Latest News –  Martin Whitfield MSP

The Aviation Preservation Society of Scotland's recent award success at the Aviation Heritage UK AGM has been recognised at the Scottish Parliament in a motion tabled by Martin Whitfield MSP. The APSS were given the Organisation of the Year award at the AGM in Derby, recognising the group's remarkable commitment to its 24-year project to construct a WW1 Sopwith 1 1/2 Strutter biplane. Martin Whitfield MSP said:  "I have been following the work of the APSS and its remarkable Strutter project for many years now and know how much dedication has gone into it.  "To have been recognised by their [...]

Martin Whitfield MSP has hosted a parliamentary reception to help celebrate 70 years of Action for Children Scotland supporting children and young people in Scotland. The reception brought MSPs, supporters, partners and volunteers together to recognise and celebrate that over the past 70 years, Action for Children has supported hundreds of thousands of children, young people and families throughout Scotland. Action for Children’s vision is “that every child has a safe and happy childhood and the foundations they need to thrive". The charity currently delivers 90 services for children, young people and families across 30 of Scotland’s 32 local authority [...]

Martin Whitfield MSP is backing the retail trade union Usdaw, which launched their annual Respect Week with shocking statistics showing unacceptable levels of verbal abuse, threats and assaults against retail staff. Interim results from over 3,000 retail staff responses show that in the last twelve months (change from last year): 71% (-6) have experienced verbal abuse. 48% (-5) were threatened by a customer. 9% (-1) were assaulted. The annual Respect Week runs from 10-16 November, with Usdaw members raising awareness of the union’s year-round ‘Freedom from Fear’ campaign and talking to the public to promote a message of ‘respect for [...]

Martin Whitfield MSP has tabled a motion at Holyrood congratulating Zidane Rafique and Summer Ramsay on their election as Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament. Zidane, from North Berwick High School, and Summer, a student at Ross High School, were elected in a by-election following the resignation of two former East Lothian MSYPs, and join Katie Fairfull in representing East Lothian in the Scottish Youth Parliament. Martin Whitfield MSP said:  "I was pleased to table this motion welcoming Zidane and Summer's election to the Scottish Youth Parliament. I know that all the MSYPs do their utmost to represent the views [...]

Small Business Saturday is back and Martin Whitfield MSP is encouraging local businesses and communities to get involved in the leading campaign promoting the nation's small businesses. For the 13th consecutive year, the biggest day for small businesses will happen across the land on the first Saturday of December - 6th December 2025. This year the theme is Nation's Favourite Businesses. The message runs throughout the campaign and on all the posters, posts, jackets and even the campaign's tour van! Martin Whitfield MSP said:  "I have supported Small Business Saturday every year since I was first elected and am pleased [...]

The Countryside Alliance Awards 2026 are now open for nominations – and Martin Whitfield MSP is urging people to get involved and put forward the businesses, pubs and community heroes who make East Lothian special. Affectionately known as the “Rural Oscars”, these annual awards celebrate the very best of rural life: from village shops and family butchers to community pubs, farm shops and innovative rural enterprises. Nominated by the public, the awards give recognition to the people and businesses who go above and beyond for their communities and keep the countryside thriving. Nominations are open until Friday 12 December. Regional [...]