Latest News –  Martin Whitfield MSP

As our schools return after the summer break, I want to send my best wishes to all pupils, teachers and other staff for the year ahead. Speaking to colleagues in teaching, I know things continue to get tougher in the classroom. Despite this, staff continue to do their utmost to provide the best educational experience for our children and young people and they deserve our thanks and support. Last week’s exam results in East Lothian demonstrated that there is much to be positive about here, especially the increase in the maths pass rate. I congratulate pupils and schools on their [...]

A campaign aiming to stop the harmful exposure of children to alcohol marketing has been backed by Martin Whitfield MSP. Mr Whitfield pledged his support to the Alcohol Free Childhood Campaign which aims to end the exposure of children to the advertising and marketing of alcohol.  Organised by Alcohol Focus Scotland, the campaign's partner organisations include Children in Scotland, BMA Scotland, Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (SHAAP), Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs (SFAD). Last year the Scottish Government conducted an alcohol marketing consultation. Following the consultation the government committed to undertake a further public consultation in 2024 on [...]

Police Scotland's invite to the public to join them in a conversation about #YourPolice is being highlighted by Martin Whitfield MSP. Understanding the views and priorities of Scotland's diverse communities is fundamental to how Police Scotland responds to the needs of the public. Public engagement activities help the service improve how it delivers policing services in local communities, ensuring they are accessible and inclusive for everyone. The survey covers various themes, such as: Feeling of safety in local area Locations where people feel less safe Confidence in policing Respect for police Police performance and attitudes Concern about crime Feedback on contacting the [...]

Martin Whitfield MSP has nominated Lee Rollo Stewart as a Local Hero to help mark the 25th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament. Earlier this year all 129 MSPs were invited to nominate a constituent who makes a positive difference to the lives of others – often with little recognition - as their Local Hero. On Saturday 28 September, the Local Heroes will make a contribution to a special commemorative event to mark the 25th anniversary of The Scottish Parliament, taking place in the Debating Chamber. Gifford resident Lee is funeral director at Tranent Co-operative Funeralcare, but also undertakes a range [...]

Martin Whitfield MSP is highlighting the careers advice and support available from Skills Development Scotland (SDS) for young people who have received their exams results. SDS careers advisers are at the end of the phone to help young people and their parents and carers. There's also lots of results support on Scotland's career website, My World of Work – it’s packed with advice, information and resources. If you would prefer to speak to someone in person, you can visit an SDS centre or community venue to talk to a careers adviser about your results and next steps. No appointment is [...]

A new campaign calling for all venues in Scotland to be accessible for people with visual impairment has been backed by South Scotland MSP Martin Whitfield. The #AccessibleVenues campaign has been launched by Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans following the launch of their new Accessible Venues report. Mr Whitfield has demonstrated his backing for the campaign by supporting his colleague Pam Duncan-Glancy's motion in parliament and declaring his support for the campaign on social media. Martin Whitfield MSP said: "I’m supporting the new #AccessibleVenues campaign calling for all venues in Scotland to be accessible for people with visual impairment. [...]