In the next 20 years the over 65 population in Aberdeenshire is projected to  increase by 65%- a scary statistic and yet one we should be proud of in the sense that our elderly population are living longer and many are being supported to live independent lives and to remain in their own homes as […]

At our Scottish Liberal Democrat conference on Saturday in Dunfermline I was delighted to support a motion led by Alison McInnes MSP in an emergency debate which focused on the need to better support children and young people with mental illness. It is a sensitive subject but one which demands urgent attention and action and […]

What a fantastic launch we had last Friday for the new Banchory murals and brand. Scott Skinner Square was alive with the sound of the superb fiddle playing of Paul Anderson. Six new murals are now in the centre of the town and were unveiled to the public. They will be quite a talking point. […]

I am going round speaking to many people about the vote next week  and I am pleased to say that  we are receiving a positive welcome on doorsteps. I do believe that those who say they are undecided are anxious about the future with the possibility of a yes vote and what it would mean […]

I have made an official submission to Aberdeenshire Council regarding the planned changes outlined in the review of the Registration Service and the potential closure of the Banchory office. First of all I would like to highlight my own concerns about the consultation process and timescale which is ridiculously tight and conducted only via electronic […]

At our last Social Work and Housing committee I was delighted to report that Aberdeenshire Council is set to spend more than £90m over the next three years upgrading existing homes and building new council houses. Successful bids to the Scottish Government for funding to build new council homes together with the council’s own New […]

With the passing of Margo MacDonald we have lost one of the most talented and passionate Scottish politicans ever. She was the genuine article, had no airs or graces , was a tireless campaigner for the disadvantaged and as her husband Jim Sillars said: ‘Her talent acted like a magnet and she gave her time […]

  It was great to see that the Westhill Men’s Shed  won the Achieving Better Outcomes Gold Award at the Cosla Excellence Awards held at St Andrew’s Fairmont Hotel on Friday March 14th. The award is given to projects and organisations that demonstrated creative approaches to partnership working and integration in their local area. The […]

   I was delighted to attend the spade in the ground ceremony on Friday 21st February to mark the start of construction of a new care home for Aberdeenshire. As chair of the social work and housing committee I know the importance we place on caring for our older people in Aberdeenshire and the new […]

  This week, I have joined with my local Liberal Democrat councillors across Deeside and Donside to express deep disappointment  and concern at the decision to close Aberdeen’s fire and police control rooms. Local constituents who work in these control rooms have written to me expressing anger at what they see is the Central Belt bias in moving their jobs, the […]