Dave Thompson MSP

I recently travelled to Ardrossan to witness the completion of trials on a new type of mini level crossing barrier with Cabinet Secretary Alex Neil and am delighted that, as I had hoped, the roll-out of the new Network Rail level crossing barriers will now go ahead. It will be implemented across the whole of the UK but starting in the Highlands. Several crossings are scheduled very soon, and more will quickly follow. I have campaigned for this, along with others, since I was elected in 2007 and am very pleased that Network Rail has now agreed to spend £4 million over the next 18 months to put barriers on all of their Highland crossings.

There is no doubt that this will save lives and people will also have the reassurance of a physical barrier coming down across the road to warn them of an approaching train. I would like to thank all those who have assisted with this campaign and particularly the 2,500 folk who responded to my survey on this important issue.

Although the Dalfaber crossing is a private one and, therefore, not part of the Network Rail roll-out I hope that the proven success of this reduced cost barrier will make it easier for a barrier to now be put in place there.

I visited Aviemore’s Citizens Advice Bureau earlier in August to see the volunteers at work, and was impressed to see the great work that the staff and volunteers do for folk in Badenoch and Strathspey.

Volunteers are extremely valuable, indeed essential, to Citizens Advice. Besides helping folk with the problems they have and providing sound counsel, it is also an opportunity to develop life long skills and to make new friends. Citizens Advice Bureaux are always looking for new volunteers, doing anything from administration to generalist advising, and to that end the Aviemore CAB are having an open day on Tuesday 25th September from 2pm-6pm at their Aviemore office for anyone interested in becoming a volunteer. I am told that full training and support is provided for all those who offer to start so why not take up this opportunity to help your local community?

Of the various issues the good folk at the CAB raised with me there is one I have already taken action on and have written to the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) who have no office in the Strath. If folk need to see the DWP they have to travel up to Inverness and it was suggested by the CAB that the DWP could consider regular visits in the Strath. In other words, say, a one day outreach “clinic” every week somewhere handy. I look forward to their reply with interest.

I also visited Shirley Bateman at Speysound Radio where I discussed the funding issue facing the station. Speysound provide an invaluable service with their broadcasts, and it would be devastating if funds could not be found to keep this service running so I hope you will all rally round and keep the show on the road.

I am also very pleased that Northern Constabulary has teamed up with Tayside Police to crack down on dangerous and careless driving on the A9. The dualling by the Scottish Government that is in the pipeline for the next few years will go a long way to resolving many of the problems with the road. But in the meantime a focus on safe driving can do nothing but good. Already I see that people have been caught speeding, some at quite outrageous speeds, and using mobile phones whilst driving. Even freight Lorries has been found wanting. This can only open everyone’s eyes to the need for consideration, safety and due care and attention and is to be welcomed.