Dr McLean, currently Director of Nursing and Governance at Barts Health NHS Trust in London, takes up the position this summer following the early retirement of current Board Nurse Director, Anne Buchanan.

Mr Walker said: “Dr McLean began his nursing career as a Registered Nurse at the Victoria Hospital, so I am delighted he has decided to return to Fife. He brings extensive experience, and I wish him every success in his new role serving the people of Fife once again.”

Dr McLean, who has over 18 years’ experience in the NHS, gained in Kirkcaldy, Edinburgh, Ireland and Barts Health NHS Trust, said: “I look forward to meeting and working with staff throughout NHS Fife and colleagues in partner organisations in further improving the health and wellbeing of the people of Fife.”

John Wilson, Chief Executive of NHS Fife, acknowledged the contribution of Board Nurse Director, Anne Buchanan: “I am delighted that we have been able to appoint Scott to this important post within NHS Fife. He will replace Anne Buchanan when she retires and will take forward the work she has started to improve the patient experience in Fife.

“In welcoming Scott to the NHS Fife team, I pay tribute to the contribution Anne Buchanan has made over her years in Fife.”

Other activities on the night include air hockey, Just Dance Wii, giant Jenga, inflatables, energy drainer and lots more. Ice cream, burgers and hot dogs will be on sale for the peckish.

Previous events have attracted around 80 young people, and organisers are hoping for an even bigger turn out this time. Following the successful superheroes theme at the last event, the current theme is summer.

Organisers Zara and Steven Paton of the Vine Church intend for the event to be “a great night of fun” in a safe, alcohol-free environment.

Tickets cost £4 at the door, or book early at www.facebook.com/synergienight.

Filed under: News Tagged: Synergie, Vine Conference Centre ]]> http://billwalkermsp.com/2013/05/22/summer-themed-synergie-disco-in-dunfermline/feed/ 0 dunfermlineoffice image-1 image-1 http://billwalkermsp.com/2013/05/16/bill-walker-msp-signs-youth-work-pledge/ http://billwalkermsp.com/2013/05/16/bill-walker-msp-signs-youth-work-pledge/#comments Thu, 16 May 2013 12:39:56 +0000 editor http://billwalkermsp.com/?p=3037 ]]> Dunfermline MSP Bill Walker has added his name to a pledge to ensure sustained and long-term investment in the future of youth work.

Thirty-two MSPs signed the pledge during a YouthLink Scotland reception in Holyrood, held in honour of the outstanding winners from the National Youth Worker of the Year Awards 2013.

The pledge asks politicians to acknowledge the value of youth work and the positive impact it has on the lives of young people. It also states the need for sustained and long-term investment in the sector.

Mr Walker said: “Congratulations to all the winners of the National Youth Worker Awards. These young people have shown generous and enthusiastic commitment to their peers and communities, which must be recognised with long-term investment so more young people can participate in this excellent work.”

Jim Sweeney, Chief Executive of YouthLink Scotland, said: “We welcome the recent announcement from the Scottish Government for an additional £10 million in funding, on top of the new £20 million Third Sector Early Intervention Fund (TSEIF). National Youth Organisations are an important part of the commonwealth of Scottish Society, and they help deliver many of the national outcomes including those around lifelong learning, health and employability.”

The winners of the 2013 Awards range from volunteers who have overcome challenging personal circumstances to mentor and support their peers, to those involved in innovative projects that have brought young people together through a shared love of music.

Bill Walker signs YouthLink Scotland pledge

Yes Scotland Chairman and former Labour MP Dennis Canavan headed the panel, while former SNP MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville, a director of the Yes campaign, convened the meeting.

Prominent independence supporters from across the political and business spectrum – including solicitor Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh, Allan Grogan of Labour for Independence, Trade Unionist Derek Durkin and international businessman Ivan McKee from Business for Scotland – took a range of questions from the audience.

Dunfermline MSP Bill Walker posed a topical tongue-in-cheek question: “Does the panel think an independent Scotland will need Trident nuclear weapons on the Clyde to protect us from North Korea?”

As expected, Mr Canavan replied in a rare negative from the Yes campaign.

Commenting afterwards, Mr Walker said: “The panellists agreed they were all seeking a fairer, more prosperous Scotland than can ever be achieved under Westminster rule, a view with which I heartily agree.

“Yes Scotland encourages healthy debate on tactics and priorities, but supporters of Independence unanimously agree that release from London control is now absolutely essential for social and economic progress in Scotland.

“The meeting this evening has been very positive and buoyant. It concluded with a standing ovation after a rousing final speech and call-to-arms from Dennis Canavan to achieve Yes for Scotland!”

