Former Member of the Scottish Parliament for Dunfermline
28/06/2013
Oakley Centre Management Committee has received £8,773 from the Coalfields Community Investment Programme to extend an existing holiday play scheme.
The scheme will give 24 local young people the chance to participate in supervised activities such as sports, photography, gardening, crafts, indoor games and music. Read more of this post
28/06/2013
Dunfermline Reign Basketball Club has received a £1,837 award from the Big Lottery Fund’s 2014 Communities programme.
The Reign, home of Fife’s only national and local league basketball team, provides basketball development for youths and adults in the Dunfermline area. They will use the award to organise five competition evenings for four high school teams from Dunfermline.
Bill Walker, MSP for Dunfermline, said: “Congratulations to the Dunfermline Reign Basketball Club. It’s good to see young people being encouraged to keep healthy and active. Read more of this post
28/06/2013
The Bruce Festival, which will form a key event in Homecoming Scotland 2014, has secured £30,000 funding from the Scottish Government.
The two-day celebration showcases Dunfermline’s status as the ancient capital of Scotland and burial place of King Robert the Bruce, who lies beneath the pulpit in the Abbey.
Dunfermline MSP Bill Walker said: “The Bruce Festival, and indeed Homecoming Scotland, is important for so many reasons. Read more of this post
27/06/2013
I was saddened to hear of the death of Dunfermline-born author Iain Banks, one of Scotland’s most acclaimed writers of modern times.
Mr Banks received numerous accolades over the years, including The Times ranking him 38th in their list of greatest British writers since 1945. With 27 published novels, he has left a considerable legacy for his readers.
My sympathies go out to his wife, family, friends and readers.
The above was originally written for Bill’s Dunfermline Press column. This version may vary slightly.
27/06/2013
In the current difficult financial climate, it’s always welcome to hear of local businesses thriving. It’s equally welcome when those businesses are recognised by their customers for outstanding services and products.
D&G Autocare’s Fast Fit garage on Pitreavie Industrial Estate was recently named Scotland’s “Garage of the Year” by Motor Codes, the motor industry’s regulatory body. In addition, customers have voted the D&G Autocare Group as best MOT centres in Scotland and fourth best in the UK. Read more of this post
27/06/2013
The Independence Referendum next year is about the future of Scotland and her people, not a vote for or against the current SNP Government or any political party.
As former LibDem councillor Gerry McMullan pointed out in the letters page of last week’s Dunfermline Press, the Referendum is about whether Scots should make decisions about their future through an independent Scottish Parliament or remain dominated by Westminster. Read more of this post
26/06/2013
Dunfermline MSP Bill Walker has welcomed the launch of a Fife-wide online directory for older people, by the Fife Elderly Forum “Local Area Coordination (LAC) Project”.
The resource, available at, www.fife-elderly-directory.org.uk, covers a wide range of community-based resources and services.
The Fife Elderly Forum is expected to keep the directory updated. However, the wider community and other service providers are encouraged to amend or add to it wherever appropriate. Read more of this post
25/06/2013
That the Parliament congratulates the parent teacher association (PTA) of Pittencrieff Primary School in Dunfermline on receiving a £10,000 award from the Big Lottery Communities and Family Fund; understands that the award, which is the maximum that can be granted, will be used to purchase play equipment for the school and nursery complex and will help volunteers maintain a garden that is open to the community in the evenings and at weekends, and believes that the PTA plays an important role in improving the early learning, health and wellbeing of the children.
Supported by: Nigel Don, Angus MacDonald, Mike MacKenzie, Richard Lyle, David Torrance, Sandra White, Maureen Watt, Bill Kidd, Fiona McLeod, Colin Beattie, Gil Paterson
Date Lodged: 25/06/2013
24/06/2013
West Fife poet Robert Sclater, a retired architectural designer, has written a topical new poem to commemorate the upcoming referendum on Scottish independence.
Mr Sclater’s extensive career has included working for Dunfermline architects Shearer and Annand and redesigning the visitor maps in Pittencrieff Park. He is a former pupil of Blacklaw, Woodmill and Queen Anne schools. Read more of this post
24/06/2013
The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) at Pittencrieff Primary School in Dunfermline has received a £10,000 award after applying to the Big Lottery Communities and Family Fund.
MSP for Dunfermline Bill Walker said: “I am delighted that one of our local primary schools has received such substantial funding and wish to extend my congratulations.
“The PTA at Pittencrieff Primary achieved the maximum award possible from the fund, reflecting the important role they play in improving the early learning, health and wellbeing of young children. I hope other local community groups will be encouraged by Pittencrieff Primary’s success to apply for Big Lottery funding themselves.” Read more of this post
24/06/2013
Asda is now offering free diabetes tests to shoppers at its Halbeath store and in all Asda in-store pharmacies across Scotland.
MSP for Dunfermline Bill Walker said: “I would encourage people to take advantage of the free diabetes testing being offered at Asda’s in Halbeath. Many people suffer with undiagnosed diabetes, and I hope this number can be reduced throughout Scotland as a result of the service. Read more of this post
21/06/2013
Local MSP Bill Walker is encouraging anyone with an interesting or unusual Dunfermline story to contact the team behind a project underway for the new Museum and Art Gallery.
Mr Walker, who recently welcomed a £2.8m cash boost to the museum from the Heritage Lottery Fund, said:
“This is an exciting project, which I hope will generate more tourism for our local area. It will great if lots of people get involved in the creation of our museum and art gallery, to help it become as interesting and personal to Dunfermline as possible. Read more of this post
20/06/2013
Dunfermline MSP Bill Walker has welcomed clarification on the services currently offered at the Queen Margaret Hospital (QMH), after NHS Fife pledged to keep West Fifers up to date via their new “Queen Margaret Development Project” newsletter.
