Press Releases - Argyll & Bute SNP/Jim Mather MSP

27th March 2007, Jim Mather on Argyll Roads
Jim Mather MSP has stated that the condition of roads in Argyll & Bute, both trunk roads and secondary, is a constant source of complaint from constituents.
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22nd March 2007 Chambers Debate
Jim Mather MSP stated he was eager to present te case for Independence to any Chamber of Commerce body
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19th March 2007 Mather credited with major role in Business Approval
Jim Mather, MSP, has been credited by Alex Salmond in playing a major role in promoting support for the SNP within the Scottish business community.
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16th March, 2007, Lismore Schoolchildren make their mark
Jim Mather MSP congratulates the children of Lismore School for presenting a petition about nursing cover to the Scottish Parliament
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15th March 2007 Ambulance Service under Pressure
Jim Mather, MSP, has raised concerns about pressure on present rural ambulance services across the Highlands.
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15th March 2007 Single Staus in argyll & Bute
Jim Mather MSP has expressed concern about the implementation of Single Status working at Argyll & Bute Council
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11th March 2007 Bute ferry Users Group
Jim Mather MSP attended a meeting of this group on Friday and was impressed by the focus and practical approach that they brought to suggesting improvements to their lifeline services.
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9th March 2007 Audiology Performance needs to be Properly Assessed
Jim Mather MSP has called for accurate data to be collected for the supply of Hearing Aids so that NHS Board performance can be properly assessed.
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9th March 2007 Tories in Disarray
Jim Mather, MSP, sees parallels in present Scottish Tories disarray with previous infighting in Scottish Labour Party
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7th March 2007, Tendering Costs Exposed
Fergus Ewing has commented on the cost of tendering ferry routes after Jim Mather had questioned the executive on this wholly wasteful exercise.
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7th March 2007- PO Universal Service obligation under threat
Jim Mather MSP has expressed concern about the possibility of decline in postal services for rural areas.
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6th March 2007 Mather seeks better ferry deals for islanders
Jim Mather MSP has suggested that proposals to cut passenger ferry fares for West Coast island users sounds more like blatant electioneering than a considered transport policy initiative
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5th March 2007 Mather on Scottish Water developments
Jim Mather MSP has welcomed Scottish Water's plans for increased development in the Highland area but cautions the water utility to take care and pay attention to local concerns when such projects are undertaken.
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2nd March 2007 U-turn in Road Pricing debacle?
Jim Mather MSP has queried the latest road pricing proposals from the LibDem transport Minister, Tavish Scott.
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27th February 2007 Norway Shows the Way
Jim Mather, MSP, points out the Norway, with more difficult terrain and a smaller population has prospered remarkably by controlling and investing its North Sea Oil bonanza for the benefit of Norwegians.
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26th February 2007 Extra Islay Sailing welcomed
Jim Mather MSP has welcomed the announcement of an extra sailing on the Islay/ Kennacaig service.
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26th February 2007 Gigha Post Office under threat
Jim Mather MSP has asked Alistair Darling, MP, at the Board of Trade to safeguard the future of the Gigha Post Office.
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22nd February 2007 Housing Crisis in Highlands
Jim Mather , MSP, has welcomed a stement from Susan Torrance, CEO of Highland Housing Alliance (HHA) that we must find ways of meeting the ever increasing pressure on affordable housing.
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19th february 2007. Mather asks about Oban Airport
Jim Mather is seeking answers to concerns raised about the argyll 7 Bute Council's involvement in the development of Connel Airport
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19th february 2007. Scottish Water costs Argyll & Bute £10m
Jim Mather MSP shows that Argyll & Bute has been overcharged to the extent of £10m by Scottish Water since 2003.
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19th February 2007 Mather slams Road Pricing proposals
Jim Mather MSP has condemned proposals from Tavish Scott to introduce road pricing throughout Scotland as a priority policy option.
