Friday 28 May 2021

RURAL PROTESTS LIKELY OVER GREEN COALITION


The Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA) says the prospect of Scottish Government entering into a formal coalition with the Greens will lead to protests among rural workers.

Nicola Sturgeon announced on Wednesday that talks will begin with the Greens which could see some of their MSPs given Ministerial positions in the Government.


The leader of Scotland’s gamekeeping body believes that prospect will place over 13, 000 jobs at risk and will see angry workers and families taking to the streets.


Green Co-leaders Lorna Slater and Patrick Harvie vowed in their election manifesto to end what they term ‘bloodsports’.


Shooting and angling supports 13, 100 jobs in Scotland and brings hundreds of millions of pounds into remote rural communities annually.


SGA Chairman Alex Hogg, MBE, says rural workers in these sectors will not stand by and watch their livelihoods ripped apart by a Government coalition with the Greens.

"a misguided class war"

He says rural workers will be the key to achieving climate and biodiversity gains and has urged Nicola Sturgeon to protect these vital jobs when entering talks.


“Lorna Slater and Patrick Harvie’s clinical cull of jobs, using emotive labelling, is not about biodiversity and climate, it is a misguided class war that will actually sacrifice over 13, 000 rural workers and their families. 


“Putting a significant part of Scotland’s land and river working community on the dole, rather than engaging them, is a massive climate mistake and we hope, in the first 100 days of government, that the First Minister is not about to throw Scotland’s rural workforce under a bus.


"When deer are being left to rot in state forests at tax payer expense, the Greens are nowhere to be seen. They just demand the killing be escalated. 


“Scottish Gamekeepers Association members have managed a million deer in the last decade, more than anyone else. Yet if you take out a client while doing so, manage the deer properly, create a permanent community job, bring in tourist income and help Scotland become a Good Food Nation, that is a blood sport in the Greens’ eyes.  


“Yet both will save trees and protected habitat. It’s nonsensical labelling.”


Alex Hogg says the Greens' attack on 'bloodsports' will not win the class war, it will put workers on the dole.

He added: "The Greens will laud conservationists spending over £7m of tax payers’ money to eradicate stoats on Orkney to conserve other wildlife. Yet when a gamekeeper uses the same traps, in a more skilled way, to manage stoats on the mainland, protecting all ground nesting species (some red listed) that is labelled a bloodsport. 


“Instead of buying Green policies from Lorna and Patrick, the Scottish Government should listen to upland scientists working in the field today.


“If you plant trees on moorland, you gain some biodiversity and lose it elsewhere. There is no guarantee you will store more carbon. Recent science, in fact, shows you may store less. (1)

"no oversight over whether it will save carbon or not"

“Yet absentees and corporates are already getting rich buying and ploughing up organic moorland soils, on the largesse of tax payer subsidies, and there is no Scottish Government or Green Party oversight over whether it will actually save any carbon or not. 


“Rewetting peatlands is another thing where more research needs doing. Scientists are beginning to understand that wet bogs release methane which is far more damaging in warming terms than carbon, yet tax payer money is again being shelled out on rushed solutions which need much more understanding. (2)


“Rural workers, who actually manage land, rivers and habitats will stand for this no longer.”


References: 

  1. https://news.mongabay.com/2020/08/in-the-scottish-moorlands-plots-planted-with-trees-stored-less-carbon-than-untouched-lands-study/

(2) https://www.sei.org/publications/review-of-iucn-uk-peatland-burning-position-statement/


Jobs in shooting and angling in Scotland.


Sources: Number of FTE Shooting Jobs in Scotland: http://www.shootingfacts.co.uk/pdf/The-Value-of-Shooting-2014.pdf

Number of FTE jobs in wild fisheries in Scotland: https://www.gov.scot/binaries/content/documents/govscot/publications/research-and-analysis/2017/03/value-of-the-wild-fisheries-sector-analysis/documents/value-of-the-wild-fisheries-sector/value-of-the-wild-fisheries-sector/govscot%3Adocument/value-wild-fisheries.pdf



Wednesday 26 May 2021

RURAL WORKERS' JOBS WARNING OVER GOVT GREEN ALLIANCE

Commenting on the news today that Scottish Government is to enter into discussions with the Scottish Greens about a coalition at Holyrood, 

Scottish Gamekeepers Association Chairman Alex Hogg, MBE, said: “Issues such as the Constitution are of no concern to us. However, we made it clear before the election and we are making it clear now, the Scottish Greens have made it an aspiration to abolish our members’ jobs. As their representatives, we cannot stand back and allow that to silently happen.

