Magic MP, coal-fired protest and embroidered journals
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By Alison Prince
Thursday, 4 February 2010
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Alan Simpson, MP with magic
Steph Hill sends us this account of a quite extraordinary meeting in Brodick Hall last Saturday, when our MP, Katy Clark, introduced Alan Simpson, MP for Nottingham South, to talk about what Climate Change would really mean for Arran and elsewhere. Alan is the Westminster Government’s special advisor on Climate Change, but, as Steph says, he had a charismatic passion for his subject not often associated with experts. Her report follows:
It is rare indeed to be energised and enthused by a politician of the ruling party just before a general election. Alan Simpson MP is the Westminster government's advisor on Climate Change and Renewable Energy, and it was a real surprise to be riveted for over two hours by someone who not only knows his subject but can explain it with clarity and a real belief. Alan insisted that we all must 'shift our mindset' and acknowledge that doing nothing about climate change is not an option. He outline the details of our problems and emphasised that we must manage this crisis, rather than dealing with it chaotically. He is excited by the options of this change and has researched the whole subject with real thoroughness.
Alan showed an excellent DVD of a BBC programme that some may have seen on TV, showing him on a visit to Munich and other towns in Germany who are well ahead in the responses to global warming and sustainability. On return, he had initiated a pilot scheme in his own constituency with Nottingham City Council and Nottingham University, involving the community in changing the way they use and save energy.
He explained that the use of renewable energy can in fact generate money that can pay for insulation and other energy saving schemes. The DVD showed people in Germany confirming that they make money annually by feeding electricity into the grid by running a small wind turbine or a photovoltaic panel in the roof.
The rest of Steph’s piece appears under News. Just click on the bar above this. Don’t be put off by a request for a password – the site will e-mail one to you straight away if you click the Forgot Your Password box.
Embroidered Journals
Not purple prose, but an Arran Visual Arts workshop on Saturday 20th February in Lochranza Hall. Fiona Hamilton will be leading the session, which runs from 10am to 4pm, and will open all kinds of possibilities in the use of mixed media with embroidery. Why ‘Journals’? Because the small panels that people will create spring from their own experience. Bring anything that interests you, from newspaper cuttings to postcards, pressed flowers to magazine pictures. The basic approach is through embroidery, either hand or machine – though those who choose the latter are asked to bring their own machine. The cost to AVA members if £25, and £35 to non-members. Please send cheques to Alison Barr at 6, Manse Crescent, Brodick. Her phone number is 303 607.
Hotline on Heating
Patricia Gibson, Arran’s SNP Westminster candidate, sends us the heartening news that in the cold weeks we have just come through, an average of 428 people called the Scottish Government's Energy Assistance Hotline to ask for information on energy efficient central heating systems and loft or cavity wall insulation. 2,041 households will be considered for a package of free measures including help to switch to cheaper fuel tariffs. Patricia says, ‘This service is really getting help to those who need it most. Many low income families in North Ayrshire & Arran, including the elderly and people on benefits, have been helped to reduce fuel bills and be more energy efficient.’ She adds, ‘Anyone in North Ayrshire & Arran who is struggling with energy costs should pick up the phone.’
Dial free phone 0800 512 012 or visit www.energyassistancepackage.com
Help for protest on coal-fired Hunterston
The Edinburgh Court of Session has set a Restricted Expenses Order, covering a judicial review being brought by local objectors to a new coal-fired power station at Hunterston. This means the petitioners' exposure to Ministers' legal costs during this case is capped at a maximum of £30,000, should they eventually be unsuccessful. Greens argue that this level is still far too high, specially as the presenter of the case is an elderly pensioner, but the court's decision nevertheless brings Scots law into line with English law, where the principle is well established and commonly used.
Marco McGinty, who brought the challenge, said, ‘Ministers have sought to force this coal-fired power station through and ignore local concerns, but the court has made an important ruling and recognised that I am bringing this case in the public interest. I would not have been able to face the fear of unlimited costs, but we still have fundraising to do — and I therefore appeal for donations to CONCH from anyone who wishes to see this polluting development challenged in court.'
The Scottish Green Party opposes the construction of all new coal plants in Scotland, whether or not they are billed as ready for carbon capture, given the environmental costs and the opportunities for Scotland to choose 100% renewable energy.
Patrick Harvie MSP said:
‘The planning system in Scotland was skewed against communities before devolution, and it still is. SNP and Labour Ministers alike have blocked any third party right of appeal, leaving Scotland's courts as the only way to achieve environmental justice. Only the most wealthy have been able to go down this road, given that judicial review has always come with the risk of uncapped costs. A cap of any sort is therefore a very important step in the right direction, even if this remains a very substantial contribution to expect from a local resident on a low income.'
For the local campaign against a new coal-fired plant at Hunterston, see:
http://www.conchcampaign.org/
For Marco McGinty, please contact:
Frances McCartney
Environmental Law Centre
Tel: 0844 335 6741
Mob: 078112 70559
Ross Finnie continues to oppose the coal-fired plant despite assurances from the Minister, Jim Mather, whose letter to him we reproduce in full under News.
