but none the less important personal concerns, and it has been a privilege to represent you on all these matters.

It has been ten years since I was first elected as your MSP and I look forward to continuing to work hard upon your behalf in 2010.

I wish you all a joyous Christmas and New Year.

'UPPER LARGO ON THE UP' SAYS SMITH

3.59.09pm GMT Tue 22nd Dec 2009

Iain Smith MSP congratulated two lucky organisations in Upper Largo who have just been announced as the recipients of Big Lottery Fund money.

The Simpson Institute and to Kirkton of Largo Primary School have qualified for Awards for All, to renovate the Institute windows and provide new play equipment for the school.

Mr Smith said:

'This is great news for Upper Largo which recognises the importance of these two community foci. The Institute is an essential venue for local groups, who will now find their building more attractive thanks to the new windows, painting and draught-proofing, and the school pupils will benefit greatly from the new play equipment. Upper Largo is on the up!'

ENDS

'WARM WORDS NOT ENOUGH,' SAYS SMITH

5.54.00pm GMT Fri 27th Nov 2009

Iain Smith MSP today visited Anstruther Town Hall, as part of the annual Warm Homes campaign. Mr Smith met members of the East Neuk & Landward Energy Network (ENLEN) team as well as a constituent from Kilconquhar who had received advice on financial support for replacing a boiler.

Mr Smith said, 'The best heating system in the world is of no use if it is too expensive to run. This campaign is bringing affordable heat to those who need it. Warm words are not enough to eliminate fuel poverty; they must be matched with practical measures.'

ENDS

HOMECOMING EVENTS HAVE BEEN POORLY HANDLED BY SNP - SMITH

12.00.00am GMT Wed 25th Nov 2009

Commenting as organisers from the Homecoming Scotland celebrations have admitted that visitor numbers from the US have dropped by 20% in the homecoming year, Liberal Democrat Culture spokesperson Iain Smith MSP said:

"The Homecoming celebrations were a good idea that has been badly handled by the SNP.

"As Convener of the Tourism Committee I have written to the First Minister looking for an explanation over the handling of the recent Clan Gathering event.

"It is premature to call Homecoming a success, particularly as we have seen such a large drop in tourism from the US and Canada which were key targets for Homecoming Scotland.

"Attempts by the SNP Government to turn Homecoming into a rallying call for Independence have clearly backfired.

"Globe trotting SNP Ministers should focus more on promoting Scottish tourism and less on independence and nationalism if they want to reverse this trend in this vital market."

SMITH SLAMS SNP FOR REGENERATION SNUB

12.00.00am GMT Fri 13th Nov 2009

Following today's news that North East Fife was not awarded any of the second tranche of "Town Centre Regeneration Fund", local MSP Iain Smith has expressed his severe disappointment and slammed the Scottish Government for yet again snubbing the area.

"Yet again the SNP have decided that North East Fife is not worth investing in. This latest snub is a blow to the towns who applied and to the area as a whole", said Iain Smith.

"This "fund" has always been shrouded in mystery. The money for this fund is taken from future capital spending, and the SNP Government have never explained what is being axed in the future to pay for it. It is therefore not unreasonable to presume that North East Fife will be faced with losing future capital spending to pay for town centre regeneration schemes elsewhere. We won't see a penny of this money spent here.

"Ever since this fund was announced I have been highlighting the issues surrounding its limited availability and criteria, but both the SNP and Conservatives, who claim responsibility for this fund, repeatedly raised the expectations of towns across the country which in reality had no chance of seeing a single penny.

"Thanks to the Tories, North East Fife will miss out on investment in the future."

SMITH CELEBRATES NORTH EAST FIFE'S HISTORIC BUILDINGS

5.35.15pm GMT Thu 12th Nov 2009

Local MSP Iain Smith Walking the Fife Coastal Path

Iain Smith MSP had taken the opportunity of a Parliamentary debate on Scotland's Historic Environment to report on his walk along the Fife Coastal Path during the summer and to highlight the wealth of historic interest in North East Fife.

Speaking in the Scottish Parliament, Mr Smith said: "[D]uring the summer recess, I had the pleasure of walking part of the Fife coastal path in my constituency from Lundin Links to Crail. I was able to enjoy not only the picturesque harbours for which the East Neuk is renowned but some of the more hidden parts of our local history, such as the world war two fortifications on the hills outside Elie that helped to protect the Forth from attack by land, sea or air, and the windmill and salt pans at St Monans.

"Further inland, North East Fife has its share of ancient burghs, such a Ceres and Falkland. It also has St Andrews with its ruined cathedral and castle-which tell their own tales of the dark days of the reformation-the ancient university, the harbour and, of course, the golf courses, which are also part of the historic environment.

"All those add to the tapestry that attracts many visitors from around the globe to the area and to Scotland".

SMITH WELCOMES NEW HOPE FOR HILL OF TARVIT MANSION HOUSE

3.23.11pm GMT Thu 12th Nov 2009

North East Fife MSP, Iain Smith, has welcomed the announcement that the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) are progressing plans to reopen Hill of Tarvit Mansion House.

Mr Smith has been an ardent critic of the NTS's decision to close Hill of Tarvit Mansion House pointing to the maintenance and conservation costs which must be met regardless of whether the property is open to the public and to the knock-on effect of the closure on the local tourism industry.

Speaking in the Scottish Parliament during a debate on Scotland's Historic Environment, Mr Smith, who is Convener of the Parliament's influential Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee, said: "I am delighted that the Chief Executive of the NTS, Kate Mavor, confirmed in a letter to my committee yesterday that the trust is trading ahead of budget this year and that plans are progressing to restore public access to Leith hall and the Hill of Tarvit Mansion House. This is indeed welcome news".