“Lorna Slater reiterated last week in Parliament the Greens’ desire to end what they call ‘bloodsports’ in Scotland. These legitimate activities sustain 13 100 jobs in remote Scotland and deliver millions of pounds worth of free conservation for the Scottish public, from deer management to salmon conservation and preserving moorland habitats.

“Scotland will not meet climate targets without rural workers helping to deliver them on the ground. You don’t help the planet by putting thousands of families on the dole.

“We urge Scottish Government to take rural workers' jobs into account in any decision over a Green coalition- they will need these people to meet their targets in the weeks and months ahead.”

Wednesday 5 May 2021

#SP21 MAY ELECTION: Aberdeen South and North Kincardine overview

SGA members have made us aware they would like to know more about the Election on May 6th and candidates they can vote for. 

We have been providing overview information on several seats (relevant to members) prior to the Election #SP21. (see other overviews on our website news pages) https://news.scottishgamekeepers.co.uk


Please note: The SGA is not affiliated to any political party. The information is intended only as a helpful guide, offered from the perspective of members' interests, as requested.


People should vote according to personal choice. However, we will give advice for circumstances in which people would wish to vote solely for the purposes of protecting their profession.


In looking at seats, we have provided an analysis based on what candidates have done for rural workers in Holyrood (track record) or, if not yet elected, looked at standpoints on issues to gauge where they might sit in relation to workers on river and land.


Overview: Aberdeen South and North Kincardine



What Choices will you have on the ballot paper?


On May 6th, voters will get the opportunity to vote for which person they want as their Constituency MSP in Aberdeen South and North Kincardine. This person will be an individual representing a party (White coloured paper).

Voters will also get the opportunity to vote for a Party in the Regional List (Peach coloured paper) for North East Scotland.


For the Constituency vote (white paper), the person with the highest number of votes becomes the Constituency MSP. In the regional list (peach paper) a total of 7 MSPs are selected to represent the North East Scotland region.


This allocation is worked out around the share of the party vote on the peach paper. If a party has already won the Constituency seat, they will win less regional list seats in that region. The system is designed this way to avoid any one party dominating.


About Aberdeen South and North Kincardine


The white paper contest in this constituency seat could end up a tense and close contest, although the SNP will want to retain a seat won by Maureen Watt in 2016 by 2755 votes from the Conservatives' Ross Thomson.


It will be all change in terms of candidates for the leading contestants in this seat, with Audrey Nicoll (SNP) and Liam Kerr (Conservatives) in the running this time around.


Something which may give the Conservatives some gain of hope on the white paper is the recent upswing in their support in this seat in recent times (see below). 



That said, the SNP have also gained over the past 10 years and, although they may not openly declare it, the Conservatives will have one eye on fortunes on the peach paper (regional list for North East Scotland) should Liam Kerr come up short on the white paper contest.


Audrey Nicoll (SNP) will be new to SGA members. A professional, she has spent many years in the public sector. She also has broad experience when it comes to the oil and gas sector in the North East.






Liam Kerr is well known to SGA members and has spoken up on key rural issues in debates and on Bills at Holyrood. He has submitted motions of support for community work undertaken by rural workers and attended the first Gamekeepers march at Edzell. Most recently, he posted a supportive film on the occasion of the Rural Workers' Protest, #RWP21: (see below) https://twitter.com/LiamKerrASNK/status/1372577920988934159?s=20 

Voters will have a bigger choice of parties on the peach paper including some new parties which could have a significant bearing on the final election result eg: Alex Salmond is running for his new pro-independence Alba party on the regional list in this region and will have earmarked this area as a potential springboard for his party. See their manifesto, here: https://www.albaparty.org/where_we_stand


In the interests of maximising their interests, both the SNP and the Conservatives will want to mobilise all their support at the polling station in favour a vote for their candidate on both the white paper and their party on the peach paper.


One issue which may have an impact on SGA members' voting intention in Aberdeen South and North Kincardine is the point, below.

"One worry SGA members have been contacting our office about is whether a vote for SNP means they get the Greens as part of the deal. " SGA Chairman, Alex Hogg.

