Latest News – Martin Whitfield MSP
Martin praises charity during anniversary debate
Martin Whitfield MSP has lauded the vital work that One Parent Families Scotland does each year providing advice, support and advocacy for families throughout Scotland. Speaking during a member's debate on the charity's 80th anniversary, Mr Whitfield described it as having been 'a beacon of hope and support for countless single-parent families across our nation'. For eight decades, the organisation has dedicated itself to ensuring that single parents and their children have the resources, the guidance and the advocacy that they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. Mr Whitfield went on to state his belief that what makes One [...]
Martin attends shipping out of copper stills
Whisky stills made in the traditional manner at McMillan Coppersmiths in Prestonpans will form the central part of a modern distillery under construction at Inverkip on the west coast. The two copper stills – a wash still and a spirit still – were loaded this morning ready for the 85 mile journey west to Ardgowan Distillery, under the watchful eyes of the craftsmen and women who made them. The firm employs 35 people in the East Lothian town and is now part of the Briggs Group. Martin Whitfield MSP, who attended the shipping out, said: “This company is well known [...]
Supporting this year’s Poppy Appeal
The Scottish Poppy Appeal is Poppyscotland’s largest fundraising event – raising over £2 million every year – and Scotland’s biggest annual street collection. This week Poppyscotland held a reception in the Garden Lobby of parliament to mark the launch of this year's appeal and to recognise its position as the only officially recognised charity of the Scottish Parliament and engage with Members, Poppyscotland volunteers and other stakeholders about the charity’s vital work supporting our Armed Forces community. Speaking after the reception, Martin Whitfield MSP said: "It was great to join parliamentary colleagues, Poppyscotland volunteers and other stakeholders at this reception [...]
GP funding challenges highlighted
Neil Gray, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, has visited Prestonpans Group Practice alongside Martin Whitfield MSP to discuss the issues facing the surgery. The conversation focussed on the loss in funding to the Practice which was raised by practice GPs earlier this year and continues to be an ongoing concern for the Practice. The Cabinet Secretary agreed to discuss these funding cuts with NHS Lothian and praised the Practice for their exceptional standards of care. Following the meeting, Martin Whitfield MSP said: “It is essential that GP Partners are able to make the decisions that are right for [...]
Backing #TickTheBox campaign
Martin Whitfield MSP is backing The Fostering Network's #TickTheBox campaign (28 October - 3 November) which encourages young people with care experience to tick the box on their UCAS application for university and college to say they have spent time in care. This will ensure they get the support they are entitled to so they can thrive in further or higher education. The Fostering Network's UK-wide campaign signposts foster carers, other carers and professionals working with them to resources and information on how to support care experienced young people to enter into higher and further education. The #TickTheBox campaign aims [...]
Martin wears it pink to support Breast Cancer Now
Martin Whitfield MSP added a splash of pink to his usual Holyrood attire to raise awareness of breast cancer and to encourage Scots to support Breast Cancer Now’s wear it pink to raise vital funds for world-class breast cancer research and life-changing support. Mr Whitfield was joined by other parliamentarians in Holyrood this week, to raise awareness of breast cancer, and learn more about breast cancer in Scotland, focusing on the need for the Scottish Government to deliver their commitments in its Cancer Strategy and Action Plan. He is calling for his constituents to join him, as well as thousands [...]