The Great Bird Watch
A chirpy response form came up on the R.S.P.B. site on Monday morning for use by people who had noted the birds that came to their gardens. Don’t forget to send your form in, if you are recording your sightings by post. Meanwhile, for no particular purpose, here’s a photo of a cheery little wren, taken by Sue Tranter and courtesy of the Society’s images.
Scotland a ‘dumping ground’ for bad fish farm practice
The Salmon & Trout Association (S&TA) has called on Scottish Government to ensure that the West Highlands and Islands of Scotland catch up with Norway in observing new standards of parasite control in fish farms.
Following a severe increase in sea lice infestations on farms during the autumn of 2009, the Norwegian Ministry of Fisheries has decreed that numbers of sea lice in the country’s salmon farms must not exceed 0.1 lice per fish (one louse per ten salmon per pen). Part of the purpose of this move is to minimise the lethal effect on juvenile wild salmon as they migrate past the coastal salmon farms to the open sea. In Norway this spring, if the numbers of sea lice are not within the permitted limits, then an order for the mass slaughter of all the farmed salmon in the pen may be issued. The Scottish salmon farming industry’s target for sea lice in the spring remains 0.5 lice per fish – five times higher than the Norwegian standard, though Norwegian companies own the fish farms.
Paul Knight, Executive Director of S&TA, asks, ‘Why should these Norwegian companies be allowed to operate in Scotland at much lower environmental standards than are required in their home country?’ He pointed out that ‘in Scotland the salmon farmers set their own limits under the industry’s Code of Good Practice, a nebulous and toothless document which has no legal status. If we are to have any hope of restoring runs of wild salmon and sea trout in the west Highlands, then a prerequisite is proper regulation of the salmon farming industry, including where necessary the sanction of slaughter of the stock in those farms that do not comply.’
Jon Gibb, Clerk to the Lochaber District Salmon Fishery Board with responsibility for wild fish runs in one of the most intensively farmed areas of the west coast, commented, ‘Now that the Norwegian authorities are implementing a far tougher regime, surely it is time for the Scottish Government to follow suit. If it does not, then increasingly Scotland will be open to the charge that it is the dumping ground for bad practice.’
Collision at Sea off Arran
Our Marine Correspondent, John Kinsman, reports on a collision between a prawn trawler and a 2,500-tonne cargo vessel last Wednesday. Luckily, nobody was hurt. See details under News, along with his report on a trawler skipper fined for demolishing creels.
Thursday, 4 February 2010
996 views 0 commentsAlan Simpson, MP with magic
Steph Hill sends us this account of a quite extraordinary meeting in Brodick Hall last Saturday, when our MP, Katy Clark, introduced Alan Simpson, MP for Nottingham South, to talk about what Climate Change would really mean for Arran and elsewhere. Alan is the Westminster Government’s special advisor on Climate Change, but, as Steph says, he had a charismatic passion for his subject not often associated with experts. Her report follows:
It is rare indeed to be energised and enthused by a politician of the ruling party just before a general election. Alan Simpson MP is the Westminster government's advisor on Climate Change and Renewable Energy, and it was a real surprise to be riveted for over two hours by someone who not only knows his subject but can explain it with clarity and a real belief. Alan insisted that we all must 'shift our mindset' and acknowledge that doing nothing about climate change is not an option. He outline the details of our problems and emphasised that we must manage this crisis, rather than dealing with it chaotically. He is excited by the options of this change and has researched the whole subject with real thoroughness.
Alan showed an excellent DVD of a BBC programme that some may have seen on TV, showing him on a visit to Munich and other towns in Germany who are well ahead in the responses to global warming and sustainability. On return, he had initiated a pilot scheme in his own constituency with Nottingham City Council and Nottingham University, involving the community in changing the way they use and save energy.
He explained that the use of renewable energy can in fact generate money that can pay for insulation and other energy saving schemes. The DVD showed people in Germany confirming that they make money annually by feeding electricity into the grid by running a small wind turbine or a photovoltaic panel in the roof.
The rest of Steph’s piece appears under News. Just click on the bar above this. Don’t be put off by a request for a password – the site will e-mail one to you straight away if you click the Forgot Your Password box.
Embroidered Journals
Not purple prose, but an Arran Visual Arts workshop on Saturday 20th February in Lochranza Hall. Fiona Hamilton will be leading the session, which runs from 10am to 4pm, and will open all kinds of possibilities in the use of mixed media with embroidery. Why ‘Journals’? Because the small panels that people will create spring from their own experience. Bring anything that interests you, from newspaper cuttings to postcards, pressed flowers to magazine pictures. The basic approach is through embroidery, either hand or machine – though those who choose the latter are asked to bring their own machine. The cost to AVA members if £25, and £35 to non-members. Please send cheques to Alison Barr at 6, Manse Crescent, Brodick. Her phone number is 303 607.