Panel (from left to right): Dennis Canavan, Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh, Shirley-Anne Somerville, Derek Durkin, Allan Grogan and Ivan McKee

Dennis Canavan addresses the meeting, with Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh (centre) and Shirley-Anne Somerville (right)

Front row of audience from left to right: young entrepreneur Angela Bailey, SNP Cllr Kate Stewart (West Fife and Coastal Villages) and Independent Dunfermline MSP Bill Walker

Filed under: News Tagged: Dennis Canavan, independence, Yes Scotland ]]> http://billwalkermsp.com/2013/05/14/yes-campaign-for-independence-holds-packed-meeting-in-dunfermline/feed/ 0 dunfermlineoffice 044 Dennis Canavan addresses the meeting, with Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh (centre) and Shirley-Anne Somerville (right) Front row from left to right – young entrepreneur Angela Bailey, SNP Cllr Kate Stewart (West Fife and Coastal Villages) and Independent Dunfermline MSP Bill Walker http://billwalkermsp.com/2013/05/13/campaign-to-stop-ms-lottery/ http://billwalkermsp.com/2013/05/13/campaign-to-stop-ms-lottery/#comments Mon, 13 May 2013 14:12:24 +0000 editor http://billwalkermsp.com/?p=3007 ]]> Dunfermline MSP Bill Walker has pledged to help ensure everyone living with multiple sclerosis (MS) in Scotland has access to the right treatment, care and support, regardless of where they live. This comes after the largest ever survey of people with MS found that this was not always the case.

The MS Society recently showcased the results from their report, A Lottery of Treatment and Care, at a reception in the Scottish Parliament during MS Week. Mr Walker attended to show his support for the “Stop the MS Lottery” campaign and to meet people living with the condition.

He said: “I’m pleased to support this important campaign. MS affects many of my constituents, and I am in contact with MS activists in west Fife who work extremely hard at raising awareness of this condition and who campaign for equal access to treatment.

“Regardless of where a person lives, everyone should receive the treatment, services and support they need. I will continue to work with my constituents, fellow MSPs and organisations to drive this campaign forward.”

Christine Carlin, MS Society Director for Scotland, said: “There are over 10,500 people living with MS in Scotland and it is essential that these people can access the right treatments, services and support in order to manage their condition.

“We have been delighted by the support we have received from MSPs throughout MS Week and at our reception. By working together we can stop the MS Lottery.”

Cat Johnson, who spoke at the event, was diagnosed with MS when she was 21 years old. “Living with a fluctuating condition like MS means that you never really know how you’re going to feel from day to day. It is absolutely essential that we can access the right treatments, services and support when we need them.

“When all this is in place, people with MS can live independent lives. Without it, you’re struggling with the symptoms of your condition and the physical and social barriers that stop you from living your life to the full.

“I was overwhelmed to see so many MSPs there showing their support. Working together we can make a difference to people like me who live with MS.”

For more details about the Campaign visit www.mssociety.org.uk.

Bill Walker MSP with Crossford constituent and MS activist Sue Polson

Filed under: News Tagged: MS ]]> http://billwalkermsp.com/2013/05/13/campaign-to-stop-ms-lottery/feed/ 0 dunfermlineoffice Sue Polson Bill Walker MSP with Crossford constituent and MS activist Sue Polson http://billwalkermsp.com/2013/05/09/new-nhs-fife-chair-appointment/ http://billwalkermsp.com/2013/05/09/new-nhs-fife-chair-appointment/#comments Thu, 09 May 2013 14:02:45 +0000 editor http://billwalkermsp.com/?p=3002 ]]> Dunfermline MSP Bill Walker has welcomed the appointment of Allan Burns as NHS Fife’s new Chairman. Mr Burns, who holds a CBE for services to Scottish industry, took over this month from Professor Jim McGoldrick.

Mr Walker said: “I wish Mr Burns all the best in his new role. I’m sure he will bring extensive experience to NHS Fife and follow on from the dedicated service of Professor McGoldrick.”

Mr Burns’ previous roles have included Executive Director of Diageo in Scotland and Global Procurement Director. He has held non-executive roles at CBI Scotland, Scottish Enterprise Fife and Napier University. He is Chairman of Action for Children Scotland and a member of the Scottish Prison Service Board.

John Wilson, Chief Executive of NHS Fife, said: “I am delighted to welcome Mr Allan Burns to NHS Fife on his appointment as our new Chairman.  Allan brings a wealth of experience to the role and I look forward very much to working with him as we take forward the busy agenda within NHS Fife and build upon the legacy of the outgoing Chairman, Professor Jim McGoldrick.”

Filed under: News Tagged: Allan Burns, Jim McGoldrick, NHS Fife ]]> http://billwalkermsp.com/2013/05/09/new-nhs-fife-chair-appointment/feed/ 0 dunfermlineoffice http://billwalkermsp.com/2013/05/08/s4m-06391-congratulations-to-culross-abbey/ http://billwalkermsp.com/2013/05/08/s4m-06391-congratulations-to-culross-abbey/#comments Wed, 08 May 2013 12:06:11 +0000 editor http://billwalkermsp.com/?p=2985 ]]> That the Parliament congratulates Culross Abbey in west Fife on the completion of substantial repair and replacement work to the roof and other fabric of this historic building;  understands that the required £310,000 was raised from a number of sources including the Heritage Lottery, Historic Scotland, the  Baird Trust, Fife Common Good Fund, the Church of Scotland, the Scottish Churches Architectural Heritage Trust,  Fife Environment Trust and the abbey’s own funds; recognises all the hard work carried out by the Property Convener, Mr John Laird, and his colleagues in getting the restoration completed, especially considering all the recent poor weather; believes that this ancient Scottish abbey will be a place of worship, safety and heritage for many years to come, and wishes the parish and local community well for the official open day on 26 May 2013 from 2 to 5pm, when it understands a wide programme of welcome, tours, fun and celebration will be held at Culross Abbey.