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February 12th, 2007 Scottish Water Charges Soar over the Years
JIm Mather MSP has demonstrated that Scottish Water chrages over the past 12 years have been particularly hard on consumers
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7th February 2007 Mather raises policing issue for Dunoon
Jim Mather, MSP, has raised hooligan problems in Dunoon with the Chief Constable of Strathclyde Police
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7th February 2007, Business Parks "gesture politics" -Mather
Jim Mather MSP has suggested that Jack McConnell's announcement of cash for business parks in the Highlands and Islands is electioneering at a very shallow level when so little is being done to improve the basic infrastructure of the area.
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7th February 2007 Carbon Capture Breakthrough put on Hold
Jim Mather, MSP. has joined with party boss Alex Salmond, MP, in deploring the decision to delay approval of the groundbreaking Carbon capture project at Peterhead.
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30th January 2007 CalMac HQ location disappointment
Jim Mather MSP has stated that the decision of CalMac to remain in Gourock rather than relocate their administrative functions to Stornoway or to Oban is a missed opportunity
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30th January 2007 Final Ferry tender hits the dust.
Jim Mather MSP and Alyn Smith, MEP, have jointly condemned the final breakdown of the Scottish Executive's flawed ferry tendering process for West Coast ferry services.
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26th January 2007 Business Rates Hike hits local Economy
Jim Mather MSP has indicated the amount of money levied on local businesses as an result of the abolition of the uniform business rate and the effect that has on depressing development. This PR is for Argyll & Bute. Similar issues were made for Highland Council area and for Western Isles where sums involved were £37.5 m and £2.5m respectively.
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25th January 2007 Mather sees Olympics as threatening "good works."
Jim Mather MSP claims that the spiralling costs of the London Olympics threatens the Lottery funding that the government are preparing to target. This, in turn, will result in charitavble work across the country being underfunded.
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23rd January 2007, Mather raises Minch Concerns
Jim Mather MSP has raised again the dangers posed by the unrestricted passage of tankers and other shipping with "sensitive" cargoes using the Minches and putting the environment at risk.
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22nd January 2007 A Parable of Our Condition
Jim Mather MSP has used a small businessman's parable to illustrate the Unionist case for Scotland.
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22nd January 2007 -Mather & Simon tackle fuel bill problems
Jim Mather MSP has joined with Cowal local candidate, Ron Simon, in seeking solutions to anomalies in fuel bill fiasco.
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18th January 2007. B&Bs win recognition
Jim Mather MSP has welcomed the success that has come to Scottish B&Bs as four Scottish establishments are judged in the best ten in Europe
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18th January, 2007 Oban Journalist Scoops the Pool
Jim Mather MSP congratulates Moira kerr of the P&J for winning award as Highlands and Islands Journalist of the Year and being the first holder of the Jim Love memorial Trophy.
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18th January 2007 Shadow Chancellor Flounders
Jim Mather MSP commented that in his annual foray to Scotland the Shadow Chancellor manages to both commend the Irish solution to her economic ills and then deny Scotland any way of emulating the republic.
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18th January 2007 Ileach newspaper wins award
Jim Mather MSP is pleased to congratulate The Ileach for being chosen as Community Newspaper of the Year for the 2006 Highlands Media Awrads
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17th January 2007 Gigha suffers from Tayinloan Jetty problems
Jim Mather has contacted the Scottish Executive for assistance with the problems faced by A&B Council as Tayinloan jetty is swamped by weed and Gravel meaning that the ferry cannot operate to timetable
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14th January 2007 UK Interest Rate Rise will hit Scotland hard.
Jim Mather MSP has stated that the rise of interest rates is a cure for a cold that the scottish economy is not suffering. Regulatory action to damp down the overheating economy of the SE of England will only do damage here where there is no similar surge.
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12th January 2007 Fair Milk Price Campaign
Jim Mather MSP has supported campaign by NFU Scotland to secure a fair price for milk for producers who are presently losing money on every litre they sell to processors.
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11th January 2007 Farm Entrant's Scheme
Jim Mather has welcomed the SNP proposals to introduce a Farm Entrant's Scheme and is encouraged at the positive reaction to this from farming organisations.
