Latest News – Martin Whitfield MSP
#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 [...]
Time to Talk is back for 2025!
Thursday 6 February is Time to Talk Day (TTTD), run by See Me, Scotland's national programme to end mental health stigma and discrimination. We know that mental health stigma continues to be a major barrier for people in finding support and talking openly. In fact, this year's campaign has revealed that 29% of Scots are holding back from social opportunities and distancing themselves from those closest to them to avoid ‘awkward’ conversations about mental health. 28% of Scots have pushed friends and family away at times when they have not wanted to talk about their mental health, while 27% say [...]
Holocaust Memorial Day 2025
Martin Whitfield MSP has joined parliamentary colleagues in helping commemorate this year's Holocaust Memorial Day on Monday 27th January, which this year marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. The theme chosen for HMD 2025 is For a Better Future. It encapsulates our collective responsibility to shape a better future, imploring us to do everything in our power to create a brighter tomorrow – such as confronting Holocaust and genocide denial, challenging prejudice, and promoting education about the Holocaust and more recent genocides. Martin Whitfield MSP said: "The 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz is a time [...]