Martin Whitfield MSP is backing calls for the SNP-Green Government to step up action on preventing child poverty, following the publication of a new report reviewing government progress on the issue. Tackling Child Poverty, a joint briefing by Audit Scotland and the Accounts Commission, states more than one in four children were in poverty before [...]

Commenting on the announcement of the death of HM Queen Elizabeth II, Martin Whitfield MSP said:  “Her Majesty’s passing is a sad time for people in the South of Scotland and the whole country, but most of all for the Royal Family who have lost a mother, a grandmother and a great-grandmother. Our hearts go [...]

This Blood Cancer Awareness Month Martin Whitfield MSP is backing Leukaemia Care and Leukaemia UK with highlighting their #SpotLeukaemia campaign addressing the hurdles leukaemia patients face in receiving an early diagnosis. Diagnosis via the emergency route for leukaemia is greater than most other types of cancer and often associated with poor survival. Many leukaemia patients [...]

Martin Whitfield MSP has welcomed a new citizens advice network campaign encouraging people struggling with the cost of living to seek advice and assistance. Citizens Advice Scotland's "Our Advice Adds Up" campaign seeks to highlight the various advice and support offered by CAS and the network of local CABs across Scotland. The campaign launch follows [...]

The significant progress made at Gifford community woodland has been welcomed by Martin Whitfield MSP, following a meeting with the group’s Chair, Roo Hardy, and Project Manager, Nev Kilkenny. The community woodland, which is made up of Speedy and Fawn Woods at the end of Station Road in Gifford extends to 22 hectares (55 acres). [...]

Martin Whitfield MSP has met with Project Manager Lauren Howie to discuss the latest developments and future plans for the North Berwick Youth Project. Mr Whitfield was pleased to hear about the project's summer programme and its range of support for young people in the North Berwick area, which includes a focus on supporting recovery [...]

Martin Whitfield MSP has visited community food initiative the Lammermuir Larder in Haddington to thank volunteers and find out more about the project’s work with local families and individuals. Established in February last year, the project aims to support individuals and families in the Haddington area who are struggling financially to feed themselves or their [...]

Martin Whitfield MSP is urging residents in South Scotland to be on their guard against cost-of-living scams as Scotland’s ScamWatch Fortnight gets underway. This year’s ‘Read Between the Li(n)es’ campaign highlights the importance of remaining vigilant - with fraudsters using emails, texts and social media to prey on people of all ages. Advice Direct Scotland, [...]

Martin Whitfield MSP has committed to supporting work being undertaken by the Woodland Trust following a recent visit to Pressmennan Wood near Stenton which is owned by the charity. Mr Whitfield joined Woodland Trust representatives on a walk in the woods and a briefing on its work there. Pressmennan Wood has been continuously wooded since [...]

Martin Whitfield MSP has visited Cockenzie House and Gardens to underline his support for its community ownership bid and receive an update on the latest developments at the important community facility.  The South Scotland MSP met with trustees to hear more about the charity’s bid to secure community ownership of the site, as well as [...]