The Green Party recently published its manifesto which pledges to end, what it terms, bloodsports’ including shooting and angling. They will ban driven grouse shooting, reintroduce species and incentivise the removal of sheep from the hills. 


For those seeking to vote in terms of their employment, specifically, the Green manifesto represents the likely loss of over 13 000 rural workers’ jobs. See their manifesto, here: https://greens.scot/ourfuture


Should the SNP fail to win an outright majority at this election (which current polling shows is on a knife-edge) they may again choose to join with the Greens in order to form a majority. Given the Greens’ unhidden desire to end the employment interests of sections of the rural workforce, SGA members should make themselves aware of the dangers in this possibility.


Give this, SGA Chairman Alex Hogg wrote to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon seeking reassurances for rural workers that any potential SNP/Green pact will not mean Scottish Government adopting the Green manifesto pledges, mentioned above, which will be so damaging for rural workers and their families. You can read the Chairmans letter, here. This afternoon, the SGA was very grateful to receive a reply from the SNP campaign team in Inverness to say that they appreciate, as a party, the skills and knowledge of rural workers and SGA members.


https://news.scottishgamekeepers.co.uk/2021/04/open-letter-to-first-minister-rural.html




On whether an SNP/Green pact might comes to pass, leader of the Greens, Patrick Harvie, was quoted in the Scotsman newspaper on April 30 saying, that 'most of our members would be willing to have the conversation' after the Election. (below)



To find all candidates standing in Aberdeen South and North Kincardine plus North East Scotland region- (and all the other Scottish constituencies)- see: https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/news/politics/6918475/scottish-election-full-candidate-list-standing-my-area/


Most importantly, SGA Chairman Alex Hogg is urging all members to go out and use their vote tomorrow. See the video message, here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bC2vF1Y4pZw




*This seat analysis, which fulfils a requirement of our members to provide voting information on their behalf, has been produced by The Scottish Gamekeepers Association, a Company limited by guarantee, Company number SC386843.


 



#SP21 MAY ELECTION: Caithness, Sutherland and Ross overview

SGA members have made us aware they would like to know more about the Election on May 6th and candidates they can vote for. 

We have been providing overview information on several seats (relevant to members) prior to the Election #SP21. (see other overviews on our website news pages) https://news.scottishgamekeepers.co.uk


Please note: The SGA is not affiliated to any political party. The information is intended only as a helpful guide, offered from the perspective of members' interests, as requested.


People should vote according to personal choice. However, we will give advice for circumstances in which people would wish to vote solely for the purposes of protecting their profession.


In looking at seats, we have provided an analysis based on what candidates have done for rural workers in Holyrood (track record) or, if not yet elected, looked at standpoints on issues to gauge where they might sit in relation to workers on river and land.


Overview: Caithness, Sutherland and Ross



What Choices will you have on the ballot paper?


On May 6th, voters will get the opportunity to vote for which person they want as their Constituency MSP in Caithness, Sutherland and Ross. This person will be an individual representing a party (White coloured paper).

Voters will also get the opportunity to vote for a Party in the Regional List (Peach coloured paper) for Highlands and Islands.


For the Constituency vote (white paper), the person with the highest number of votes becomes the Constituency MSP. In the regional list (peach paper) a total of 7 MSPs are selected to represent the North East Scotland region.


This allocation is worked out around the share of the party vote on the peach paper. If a party has already won the Constituency seat, they will win less regional list seats in that region. The system is designed this way to avoid any one party dominating.


About Caithness, Sutherland and Ross


The white paper contest in this constituency seat has been earmarked by election pollsters as one to watch. 


Gail Ross won the seat for SNP in 2016 with a 3913 advantage over Lib Dem, Jamie Stone.

With Gail Ross not standing this time, the mantle falls to Maree Todd to lead the SNP charge whilst Molly Nolan will be looking to swing the final vote in favour of the Lib Dems, who maintain good support in parts of North Scotland and the islands. This is a 2-way contest on the white ballot paper but, intriguingly, becomes a 3-way fight between SNP, Conservatives and Lib Dems on the regional list (peach paper, see 2016 peach paper results below).





Maree Todd (SNP) has engaged with local SGA members. Her predecessor in the seat, Gail Ross, recently supported the SGA Fishing Group's petition regarding a salmon stocking consultation. Her election briefings promote tree planting, peatland restoration and greater community ownership.



