20 Years of the Scottish Parliament, Gordon Noted, in the City by the Council

20 Years of the Scottish Works Underway Parliament at Ratho Primary After being dissolved on 1st May 1707, the Scottish Parliament was Ongoing works are taking place to reconvened 292 years later on 12 May 1999. upgrade and refurbish 15 schools Commenting on the 20 years of the Scottish Parliament, Gordon noted, in the city by the Council. “The Scottish Parliament has helped change the face and politics of The Council are investing £50 Scotland. I campaigned most of my adult life for the creation of a million over the next five years to Scottish Parliament and have been proud to serve as a member since upgrade properties. Currently, 2011.” Some of the pioneering legislation passed include: - works are progressing at Ratho Primary School in Gordon’s University fees were abolished entirely by the SNP in 2008. constituency. Passed unanimously by all members, the Community Health and Care Act 2002 ensures the provision free personal care for the elderly. Commenting, Gordon welcomed the refurbishment and noted, “The The Smoking Act 2005 banned smoking in public places and was works include a comprehensive eventually copied by the rest of the UK. electrical works and switchgear The Alcohol Minimum Pricing Act 2012 requires at least 50p per unit. refit, lighting replacement, upgrading the kitchen to a ‘cooking The Marriage and Civil Partnership Act 2014 was the first legislation in kitchen’, toilet fit out, and the UK to enabled same-sex marriage. improvement to offices and The Domestic Abuse Act 2018 widened the scope for prosecution. classrooms such as fitting new carpets, etc. Gordon said, “Legislation in Scotland now sets the benchmark for the UK to follow. We should celebrate our many achievements. Upcoming Several rooms at Ratho Primary legislation will give children equal protection from assault, set tougher have already been completed with climate change emissions reduction targets, reduce fuel poverty, and the remainder due for completion tackle period poverty through free provision of sanitary products.” in August. Representing: Baberton, Balerno, Blinkbonny, Bonaly, Broomhouse, Buckstone, Calders, Colinton, 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... Deposit Return Prospect of Unforgotten Scheme More Homes Forces Gordon chaired a meeting of the Prospect Community Housing are Gordon was pleased to spend time Cross-Party Group on Independent to work with contractor J Smart with Poppyscotland during their Convenience Stores where the and Co in order to build 69 flats on visit to the Scottish Parliament to Cabinet Secretary for Environment, the corner of Kingsknowe Golf raise awareness of Unforgotten Roseanna Cunningham MSP, Course off Clovenstone Gardens. Forces, an organisation dedicated addressed the packed meeting. Gordon notes, “There is a great to support older veterans over the Rosanna highlighted the Scottish need for more social housing in age of 65 and their families. Government’s proposed Deposit this area of Edinburgh Gordon commented, “Unforgotten Return Scheme. Most retailers “I am pleased that Prospect are Forces is a partnership between 16 were supportive of the proposal, leading organisations to deliver a although there were some helping to meet this massive demand.” range of new services and concerns related to the deposit enhancements in areas including size and how to handle glass items. A full planning application is to be advice, access to healthcare, social Gordon noted, “There will be an submitted and there shall be a isolation, respite, along with opportunity when the legislation community consultation event creative activities and events for goes through committee at Stage 1 once the proposed plans are those in care settings. I was retailers and members of the ready. pleased to show my support when public to make their views heard.” they visited.” Contact Details EU Elections By email [email protected] Home visit Available for those who cannot travel Votes Percentage By phone 0131 443 0595 SNP 11,407 34% LibDems 6,386 19% By letter The Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh, EH99 1SP Greens 4,241 13% Gordon Macdonald MSP @GMacdonaldMSP Tories 4,187 13% Brexit 3,209 10% Monthly Surgeries — No appointment needed st Labour 2,440 7% 1 Monday of the month, 6.30pm Wester Hailes Library Others 1,248 4% 2nd Monday of the month, 6.30pm Carrickvale Community Centre rd The recent EU Parliament elections 3 Monday of the month, 6.30pm Currie Library th in South West resulted in a clear 4 Monday of the month, 6.30pm Oxgangs Library (Not 24 Dec) th win for the SNP with Tories and 5 Monday of the month, 6.30pm Ratho Com. Centre (Not 31 Dec) Labour in 4th and 6th respectively. NB: NO SURGERIES DURING PUBLIC AND BANK HOLIDAYS Working for Edinburgh Pentlands Published by Gordon Macdonald MSP, 9 Kingsknowe Park, Edinburgh, EH14 2JQ. The SPCB is not responsible for the content of external websites. .

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