Ash Dieback crisis talks in Holyrood
A crisis summit has been held to discuss how to combat the tree disease Ash Dieback in Scotland.
Ash Dieback - Crisis talks at Holyrood
Forestry groups, farming unions and landowners associations are in crisis talks in Holyrood on how to stem the spread of Ash Dieback.
Prime Minister to Meet First Minister in Edinburgh
The Prime Minister will meet the Scottish First minster in Edinburgh to discuss the terms of the referendum on Scottish independence
Live updates
Holyrood accused of being behind on tackling Ash Dieback
Representatives from forestry groups ,farming unions and landowners associations arrive at Holyrood this afternoon for crisis talks on how to stem the spread of Ash Dieback.
The fungal disease, has been confirmed at 14 sites across Scotland.
The meeting has been called by Scotland's Environment Minister, Paul Wheelhouse, who's also a South of Scotland MSP.
Borders MSP John Lamont has accused the Scottish Government of 'dropping the ball' on Ash Dieback.
He said;
“While Mr. Wheelhouse is only just starting to get into gear when it comes to fighting Ash Dieback, the UK Government has already taken quick steps to tackle it. UK plant health authorities took immediate action on discovery of the disease and they soon after imposed a ban on ash imports and restricted its movement.
– John Lamont MSP“In comparison we have seen the SNP dropping the ball on this issue and risking more trees in the Borders becoming affected by it. We cannot afford to see it spread any further in the region and the Environment Minister has serious questions to answer about why their reaction has been so lax.”
The Scottish Government says it is not realistic to completely eradicate the disease, which has spread across the UK. Mr Wheelhouse says work will get underway to identify trees that have a genetic resistance to the fungus and can be used to restock woodlands.
Holyrood discuss Ash Dieback
Representatives from forestry groups, farming unions and landowners associations arrive at Holyrood this afternoon for crisis talks on how to stem the spread of Ash Dieback.
The fungal disease, has been confirmed at 14 sites across Scotland.
In Eyemouth, it has affected mature trees in the wild. In Dalbeattie Town Wood around 4000 saplings have been infected.
The meeting has been called by Scotland's Environment Minister, Paul Wheelhouse, who's also a South of Scotland MSP.
Advertisement
Meeting to discuss the spread of ash disease
A summit is to be held at Holyrood to discuss the best way of controlling the spread of Chalara ash dieback.
The disease has already devastated thousands of the UK's ash trees, has now been confirmed in 14 different areas across Scotland.
Forestry, farming and environmental organisations will meet for the summit next week.
Michael Moore MP 'confident' Scotland will get more powers
The Scottish Secretary Michael Moore says he's confident Scotland will still get more powers if voters say no to independence.
The Borders MP was giving evidence to a referendum committee at the Scottish Parliament.
The UK and Scottish Goverments recently signed a deal which means Scots will be asked a single question when they go to the polls in 2014
Holyrood comes to Hawick
Hawick is hosting the Scottish Parliament's first official day out. Politicians and staff will hold a formal committee meeting, visit schools and meet local groups.
Presiding Officer Tricia Marwick MSP said:
– Tricia Marwick MSP"The Parliament represents all the people of Scotland and the work we do impacts on everyone, so we have placed Parliament Days at the heart of our engagement activities this session.
"I hope the people of Hawick will enjoy this opportunity to find out more about what we do at Holyrood and experience how easy it can be to get involved."
The Finance Committee will meet in Heart of Hawick, where they will examine the spending plans of the Scottish Government.
Local organisations and businesses will attend informal workshops to have their say.
Local schoolchildren will have the opportunity to watch the committee meeting and ask MSPs questions.
Councillor Graham Garvie, convener of Scottish Borders Council said:
– Cllr Graham Garvie"It's an honour to host the Scottish Parliament in Hawick and I'm delighted that the Borders has been chosen as the first area in Scotland to hold such an historic event."
How would Scottish independence affect Cumbria?
As David Cameron and Alex Salmond reach agreement on the referendum into Scottish Independence ITV Border have been looking at how it would affect Cumbria.
As a county right on the border a 'Yes' vote for Scotland to go independent would have far reaching effects as Kim Inglis reports:
Advertisement
Scottish referendum: Cameron gives Salmond go-ahead
The Prime Minister David Cameron has signed a deal with Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond, giving Holyrood power to hold an historic referendum on independence.
The agreement paves the way for a vote in 2014 on whether Scotland should leave the UK.
Referendum deal signed
The Prime Minister David Cameron has signed a deal with Scotland's First minister Alex Salmond, granting Holyrood power to hold an historic referendum on independence. The agreement paves the way for a vote in two years time on whether Scotland should leave the UK.
Kathryn Samson sent this report from Edinburgh
Salmond and Cameron sign referendum deal
First Minister and Prime Minister agree on referendum
Today's top stories