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9th January, 2007 Mail Services under threat
Jiom Mather has again raised concerns about the threat to mail services and the Post Office network as a direct result of Government action
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9th January, 2006 Tourist Board bail out
Jim Mather is critical of VisitScotland's decision to close London office.
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7th January 2007. Marine Parks not universally welcomed
Jim Mather MSP has indicated that there are many reservations about the proposed introduction of Coastal and Marine Parks on the West of Scotland
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7th january 2007. Mull roads under threat
Jim Mather has added his support for additional funding to upgrade roads and bridges on Mull before weight restrictions damage the economy.
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3rd January 2007 Lone Parent Problems
Jim Mather MSP has highlighted problems faced by lone parents who make up a growing proportion of households in Argyll & Bute
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19th December 2006 Scottish Gas extend Rebate Scheme
Jim Mather has welcomed the announcement that British Gas are to extend their Fuel Rebate Scheme and urges those eligible to apply for this concession.
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15th December 2006 Council Tax Pledge welcome.
Jim Mather MSP has welcomed a pledge from Alex Salmond that an incoming SNP government will hold Council tax for two years until a Local Income tax system is installed. Council Tax has risen in Argyll & Bute by 71% against official inflation figures of 24% since Labour took office in 1997.
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15th December, 2006. Mather presses for more housing
Jim Mather has welcomed calls from the Chartered Institute of Housing to increase levels of housing provision
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15th December 2006 Trnsmission Progress?
Jim Mather MSP has welcome acceptance by SHETL to "underground" the power cable from Ardmair to Beauly. More problems are likely in the main AC line from Beauly to Denny
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15th December 2006 Mather welcomes Air Services Contrat renewal
Jim Mather MSP has welcomed the renewal of the Loganair contract for Campbeltown, Tiree and Barra
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13 December 2006: Time for pro Business agenda
Jim Mather MSP has stated it's time that scotland's businesses were encouraged by the climate that the SNP engender
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13 December 2006: Mather queries MS Drug Decision
Jim Mather MSP has written to the Health Minister to query the decision of the NHS to deny an effective drug for the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis on the grounds of cost
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11 December 2006: Low Scottish Growth = Executive Failure
Jim Mather MSP has stated that the poor business performance of private companies in Scotland must be laid at the Executive's door
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8 December 2006: Graduate Debt continues to Soar
Jim Mather MSP has stated that since the LibDems claim to have abolished tuition fees graduate date has doubled.
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8 December 2006: Chancellor has no Comprehension of Island Travel Options
Jim Mather MSP suggests that the Chancellor has no comprehension of the need for an economic flight option for the Western and Northern Isles
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8 December 2006: Mather on Pre-budget Review
Jim Mather MSP has stated that Gordon Brown's increase in fuel tax is likely to disproportionately affect rural areas like Argyll & Bute.
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6 December 2006: Fiscal Powers Debate welcomed
Jim Mather MSP has welcomed the SCDI's indication of interest in widening debate on Scottish Fiscal Powers
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27 November 2006: PQs Reveal Cost of Failed Ferry Tender Project
Jim Mather MSP has been highly critical of LibDem participation in the failed Gourock/Dunoon ferry tender process
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21 November 2006: Lyon Ferry statement "a start" - Mather
Jim Mather, MSP, while welcoming the statement from George Lyon that a Ferry Discount Scheme should be examined states that for this to be effective would require additional investment and that the Deputy Finance Minister appears to have specifically excluded that as an option.
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15 November 2006: Dunoon Ferry Fiasco gathers pace
Jim Mather MSP states that the failure of the tender process for the Dunoon/Gourock ferry route is yet further proof of the incompetence of the scottish executive in their handling of this issue.
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14 November 2006: NI Tax proposals get official support
Jim Mather MSP has noted that the CBI in Ulster support moves for a differential, ( and much lower) rate of Corporation Tax to help stimulate their economy. This in direct contrast to CBI Scotland who insist that we should not operate at a different rate than London.
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12 November 2006: Bute Harbour improvements welcomed
Jim Mather MSP has welcomed the news that Rothesay has secured long awaited improvements to its harbour and pier but is highly critical of George Lyon's claims to have been the means of obtaining this.
