John Mackay, prospective Labour candidate for Caithness, Sutherland, and Easter Ross >>>

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Gordon Brown's New Year message (single click on the video above to play it)

Brora Primary School : Campaign against the proposed changes >>>

Rhoda Grant MSP : Speech on Remote and Rural Health Care 05/06/2008 (PDF download)

Peter Peacock MSP : Speech on Investment in Local Government Infrastructure 05/06/2008 (PDF download)

Peter Peacock's question in the Scottish Parliament on Respite Care at Beachview Lodge, Brora    29 May 2008

Peter Peacock : The minister will acknowledge that service change can be unsettling for service users and their carers.

In such circumstances, the clarity of the information that is provided by the council to services users becomes important.

As she says that she cannot intervene directly, will she consider issuing guidance to local authorities on appropriate consultation regarding change in such areas of service delivery to ensure that any change does not result in a diminution of the care that is on offer?

Shona Robison: I expect any local authority to undertake service change in a way that is clear and that offers service users and their carers a full input into the decision-making process. As I said, consultation events have been planned for June, and I expect those to take full account of the views of service users and carers. I agree with Peter Peacock that service change is difficult, but it is sometimes necessary in order to provide services in a better way. However, it must involve the full co-operation of service users and carers. 

Peter Peacock MSP :

The true cost of the SNP Tax for the Highland Council area 17/04/2008  (PDF download)

Speech in the Scottish Parliament in debate on Local Income Tax 17/04/2008 (PDF download)