Redford Barracks Nuclear Convoys in “Closure Plan” Safety Incidents

It is seemingly still the intention of the UK Government to close Redford Eight times a year, an Army convoy Barracks as part of a plan to close eight military bases in . The carrying nuclear warheads and plan also includes the closure of nearby in and material use the Edinburgh bypass Glencourse in Penicuik. on route from Coulport, where the Gordon Macdonald MSP has again recently contacted the UK defence weapons are stored, to the Atomic minister, Gavin Williamson, urging him to rethink the future of Redford Weapons plant in Berkshire, where Barracks — especially given that a recent report by the National Audit they are maintained. Gordon Office had concluded that the closure plan did not deliver guaranteed spoke on this and the importance savings. of community safety in Parliament. Commenting, Gordon said, “The UK Government is displaying a Commenting, Gordon said, complete disregard for the jobs and communities who depend on the “People who live along the route base.” have never been informed what to do in the event of an accident. It Gordon highlighted to the Defence Secretary that there has been little would likely require total consultation or consideration for the communities involved and further evacuation of all west Edinburgh, requested that the MoD clarify their closure strategy and what they plan including schools, two universities, to do to support those affected. and a college. The UK Government Further commenting, Gordon emphasised that, “There needs to be a cannot even prepare for an consideration of the economic and social impact of this decision. The accident. Tories think they can do whatever they want to Scotland and get away “I have called for a ban on the with it — this seems to be less of an attempt to optimise the defence convoys as a first step towards estate, as they claim, but simply a case of centralisation and asset completely removing nuclear stripping.” weapons from Scotland.”

Representing: Baberton, Balerno, Blinkbonny, Bonaly, Broomhouse, Buckstone, Calders, , Colinton Mains, Currie, Dreghorn, Fairmilehead, Firrhill, Hermiston, Juniper Green, Kingsknowe, Longstone, Oxgangs, Parkhead, Ratho, Redhall, Saughton Mains, Sighthill, Spylaw, Stenhouse, Swanston, Wester Hailes and Whitson. Out and About... New Homes Firrhill High S3 Schools Closure for Rent at Mental Health Update Fernieflat Neuk Awareness

The Council Education Committee Work on 37 new council for rent As part of Mental Health met on 22 May to consider the homes is nearing completion for Awareness Week, Gordon responses to the consultation of allocation in July. attended a presentation by S3 the West & South West Schools students from Firrhill High School The homes will be let via EdIndex Review. The meeting concluded to see the work undertaken by and will be available for new more information was required. them with Barnardo’s Scotland. movers and existing tenant to bid The committee will publish a on. The students took part in a two- report on 15 June, ahead of the day research project that involved The development will consist of 15 next committee on 21 June 2018, creating their own survey, which terraced (three-bed) properties, 22 at which the decision will be made. they then used to gather views of flats (one- and two-beds). young people about mental health. I have made it clear that they need 3 properties will be wheelchair to consider what will be left in accessible. Congratulating them on winning Wester Hailes if the WHEC goes? 2nd place, Gordon said, “This was a Commenting, Gordon noted, “This There is only one community meaningful task that helped raise is a small but positive contribution centre, Clovenstone — Calder mental health awareness. I’m towards meeting the housing community centre has closed, the keen to see what other schools are challenges we face in Edinburgh.” Wood Centre has become a postal doing in this area.” centre, and there are few play areas. If Wester Hailes loses the Contact Details WHEC, they also lose a swimming By email [email protected] pool, gym, adult education classes, Home visit Available for those who cannot travel and a place to host events. By phone 0131 443 0595 As, I underlined in a recent Evening By letter The Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh, EH99 1SP News article, I, and most of Gordon Macdonald MSP @GMacdonaldMSP communities affected, have been Monthly Surgeries — No appointment needed clear that the bottom line is that st the four schools — Balerno, Currie, 1 Monday of the month, 6.30pm Wester Hailes Library 2nd Monday of the month, 6.30pm Carrickvale Community Centre Woodlands, and the WHEC — rd must remain open and on their 3 Monday of the month, 6.30pm Currie Library 4th Monday of the month, 6.30pm Oxgangs Library current sites. Only “Option 1” of th the alternative options would see 5 Monday of the month, 6.30pm Ratho Community Centre this happen. NB: NO SURGERIES DURING PUBLIC AND BANK HOLIDAYS Working for Edinburgh Pentlands Published by Gordon Macdonald MSP, Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh, EH99 1SP. Cost of publication has been met by parliamentary allowances. Parliament is not responsible for the content of other internet sites.