The Hub, located on Craigmillar Castle Road, will provide a base for many of the drug and alcohol services on offer in South East Edinburgh.  NHS Lothian, Edinburgh Council and voluntary sector agencies are involved in the new project.  Service users will now be able to access a wide range of services at one location and hopefully receive improved treatment and advice as a result. 

Speaking before the opening, Kenny MacAskill MSP said:

‘As MSP for Edinburgh Eastern, I was delighted to be invited to launch the Alcohol and Drug Recovery Hub in my constituency.   

‘The Hub offers an extensive range of services and I have no doubt that many will benefit from the valuable support on offer.  I wish all involved the very best and look forward to working with the centre in the future.’

St Margaret’s House provides studio space for many up and coming Scottish artists.   A number of arts based charities and community groups also use the building as their base.

Art’s Complex appears to be going from strength to strength. The work on display was impressive and Kenny was pleased to see that there is a thriving base for local artists in his constituency. 

Commenting on the charges, Kenny said:

‘This is great news for my constituents, many of whom are struggling to make ends meet during tough times.     Water Charges in Scotland are amongst the lowest in the UK.   Let’s continue to try to improve water services whilst keeping prices affordable and Scottish Water in public hands.’

Kenny attended the event, along with many local residents. They learnt more about the implications of the proposals for South East Edinburgh. 

Constituents are welcome to contact Edinburgh Council to put forward their view on the Report.  Some have also made contact with Kenny. If you would like to discuss the Report with Kenny, please feel free to contact his constituency office.

The proposals for a referendum on independence have now been published.    Kenny MacAskill has encouraged his constituents to play their part in the referendum debate by contributing to the Scottish Government consultation.   This is a decision for all of Scotland.  For a copy of the Scottish Government’s consultation paper, please follow this link http://www.scotreferendum.com/consultation/ , which includes details of the different ways in which to respond.

Kenny MacAskill welcomed this news by saying “Scotland’s small businesses play a vital role in our economy and are at the heart of our communities. So it is extremely encouraging to see that 57% of our small businesses are benefitting from reduced or zero business rates.

“This scheme is helping to create a fairer Scottish business rates system and giving a boost to small companies in the face of economic pressures.

“Only this week Energy Minister Fergus Ewing announced the small business loans scheme, giving £2.5million in funding to help companies install renewables technologies.

“These policies are making a huge difference to small businesses – but I would encourage even more to apply.

“Successful small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy, create local jobs and are a fundamental source of entrepreneurship.

“That is why the Scottish Government is committed to helping our small businesses withstand the current tough trading conditions and continue to make their crucial economic and employment contribution.”

Kenny MacAskill would urge his constituents to contact Home Energy Scotland hotline free on 0800 512 012 or visit www.homeenergyscotland.org.uk to download more information.

The figures confirm that Primary One class sizes have fallen.  99% of Primary One pupils are now in smaller classes of 25 or less.  The size of Primary Two and Three classes are also smaller.

In addition, under the SNP Government, 358 schools have been rebuilt or refurbished and attainment levels at secondary schools have increased.

Commenting on the figures, Kenny said:

‘These figures indicate that our school system is making real progress.

‘I’m sure that the class size figures will be welcomed by teachers and parents alike.  

‘It is also encouraging to see that more pupils are learning in new, quality buildings.

‘Let’s hope that these changes will help the attainment levels rise further.’