Molly Nolan will be new to SGA members. However, her support for the Rural Workers' Protest, #RWP21, and placing rural workers at the heart of policy was warmly received. Article in the Ross-shire Journal, here: https://www.ross-shirejournal.co.uk/news/rural-workers-online-demo-calls-on-scottish-government-to-l-232207/ which also contained Molly Nolan's short film.


On the peach paper (regional list for Highlands and Islands), voters will have a large choice, with no fewer than 15 different parties as well as 2 independents, Hazel Mansfield and Andy Wightman, to choose from.

Clearly, voters of SNP, Conservatives and the Lib Dems will want to see all their supporters at the polling station on Thursday and will be encouraging them to give both votes to their candidates in the white paper and their party on the peach paper.

One issue which may have an impact on SGA members' voting intention in Caithness, Sutherland and Ross is the point, below.

"One worry SGA members have been contacting our office about is whether a vote for SNP means they get the Greens as part of the deal. " SGA Chairman, Alex Hogg.

The Green Party recently published its manifesto which pledges to end, what it terms, bloodsports’ including shooting and angling. They will ban driven grouse shooting, reintroduce species and incentivise the removal of sheep from the hills. 


For those seeking to vote in terms of their employment, specifically, the Green manifesto represents the likely loss of over 13 000 rural workers’ jobs. See their manifesto, here: https://greens.scot/ourfuture


Should the SNP fail to win an outright majority at this election (which current polling shows is on a knife-edge) they may again choose to join with the Greens in order to form a majority. Given the Greens’ unhidden desire to end the employment interests of sections of the rural workforce, SGA members should make themselves aware of the dangers in this possibility.


Give this, SGA Chairman Alex Hogg wrote to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon seeking reassurances for rural workers that any potential SNP/Green pact will not mean Scottish Government adopting the Green manifesto pledges, mentioned above, which will be so damaging for rural workers and their families. You can read the Chairmans letter, here. This afternoon, the SGA was grateful to receive a reply from the SNP campaign team in Inverness to say that they appreciate, as a party, the skills and knowledge of rural workers and SGA members.


https://news.scottishgamekeepers.co.uk/2021/04/open-letter-to-first-minister-rural.html




On whether an SNP/Green pact might comes to pass, leader of the Greens, Patrick Harvie, was quoted in the Scotsman newspaper on April 30 saying, that 'most of our members would be willing to have the conversation' after the Election. (below)



To find all candidates standing in Caithness, Sutherland and Ross plus Highlands and Islands region- (and all the other Scottish constituencies)- see: https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/news/politics/6918475/scottish-election-full-candidate-list-standing-my-area/


Most importantly, SGA Chairman Alex Hogg is urging all members to go out and use their vote tomorrow. See the video message, here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bC2vF1Y4pZw




*This seat analysis, which fulfils a requirement of our members to provide voting information on their behalf, has been produced by The Scottish Gamekeepers Association, a Company limited by guarantee, Company number SC386843.


 




#SP21 MAY ELECTION: Moray overview

SGA members have made us aware they would like to know more about the Election on May 6th and candidates they can vote for. 

We have been providing overview information on several seats (relevant to members) prior to the Election #SP21. (see other overviews on our website news pages) https://news.scottishgamekeepers.co.uk


Please note: The SGA is not affiliated to any political party. The information is intended only as a helpful guide, offered from the perspective of members' interests, as requested.


People should vote according to personal choice. However, we will give advice for circumstances in which people would wish to vote solely for the purposes of protecting their profession.


In looking at seats, we have provided an analysis based on what candidates have done for rural workers in Holyrood (track record) or, if not yet elected, looked at standpoints on issues to gauge where they might sit in relation to workers on river and land.


Overview: Moray



What Choices will you have on the ballot paper?


On May 6th, voters will get the opportunity to vote for which person they want as their Constituency MSP in Moray. This person will be an individual representing a party (White coloured paper).

Voters will also get the opportunity to vote for a Party in the Regional List (Peach coloured paper) for Highlands and Islands.


For the Constituency vote (white paper), the person with the highest number of votes becomes the Constituency MSP. In the regional list (peach paper) a total of 7 MSPs are selected to represent the North East Scotland region.


This allocation is worked out around the share of the party vote on the peach paper. If a party has already won the Constituency seat, they will win less regional list seats in that region. The system is designed this way to avoid any one party dominating.


About Moray


The white paper contest in Moray could turn out to be one of the most fascinating battles of the Election. 


