Latest News – Martin Whitfield MSP
Martin takes Youth Bill proposal to Borders
Martin Whitfield MSP has taken his "transformative" proposed Member’s Bill, which would ensure every council provides youth work services, to the Scottish Borders. The Youth Work Scotland Bill seeks to establish a robust legal framework ensuring that every young person, regardless of their background or circumstances, has access to consistent and high-quality youth work opportunities. Martin Whitfield brought his Bill to the Scottish Borders by visiting the youth organisation YouthBorders in Newton St Boswells. YouthBorders is a network of 40+ voluntary youth organisations in the Scottish Borders, supporting nearly 5,000 young people aged 8–25. It provides networking, training, and resources [...]
Nominate for Young Scot Awards 2025
Nominations are now open for the Young Scot Awards 2025 and Martin Whitfield MSP is encouraging groups and individuals in East Lothian to nominate a young person who they believe deserves to be recognised this year. The Young Scot Awards are Scotland’s biggest celebration of young people aged 11-26 that shine a light on those who drive positive change, achieve remarkable accomplishments, and support their communities. The winners will be unveiled in June, during an energy-packed event hosted by Capital FM DJ Katy J, where they will join a prestigious list of past recipients including former footballer turned elite gamer [...]
#LoveScotlandsColleges campaign welcomed
Martin Whitfield MSP has welcomed the return of the annual #LoveScotlandsColleges campaign, celebrating the vital role played by colleges right across Scotland. Run by the College Development Network (CDN) and local colleges, the week-long campaign kicks off on Monday 10 February, and will highlight the outstanding work of colleges throughout the country, showcasing all the important courses and training offered to Scotland’s workforce now, and the workforce of the future. The campaign will promote a different theme for every day highlighting national and local examples of how colleges are supporting students, employers and businesses, communities, staff and the economy. Martin [...]
Comment on ScotRail fares announcement
Commenting on the announcement that ScotRail fares are set to increase by 3.8 per cent in April, Martin Whitfield MSP said: “Rail users experienced an 8.7 per cent fare increase last year, followed by the re-introduction of peak fares. This further fare hike will hammer rail passengers in East Lothian again and risk making trains a less attractive option for travellers. “The Scottish Government should be taking action to make rail more affordable and accessible, but instead it has hit passengers with painful fare rises time and time again. This latest increase is bad for local rail users, bad for [...]
Seek advice if you’re worried this winter
Martin Whitfield MSP is encouraging any constituents worried about energy bills, debt or the cost of living this winter to seek advice and support from the Citizens Advice network via its Worried this Winter? Let's Chat campaign. Running in partnership with Home Energy Scotland until 28 February, the campaign is encouraging people to seek free and impartial advice on managing heating costs, energy debt and other financial pressures. The Citizens Advice network in Scotland offers a range of free, impartial and confidential advice. This includes face-to-face appointments in local CABs, online information and advice, and through its Help to Claim [...]
Martin speaks to East Linton primary pupils
Martin Whitfield MSP has returned to East Linton Primary School to speak to P7 pupils as part of their learning about our democracy and how the Scottish Parliament works. Former teacher Mr Whitfield was invited to visit the class to talk about his role as a Member of the Scottish Parliament and how decisions and laws are made at Holyrood, before hosting a Question & Answer session with the pupils. Following the MSP’s visit, the pupils will continue their democracy project with a visit to the Scottish Parliament for a tour of the building and to enable them to find [...]