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14 November 2006: Postwatch Scotland Report -Threat to local Post Offices
Jim Mather welcomes Postwatch Scotland's report on threat to rural Post Office network
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14 November 2006: Scottish Power Results
Jim Mather comments on the results of Scottish Power and the importance of retaining this company under Scottish control
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12 November 2006: Mather supports Dunoon Pier Pressure Group
Jim Mather MSP has stated his support for the decision of the Dunoon Pier Pressure Group to report their concerns about local ferry services to the Office of Fair Trading.
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9 November 2006: St Andrew's Day Holiday for Oban
Jim Mather MSP has welcomed the Council decision to make 27th November a public holiday in Oban
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9 November 2006: Executive grab back Scottish Water funding
Jim Mather MSP has criticised the Scottish Executive for regularly clawing back Scottish water underspend of their capital allocation. Scottish Water should be using their full allocation to install adequate improvements to an infrastructure that was woefully underinvested in over many years.
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6 November 2006: Quick cash will not resolve Argyll & Bute's basic problems
Jim Mather MSP points out that the demographics of Argyll & Bute will not be resolved by cash bonuses but need fundamental repair through strong government action to revitalise the economy.
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6 November 2006: Mather critical of delay of Howat Report
Jim Mather MSP has criticised the Scottish Executive and George Lyon, MSP, the deputy Finance Minister for withholding publication of the Howat Report until after the may elections.
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3 November 2006: Farepak fiasco runs on
Jim Mather has deplored the failure of the British Retail Consortium to attempt to initiate a rescue package for customers of the collapsed Farepak hamper business
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3 November 2006: Mather praises Scottish Water
Jim Mather MSP has congratulated Scottish Water staff for their excellent work in replacing the water supply pipes to Kilchrenan, near Taynuilt.
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30 October 2006: Soaring House Prices Cause Problems
Jim Mather MSP states that soaring house prices are creating immense pressure on housung providers
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30 October 2006: Small town regeneration urged
Jim Mather MSP has called for assistance to assist in the regeneration of Argyll's small towns. The SNP Business Rate Scheme could make a great deal of assistance to this move.
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30 October 2006: Mather & Gibson endorse Level Playing Field call
Jim Mather and Rob Gibson welcome Willie Roe's plea for better treatment for Islanders in travel costs and healthcare provision. They particularly endorse the First Minister's pledge to act upon this.
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30 October 2006: Dunoon Pier Resolution welcome
Jim Mather welcomes the retention of vehicle traffic at Dunoon Pier
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30 October 2006: Mather critical of Transport Minister's Conduct
Jim Mather has contacted Tavish Scott with concerns about the Minister's behaviour at Question Time
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25 October 2006: Ballycastle Ferry Fears
Jim Mather urges Scottish Executive to move on Ballycastle Ferry link
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25 October 2006: First Minister visit excludes MSPs
Jim Mather has been critical that the First Minister's meeting with Highlands & Islands representatives specifically excludes MPs and MSPs.
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24 October 2006: Leading economists take SNP line
Jim Mather welcomed the support for Fiscal Autonomy articulated by Prpof Roger MacDonald and by Prof Paul Hallwood, both distinguished academics in the field of Economics
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23 October 2006: Luing Fixed Link moves ahead
Jim Mather welcomes Luing Appraisal as first step towards acheiving a fixed link
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23 October 2006: Small Town Decay must be tackled
Jim Mather states that a report identifying the decay of small towns throughout Scotland is a symptom of the lack of direction facing the country. The SNP business rates scheme is part of the plan to tackle this.
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23 October 2006: Lyon must support Gourock Dunoon Service
Jim Mather MSP has stated that George Lyon must support constituency interests and back the retention of the CalMac car element in the Gourock ferry service.
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23 October 2006: NI Office ferry Decision must be rescinded
Jim Mather has indicated that the decision from the Northern Ireland Office to withold funding from the Campbreltown /Ballycastle ferry service must be challenged and overturned.
