Woodmill High School sixth-former addresses the haggis at Scottish Parliament Burns Supper

29/01/2013

Burns Night 014Over 50 Scotland-based consuls-general joined MSPs, including Dunfermline’s Bill Walker, in the Scottish Parliament for the annual Consular Corps Burns Supper last Wednesday.

Mr Walker said: “It was a pleasure to meet representatives from as far afield as China and Rwanda. However, the highlight of the evening was the ‘Address to the Haggis’, given with great panache by Woodmill High School sixth-former, Miss Esther Garrow. Word and pitch perfect, Esther entertained the company with aplomb, including a daring knife display in which she despatched the haggis!  The international guests certainly enjoyed her contribution. Read more of this post

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2012 in review

28/01/2013

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2012 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

600 people reached the top of Mt. Everest in 2012. This blog got about 11,000 views in 2012. If every person who reached the top of Mt. Everest viewed this blog, it would have taken 18 years to get that many views.

Click here to see the complete report.

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Woodmill High School awarded hockey club grant

25/01/2013

Big Lottery FundWoodmill High School in Dunfermline has received £2,000 from the Big Lottery Fund’s 2014 Communities programme to develop a new extra-curricular hockey club. The project meets the 2014 Communities outcome of “more people take part in sport or physical activity”.

Bill Walker, MSP for Dunfermline, welcomed the funding: “This is very good news for pupils, and I congratulate PE Teacher Carly Ralfs.

“The 2014 Communities programme aims to build a legacy of well-being in the run up to Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and beyond. It’s great to see Woodmill getting involved in the spirit of the Games. Read more of this post

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St Margaret’s RC School and Nursery pass inspection

23/01/2013

St MargaretsLocal MSP Bill Walker has welcomed the results of a Scottish Government inspection of St Margaret’s RC Primary School and Nursery Class in Dunfermline, which found that children are benefiting from a “strong, nurturing ethos”.

The school and nursery class rated as good in performance, good in meeting learning needs and very good in children’s experiences. The curriculum was good and improvement through self-evaluation was very good.

Mr Walker said: “I was pleased to receive a copy of the inspection report, which made encouraging reading.
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Successful inspection for McLean School and Nursery

22/01/2013

McLeanDunfermline’s McLean Primary School and Nursery have passed a recent Scottish Government inspection, which concluded that the children are happy, motivated and are learning and achieving well in and beyond the classroom.

Both the school and nursery rated as very good in improvements to performance and in meeting learners’ needs, and rated good in children’s experiences. The curriculum was good and improvement through self-evaluation was very good. Read more of this post

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Leading international lawyer argues Scotland and rUK will be “co-equal successor states” to EU

21/01/2013

EUDunfermline MSP Bill Walker has welcomed comments from a top-level international lawyer and academic that post-independence Scotland will be a “co-equal successor” to the EU along with the rest of the UK (rUK).

Professor David Scheffer – formerly Special Advisor to Madeleine Albright at the United Nations and first US Ambassador-at-large for War Crimes Issues under the Clinton administration, and currently lecturing at North Western University School of Law – asserted:

“My argument quite frankly is that we have two co-equal successor states.

“The smart move is to say, ‘look, if it happens – namely if the referendum actually, you know, achieves a “Yes” vote for independence – there will be a path developed for the continued participation of the Scottish people and thus of the new nation of Scotland or the restored nation of Scotland in the European Union”. Read more of this post

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Make 2013 your year of community volunteering

17/01/2013

BwalkerMSP - 0109Scottish MSPs have joined forces with Focus Scotland Magazine to make the promotion of community-based volunteering their New Year’s Resolution.

The MSPs pledged their support and signed banners promoting the campaign, which aims to get the Scottish public embarking on a volunteering journey in 2013. Focus Scotland hopes to build on the positive image of volunteering provided by last year’s summer of Games. They want the campaign to remind individuals of the impact they can have when volunteering at community level.

