Selling out Colinton the Community
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MoD: No Banking in Selling Out Colinton the Community As a member of the Economy Committee, Gordon recently participated in a report into bank Gordon Macdonald is calling for the UK Government to be honest about closures. their intentions to close and sell off Redford Barracks. Despite writing to the Defence Secretary in May, the Tory Government have not replied. Between 2010 and 2018, 45% of bank branches in Scotland have Gordon has been campaigning against the closure of Redford Barracks closed, with RBS closing 70% of since 2011, which would have “extensive consequences for Edinburgh.” their network. The Barracks accommodate 320 personnel and provide needed accommodation and rehearsal space for the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. This has created significant financial exclusion in many Since closure was first suggested, the MoD has claimed that it would communities and there is no doubt generate savings; however with the running cost of Redford Barracks that the rate and scale of bank approximately £3.1 million per year, Gordon has questioned the need closures in Scotland has negatively for this particular 0.009% saving to the £35.3 billion MoD budget. affected people and businesses. Gordon added, “The MoD claim the barracks, built in 1909, are ‘no Commenting, Gordon said, “Banks longer fit for purpose’; however, they have no plans to close Wellington seem to have forgotten that they Barracks in central London, built in 1833. The likely real reason is to sell provide a vital social function in off the land for development — without Edinburgh or Scotland seeing a their communities — for the penny of it. Colinton and the conservation village would, however, vulnerable, elderly, immobile, and experience the construction traffic, dust, and commuter congestion.” for businesses. The public saved The MoD confirm there is capacity for up to 711 houses on the 200 acre them in 2008, and now they are site — at up to £2 million an acre this would be worth over £250 million. abandoning the public.” 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... Pioneering Marie Curie Living Wage at Research Fundraiser the Fringe At the University of Edinburgh’s As part of Gordon’s continued Gordon was pleased to lodge a world-leading Centre for Discovery support of Marie Curie he hosted a motion in Parliament welcoming Brain Sciences, Gordon met with “Blooming Great Tea Party” in the the New Festivals Workers’ Dr Jill Fowler, an Alzheimer’s constituency office. Welfare guidelines. Published by researcher, who is leading a Inspired by a love of baking, the Edinburgh Council following talks pioneering project into the campaign encourages people to with unions and event organisers, protective properties of the get together with colleagues or organisers are now required to pay protein Nrf2. It is hoped this friends to serve cakes and cuppas. a living wage, guarantee rest research will help create Funds raised are used employ breaks and protect employees interventions to slow the nurses to provide home care for from harassment. Gordon also progression of Alzheimer’s. people living with terminal illness. highlighted that “Exploitative Dr Jill Fowler said, “To bring about practices such as unpaid trial shifts Commenting Gordon said, “I was and tips to top up wages are a life-changing treatment for pleased to see many people from dementia we must be able to work prohibited.” As a Living Wage the local community join us. Employer himself, Gordon is collaboratively, pooling expertise Thanks to everybody’s generosity, and learning from around the encouraging all employers during we raised around £200 at our the Fringe, and throughout the world. Mr MacDonald and other event for the charity.” MSPs play an important role in year, to pay the living wage. making sure we can do this.” Contact Details Dementia is caused by physical By email [email protected] diseases, and through research it is Home visit Available for those who cannot travel possible to find a way to stop or By phone 0131 443 0595 prevent the condition. By letter The Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh, EH99 1SP Gordon said, “There is extremely Gordon Macdonald MSP @GMacdonaldMSP valuable and innovative work Monthly Surgeries — No appointment needed taking place here. It’s great to 1st Monday of the month, 6.30pm Wester Hailes Library learn first-hand about specific 2nd Monday of the month, 6.30pm Carrickvale Community Centre research projects that will 3rd Monday of the month, 6.30pm Currie Library contribute to the fight against 4th Monday of the month, 6.30pm Oxgangs Library Alzheimer’s disease — Scotland is 5th Monday of the month, 6.30pm Ratho Community Centre recognised as a world leader when NB: NO SURGERIES DURING PUBLIC AND BANK HOLIDAYS it comes to Alzheimer’s policy.” 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. .