The Perfect Storm

The freakish combination of low pressure, gale-force winds and high tides has seen the coastline in the North-east severely battered over the weekend, causing damage and endangering lives throughout the area. Many of us will be aware of, or have seen first-hand, the damage caused, and know the danger and disruption it brought. However, it is thanks to the first-responders and those already working to repair the damage, that things were not more serious, and so few were in harm’s way.

People have been evacuated from their homes and workplaces, due to flooding and weather damage, and for some this is how things remain. However, had it not been for the hard-work and quick-thinking of the council staff, volunteers and the emergency services, matters could have been considerably worse. A variety of people and agencies have been working extremely hard together to help and advise those affected by the conditions and ensure people are quickly and safely re-homed, and I express my thanks to them for their vital service.

The emergency services have been on constant stand-by to react to any potential dangers. Indeed, the Peterhead lifeboat crew bravely deployed in awful conditions to rescue a group of people stranded on the east side of the harbour, potentially saving their lives.

Also, the Scottish Government Resilience Room has met to develop a response to the situation, and they have reiterated their commitment to assisting local authorities and agencies in rebuilding in the wake of the storm.

In several towns the damage has been concentrated in and around the harbour, with Fraserburgh and Peterhead particularly affected. Efforts are already underway to repair the damage to the harbours, which are vital for the local economy, with specialists being called in to assess the damage to the walls and facilities.

As people count the cost of the damage to homes and livelihoods, we should be thankful that matters were not more serious, and that so few people have been injured. Indeed, throughout the stormy conditions and damage to property I have been struck most by the community spirit shown throughout, as people have helped one another through a difficult period, which is vital as we get back on our feet in our towns and communities.

Winter assistance for Farmers

We, in the North-east, know as well as anyone how fundamental farming is to Scottish life and our communities. Agriculture plays an integral role in the wider community and sustains jobs in primary production and throughout related sectors.

We have had some extreme weather this year which has caused difficulties for Scotland’s farmers. However, the SNP and the Scottish Government are committed to helping Scotland’s farmers and producers who have been hit by the adverse weather this year and have taken steps to prioritise Single Farm Payments, and urge leniency from banks for those farmers who have yet to receive their payments.

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Richard Lochhead recently announced that he would be writing to banks to update them on the timing of Single Farm Payments and asking them to provide maximum flexibility for those farmers whose payments are not made at the start of December.

So these measures from the SNP Government are very welcome – we must do all we reasonably can to help support our farmers.

The Scottish Government has increased resources to pay Single Farm Payments as quickly as possible – including staff working in the evenings and weekends and given a two-month invoices extension for 2012 rural priorities capital works.

Further, those who have encountered problems with the slurry rules are being helped by staff who are working to help farmers avoid or reduce penalties in Nitrate Vulnerable Zones. It is particularly encouraging to hear that most of the small number of farmers who have contacted the Scottish Government for help have avoided penalties completely.

It is only right that we, as a nation, support those who provide for us year-round.

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Best wishes for the festive season and the new year!