Dunfermline MSP Bill Walker, one of the first to sign the campaign banner, said: “Volunteering is a great way to improve your community, since no one knows more about the needs of a community than the people who belong to it. Read more of this post

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Christmas Craft Night fundraiser success

15/01/2013

Vine ChurchLocal MSP Bill Walker has congratulated Dunfermline’s Vine Church on a successful Christmas Craft Night, which raised £381.63 for the charity Safe Space.

The event, which took place on 12th December, saw over 60 visitors learn new ways of making Christmas decorations and gifts. Visitors watched a demonstration before attempting their own hands at projects. The crafts were made from recycled or household materials and included book sculpture, wire work, and tree decorations made from fabrics, homemade clay and straw.

Mr Walker said: “Well done to the Vine Church on their fund-raising. I’m sure everyone had a great time learning new crafts.” Read more of this post

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Applications open for Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games

14/01/2013

Bill Walker MSP meets Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games Mascot, Clyde

Prospective volunteers for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games have from today until 28th February to apply. No previous Games experience is necessary. Organisers are looking for helpful, friendly people who will be aged 16 or over by 28th February. Volunteers must be eligible to work in the UK and be available for at least eight days during the Games, which take place between 23rd July and 3rd August 2014. Volunteers must be available for up to six days ahead of the Games for interviews in Glasgow, training and uniform collection.

Glasgow 2014 also requires volunteers with a range of specialist skills including medical staff, drivers and people with specific sports expertise.

Applications can be made online at www.glasgow2014.com/volunteer and help is available in person at the Volunteer Centre in Glasgow or by phone via the Glasgow 2014 Contact Centre. Staff at every library in Scotland are also geared up to assist with the application process.

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Winter Roads Information from Transport Scotland

11/01/2013

Transport ScotlandTransport Scotland has released information detailing how winter service is delivered on the trunk road and motorway network. The “Winter Preparedness Roads Information Sheet” also outlines the intelligence gathering and decision-making processes, contains information on the innovative technology Transport Scotland uses, and provides links to online resources that can help people plan their journeys.

trbo-transport-scotland-winter-preparedness-roads-information-sheet-stand-alone-version-10-january-2013-version.doc

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Dunfermline charity receives £5,000 award

18/12/2012

Lloyds TSB FoundationDunfermline-based charity Safe Space has received a £5,000 award from the Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland.

Safe Space provides support services and counselling for survivors of sexual abuse. It welcomes clients regardless of where they live, provided they can make the journey to Fife.

Local MSP Bill Walker said: “This is very good news for Safe Space, who provide an important service in Dunfermline and to the wider community. It is always welcome to see local charities receiving support, especially in these financially difficult times. Read more of this post

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Dunfermline business networking groups make a festive toast to the year ahead

17/12/2012

Invchristmasparty4As 2012 draws to a close, Dunfermline MSP Bill Walker has spoken of an encouraging strengthening of Dunfermline’s business community.

Mr Walker said: “We’ve seen the launch of several businesses in Dunfermline over the last year or so, including in the hospitality and retail sectors, and we’ve also seen encouraging efforts to strengthen links between smaller businesses to help them thrive.

“In October, I met Tim Thomson of the Vine Venue and InVite Business Networking, who holds regular meetings to encourage networking among local small businesses. I think Tim is doing a great job, so I was delighted to hear today of InVite’s successful joint Christmas night with Dunfermline Talks Business.” Read more of this post

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MSPs Visit Duloch Primary School

11/12/2012

MSP visit to Duloch Primary SchoolThree Fife MSPs were recently put through their paces by some of Dunfermline’s most exacting constituents – pupils of Duloch Primary School.

One of the trio, Dunfermline Constituency MSP Bill Walker, said: “Last Friday I was pleased to make an MSP joint visit Duloch Primary School in Dunfermline.

“Along with regional colleagues, Willie Rennie MSP and Clare Baker MSP, we were hosted by Headteacher Mrs Deborah Davidson and her Deputy, Mrs Jackie Carwell.  But the stars of the show were the pupils of Primaries 4 and 5. Read more of this post

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MSP becomes meningitis champion

10/12/2012

Basic CMYKDunfermline Member of Scottish Parliament, Bill Walker, has joined the fight against meningitis by becoming a Meningitis Champion for national charity the Meningitis Trust.