Richard Lochhead landed the seat in 2016 with a 2875 majority for SNP but the subsequent Westminster polls in 2017 and 2019 both confirmed a rise in support for Conservatives in the area, with two victories. This, then, will be a key seat for both the SNP and the Conservatives and one where a swing is possible.


Effectively a two horse race in both white paper and peach paper (for Highlands and Islands region) both SNP and the Conservatives will be sending the same message to their supporters: both votes should go to them.


The image, below, shows the aforementioned shift in voting intention in Moray over recent years, making this a nail biter for both sides. Tim Eagle, a local councillor and agricultural assessor, will contest the white paper seat for the Conservatives.




Incumbent, Paisley-born, Richard Lochhead (SNP) has considerable rural experience from his time as Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, where his emphasis was, primarily, on the fishing and farming sectors. He was in position as the SGA pushed to overturn the ban on tail shortening of working dogs, which eventually proved successful, although his personal position on that issue was difficult to fully ascertain. He passionately backed the Land Reform changes of 2016 which saw sporting rates introduced for shooting and deer forests. Following the Moray wildfire of 2019, he wrote to local gamekeepers offering thanks for their efforts in assisting the fire service. This was welcomed by local SGA members who initially felt his suspicion was placed upon them, from early statements in local media. 



Tim Eagle (Conservative, below) is a councillor, a former Police officer and an agricultural assessor. As a newcomer to the candidacy, there is no immediate track record in terms of support for rural workers of land and river, to draw on. However, as a farm dweller and as someone working in the agricultural sector, he will know the challenges facing land workers today.

On the peach paper (regional list for Highlands and Islands), voters will have a large choice, with no fewer than 15 different parties as well as 2 independents, Hazel Mansfield and Andy Wightman, to choose from.

One issue which may have an impact on SGA members' voting intention in Moray is the point, below.

"One worry SGA members have been contacting our office about is whether a vote for SNP means they get the Greens as part of the deal. " SGA Chairman, Alex Hogg.

The Green Party recently published its manifesto which pledges to end, what it terms, bloodsports’ including shooting and angling. They will ban driven grouse shooting, reintroduce species and incentivise the removal of sheep from the hills. 


For those seeking to vote in terms of their employment, specifically, the Green manifesto represents the likely loss of over 13 000 rural workers’ jobs. See their manifesto, here: https://greens.scot/ourfuture


Should the SNP fail to win an outright majority at this election (which current polling shows is on a knife-edge) they may again choose to join with the Greens in order to form a majority. Given the Greens’ unhidden desire to end the employment interests of sections of the rural workforce, SGA members should make themselves aware of the dangers in this possibility.


Give this, SGA Chairman Alex Hogg has written to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon seeking reassurances for rural workers that any potential SNP/Green pact will not mean Scottish Government adopting the Green manifesto pledges, mentioned above, which will be so damaging for rural workers and their families. You can read the Chairmans letter, here. To date, we have not had a response from the First Minister. 


https://news.scottishgamekeepers.co.uk/2021/04/open-letter-to-first-minister-rural.html




On whether an SNP/Green pact might comes to pass, leader of the Greens, Patrick Harvie, was quoted in the Scotsman newspaper on April 30 saying, that 'most of our members would be willing to have the conversation' after the Election. (below)



To find all candidates standing in Moray plus Highlands and Islands region- (and all the other Scottish constituencies)- see: https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/news/politics/6918475/scottish-election-full-candidate-list-standing-my-area/


Most importantly, SGA Chairman Alex Hogg is urging all members to go out and use their vote tomorrow. See the video message, here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bC2vF1Y4pZw




*This seat analysis, which fulfils a requirement of our members to provide voting information on their behalf, has been produced by The Scottish Gamekeepers Association, a Company limited by guarantee, Company number SC386843.


 





#SP21 MAY ELECTION: Aberdeen Donside overview

SGA members have made us aware they would like to know more about the Election on May 6th and candidates they can vote for. 

We have been providing overview information on several seats (relevant to members) prior to the Election #SP21. (see other overviews on our website news pages) https://news.scottishgamekeepers.co.uk


Please note: The SGA is not affiliated to any political party. The information is intended only as a helpful guide, offered from the perspective of members' interests, as requested.


People should vote according to personal choice. However, we will give advice for circumstances in which people would wish to vote solely for the purposes of protecting their profession.


