Latest News – Martin Whitfield MSP
Free bikes pledge raised with Minister
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 [...]
Visit to Eyemouth
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 drops into PSG lunch club fun day
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 [...]
Visiting Asda Dunbar
Martin Whitfield MSP has visited Asda's Dunbar store to meet with staff for an update and to hold a supermarket surgery. The South Scotland MSP met with the store manager and East Lothian community champion to discuss some of the challenges the business faces and how it is supporting local groups and communities. Following the discussion, the store facilitated Mr Whitfield holding an advice surgery for constituents. Speaking afterwards, Martin Whitfield MSP said: "I'm grateful to Asda for affording me the opportunity to visit the store and catch up on some of the latest developments and challenges it is facing [...]
Month of the Military Child
April marks Month of Military Child, the annual campaign about recognising, understanding and celebrating the unique lived experiences of children from military families. Martin Whitfield MSP is again supporting and helping to promote this year's campaign which takes place throughout April and celebrates children and young people from Armed Forces and Veteran families across the globe. Children from Armed Forces families lead unique lives being incredibly geographically mobile and often facing the challenge of interrupted learning. They are a unique group, and it is vital society celebrates their lived experiences and provides the additional support they need. Research suggests that [...]
Visit to The Haven mental health service
Martin Whitfield MSP has visited The Haven wellbeing and resilience service being piloted in Tranent by Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity. The Haven service was launched in September 2023 as an intervention to help avert the potential mental health crisis facing children and young people in Scotland. The service, which is fully funded by the charity, aims to complement child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) and to help prevent problems escalating to the point where professional intervention is needed. Commenting on the service, Martin Whitfield MSP said: "I have been following The Haven's progress since it was first launched last [...]