Latest News and information
17/3/07
Newbridge regeneration news
The Newbridge Regeneration Working Group has recently been set up. This is chaired by the Chair of the Ratho and District Community Council and includes a number of local organisations, including Hillwood Primary, local residents groups, businesses, developers and elected representatives. Local MSP Margaret Smith is involved and has taken a keen interest.
16/3/07
Smith Welcomes Tram Backing
Margaret Smith MSP has welcomed the Scottish Executive’s decision to give the go ahead in principal to the draft business case for the Edinburgh Tram Scheme.
16/3/07
Margaret Smith MSP and local Lib Dem councillor condemn Corstorphine
Hill recommendation
Margaret Smith MSP and North East Corstorphine Lib Dem Councillor Paul Edie have voiced their outrage at planning officials’ recommendation to rezone the Green Belt to allow development on land which the zoo hopes to sell for housing on the west of its existing site.
15/3/07
Smith and Grubb campaign for Forth tunnel
Margaret Smith MSP and South Queensferry Councillor George Grubb met recently with Tavish Scott, the Transport Minister, to discuss a further crossing for the River Forth. They put forward the view that a tunnel was likely to be cheaper, could be available a number of years earlier than a new bridge and would have less impact on Queensferry and West Edinburgh.
10/3/07
Margaret Smith responds to West Edinburgh Planning Framework
Margaret Smith MSP has responded to the West Edinburgh Planning Framework and has questioned the Deputy Communities Minister in Holyrood about increased community involvement in its future progress.
8/3/07
Barnton Park Wood planning application rejected
Margaret Smith MSP has written to residents of Barnton Park Wood following rejection of a planning application for the demolition of 5 houses within the Barnton Park Wood cul-de-sac and the proposed development of nine 3 storey town houses and three blocks of 4 storey flats.
7/3/07
MSP responds to Baird Road housing plans
Two further planning applications have been lodged within the Conservation Area.
28/2/07
Smith pleased that the Royal Highland Showground is to stay in West Edinburgh
Margaret Smith MSP has welcomed the news that the Royal Highland Showground is to stay in West Edinburgh.
20/2/07
Lib Dems campaign against planning application in Kirkliston
Margaret Smith MSP has written to residents in north Kirkliston regarding a planning application for a new development on 30 hectares (approximately 74 acres) of land at the north of the village.
14/2/07
Margaret Smith MSP welcomes crossing, backs tunnel
Following the Scottish Cabinet’s approval for a new crossing over the Firth of Forth, Edinburgh West MSP Margaret Smith gave her support for a further crossing and advocated the building of a tunnel as the most prudent option. The Transport Minister Tavish Scott MSP has confirmed three possible corridors for the crossing.
5/2/07
Barnton Park Wood planning application
Margaret Smith MSP has written to residents of Barnton Park Wood regarding a planning application for the demolition of 5 houses within the Barnton Park Wood cul-de-sac and the proposed development of nine 3 storey town houses and three blocks of 4 storey flats.
24/1/07
Margaret Smith congratulates Queen Margaret University on its graduation
Margaret Smith MSP has put in a motion to parliament, congratulating Queen Margaret University on its ‘graduation’ to full university status. She said, “I would like to congratulate everyone involved with the University in providing such a thriving academic environment. I believe that higher education is of the utmost importance, as we try to build up a highly-skilled, knowledge-rich workforce”.
11/1/07
Bring Back the Buses
Margaret Smith MSP called for improvements to local bus services during a members debate in the Scottish Parliament on 10th January. Margaret has been campaigning for the restoration of the 13 bus off-peak service to Blackhall; the return of the 68 to Clermiston and Parkgrove and for a service to be provided for the residents of Gogarbank, who lost their only bus in July 2006.
9/1/07
Smith Salutes Good Neighbours
Margaret Smith MSP and John Barrett MP have decided to set up a new West Edinburgh Good Neighbour Award to recognise the efforts of the many local residents who make a positive contribution to the lives of others.
1/1/07
Margaret takes the plunge in Loony Dook
On New Year’s Day, Margaret Smith MS once again braved the freezing waters of the Forth to take part in the 21st annual Loony Dook at South Queensferry. Despite the chill factor, hundreds of people turned out, many in fancy dress, to take the plunge, producing a wonderful carnival atmosphere.
19/12/06
Margaret takes the plunge in Loony Dook
This New Year’s Day, Margaret Smith MSP will be donning her finest Santa suit to plunge into the freezing waters of the Forth. Alongside the other participants of the Loony Dook, she will be braving the chilly waves to raise money for local charities.
4/12/06
Smith speaks out about cash machine charges
Margaret Smith MSP was a keynote speaker at the Citizen Advice Bureau's Social Policy Conference recently. Margaret had been asked to speak about her campaign with Pilton CAB to get a free-to-use ATM sited in Muirhouse, which currently has no free-to-use machines.
