Friday 18 December 2020

Letter of thanks to chief executive , Scottish Futures Trust regarding deep water port

 Dear Mr Reekie,


We, the Comhairle nan Eilean SNP group, would like to thank you for your contribution to the exciting new infrastructure project in the Western Isles, the deep water terminal in Stornoway.

We recognise this is the culmination of a lot of hard work by the Stornoway Port Authority and in particular its chief executive Mr Alex Macleod and the Scottish Government along with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar in partnership with Scottish Futures Trust.

The creation of over 200 jobs in the Western Isles is greatly welcomed given the economic challenges facing us and your expert economic support and guidance has ensured that this becomes a reality.

Yours sincerely,
Cllr Gordon Murray 
Leader, Comhairle nan Eilean SNP Group

Wednesday 16 December 2020

SNP group support Calmac staff and write to managing director

 Comhairle nan Eilean Siar SNP Group have written to Robbie Drummond, managing director of Calmac expressing their concern with the ongoing pay dispute and urging him to intervene and give the staff what they deserve in terms of a pay rise in line with inflation.


SNP group leader, Cllr Gordon Murray stated: “ I’ve written to Mr Drummond on behalf of the group asking him to personally intervene in this dispute which is grossly unfair to those working on such an important service to our islands.”

Cllr Murray continued : “ Calmac is such a vital employer and transport provider and for the Calmac board to be refusing even to discuss with the unions is quite irresponsible.”

“The staff who work at Calmac do a fantastic job in a lifeline service especially to the Outer Hebrides and our group recognises that and wants them to know that we support you.”

“We look for a speedy response and that workers through their unions are able to get the pay they deserve doing the great work they do.”

Letter to Mr Drummond 

Dear Mr Drummond,

I hope that you and your family are well during these challenging times.

I write to you in your position as managing director of Calmac with huge concerns over the ongoing pay dispute between Calmac and its staff.

I would urge you to personally intervene and ensure the staff get a pay rise in line with inflation as has been requested by their unions.

Please can you meet with the unions and resolve this situation as the ferry services are vital to the Hebrides not just as a transport provider but as a major employer. We have been so grateful for the exemplary service and professionalism of your staff over the years and none more so during this terrible pandemic.

I look forward to your response leading to a positive outcome ,

Yours sincerely,

Cllr Gordon Murray
Leader, Comhairle nan Eilean SNP group

Wednesday 2 December 2020

Comhairle reject “inappropriate” materials for schools

 


At a special meeting of the Comhairle on Monday night (30th November), the council voted 23-4 to reject the controversial RHSP material to be used to teach Personal and Social education in schools across the islands.

Cllr Calum Maclean (Loch a Tuath) proposed and seconded by Cllr Gordon Murray (Stornoway North)  put forward a motion to use materials that were being used by the Scottish Catholic Education Services with adjustments where appropriate.

After a long debate, a vote was taken and Cllr Maclean’s motion won by 23-4.

Cllr Maclean stated: “ “Some of the resources within the revised rshp.scot materials used in the teaching of Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenthood are in my opinion most inappropriate for teaching in our schools and a significant number of parents, carers, faith groups and staff voiced their concerns to us. I am relieved that a significant number of Councillors were also of the same opinion and voted to reject these resources. Now that Western Isles Schools are to adopt these alternative resources, I feel that this will relieve these anxieties.”

Cllr Murray stated : “ I am delighted that the Comhairle has listened to the concerns of the community and dismissed these inappropriate materials. Thanks to all those who supported Cllr Maclean and myself in what was quite a fraught debate.”

Voted for Cllr Maclean’s motion
Cllr Calum Macmillan
Cllr Iain MacNeil
Cllr Paul Steele
Cllr Iain Macleod
Cllr Roddy Mackay
Cllr John Mitchell
Cllr Grant Fulton
Cllr Angus Morrison
Cllr Norman Macdonald (Convenor)
Cllr Ranald Fraser
Cllr Neil Mackay
Cllr Gordon Murray
Cllr Iain Macaulay
Cllr Rae Mackenzie
Cllr Charlie Nicolson
Cllr Keith Dodson
Cllr Finlay Stewart
Cllr John Mackay
Cllr Kenny J Macleod
Cllr Kenny Macleod
Cllr John N Macleod
Cllr Donald Crichton
Cllr Calum Maclean

Voted against Cllr Maclean

Cllr Angus McCormack
Cllr Roddie Mackay (Leader)
Cllr Alasdair Macleod
Cllr Norman T Macdonald