This important role, which is part of the charity’s Meningitis Changes Futures campaign, will see meningitis kept high on the political agenda, whilst supporting victims and their families and helping to educate others on the dangers of the disease.

The campaign, aimed at highlighting the true impact of meningitis and creating positive change for victims and their loved ones, was launched last year after research by the charity found that more than a third of bacterial meningitis victims are left with after-effects, a number that was previously thought to be much lower. Read more of this post

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Scottish Labour no-show on crucial Public Service Pensions vote

07/12/2012

Independent MSP for Dunfermline, Bill Walker, has criticised Scottish Labour MPs for failing to turn up for a crucial House of Common’s vote on Public Sector Pensions. The no-show follows months of noisy opposition from Labour ranks over the Conservative-Liberal Democrat’s planned pension raid, which will now pass into law.

Thirty-five Scottish Labour MPs failed to take a stand at the crucial moment, including Dunfermline’s Thomas Docherty and Shadow Secretary Margaret Curran.

Mr Walker said: “Labour have been quick to criticise the Coalition’s plans and to blame the Scottish Government for being caught between a rock and a hard place in being forced to implement them, but by failing to even show up for the vote they have proven that their protests are just hypocritical huffing and puffing. Read more of this post

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Dunfermline’s Link Church granted £10,000 Lottery award

06/12/2012

Big Lottery FundThe Link Christian Fellowship in Dunfermline’s Priory Lane has received a £10,000 Awards for All grant from the Big Lottery Fund. The church will use the award to improve community access to their hall with the installation of disabled facilities.

Local MSP Bill Walker said: “Congratulations to Mrs Maureen Altman of the Link Christian Fellowship Church. This award will ensure their hall is accessible for the congregation and for local community groups who use the premises.

“The Link Church does a lot of good work out in the community and abroad, for example with their street pastors and the Zimbabwe sponsorship scheme. They also have a stated ambition of developing their hall as a busy community hub for diverse groups, where people can find support and learn skills. It is essential that the hall is easily accessible for everyone, which is why this award is such welcome news. Read more of this post

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Mo-mentous campaign to fight prostate cancer

05/12/2012

Prostate CancerBill Walker MSP has signed a parliamentary motion backing the success of the Movember campaign and applauded the thousands of ‘Mo Bros’ across Scotland who grew moustaches to help change the face of men’s health.

In backing the motion, Mr Walker showed his support to the Holyrood group who gave their top lips a month long razor rest and instead grew and groomed moustaches to raise awareness and funds for men’s health issues.

Movember – which aims to ‘change the face of men’s health, one moustache at a time’ – has chosen Prostate Cancer UK as its principal partner and beneficiary for funds raised in the UK. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in Scotland. It is almost as common – and deadly – for men as breast cancer is for women. Read more of this post

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£170,000 funds raised for Carnock children’s park

04/12/2012

Dunfermline MSP Bill Walker has praised the efforts of Carnock villagers who raised £170,000 for a children’s park.

The existing facility located between Carneil Road and Main Street will be upgraded to include a toddlers’ and junior area, dynamic zone, exercise area and winter sledging slope.

Mr Walker, whose constituency includes Carnock, said: “I’m delighted to see the efforts of the community fund-raising group now paying off. They’ve managed to raise an extremely impressive sum. Read more of this post

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MSP delivers Christmas encouragement to Royal Mail posties at Dunfermline Delivery Office

03/12/2012

Royal Mail

Bill Walker MSP has visited Royal Mail’s Dunfermline delivery office to pass on Christmas wishes and encouragement to the postmen and postwomen at their busiest time of year.

Mr Walker was shown round the office by local Delivery Office Manager Colin Darling and was introduced to the staff who are working hard to sort and deliver all the cards and parcels in the Dunfermline area in the run-up to Christmas.

