Latest News –  Martin Whitfield MSP

22 to 28 April is MS Awareness and this year the MS Society Scotland's campaign theme is MS Unfiltered. The charity is running a sensitive and intimate campaign which will shine a light on the MS topics that can feel taboo or difficult to talk about. It will be creating a safe space for people to talk honestly and openly about everything from bladder control and sexual dysfunction, to navigating menopause and cultural stigma. MS Awareness Week is also the perfect time for people affected by MS to find out more about the help and support available to those living [...]

Glenkinchie Distillery’s important contribution to the Scotch whisky industry and East Lothian’s economy has been highlighted by Martin Whitfield MSP during a debate in the Scottish Parliament. The South Scotland MSP spoke about the distillery’s history, its historical and contemporary role in Scotch whisky production and the 37,000 visitors it welcomed during 2023. Mr Whitfield also recognised Glenkinchie’s efforts to have a positive impact on nature and improve the sustainability of the distillation process, including operating a zero waste to landfill policy, for which it has received the gold award for green tourism. He also talked about some of his [...]

Revised proposals for amending the Scottish Parliamentary constituency boundaries were published yesterday, including for constituencies covering East Lothian. Local changes in the proposals see Prestonpans restored to the East Lothian (or Lothian Eastern as they are suggesting it be renamed) constituency, with Tranent set be moved into a new constituency with Portobello/Craigmillar and Musselburgh. The revised proposals are now open for public consultation until 15th May. Commenting on the revised proposals, Martin Whitfield MSP said: “I’m very disappointed by these revised proposals which simply swap one unwelcome boundary change with another. "While recognising the impact of our growing population, I [...]

Martin Whitfield MSP has raised the Scottish Government's pledge to provide all school-age children with a free bike by 2026 in parliament. The South Scotland MSP asked Patrick Harvie MSP, the Minister responsible for the policy, to confirm that the government still intends to meet its pledge, following recent reports that less than three per cent of children living in poverty have so far received their free bike. In his response, Mr Harvie refused to be drawn on whether the government would meet the pledge. He only confirmed that it had decided against a national delivery model and is instead [...]

Martin Whitfield MSP and Daniel Johnson MSP have visited Eyemouth to meet with local stakeholders and discuss economic development opportunities for the harbour and the rest of the town. Hosted by Eyemouth Marine Ltd, the meeting brought together a range of key organisations and groups, including Eyemouth Harbour Trust and the Harbour Users Group, to brief the politicians on some of the current challenges facing the town and potential future opportunities. Following the face to face discussions, Mr Whitfield and Mr Johnson were given a whistle stop tour of the town, including social enterprise ReTweed, the Hippodrome venue, the harbour [...]

Martin Whitfield MSP has again welcomed and praised the vital work of the Fa’side and PSG Lunch Clubs after attending their Family Fun Day marking the end of the Easter break sessions. Mr Whitfield joined representatives from East Lothian Council, volunteers and supporters of the lunch clubs and families who have attended them at the event at Preston Lodge High School. Speaking afterwards, Martin Whitfield MSP said: “As a long term supporter of the Pennypit's work, including its vital holiday lunch clubs, I was pleased to again join families, staff, volunteers and guests at Preston Lodge today for the Family [...]