G20 IN ST ANDREWS "VITAL TO WORLD ECONOMY" - SMITH

12.00.00am GMT Sat 7th Nov 2009

North East Fife's MSP Iain Smith has described the meeting of the G20 Finance Ministers in St Andrews as "vital to the world economy".

Speaking as the conference gets underway in his constituency, Iain Smith who is also the Convener of the Scottish Parliament's Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee said:

"St Andrews is no stranger to the international spotlight and any economic benefit to the local area will be welcomed by all.

"This conference is vital to the world economy. The G20 Finance Ministers and Bank Governors from the world's wealthiest countries must continue to work together to plot a way out of the global financial crisis.

"It is important that they recognise that it was the people who bailed out the banks and the people want action to ensure that there is no relapse of the financial heart attack we have just witnessed."

"The G20 is not just about world finance but it has a critical role to play in how we all tackle climate change. The Summit in Copenhagen next month will hopefully be the catalyst for international action and the Ministers gathering in St Andrews must also commit the necessary funds for the global effort to be a success."

LOCAL MSP VOLUNTEERS AT BARNARDOS FOR "MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY"

12.00.00am GMT Fri 30th Oct 2009

North East Fife's MSP Iain Smith was volunteering at Barnardos' in St Andrews today as part of the CSV "Make a Difference Day".

The CSV campaign is the largest single day of volunteering in the UK, and every year tens of thousands of people give up an hour of their time to volunteer and make a difference.

Mr Smith spent an hour on the shop floor working with staff, speaking to customers, and dressing a mannequin to go in a window display.

Commenting afterwards Mr Smith said:

"In these uncertain times, the need for community spirit has never been more important and this campaign is the perfect way of highlighting the significance of kindness and helping others.

"Not only does volunteering your time benefit those in need or worse off than you, it is also a fantastic way of meeting new people, acquiring new skills, and enhancing your own CV.

"I would encourage everyone to do volunteer work at some point in their life, and the Make a Difference Day is the perfect way of highlighting how to do so even if you are short on time or do not know where to begin."

SMITH HIGHLIGHTS RECENT RURAL BROADBAND "FIASCO"

12.00.00am GMT Thu 29th Oct 2009

Following news that an area of his constituency was without reliable internet access for a number of days last week, North East Fife's MSP Iain Smith said:

"It is concerning that an area can be without broadband for so long and it appears that there has been no reason given by BT to those affected.

"There are many people and businesses in the Newburgh area who rely heavily on good access to the internet and this fiasco has only served to highlight the poor broadband service available in North East Fife, both in terms of coverage and of advertised speed.

"I will be taking this matter up in order to persuade BT to invest in the broadband network in North East Fife."

ENDS

LOCAL MSP WELCOMES HILL OF TARVIT WORKING GROUP NEWS

12.00.00am GMT Mon 26th Oct 2009

North East Fife's MSP Iain Smith has strongly welcomed the news that Hill of Tarvit Mansion, which closed earlier this year amid strong objections and criticism, could soon open its doors again, as it emerges that a working group is looking at the future of the property.

Iain Smith said:

"I am glad to see that a working group is looking at the future options for the Hill of Tarvit. The decision by the National Trust for Scotland to close the Mansion House was both short sighted and unnecessary as the savings they make from closing the property to the public are minute as the cost of maintenance remains.

"Serious thought must be given to reopening the Mansion House, at the very least on a seasonal basis, so that the opportunities to generate money are maximised. After all, people come to visit the gardens and the hickory golf course so with proper promotion and effective management the Mansion House could also draw visitors.

"The NTS must also be far more transparent about its finances, especially the cost of maintaining its properties and conserving its collections if effective solutions are to be found."

SMITH DISAPPOINTED AT LOSS OF LLOYDS TSB CHARITY FUNDING TO NE FIFE

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 20th Oct 2009

Local MSP Iain Smith has expressed his disappointment after the recent announcement that the Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland is suspending its grant application process.

Since its establishment in 1985, the Lloyds TSB Foundation has made over 12,000 awards to charities across Scotland, at a total cost of almost £85 million. North East Fife charities that have received funding from Lloyds in the recent past include the Heart of Fife RDA and both Families First and Homestart East Fife are currently supported.

The decision to suspend grants was made after the Foundation and the Lloyds Banking Group were unable to reach agreement on the terms of a new funding agreement. The charity has pledged to honour existing commitments in full, but will accept no new funding applications after the final round of awards are confirmed in December. It is thought that the suspension of these grants will see Scottish charities miss out on at least £6 million a year in funding.

Mr Smith said:

"Charities have found it increasingly difficult to secure the funding they need to survive since the beginning of the economic downturn.

"Although the news that existing funding commitments will be met will come as a relief to those organisations here in North East Fife that had secured financing from the Lloyds TSB Foundation in previous funding rounds, the suspension of these grants is likely to have a profound effect on the services that non-profit groups all over Scotland will be able to provide in future.

"We must hope that the Foundation and the Lloyds Banking Group can reach agreement on the terms of a new funding agreement and that the grant application process is resumed as soon as possible."

LOCAL MSP VISITS DAPL ROADSHOW AT ST ANDREWS UNIVERSITY

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 8th Oct 2009

Local MSP Iain Smith was at the St Andrews University Student Union today to visit the DAPL (Drugs Alcohol Project Levenmouth) Alcohol Awareness Week Roadshow.

Commenting on his visit Iain Smith said:

"The work that DAPL does all year round on drug and alcohol awareness is invaluable and it is particularly important that they visited St Andrew's University Student's Association during Alcohol Awareness Week."

"It is extremely important that young people, who may be away from home for the first time, are aware of how many units of alcohol are in the drinks they are purchasing at places like the Student Union so they can take responsibility for the alcohol they consume."

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