Kenny MacAskill MSP

Cup Final fever hits Parsons Green Primary School Pupils

Admin — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:03:47 +0000

Kenny was delighted to see a school from his constituency get the chance to train with ex Hearts and Hibs legends (Jimmy Sandison and Keith Wright). There is an electric atmosphere in the town this week and these children are the stars of the future!

NEW SURGERY ANNOUNCED – GRACEMOUNT

Admin — Wed, 02 May 2012 14:17:47 +0000

A new MSP surgery is set to begin in Gracemount this month. The surgery will take place at the Gracemount Leisure Centre between 9 and 10am on the third Saturday of each month. The Moredun Library surgery will also continue on the 3rd Saturday of each month but at a slightly later time – between 10 and 11am. If you have any questions about the surgery, please call my constituency office.

LIVING MEMORY

Admin — Wed, 02 May 2012 14:17:17 +0000

Last month, Kenny was invited to visit the Duddingston based Living Memory Association.

The Association is an Edinburgh based group which uses reminiscence and oral history work to unite the local community. The organisation encourages older people to share their memories and knowledge with the younger generations.

The Living Memory Association carries out a great deal of valuable work and Kenny was very much impressed by the efforts of staff and volunteers.

GAMESA JOBS ANNOUNCEMENT

Admin — Wed, 02 May 2012 14:16:58 +0000

Gamesa, the global renewables firm, has selected the Port of Leith as its offshore manufacturing base in the UK.

This move will create around 800 new jobs in addition to bringing in around 150 million euro investment in Scotland.

Welcoming the announcement, Kenny MacAskill said:

‘As an Edinburgh MSP, I was delighted to hear this fantastic news.

‘Given the current jobs market, I’m sure that the numbers of posts created will bring a huge boost to our capital city and to the wider economy.

‘The announcement also confirms that Scotland is very much at the centre of the renewables revolution.

‘The renewables industry looks set to benefit the Edinburgh’s job market for a long time to come.’

UK GOVERNMENT BUDGET BLOW

Admin — Wed, 02 May 2012 14:16:26 +0000

Edinburgh Eastern MSP, Kenny MacAskill, has criticised the UK Government’s budget for failing on fairness.
The Chancellor’s budget announcement contained a freeze in personal tax allowances for over-65s. As a result, around half a million Scottish pensioners will be hundreds of pounds worse off over the coming years.
Meanwhile, the country’s top earners were rewarded as the Chancellor announced that the top rate of income tax will fall from 50% to 45% from April 2013.
Commenting on the budget, Kenny said:
‘From chatting with constituents over the last week, I am very much aware that the budget has dealt a blow to many, not least our pensioners.
‘The shameful decision to freeze personal tax allowances for the over-65s will undoubtedly punish those who have worked hard and saved throughout their lives.
‘The true winners of the recent budget were Britain’s millionaires and top earners. They managed to secure a tax cut – so much for us all tightening our belts in the face of austerity.
‘While the Chancellor’s budget may have failed to deliver, the SNP Government is doing what it can to assist older people in Scotland.

‘Whether it’s through freezing the council tax, protecting concessionary fares or abolishing the prescription charge, we’ll continue to support Scotland’s pensioners.’

Alcolols

Admin — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 15:52:17 +0000

Kenny MacAskill was delighted to welcome S6 pupils from Portobello High School to Parliament. An important message was conveyed from the video that they prepared and are now showing younger pupils in the school. This was commissioned in conjunction with Queen Margaret University. Pupils, parents, police, government officials and other stakeholders were all impressed at the outstanding contribution – well done to all involved.

Goodtrees Neighbourhood

Admin — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 17:15:05 +0000

Kenny has recently met with the staff and services users of the Goodtrees Neighbourhood Centre, in Moredun. He popped into the Centre’s indoor street party in February and attended an event for young mums last week.

The services on offer at the Goodtrees are wide ranging and Kenny was very much impressed by commitment of the staff. If you would like information on how to get involved at the Goodtrees, please call the centre on 672 2629.

Climate Justice

Admin — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 17:14:07 +0000

Last year, Kenny MacAskill received a number of queries from constituents in relation to the launch of a Climate Justice Fund.

The Minister for Environment and Climate, Stewart Stevenson, recently announced that the Scottish Government is progressing plans to establish a Climate Justice Fund. The Fund is set to be launched in the next few months.

The Fund will aim to help those affected by climate change in the world’s poorest communities.

Step it Up Dance

Admin — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 17:13:45 +0000

Recently, Kenny MacAskill was invited to visit Step It Up Dance, a new dance school based in the east of Edinburgh.

Kenny was delighted to meet with the organisation’s staff and some aspiring young dancers in his constituency.

The new dance school aims to work with local children and young people to increase confidence and enjoyment of exercise through dance.

Kenny wishes the Step It Up Dance team all the very best with this new venture. For more information please visit – www.stepitupdance.co.uk

FUNDING BOOST FOR FORTH SECTOR

Admin — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 17:12:57 +0000

Kenny MacAskill, MSP for Edinburgh Eastern, was pleased to learn that the organisation Forth Sector is set to be awarded a £1,000,000 grant from the Big Lottery Fund’s Investing in Communities Scheme.
The grant will help fund the Craigmillar based organisation’s ‘Forth Bridge’ project. This project aims to support individuals with mental health issues, especially those furthest from the labour market. It will work to address barriers to employment and improve access to mainstream job seeking services and jobs in social businesses.
Welcoming the announcement, Kenny MacAskill said:
‘I was delighted to hear that Forth Sector has received such a significant grant from the Big Lottery Fund.
‘Forth Sector provides a valuable service. The grand will expand its work in Edinburgh by helping to fund a new, worthwhile project in Craigmillar.
‘I send my congratulations to all involved with the application and look forward to watching the progress of this new scheme.’