Mr Walker said: “It was great to meet the hard-working Royal Mail postmen and postwomen at Dunfermline delivery office and to see first hand just how much effort they put into delivering for people at this time of year.

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Message from HMS Scotia: Scotia Reservists Stand Together in Remembrance

27/11/2012

Over Remembrance Weekend, personnel from HMS Scotia represented the Royal Navy, throughout the East of Scotland.

As in previous years, Scotia’s personnel were honoured and proud to commemorate former servicemen and women who gave their lives for their country.  The opportunity for reflection also allowed time to think of those serving on current operations throughout the world, many of whom are from HMS Scotia and the wider Royal Naval Reserve.

The whole ship’s company stood together on Saturday 10th November 2012 at Douglas Bank Cemetery, Pattiesmuir, to remember Naval personnel killed during periods of conflict and whilst on general duty.  The service was led by HMS Scotia’s Chaplain, Reverend Doctor Marjory MacLean. Read more of this post

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Bank of Scotland Foundation 2013 Grant Applications Open

21/11/2012

A Dunfermline charity for families has received a grant of £4,800 from the Bank of Scotland Foundation’s Small Grants Programme, prompting MSP Bill Walker to encourage other groups to be aware of funding opportunities.

Home-Start Dunfermline supports families who may be experiencing isolation, illness, bereavement, disability or simply find parenting a struggle. It provides home-visits, local outings, a positive parenting programme, and a weekly Family Group where parents can chat or relax while children enjoy quality playtime.

Dunfermline MSP Mr Walker said: “I’m delighted to hear of this funding. Home-Start offers a valuable service to the local community. Read more of this post

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Royal Naval Remembrance Service at Pattiesmuir

20/11/2012

On Remembrance Saturday, I was honoured to lay a wreath on behalf of the Scottish Parliament at the Royal Naval Memorial in Douglas Bank Cemetery, Pattiesmuir, near Limekilns.

The Remembrance Parades held across Scotland are particularly poignant in light of the UK’s on-going commitment to operations in Afghanistan. I was glad to take part again in this highly intimate and moving parade, which was very well attended. Read more of this post

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Prostate Cancer UK’s Quality Checklist

08/11/2012

Dunfermline MSP Bill Walker has signed a parliamentary motion backing a Prostate Cancer UK initiative to help men with prostate cancer receive the best possible care and support regardless of where they live in Scotland.

Prostate Cancer UK’s ‘Quality Checklist: Your Standards of Care’ outlines the support men with prostate cancer expect and deserve from the health service through every step of their treatment journey. The Quality Checklist has been produced following a thorough and wide-ranging consultation with men who have been affected by the disease, as well as their families, healthcare professionals and policy makers. It advises men about information, care and support they should expect and demand, based on the experiences of other men who have had the disease. Read more of this post

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Dunfermline City Chambers Reopens

06/11/2012

Local MSP Bill Walker has welcomed confirmation that the Dunfermline City Chambers is set to reopen following a ten month, £1.2 million refurbishment.

Mr Walker said: “The City Chambers is one of Dunfermline’s most iconic historic buildings, so I welcome this restoration and refurbishment, which I understand is to all intents and purposes complete.

“As well as being available to service users, the City Chambers will now be open for visitors and tourists to look around its amazing interior, which is very good news indeed. People should have access to such a historically and architecturally important building. The City Chambers is part of Dunfermline’s heritage quarter and is readily accessible from other places of significance, such as the Palace, Abbey, Pittencrieff Park, Abbot House and the Carnegie Library.” Read more of this post

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Stagecoach Launch New Fife-Glasgow Coaches

05/11/2012

Dunfermline MSP Bill Walker has welcomed a transport boost to Fife, after Stagecoach unveiled nine new luxury coaches for their Fife-Glasgow express network.

Attending today’s launch of the Plaxton Elite coaches in Dunfermline, Mr Walker said:

“This is a welcome investment for Dunfermline and Fife commuters. The new coaches should make journeys on this important commuter route more comfortable and pleasant. Read more of this post

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