28/11/06
Margaret Smith Supports Sick Kids move
Margaret Smith MSP has responded to NHS Lothian’s recent consultation on Children and Young People’s Services and the future of the Sick Children’s Hospital.
27/11/06
Margaret Urges Older Constituents to use Helpline
All across Scotland, older people are benefiting from a range of Scottish Executive policies. Local MSP Margaret Smith is urging local residents to make sure they know what they are entitled to and to phone the Older People's Helpline on 0845 125 9732.
17/11/06
Comprehensive Planning Reform Passed
Edinburgh West MSP Margaret Smith has welcomed the passing of the Planning Bill which is the most comprehensive reform of the planning system for sixty years.
9/11/06
Silverknowes Boundary Success
Margaret Smith MSP has welcomed the Scottish Executive’s decision to overturn the Boundary Commission’s recommendation that Davidson's Mains should be split in three at next year’s council elections.
3/11/06
Smith receives assurance over Forth crossing report
During a recent Question Time in the Scottish Parliament, Margaret Smith, the MSP for Edinburgh West, raised concerns with the Minister for Transport, Tavish Scott, regarding the Executive’s investigations into the need for a further Forth crossing.
30/10/06
Breast Cancer Campaign and Margaret Smith MSP ask you to ‘wear
it pink’
Margaret Smith MSP has supported Breast Cancer Campaign in its award winning ‘wear it pink’ day on Friday 27 October 2006 as part of breast Cancer awareness month.
23/10/06
Smith calls for an Edinburgh-Glasgow halt at Edinburgh Park
Station
Margaret Smith has been campaigning since 2002 to secure a stop at Edinburgh Park station for trains on the Edinburgh-Glasgow line.
11/10/06
Waterfront Summit hears Concerns
Margaret Smith MSP recently attended the Waterfront Summit to hear local people’s views.
11/10/06
SMITH: HELP POLICE FIND JACK’S KILLERS
Margaret Smith, the MSP for Edinburgh West, has expressed her sadness and outrage at the recent death of 10 year old Jack Anderson in a hit-and-run in Saughton Road North.
21/9/06
Smith speaks up for rail link
Edinburgh West MSP, Margaret Smith, spoke in the Preliminary Stage Debate of the Edinburgh Airport Rail Link Bill. The proposed link will bring direct benefits to Edinburgh West residents through better access to the rail network and reduced congestion.
6/9/06
Boundary changes update
Margaret Smith MSP recently met with George Lyon, the Deputy Minister for Finance and Public Service Reform, and discussed the changes to the electoral boundaries proposed by the Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland. She made robust representations to him regarding the proposed breaking up of the community of Davidsons Mains and Silverknowes.
25/8/06
Police help Smith with her enquiries
Margaret Smith MSP recently met with the local Chief Inspector at Corstorphine Police Station to discuss law and order issues affecting the constituency, in particular police response times and anti-social behaviour.
25/8/06
Smith Welcomes Ming’s Visit to Holyrood
Margaret Smith welcomed Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell to the Holyrood Parliament during the Festival of Politics. The festival which is in its second year has proved to be a hit with the public attracting 2,500 visitors when it opened on Wednesday 23rd August.
14/8/06
Strategic Transport Review
Margaret Smith MSP for Edinburgh West has responded to the Scottish Executive's National Transport Strategy consultation.
5/8/06
DJ for a Day
On Saturday 5th August, Margaret Smith, MSP for Edinburgh West was able to fulfil a life long dream and become a radio presenter when she was invited to be a presenter on Jubilee FM. Margaret hosted “Margaret at Midday” a two hour live programme.
26/7/06
Smith questions airport master plan
Margaret Smith MSP has welcomed the publication of the Edinburgh Airport Master Plan but has highlighted key questions which still need to be answered in relation to the Airport’s acquisition of the Royal Highland Showground site.
25/7/06
Smith demands ship to ship ministerial meeting
Margaret Smith MSP has expressed her concern at the recent proposal for ship-to-ship transfers of Russian oil in the Firth of Forth by Melbourne Marine Ltd.
18/5/06
Smith condemns SportScotland decision
Margaret Smith MSP has condemned the Scottish Executive’s announcement that it intends to relocate sportscotland’s headquarters from its current location at South Gyle in her constituency to Glasgow.
17/5/06
Smith welcomes work on new M9 spur
Margaret Smith MSP has welcomed today’s sod-cutting, which marks the beginning of construction work on the new M9 spur.
12/5/06
Smith calls on Executive to wait for audit report
Margaret Smith MSP has called on Ministers to wait for Audit Scotland’s report on the Scottish Executive’s civil service relocation policy before deciding on the future of SportScotland. The report will assess the degree to which previous relocations have given value for money.