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20 October 2006: Jim Mather commends BackCare
Jim Mather commends backCare for its campaign to make people aware of the dangers and expense of back problems
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20 October 2006: Mather on Farepak Hampers
Jim Mather MSP advises customers of the Farepak hamper Company that has just gone into administration to claim for any outstanding sums
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20 October 2006: Irish delegation see Independence in Action
Jim Mather MSP has returned from a Parliamentary Delegates' visit to Ireland with ideas reinforced by seeing a successful small independent nation in operation.
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18 October 2006: SNP MPs stand up for PO
Jim Mather has welcomed the support that his Westminster colleagues have given to the National Federation of Sub Post Masters when they presented a petition of more than 4 million signatures protesting closure threats to the PO network.
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19 October 2006: Mather and Simon act as team
Jim Mather and Ron Simon, prospective SNP candidate for Cowal, have combined to obtain undertakings for a full review of Cowal customers complaints about electricity bills from Scottish Gas
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18 October 2006: PO network under threat
Jim Mather MSP has warned that the withdrawal of government agency services from the PO network and the threatened withdrawal of the Card Account system will result in many closures.
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17 October 2006: CalMac overhaul small ferries locally
Jim Mather has welcomed the announcement of small ferry maintenance work being placed with Corpach Boatbuilders and sees expansion of yard facilities as scope for extending this work
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16 October 2006: Farming Entry Scheme announced
Jim Mather, MSP, has welcomed adoption of SNP New Entry Scheme for farmers and crofters
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16 October 2006: Ferry Troubles on the Clyde
Jim Mather has strongly criticised Tavish Scott, Nicol Steven and George Lyon for their stewardship of ferry services on the Clyde
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13 October 2006: Health Proposals Welcomed
Jim Mather has welcomed SNP submissions to Prof David Kerr's examination of NHS Scotland procedures.
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13 October 2006: Mather supports Transport Objectives
Jim Mather has welcomed moves to fundamentally improve road and rail infrastructure in the Highlands and endorses the Transport motion passed at the SNP Annual Coference in Perth
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13 October 2006: Argyll & Bute at SNP Conference
Jim Mather and delegates from argyll & Bute are in Perth for the Annual Conference of the SNP at a time when the party is well placed to make significant gains in May 2007.
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12 October 2006: NI Pulls Plug on Ballycastle Cash
Jim Mather MSP is highly critical of information about the threat to the restoration of the Campbeltown /Ballycastle ferry service throughb the withdrawal of funding by the NI Office.
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6 October 2006: Jim Mather Welcomes Lib Dem U-turn
Jim Mather has welcomed the announcement from Nicol Stephen that LibDems are to abandon their Graduate Endowment fee that imposed a significant extra byrden on Scots graduates
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6 October 2006: Experian - Latest vindicators of the SNP economic position
Jim Mather MSP was pleased to note that the report from economic consultants Experian, entitled "Economic impact of the Scottish Budget" wholly vindicates the SNP's economic position.
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18 September 2006: Mather Welcomes Progress with Kilchrenan Water
Jim Mather MSP has welcomed the announcement from Scottish Water are to start on a major work that will replace more than four kilometres of mains water piping and ensure that Kilchrenan will enjoy a reliable source of supply.
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11 September 2006: Mather sees progress at Western Isles Health Board
Jim Mather has welcomed recognition of the senior management problems that have dogged the NHS Health Board of the Western Isles.
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11 September 2006: Jim Mather Welcomes HI-TRANS Ferry Fares Report
Jim Mather has welcomed the report from Napier University academics commissioned by HITRANS. This report suggests that a radical "across the board" reduction of ferry fares could stimulate ferry use and help to regenerate our islands' economies. Jim reminds us that these proposals have long been advocated by the SNP
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6 September 2006: Jim Mather calls for improved farm gate milk prices
Jim Mather MSP has called on milk processing companies to pay producers the price that reflect an increasing market price for their product. Prices reduced in anticipation of price falls do not now reflect the true picture in the market.
