MSPs Linda Fabiani and Christina McKelvie took part in a historic church service and ceremony last week to unveil a new memorial to four Lanarkshire men who were executed in 1666 for their part in defending the National Covenants of Scotland.

The memorial plaque in Hamilton Old Parish Curchyard is the work of the Scottish Covenanter Memorials Association, which is dedicated to preserving and maintaining Covenanter graves and memorials and to raising awareness of this era of Scotland’s history. The plaque is placed next to a stone marking the site of the burial of the heads of four Covenanters, Gavin Hamilton of Carluke, James Hamilton of Glassford, John Parker of Busby, and Christopher Strang of Lickprivick in East Kilbride.

Strathaven-based MSP Linda Fabiani, who tabled a motion in the Scottish Parliament to mark the occasion of the plaque’s dedication, said:

“This was a fascinating and moving event, which really brought to life this incredible period in Scotland’s history. These four men, including two from the East Kilbride area, showed great courage and determination in defending Scotland’s National Covenants and suffered a brutal fate as a result – as we can clearly see from the fact that it is only their heads that are buried in Hamilton Old Parish Churchyard.

“The Covenant movement was hugely important in securing Scotland’s distinctive identity as a nation at a time when it was under attack. The Scottish Covenanter Memorials Association is to be congratulated for their excellent work, not only in preserving these vital historical monuments, but also in ensuring that future generations continue to learn about the Covenanters and their role in Scotland’s national story.”

Fellow Lanarkshire MSP Christina McKelvie said:

“Lanarkshire was one of the heartlands of the Covenanting movement, as today’s service and dedication in Hamilton have shown. I’ve learned a great deal today about the Covenanters and their historical significance, and I’m delighted that this new memorial will help others to do the same – as well as preserving the memory of four brave sons of Lanarkshire.

“The original stone memorial is both a chilling and fascinating insight into this historical era and I would definitely recommend that local people and visitors to Hamilton pop into the Hamilton Old Parish Churchyard to see it for themselves.”

S3M-06697 Linda Fabiani (Central Scotland) (Scottish National Party): Scottish Covenanter Memorials Association— That the Parliament acknowledges the work of the Scottish Covenanter Memorials Association in restoring, repairing and preserving the graves and memorials of the Covenanters and promoting greater awareness of Scotland’s religious and historical heritage; acknowledges the association’s recent work in Ayrshire, where, at Fenwick Parish churchyard, the renewal of the memorial to John Fergushill and George Woodburn and restoration of memorials to other Fenwick Covenanters were marked by a service of dedication held on 13 June 2010, and thanks the association for its recent work in Lanarkshire where, in Hamilton Old Parish Churchyard, a memorial plaque to Covenanters Gavin Hamilton of Carluke, James Hamilton of Glassford, John Parker of Busby and Christopher Strang of Lickprivick in East Kilbride was dedicated on 27 June 2010 and unveiled by Jeanie Strang, a direct descendent of Christopher Strang.

Linda Fabiani MSP has congratulated East Kilbride & District Dementia Carers Group’s staff and volunteers on receiving an excellent report from the Care Commission, the body that inspects and rates care services in Scotland.

The Group received a rating of 5, or Very Good, for Quality of Care and Support and a top mark of 6, or Excellent, for Quality of Management and Leadership. The Care Commission’s report concludes that, “This is a quality service which provides high standards of care for people with dementia and their carers. It provides a very person-centred approach to those using its service.”

On a visit to the Group’s premises, local MSP Linda, who has had a long association with the Group, said:

“These comments from the Care Commission only confirm what those who have watched the East Kilbride & District Carers Group in action over the years already know – that they put the wellbeing and quality of life of people with dementia and their carers at the heart of everything they do.

“I have been hugely impressed with the passion and belief that the Group’s staff and volunteers have shown in pushing the boundaries of dementia care and going the extra mile to help people to maintain their independence, continue to live at home and join in social activities.

“As the Care Commission’s report confirms, the services that the Group provides are of enormous value to the people who use them and, I believe, to East Kilbride as a whole.”

The Group’s director, Brian Doig, added:

“I am very proud of the superb efforts that have been made by the staff and volunteers of the East Kilbride & District Dementia Carers Group. Together, we have shown what can be achieved when people are put at the heart of our every decision, and are included in the decision-making process at every level. We have shown that ‘adequate’ is inadequate, because people deserve better – in fact, they deserve the best!

“We will not be complacent, however, and we are committed not just to maintaining our Care Commission grades but to continuing to improve our services and the care that our clients receive.”

Linda spoke in the debate on 1 July:

“The evidence that the committee took was mixed, but some witnesses recognised that out of current adversity comes opportunity. I particularly commend those who spoke about the personalisation of services and long-term thinking coupled with preventative resourcing and systems thinking, thereby challenging the status quo, centrally imposed targets and so-called received wisdom.