Mr Walker said: “West Fife residents have needed, in particular, clarity on what can and can’t be treated at the Minor Injuries Service at the Queen Margaret. Not knowing whether to head there, or go directly to the Victoria in Kirkcaldy, has caused many people a great deal of undue confusion and stress. Read more of this post
17/06/2013
The newly opened Dunfermline High School has won a prestigious Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) award.
The school was recognised for its innovative use of space, which allows for transparency in all areas throughout the building – an idea aimed at discouraging bullying and improving behaviour.
Another main feature is the internal “street” used to link the three teaching wings, a design that impressed Dunfermline MSP Bill Walker when he visited for the official launch ceremony. Read more of this post
17/06/2013
That the Parliament congratulates Dunfermline High School on winning a prestigious Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland Award; commends what it considers to be the innovative design of the school; notes that the school also won a Zero Waste Scotland award for its environmentally friendly materials and efficient use of resources; understands that this is the flagship school in Fife Council’s £180 million investment in the Building Fife’s Future programme, and notes the importance of ensuring that pupils have inspiring learning environments.
Supported by: Colin Keir, Mike MacKenzie, Sandra White, Richard Lyle, Colin Beattie, Mary Scanlon, Bill Kidd, Jean Urquhart, Maureen Watt
Date Lodged: 17/06/2013
17/06/2013
A Dunfermline garage has been named Scotland’s Garage of the Year by Motor Codes, the motor industry’s regulatory body.
D&G Autocare’s Fast Fit garage on Pitreavie Industrial Estate will now go through to the Garage of the Year UK finals.
Dunfermline MSP Bill Walker said: “Congratulations to George Simpson and David Hunter, the owners of D&G Autocare. This award is excellent news and another success story for Dunfermline. Read more of this post
17/06/2013
That the Parliament congratulates everyone at the Dunfermline D&G Autocare Fast Fit Centre on it being named Scotland’s Garage of the Year 2013 by Motor Codes, the motor industry’s self-regulatory body; notes that it has now been shortlisted for the UK Garage of the Year finals; understands that, in association with the Best of Group, customers have named the D&G Autocare Group as the best MOT centres in Scotland and fourth best in the UK; believes that the group’s efforts to build a relatively new business in the present financial climate has taken a great deal of dedication and hard work; notes that it has established premises in Rumblingwell, Crossford and Inverkeithing, and considers this to be further recognition of the quality and first-class service consistently shown by businesses in Dunfermline, which includes the baker, Stephens Bakery, being voted Scottish Baker of the Year 2013 by customers.
Supported by: Kenneth Gibson, Richard Lyle, Mike MacKenzie, Kevin Stewart, Sandra White, Colin Beattie, Maureen Watt
Date Lodged: 17/06/2013
17/06/2013
Bill Walker: To ask the Scottish Government for what reason the data on religion from the 2011 Census is released later in Scotland than in England and Wales.
Date Lodged:14/06/13
Answered by Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, (26/06/13): Read more of this post
17/06/2013
Bill Walker: To ask the Scottish Government when the data on religion in Scotland from the 2011 Census will be published.
Date Lodged:14/06/13
Answered by Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, (26/06/13): Read more of this post
17/06/2013
Bill Walker: To ask the Scottish Government on what date Scottish data from the 2011 Census will be made available to the public.
Date Lodged:14/06/13
Answered by Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, (26/06/13): Read more of this post
14/06/2013
Central Dunfermline Community Council have received a £6,800 Awards for All grant from the Big Lottery Fund for their proposal to carry out a public consultation exercise to improve Dunfermline Public Park.
The money will fund the workshops and other provisions necessary to draft and finalise their plan of action. Furthermore, they hope to achieve the creation of a climate change proof management plan. Read more of this post
14/06/2013
The Scottish Water Ski Association, based in Townhill, Dunfermline, has received an £8,500 Awards for All grant from SportScotland.
The funding will be used to purchase equipment – including wetsuits, wakeboards, water-skis and safety gear – for the launch of a new youth programme.
Bill Walker, MSP for Dunfermline, said: “I am delighted to congratulate the Scottish Water Ski Association on their successful application to the Big Lottery Fund. Ensuring our communities become healthier is a priority in Scotland, and we are lucky to have the home of Scottish Water Skiing here in Dunfermline. Read more of this post
13/06/2013
Circle of Comfort has received a £9,990 Awards for All grant from the Big Lottery Fund.
The award will help the Dunfermline-based charity to provide complementary therapies to diagnosed cancer patients, either in their own home or in hospital. The charity offers therapeutic massage, aromatherapy and reflexology, conducted by fully qualified therapists, free of charge. Read more of this post
13/06/2013
Scottish Parliament and Business Exchange (SPBE), the non-partisan organisation for fostering understanding between business and the Scottish Parliament, recently held its annual dinner.
Sixteen MSPs, including Dunfermline’s Bill Walker, joined 48 business representatives in the Members’ Restaurant of the Scottish Parliament. Attending member businesses included representatives from BP, Brewin Dolphin, Brodies, IBM, ICAS, Scottish Enterprise, ScottishPower, Shell, Serco and Pfizer. Read more of this post
13/06/2013
Businesses in and around Dunfermline and Fife are looking forward to InVite Business Networking’s first birthday celebration. The event takes place in Grill 48, East Port, on the 20th of June.
Ian Thomson (IT Turning Point) and Tim Thomson (Vine Conference Centre at Garvock Hill) set up InVite to encourage small and medium sized business, at all stages of development, to come together and share their enthusiasm for changing the face of the Fife economy. Read more of this post
Bill Walker 