McClymont House - 27/11/23:

I attended the first public consultation of the issues facing the IJB, in particular the potential closure of 2 SLC Residential Homes. This meeting was well attended by many groups and I was pleased to have the support of Councillor Julia Marrs, Councillor David Shearer, Mairi McAllan MSP, and Councillor John Ross.

I was disappointed by the perceived lack of planning from the council officers. In particular with the poor Sound System and slide show. It was, at times, very difficult to hear what was being said and therefore some information could be missed. I hope they are able to rectify this ASAP.

Many questions still remain such as, “if closing McClymont home is going to save £750,000, what difference is that really going to make?” I’m also keen to know where SLC actually plan on moving residents if that is indeed the outcome.

Updates from Full Council Meeting on 01/11/23:

The SNP group tabled an emergency motion to condemn the ongoing conflict between Israel & Palestine. Provost Margaret Cooper refused to allow this to be discussed, silencing your elected officials in the process.

Here’s the kicker, Labour are up in arms over the recent announcement that Council Tax will be frozen at current levels and fully funded by Holyrood. Labour repeatedly campaign on reducing council tax but don’t follow through. Labour in SLC campaigned for lowest council tax rises but still increased it by 5% compared to SNP proposal of 3%. During the Rutherglen/Hamilton West By-election, they campaigned to stop SNP Council tax rises. When the SNP freeze the council tax, they are gobsmacked. What exactly is Labours stance on council tax? and will they do as they like and increase it anyway? Watch this space to see how they flip flop once more.

IJB Update 18/10/23

On Wednesday 18th October I attended a special meeting of the Integrated Joint Board.

No-one is doubting that budgets are tough. We are trying to survive the worst cost of living crisis in decades. Energy costs have shot up, inflation is high, food prices have sky rocketed and, for the care sector, they are being impacted by staff shortages as a direct result of Brexit. This is a situation no-one wishes to be in but due to 13 years of Westminster Austerity, economic collapse during the reign of Liz Truss and billions going missing from the treasury, we are at a precarious situation.

However, our elderly and those in need of care SHOULD NOT have to bear the brunt of this. In fact, no-one should.

Therefore, at the IJB meeting, I asked the questions that needed asked and I received answers to these questions, albeit some were vague. I still had issues with the paper and that is why I could not vote to approve it. I therefore noted my dissent. This wasn’t enough to stop it and the paper ultimately passed.

10/09/23 - Stonehouse Gala Day Court Selection:

Well done to everyone who was selected for the 2024 Stonehouse Gala Court.

Your Gala Court for 2024 are…

Queen- Kayla McCluskie

Maid of Honour- Poppy Blacoe

Senior Maid- Hannah Plenderleith

Senior Maid- Lucie Rennie

Champion- Codey Tennant

Senior Herald- Tyler Hanlan

Junior Maid- Amy Meikle

Junior Maid- Lily Katrainac

Junior Herald- Arran Kennedy

Junior Herald- Oliver Perna

Flower girl- Ariah Morgan

Flower girl- Robyn Kennedy

Page Boy- Hamish McIntyre

Page Boy- Cameron Wilson

Ongoing - School Transport from Sandford Update:

I’ve been working with families within Sandford to get their kids travel to and from Strathaven Academy.

SLC provide School Transport to those who stay more than 2 miles away from their local secondary school. This is more generous than national policy which is set at 3 miles.

Sandford is in a unique position wherein the village lies right on that 2 mile boundary. It also has no links to public transport.

Therefore, some kids get free school transport and others don’t. Parents have been asking for years, long before I became your councillor, and were getting nowhere. I’ve been working with them for the past year and we have had much more information, advice, support and guidance in that time than the previous ten years.

SLC will not provide school transport for those within the 2 miles and we have to be careful with pushing for a change. They would have every right to change and follow national guidance which would impact thousands of high school aged kids.

One option we have agreed on is to apply for funds from the wind farms to cover the cost of a larger bus and allow these kids safe travel.

Things are never easy though and it would appear there is some opposition from the wind farm funds.

I’m working hard with all invested to try get these kids some form of transport to school.

Watch this space for updates.

Ongoing - School Transport from Sandford Update: 13/10/23

I have been in regular contact with Lyndsay Rae regarding the transport to and from Strathaven Academy.

Lyndsay has been fantastic at being the point person for all the parents. Unfortunately, due to insufficient interest, a decision was made to cancel the application for funding. We are still exploring alternative long term solutions and rest assured this is a cause very close to me and I aim to see it succeed.

19/05/23 - Provost Community Awards:

I had absolutely no hesitations when I was invited to nominate someone for a Provost Community Awards.

Sally Pyper is a true gem of a lady. She, and her daughter and friends, run the Auld Stanehoose Cafe at Stonehouse Cross and are an absolute credit to the people in Stonehouse.

They provide service and support with a warm smile and a listening ear.

You can even access a FoodBank service from here. Also, if you’re ever looking for some unique gift ideas you should definitely pop in and see the wonderful works of arts they have for sale.

Well done Sally and all at Auld Stanhoose Cafe.