“There are good examples out there. I am pleased that South Lanarkshire Council—which is local to me—has agreed with East Kilbride dementia group that it is in the best interests of the group’s clients to use a direct payments system to allow the necessary services to be provided by its agency of choice. That is innovative thinking.

“I was also pleased to learn today from Long Term Conditions Alliance Scotland that the self-management fund, which the Scottish Government funds, already supports 56 projects throughout Scotland, giving individuals ownership of the management of their lives and conditions. That, too, is innovative thinking, and we could do with more of it from the Parliament right through all our public services.

“As I said at the start of my speech, I wish to look ahead and deal with the realities that face us in a very difficult financial situation. I had hoped that all speakers would do the same, then I read Labour’s amendment. Mr Whitton wants a draft budget by September. That is impossible. Danny Alexander made a categoric statement at the Finance Committee the other day that if John Swinney asked for figures from Westminster at the beginning of September, they would not be provided. Mr Whitton heard that, because he asked the question.

“In the light of that response, Mr Whitton expanded his amendment to say “or budget scenarios”. All of a sudden, he is into scenario planning, so let us consider the best and worst-case scenarios. The best case is that there will be no cuts, money due to Scotland will be delivered, the VAT rise will be rescinded, fiscal autonomy will be introduced and independence will be recognised as good for Scotland…

“Let us consider the worst case, which is, “I’m afraid to tell you there’s no money left,” confirming the words in Liam Byrne’s letter.

“Labour seems content to budget on the basis of no figures or information. No wonder we now have the biggest ever peacetime deficit and Scotland suffered financial mismanagement until May 2007.”

Scottish Parliament motion recognises Murray Owen Carers Group’s achievement

Linda Fabiani MSP has tabled a motion in the Scottish Parliament to mark the publication of Scotland’s first ever Charter for Change for older people who care for adult family members with learning disabilities. The charter is the latest milestone in a long-running campaign for recognition of older carers’ needs pioneered by Madge Clark and Jeanette Kelly of East Kilbride’s Murray Owen Elderly Carers Group.

The charter, which was launched at a national conference addressed by the Scottish Government’s Public Health Minister Shona Robison, sets out five simple steps to make life easier for older carers and those they care for and help councils and the NHS plan services that meet their long term needs.

Speaking after attending the conference, Strathaven-based MSP Linda, who has worked with the Murray Owen Carers Group for several years, said:

“Madge Clark and Jeanette Kelly have spearheaded the fight for greater recognition and support for older carers for many years now. It was their petition, submitted to the Scottish Parliament’s Petitions Committee back in 2004, which really started to raise political and public awareness of the needs of older carers of people with learning disabilities.

“Thanks to the efforts of Madge and Jeanette and their fellow Murray Owen carers, we now have a much clearer understanding of the circumstances and needs of what was previously an invisible group of carers. Their work persuaded South Lanarkshire Council to appoint Scotland’s first ever specialist social worker for older carers and their families, for which they are to be commended, and has now culminated in the publication of the Charter for Change.

“I hope that the Charter will not only lead to local authorities and other service providers ensuring that older carers get the right kind of help at the right times to suit their particular needs, but also to giving those carers some peace of mind that, once they are gone, their loved ones will continue to get the best possible care.

“Madge and Jeanette have campaigned tirelessly for rights and support for other older carers and their families, while every day providing expert and loving care for their own adult son and daughter. I know that it has sometimes been a struggle for them and that they have had to fight for the services and support they need, but they have never given up. I am in complete admiration of their positive attitude, their spirit and their determination.”

S3M-06596 Linda Fabiani (Central Scotland) (Scottish National Party): Caring for Carers— That the Parliament notes that figures produced for the Scottish Government suggest that approximately 20% of people with learning disabilities live and are cared for in the family home by family members over the age of 65; recognises the particular concerns and needs of these families, as noted by Public Petition PE743 submitted by Madge Clark and Jeanette Kelly of the Murray Owen Carers Group, East Kilbride, which first raised the issue in the Scottish Parliament on 24 May 2004; welcomes and invites support for the Charter for Change: Improving Lives for Older Families Which Include People with Learning Disabilities, launched in Edinburgh on 16 June 2010, and looks forward to publication and implementation of the Scottish Government’s carers strategy.

Linda spoke in the debate on 16 June:

“It must be borne in mind that it is only comparatively recently that society has started to discuss openly the fact that child abuse happens within and outwith families and the huge psychological effect that it has on the victims and those who are close to them. It is quite daunting for families to have to deal with such an issue on their own or with help from social work departments, health boards and institutions. Therefore, it is very important that there is now an organisation in Lanarkshire that is staffed by people who have had direct experience of dealing with such sensitive issues.

“I was hugely impressed by the informality that is apparent at SAVI and the knowledge and commitment of the volunteers. I understand that there are now 23 volunteers on a waiting list for training, which shows the recognition of the issues among people who want to help and do the best that they possibly can.