In looking at seats, we have provided an analysis based on what candidates have done for rural workers in Holyrood (track record) or, if not yet elected, looked at standpoints on issues to gauge where they might sit in relation to workers on river and land.


Overview: Aberdeen Donside



What Choices will you have on the ballot paper?


On May 6th, voters will get the opportunity to vote for which person they want as their Constituency MSP in Aberdeen Donside. This person will be an individual representing a party (White coloured paper).

Voters will also get the opportunity to vote for a Party in the Regional List (Peach coloured paper) for North East Scotland.


For the Constituency vote (white paper), the person with the highest number of votes becomes the Constituency MSP. In the regional list (peach paper) a total of 7 MSPs are selected to represent the North East Scotland region.


This allocation is worked out around the share of the party vote on the peach paper. If a party has already won the Constituency seat, they will win less regional list seats in that region. The system is designed this way to avoid any one party dominating.


About Aberdeen Donside


This is a seat (white paper) where, despite the vote share increasing for the Conservatives over the past decade, the SNP has reigned supreme. 


Mark McDonald won the seat in 2016 from Liam Kerr of the Conservatives with a whacking 11 630 majority and newcomer Harriet Cross of the Conservatives looks likely to need a miracle if she is to defeat SNP candidate Jackie Dunbar this time around.


For Labour, Heather Herbert will be pulling on the coat-tails of Harriet Cross for second, where it is literally nip and tuck in a seat with a genuine three-way interest.


Support for SGA members or rural workers in general among the candidates is difficult to gauge overall (in terms of track record) although Harriet Cross publicly backed the Rural Workers' Protest, #RWP21, in March and offered participants her 'full support' as the image below shows. 



With the white paper battle looking relatively one-sided in SNP's favour, major emphasis will fall on the peach paper vote for the North East Scotland region.


SNP or pro-independence supporters may opt to use their second vote tactically, given the likelihood of securing the victory on the white paper. 


Conservatives or Labour supporters will be doing their utmost to get their voters out to the polling station, to try to win the party share on the peach paper. Should they do so, it could go a significant way towards a greater number of seats for their party on the regional list at Holyrood.


Voters will have a bigger choice of parties on the peach paper including some new parties which could have a significant bearing on the final election result eg: Alex Salmond is running for his new pro-independence Alba party on the regional list in this region and will have earmarked this area as a potential springboard for his party. See their manifesto, here: https://www.albaparty.org/where_we_stand


One worry SGA members have been contacting our office about is whether a vote for SNP means they get the Greens as part of the deal. 


The Green Party recently published its manifesto which pledges to end, what it terms, bloodsports’ including shooting and angling. They will ban driven grouse shooting, reintroduce species and incentivise the removal of sheep from the hills. 


For those seeking to vote in terms of their employment, specifically, the Green manifesto represents the likely loss of over 13 000 rural workers’ jobs. See their manifesto, here: https://greens.scot/ourfuture


Should the SNP fail to win an outright majority at this election (which current polling shows is on a knife-edge) they may again choose to join with the Greens in order to form a majority. Given the Greens’ unhidden desire to end the employment interests of sections of the rural workforce, SGA members should make themselves aware of the dangers in this possibility.


Give this, SGA Chairman Alex Hogg has written to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon seeking reassurances for rural workers that any potential SNP/Green pact will not mean Scottish Government adopting the Green manifesto pledges, mentioned above, which will be so damaging for rural workers and their families. You can read the Chairmans letter, here. To date, we have not had a response from the First Minister. 


https://news.scottishgamekeepers.co.uk/2021/04/open-letter-to-first-minister-rural.html




On whether an SNP/Green pact might comes to pass, leader of the Greens, Patrick Harvie, was quoted in the Scotsman newspaper on April 30 saying, that 'most of our members would be willing to have the conversation' after the Election. (below)



To find all candidates standing in Aberdeen Donside plus North East Scotland region- (and all the other Scottish constituencies)- see: https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/news/politics/6918475/scottish-election-full-candidate-list-standing-my-area/


Most importantly, SGA Chairman Alex Hogg is urging all members to go out and use their vote tomorrow. See the video message, here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bC2vF1Y4pZw




*This seat analysis, which fulfils a requirement of our members to provide voting information on their behalf, has been produced by The Scottish Gamekeepers Association, a Company limited by guarantee, Company number SC386843.