Born in 1946 and brought up in Cupar, Fife, I was educated at the local school - The Burial and Cremation (Scotland) Bill is something I have been involved with during this session and this piece of legislation has now been passed. It will modernise and update 100 year old legislation introducing a definition of ashes, standardising forms and record-keeping across Scotland, clarifying the process for instructing the disposal of human remains.
I am pleased to welcome plans set out by the First Minister to freeze Scottish income tax rates, with no increases to the basic, higher or additional rates, blocking the Westminster proposed tax cuts will provide more than £1billion for public services in Scotland.
After the UK Government’s fiasco in the last weeks when Chancellor George Osborne had to back track on his proposed cuts in benefits for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities I look forward to the SNP government if re-elected tackling inequality as going “hand in hand” with boosting economic growth. Protecting the vulnerable and increased economic growth is a win, win combination.
Last week also marked my last week as your MSP for this session, it has been an honour to serve my constituents in the Banffshire & Buchan Coast and I hope to return for another session after the election on May 5th. I am sure I will meet many of you on my campaign trail.
It is with great sadness I now turn to the appalling attack on Brussels last week and my thoughts are with all those who have lost or have injured friends and families. Although the Scottish threat level has not changed we do stand ready with increased police at Scottish rail stations and airports. It is in times like these that we need to stand united against terrorist attacks that try to divide our communities and we must not let this happen.