Supported by: Angus MacDonald, Bill Kidd, Kenneth Gibson, Richard Lyle, Nigel Don, Murdo Fraser, Kevin Stewart, Mike MacKenzie, Sandra White, Colin Beattie, Colin Keir, David Torrance, Maureen Watt

Date Lodged: 29/04/2013

Filed under: Motions Tagged: Culross Abbey ]]> http://billwalkermsp.com/2013/05/08/s4m-06391-congratulations-to-culross-abbey/feed/ 0 dunfermlineoffice http://billwalkermsp.com/2013/05/08/chris-hoy/ http://billwalkermsp.com/2013/05/08/chris-hoy/#comments Wed, 08 May 2013 11:54:54 +0000 editor http://billwalkermsp.com/?p=2998 ]]> Sir Chris Hoy has been a great advert for Scottish and UK sports for years but even his body can’t take the demanding pressures for ever.  He’ll be a great ambassador for the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games with, hopefully, many following in his footsteps … or should that be pedals?

Filed under: Dunfermline Press Column Tagged: Chris Hoy, Commonweah ]]> http://billwalkermsp.com/2013/05/08/chris-hoy/feed/ 0 dunfermlineoffice http://billwalkermsp.com/2013/05/08/margaret-thatcher/ http://billwalkermsp.com/2013/05/08/margaret-thatcher/#comments Wed, 08 May 2013 11:48:33 +0000 editor http://billwalkermsp.com/?p=2989 ]]> I was never a fan of Margaret Thatcher. I actively opposed various policies in Scotland in the 1980s, including the de-industrialisation of our country, the selling off of council houses and the imposition of the iniquitous Poll Tax. The legacy of some of these policies lives with us to this day.

Nevertheless, she unquestionably made a positive impact elsewhere. In the 1970s, various Trades Union barons were making a mockery of democracy. Legislation was required, and Mrs Thatcher passed laws that no Government since has repealed.

Abroad, she was right to take on the Argentinian military dictators and expel them from the Falkland Islands, which they invaded in 1982. And she played a role in ending the Cold War and bringing down the Berlin Wall in 1989 by recognising a chance for change when President Gorbachev became Soviet leader. We should never forget that prior to 1990 the Red Army was based in East Germany, poised to move west with nuclear-armed missiles directed on the UK.

I was therefore disgusted when certain people, many not even alive when she was in power, saw her death as a cause for jovial celebration. Frankly, it was contemptible to hold parties on the day of her funeral. The high funeral price tag was utterly wrong but so was the sight of a number of politicians opening bottles of prize whisky and champagne to gleefully mark her passing.

I made a point of being absent from the Parliamentary Chamber when a Green MSP led a condemnation of all she stood for. Regardless of political difference, that was behaviour beyond contempt.

The above was originally written for Bill’s Dunfermline Press column. This version may vary slightly.

Filed under: Dunfermline Press Column Tagged: Margaret Thatcher ]]> http://billwalkermsp.com/2013/05/08/margaret-thatcher/feed/ 0 dunfermlineoffice http://billwalkermsp.com/2013/05/08/the-collapse-of-scottish-coal/ http://billwalkermsp.com/2013/05/08/the-collapse-of-scottish-coal/#comments Wed, 08 May 2013 11:39:12 +0000 editor http://billwalkermsp.com/?p=2984 ]]> The mothballing of the Blair House opencast mine between Oakley and Saline last year was an omen of things to come.  At that time, geological difficulties and falling prices for the coal extracted were given as reasons.  Coal prices on the international market are now very low and shall probably stay that way for some time.  It is far cheaper for coal users such as Scottish Power at Longannet to import from half way round the world than to buy local.  Scottish Coal just couldn’t sell its opencast coal and make any profit.

As a local councillor, I opposed planning permission for Blair House when the application came before South West Fife Area Committee in 2008.  Regardless of the economics, the community and environmental price was too high for the relatively small amount of coal to be extracted.  Hindsight is wonderful, but at Blair House we are now left with a large hole replacing a former piece of attractive wild land and, of course, a loss of jobs and amenity.

The administrators for Scottish Coal may rescue something, but I am not optimistic.  Hopefully, the bond in place will help return the site to something acceptable.

The above was originally written for Bill’s Dunfermline Press column. This version may vary slightly.

Filed under: Dunfermline Press Column Tagged: Oakley, opencast mine, Saline, Scottish Coal ]]> http://billwalkermsp.com/2013/05/08/the-collapse-of-scottish-coal/feed/ 0 dunfermlineoffice