9/5/06
Smith congratulates Dalmeny on its values
Margaret Smith MSP and George Reid MSP, Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, have paid a joint visit to Dalmeny Primary School. The purpose of their trip was to see for themselves the way in which Dalmeny has moved away from a set of school rules and adopted a set of school values instead.
4/5/06
Smith says “enough is enough”
Margaret Smith MSP has said that when it comes to relocating civil service posts from Edinburgh, “enough is enough”.
29/3/06
Smith amendments bring some comfort
Margaret Smith MSP has succeeded in her attempt to amend the Edinburgh Tram (Line One) Bill. The Bill was debated at its third and final stage today in the Scottish Parliament, where MSPs voted in support of two of Ms Smith’s proposed changes.
27/3/06
Smith proposes tram line amendment
Margaret Smith MSP has tabled an amendment to the Edinburgh Tram (Line One) Bill, which is to be debated in the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday 29th March.
16/3/06
Smith welcomes transport statement
Margaret Smith MSP has responded to today’s publication of the Consideration Phase One report by the Edinburgh Tram Line 1 Bill Committee.
1/3/06
Smith remains committed to Western General tram stop
Margaret Smith MSP has responded to today’s publication of the Consideration Phase One report by the Edinburgh Tram Line 1 Bill Committee.
1/3/06
Smith gives cautious welcome to Forth proposals
Margaret Smith MSP has given a cautious welcome to the news that the Scottish Executive will commission preparatory work on a replacement Forth crossing.
1/3/06
Consider all options before building a new Forth Road Bridge, says Margaret
Smith
Margaret Smith MSP yesterday questioned the Transport Minister, Tavish Scott, about preparatory planning for a possible new crossing across the Firth of Forth.
23/2/06
Smith calls for examination of “all the options” for Forth
crossing
Margaret Smith MSP has called on the Scottish Executive to look at all possible options for the future of public transport across the Firth of Forth.
19/1/05
SMITH STANDS UP FOR CALL BOXES IN EDINBURGH WEST
Margaret Smith, MSP for Edinburgh West, has expressed her concern over the future of telephone call boxes in Edinburgh West.
01/12/04
SMITH DELIVERS 'AXE THE TAX' PETITION
Margaret Smith, MSP for Edinburgh West today delivered the names of over 1,300 of her constituents who supported her 'Axe the Tax' petition.
01/12/04
SMITH RESPONDS TO ACUTE CARE PLAN
Margaret Smith, MSP for Edinburgh West has responded to NHS Lothian's consultation "Improving Care Investing in change"
25/11/04
SMITH SLAMS NHS PROPOSALS FOR PROVISION OF EMERGENCY CARE
Margaret Smith, MSP for Edinburgh West has expressed her concern over the future of Accident and Emergency provision in the West of Edinburgh and criticised NHS Lothian plans to reduce acute services at St Johns Hospital
25/11/04
SMITH STANDS UP FOR A&E SERVICES IN THE NORTH WEST OF EDINBURGH
Margaret Smith, MSP for Edinburgh West has expressed her concern over the future of Accident and Emergency provision in the North West of Edinburgh and the standard of transport links to and between Edinburgh hospitals
25/11/04
SMITH STANDS UP FOR A&E PROVISION IN RURAL WEST EDINBURGH
Margaret Smith, MSP for Edinburgh West has expressed her concern over the future of Accident and Emergency provision in Rural West Edinburgh
8/11/04
SMITH WELCOMES AIRPORT RAIL LINK CONSULTATION
Margaret Smith, MSP for Edinburgh West has welcomed the start of the public consultation into the Edinburgh Airport Rail Link.
8/11/04
SMITH OBJECTS FOR PLANS FOR A SECOND RAIL BRIDGE
Margaret Smith, MSP for Edinburgh West has objected to plans by the Forth Estuary Transport Authority (FETA) to build a new road bridge.
16/8/04
SMITH WELCOMES EXTRA CASH FOR EDINBURGH POLICE
Margaret Smith, MSP for Edinburgh West, has welcomed the additional £600,000 a year that has been
made available to Lothian and Borders Police from the Scottish Executive.
29/7/04
SMITH WELCOMES NEW SAFETY MEASURES FOR CRAMOND CAUSEWAY
Margaret Smith, MSP for Edinburgh West has welcomed the decision of the City of Edinburgh Council to re-instate the Tide Timetable board at Cramond Causeway.
23/7/04
SMITH WELCOMES INVESTIGATION INTO POLICE CHECK TIMES
Margaret Smith, MSP for Edinburgh West has welcomed the investigation into the time it takes for the Police to perform checks on people who are going to work with children.
Margaret Smith MSP
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