“I was impressed by the manner in which SAVI deals with clients and those who come along for a chat. The service is described as non-directive but holistic, and it aims to create an atmosphere in which people almost feel at home and have confidence in those who are counselling them and offering support.

“I was interested to learn about the effect that such abuse can have on people, and the way in which it manifests itself, whether that is through eating disorders, substance or alcohol abuse or self-harm. I learned about the importance of practical things such as housing: where people stay and the type of support that they get. The befriending element is important, because everyone who has been through a traumatic experience needs friends, and it can take quite a while for someone to build up those relationships again when they have a natural distrust of those around them.

“SAVI has noted some key issues that require to be addressed. One major issue, to which Margaret Mitchell referred, is the time that elapses between an incident being reported and the start of the trial process. I understand that the Crown Office has been trying to address the matter, but the reality is that those cases are simply not being fast-tracked.

“Court processes need to be managed to ensure that people feel confident in working their way through the system. The buddying element of what SAVI does is extremely important in that regard. I learned about schools, and how difficult it is for someone who has been abused in that way to try to fit back into the school system when their whole way of thinking about life has changed.

“I will finish by saying that although we talk a great deal about the voluntary sector—the third sector, as it is sometimes called—being very precious in dealing with various issues, the experience of groups such as SAVI is very important in dealing with this particular issue. SAVI is the only service in South Lanarkshire that offers this type of support. I would like the health board and the local authority to recognise the value of such a service, and to have detailed discussions with the volunteers at SAVI on how we can all move forward in the best interests of those who need this type of service.”

Read the full debate at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/officialReports/meetingsParliament/or-10/sor0616-01.htm

Linda Fabiani MSP has urged post offices in the East Kilbride area to apply for support from the Scottish Government’s new one million pounds Challenge Fund, which is being launched to help local post offices diversify with new business activities and maintain their sustainability as businesses.

Applications for awards ranging from 2,500 pounds to 25,000 pounds will be sought from mid-July.

Describing the funding as a welcome boost for a local service which has been under huge pressure in recent years, Strathaven-based MSP Linda said:

“This is a significant investment to help protect important local services during the current difficult trading conditions.

“Post offices in Westood, Murray and elsewhere in East Kilbride have been lost in recent years. Support to help them survive by offering expanded activities will help to prevent further closures and is particularly important for this area.

“Post offices play an important role in the life of our communities. As well as postal services, they can provide access to money and banking facilities, support for local shops, and a hub for the community. This is reflected in the high value that local people attach to their post office.

“I’m sure that sub-postmasters in East Kilbride, Strathaven and the nearby villages will have plenty of good ideas about how their businesses can innovate and expand with the help of the Challenge Fund. I’d strongly encourage then to look out for the application forms when they are published in July and get their own bids in.”

Linda spoke in the debate on 2 June:

“There will always be banking crises of one sort or another, but we should take steps to ensure that such a crisis cannot be precipitated by such irresponsibility. We must make it perfectly clear to the banks that consider themselves to be too globally interconnected and too big to be allowed to fail that their current subsidy-junkie status is a temporary one-off.

“We should take some financial services under our control. Discussions are going on around the world, among nations, between continents and internally within states. It is important that we make the sector work for the greater good of society at home as well as internationally. SNP members have long favoured the introduction of a currency exchange tax and I am pleased that the move towards a Tobin tax continues. Some 350 economists, including Joseph Stiglitz and Jeffrey Sachs, recently wrote to leaders of the G20 nations to suggest that such a mechanism be given recognition.

“We need a better model for Scotland’s banking industry and financial sector in general. We also need to consider the worth of the banks, insurance companies and other financial services in the sector. With help from the Scottish Government, the sector has begun to grow again. There are 1,500 new jobs in Glasgow and Edinburgh with Tesco Personal Finance and the insurance company, esure. More than half of Scotland’s financial services companies will recruit this year and three quarters of them are optimistic about the future.

“There is a lot to change and improve in Scotland. There is a lot to put right. Of course there is; no one denies that. However, Scotland has the strength to rebuild and to become stronger. There is a lot of good stuff going on in Scotland and we should praise the people who are doing the good stuff and help them to build on that success. We should hold on to the fact that Scotland can come out of this UK mess stronger than she was when she went in.”

Read the full debate at www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/officialReports/meetingsParliament/or-10/sor0602-01.htm

S3M-06495 Linda Fabiani (Central Scotland) (Scottish National Party): The Waitrose Foundation— That the Parliament congratulates the Waitrose Foundation on its fifth birthday and notes that, in its South Africa programme, £2.7 million has been ploughed into South African farms, 162 projects are running at 33 different farms, more than 22,000 farm workers have benefited, 710 workers have trained in numeracy and literacy and 430 children receive organised child care in crèches; commends the foundation for its commitment to fair trade and the involvement of local communities, and looks forward to the foundation’s future programme that links in with the South African Government’s strategy of Black Economic Empowerment, supporting and enabling the participation of black South Africans as owners, managers, professionals and skilled employees in the agricultural sector.