Hotline on Heating
Patricia Gibson, Arran’s SNP Westminster candidate, sends us the heartening news that in the cold weeks we have just come through, an average of 428 people called the Scottish Government's Energy Assistance Hotline to ask for information on energy efficient central heating systems and loft or cavity wall insulation. 2,041 households will be considered for a package of free measures including help to switch to cheaper fuel tariffs. Patricia says, ‘This service is really getting help to those who need it most. Many low income families in North Ayrshire & Arran, including the elderly and people on benefits, have been helped to reduce fuel bills and be more energy efficient.’ She adds, ‘Anyone in North Ayrshire & Arran who is struggling with energy costs should pick up the phone.’
Dial free phone 0800 512 012 or visit www.energyassistancepackage.com
Help for protest on coal-fired Hunterston
The Edinburgh Court of Session has set a Restricted Expenses Order, covering a judicial review being brought by local objectors to a new coal-fired power station at Hunterston. This means the petitioners' exposure to Ministers' legal costs during this case is capped at a maximum of £30,000, should they eventually be unsuccessful. Greens argue that this level is still far too high, specially as the presenter of the case is an elderly pensioner, but the court's decision nevertheless brings Scots law into line with English law, where the principle is well established and commonly used.
Marco McGinty, who brought the challenge, said, ‘Ministers have sought to force this coal-fired power station through and ignore local concerns, but the court has made an important ruling and recognised that I am bringing this case in the public interest. I would not have been able to face the fear of unlimited costs, but we still have fundraising to do — and I therefore appeal for donations to CONCH from anyone who wishes to see this polluting development challenged in court.'
The Scottish Green Party opposes the construction of all new coal plants in Scotland, whether or not they are billed as ready for carbon capture, given the environmental costs and the opportunities for Scotland to choose 100% renewable energy.
Patrick Harvie MSP said:
‘The planning system in Scotland was skewed against communities before devolution, and it still is. SNP and Labour Ministers alike have blocked any third party right of appeal, leaving Scotland's courts as the only way to achieve environmental justice. Only the most wealthy have been able to go down this road, given that judicial review has always come with the risk of uncapped costs. A cap of any sort is therefore a very important step in the right direction, even if this remains a very substantial contribution to expect from a local resident on a low income.'
For the local campaign against a new coal-fired plant at Hunterston, see:
http://www.conchcampaign.org/
For Marco McGinty, please contact:
Frances McCartney
Environmental Law Centre
Tel: 0844 335 6741
Mob: 078112 70559
Ross Finnie continues to oppose the coal-fired plant despite assurances from the Minister, Jim Mather, whose letter to him we reproduce in full under News.
The Great Bird Watch
A chirpy response form came up on the R.S.P.B. site on Monday morning for use by people who had noted the birds that came to their gardens. Don’t forget to send your form in, if you are recording your sightings by post. Meanwhile, for no particular purpose, here’s a photo of a cheery little wren, taken by Sue Tranter and courtesy of the Society’s images.
Scotland a ‘dumping ground’ for bad fish farm practice
The Salmon & Trout Association (S&TA) has called on Scottish Government to ensure that the West Highlands and Islands of Scotland catch up with Norway in observing new standards of parasite control in fish farms.
Following a severe increase in sea lice infestations on farms during the autumn of 2009, the Norwegian Ministry of Fisheries has decreed that numbers of sea lice in the country’s salmon farms must not exceed 0.1 lice per fish (one louse per ten salmon per pen). Part of the purpose of this move is to minimise the lethal effect on juvenile wild salmon as they migrate past the coastal salmon farms to the open sea. In Norway this spring, if the numbers of sea lice are not within the permitted limits, then an order for the mass slaughter of all the farmed salmon in the pen may be issued. The Scottish salmon farming industry’s target for sea lice in the spring remains 0.5 lice per fish – five times higher than the Norwegian standard, though Norwegian companies own the fish farms.
Paul Knight, Executive Director of S&TA, asks, ‘Why should these Norwegian companies be allowed to operate in Scotland at much lower environmental standards than are required in their home country?’ He pointed out that ‘in Scotland the salmon farmers set their own limits under the industry’s Code of Good Practice, a nebulous and toothless document which has no legal status. If we are to have any hope of restoring runs of wild salmon and sea trout in the west Highlands, then a prerequisite is proper regulation of the salmon farming industry, including where necessary the sanction of slaughter of the stock in those farms that do not comply.’
Jon Gibb, Clerk to the Lochaber District Salmon Fishery Board with responsibility for wild fish runs in one of the most intensively farmed areas of the west coast, commented, ‘Now that the Norwegian authorities are implementing a far tougher regime, surely it is time for the Scottish Government to follow suit. If it does not, then increasingly Scotland will be open to the charge that it is the dumping ground for bad practice.’
Collision at Sea off Arran
Our Marine Correspondent, John Kinsman, reports on a collision between a prawn trawler and a 2,500-tonne cargo vessel last Wednesday. Luckily, nobody was hurt. See details under News, along with his report on a trawler skipper fined for demolishing creels.
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