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4 September 2006: Jim Mather on Small Business rate Policy
Jim Mather MSP was with Alex Salmond MP and Nicola Sturgeon MSP to launch the innovative Small Business Bonus Scheme that will release up to 150,000 small companies from rates burdens.
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4 September 2006: Mather welcomes belated Wave Power Move
Jim Mather MSP has welcomed the announcement from the Executive that they are to encourage wave power research and development but points out that there is a long history of underinvestment in this in Scotland and that similar chances were lost in the early days of wind power.
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29 August 2006: Mather calls on Police in Cowal
Jim Mather MSP called upon the Police at Dunoon and was greatly impressed with the staff that he met and the state of awareness about local problems. He has raised questions about how emergency calls are handled and whether staffing is adequate to meet the levels of demand
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28 August 2006: Park Primary's Shinty Triumph
Jim Mather has congratulated the coaching team at Oban's Park Primary School for an outstanding season for the primary Shinty teams
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25 August 2006: SNP Plan to Cut Red Tape for Businesses
Jim Mather, MSP, Shadow Minister for Entreprise, has stated that Red Tape and reams of bureaucratic control is a major constraint for business and must be reduced
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26 August 2006: Mather triumphs in Dragon's Den
Jim Mather took part in a Dragon's Den event in the Festival of Politics and won the entire panel approval and the bulk of the audience with his argument for Scottish Independence.
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14 August 2006: Mather Questions Government's Commitment to the Post Office
Jim Mather MSP has criticised the government for its failure to protect Post Office services
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15 August 2006: LibDems U-Turn on Tax Proposals
Jim Mather questions motives behind LibDem tax turnaround. Commitment to Council tax replacement with Local Income Tax appears to have been abandoned.
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8 August 2006: Housing continues to be Prime issue in Highlands
Jim Mather has highlighted the problems created in the Highlands and Islands by the lack of affordable housing, This is exacerbated by the distortions caused in an already sparce market by the demand for second homes and results in many local young people unable to live and work in their own locality.
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4 August 2006: Ferry Tender Process shown to be Flawed
Commenting on the information revealed about the tendering process Jim Mather, MSP, has indicated that along with others he has been trying without success over a long period to divert the Executive from their present course of action.
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31 July 2006: Mather asks Ministers to Assist with Mull's Roads
Jim Mather has asked the Ministers for Transport and Finance to come forward with additional funding to upgrade the serously sub-standard roads on Mull and avoid the introduction of damaging weight restrictions.
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30 July 2006: Mather calls for Flexible Approach for Bethesda Hospice
Jim Mather, who visited Stornoway on Thursday 27th July, has called upon the Minister of Health to intervene to safeguard the threatened Hospice facility at Bethesda.
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24 July 2006: Mather Encouraged by Engagement on Lismore
Jim Mather visited Lismore and was greatly encouraged by islanders willingness to enmgage in political process.
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27 July 2006: Mather on Mull Roads Crisis
Jim Mather has raised with Scottish Executive Ministers the need for funding to resolve the crisis faced by weight restrictions proposed for Mull's sub-standard road infrastructure
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18 July 2006: Mather Welcomes Calmac Clarification
A respone from Jim Mather MSP to the announcement from ferry operators Caledonian MacBrayne that has clarified its policy on dealing with ambulances and emergencies.
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17 July 2006: Western Isles Health Board
Jim Mather, MSP, Shadow spokesman for Enterprise and the Economy, has commented on the latest crisis to hit the troubled NHS Western Isles.
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12 July 2006: Cambrian Caledonian - There is a Better Way
Jim Mather MSP responds to news that Cambrian Caledonian, based in the Arnish yard in Stornoway, is in financial difficulty.
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12 July 2006: Irish Wealth Levels Overdue in Scotland
Jim Mather MSP comments on the recent Irish "Wealth of the Nation" report, which showed that average personal wealth per head of population in the Irish Republic is nearly €13,000 higher than the UK.
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10 July 2006: SNP Releases Energy Review for Scotland
The Scottish National Party has published an expert review of Scotland's energy use with recommendations to meet future supply demands through green energy.
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