Category Archives: News

Alex Ferguson could teach politicians about real leadership

  

My column in today’s Scotsman: “It’s many years now since I had the pleasure of meeting Sir Alex Ferguson. Interviewing him as friend of Jimmy Reid, I ventured south with some trepidation, dressing-room tales of the “hairdryer” treatment going before him. But I came a way a fan and still rave about him to this day. “Now I’ve no doubt… Read more »

Unionists are denying Scotland a devolved immigration system for purely political reasons

  

My column in today’s Scotsman: “The looming coronavirus threat can be viewed as a natural phenomenon, but another threat is entirely man-made and that’s the UK Government’s changes to immigration policy. For the Secretary of State for Scotland, Alister Jack, totalk about “genuine difficulties” is as blasé as referring to coronavirus as a seasonal flu. It’s causing genuine fear and… Read more »

CHANGES East Lothian

  

I’m supporting CHANGES East Lothian’s fundraiser to help pay for more people to receive an counselling with a trainee therapist.  CHANGES promote positive wellbeing in East Lothian by offering a wide range of free courses, groups, therapies and activities as well as one-to-one CBT and counselling.  Their base is in Musselburgh, though the support covers East Lothian with courses coming… Read more »

We must protect our beaches

  

My column in this week’s East Lothian Courier: East Lothian isn’t just proud of its beaches but famed for them. It’s one of the reasons that day-trippers and holidaymakers come to the county. The sands are remarkable and a source of enjoyment for locals, as for visitors. But pollution and litter is a growing concern. For it’s not just in… Read more »

Visiting the Aviation Preservation Society Scotland

  

Visited the Aviation Preservation Society Scotland today, based in Congalton.  The society are involved in a number of projects locally, not least building a fully functional replica of a World War 1 Sopwith Biplane, of the type that would have flown from East Fortune. It was great to see the plane as it nears completion and talk with the society… Read more »

Why England is much more divided than Scotland

  

My column today in the Scotsman discussing the deepening divides in English society. “Brexit and long-term social and economic changes have seen a divide appear in England and it’s deep. “It’ll take time and a lot more effort than the UK Government is currently making to address it. Indeed, they’re exacerbating it further by widening the gulf between rich and… Read more »

Meeting WASPI Women in Parliament

  

Great to catch up with the redoubtable WASPI women today. But it’s not good enough that they are still having to fight this battle!

Meeting the Governer of Punjab

  

Pleasure to meet today with the Governor of Punjab. Chaudry Mohammed Sarwar was formerly the MP for Glasgow Govan and Glasgow Central, so no stranger to the corridors of Westminster.

Advice Surgeries – 6 March

  
Surgeries Information

My next advice surgeries will take place on Friday (6 March) in Musselburgh, Prestonpans, and Tranent. You don’t need an appointment to come along, and the surgeries are open to all constituents. For more information, or to get in touch directly, please email kenny.macaskill.mp@parliament.uk – 6 March Musselburgh – Brunton Hall – 1-1.30pm Prestonpans – Aldhammer House – 2-2.30pm Tranent… Read more »

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Advice from the Scottish Government

  

Following the first positive diagnosis of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Scotland, in the Tayside area, Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Catherine Calderwood said: “Scotland is well equipped to deal with infections of this kind. We have a proven track record of dealing with challenging health issues, and have been preparing for this possibility since the beginning of the outbreak in Wuhan…. Read more »