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Over the last few months, I have seen a marked increase in the volume of correspondence regarding anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Musselburgh. From the outset, I would like to be clear that this is across all age groups; youths, young adults and older adults. None of it is acceptable, and all leads to a community living in fear. No one should have to deal with ASB, whether in their own home or whilst out and about. I stand beside all those effected and will continue speaking with the police and East Lothian Council to look for ways to reduce the high level of ASB we are currently experiencing.
There can be many reasons for this, one of which is the longer days and warmer weather. More people congregate outside, and some claim there is little for them to do. I don’t claim to have all of the answers, but there are some things we can all do to help tackle this ongoing situation. One of these is to report each instance of ASB that you see to the police – whether it directly impacts you or not. This helps the police to build a true picture of both the number of incidents, and the locations that are common. The areas around Fisherrow and the High Street are two of the problematic areas. These are both areas of heavy footfall, with both locals and visitors to the town spending time. This is a poor advert for the area and is also having a detrimental impact on shops and business as some people choose to shop elsewhere. This could become a long-term issue and have a serious impact on the local economy. There are many things to do in the Honest Toun, from joining a sports club (football, rugby, running and tennis to name just a few) as a participant or volunteer, to visiting Musselburgh Museum, Newhailes House or the Library which has all sorts of events going on including Dungeons and Dragons sessions. You can download a copy of the Arrow Trail Map and learn about the history of the Musselburgh Archer. There are also indoor clubs such as Musselburgh Cook Club, Musselburgh Art Club, or the Camera Club. And if none of these pique your interest, why not start your own group focusing on something that interests you? There is also support available for anyone who may be struggling with debt, addiction, their mental health or issues at home. Citizens Advice Bureau, Changes, StepChange, MELDAP, Bridges Project and many more organisations are there to help. If you feel you need some support, please reach out and ask, and if you are unsure where to go just get in touch and I can point you in the right direction. Problems at home can often escalate into problems outside the home. That’s why the Scottish Government have invested £500 million in the Whole Family Wellbeing Funding (WFWF). Holistic support should address the needs of children and adults in a family at the time of need rather than at crisis point, so looking at prevention rather than cure. East Lothian Council have invested in family outreach workers for families who needed additional help but aren’t already being supported by statutory services, such as a social worker, through the creation of the Families Together programme. For information or advice, contact East Lothian Council for further details. As we approach the summer holidays, and (hopefully) warm, long summer evenings, please remember to report any ASB you see to the police on 111. If there is a crime in progress, a risk to life, or immediate threat of violence, always phone 999. Together, we can help make our communities safer and enjoyable for all.
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LOCAL MSP MESSAGE TO MUSSELBURGH, WALLYFORD AND WHITECRAIG FOLLOWING ELETCORAL BOUDARY CHANGES21/5/2025 The boundaries for the 2026 Scottish Parliament Elections are being revised, resulting in Musselburgh, Wallyford and Whitecraig becoming part of the new Edinburgh Eastern, Musselburgh and Tranent constituency.
Commenting Midlothian North and Musselburgh MSP Colin Beattie said: “As I stand for re-election in the new Midlothian North constituency in the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections, I will be sad to leave the people of the Honest Toon and the vibrant communities of Wallyford and Whitecraig but unfortunately, I will have to say goodbye next year. I have always personally believed that I should stand for election only in the constituency within which I live – and I live in Midlothian North. “It has been an honour to to have been trusted to represent the folk in these communities since 2011. I have been fortunate enough to meet countless wonderful people and fantastic organisations who make this area so special. I am grateful for the many kindnesses and friendships I have had the privilege to have during my three terms of office here. “There is still roughly a year to go until the 2026 elections and up until then I will continue to support my constituents and to represent the communities’ interests as I have over the past fourteen years. After May 2026 Holyrood Elections there will be a new MSP who I am sure will be diligent in his/her support for our residents. “I may no longer be your MSP next year, but I will continue to enjoy everything I have encountered that Musselburgh, Wallyford and Whitecraig has to offer.” ENDS LOCAL MSP COLIN BEATTIE URGES RESIDENTS TO REPLACE RTS METERS AHEAD OF NATIONAL SWITCH-OFF AT END OF JUNE
739 RTS METERS STILL TO BE REPLACED IN MIDLOTHIAN AND 2677 IN EAST LOTHIAN Householders across Midlothian North and Musselburgh have been urged to replace older electricity meters which use the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS), ahead of the national switch-off on the 30th June 2025. New figures have revealed that 3,416 RTS meters are still in operation in Midlothian and East Lothian. After the shut-off, these meters may experience issues with their electric heating and hot water - potentially leading to higher bills, or a disrupted service. The SNP has called for an immediate delay to the switch-off or the guarantee of full compensation to consumers. Electricity suppliers are responsible for replacing RTS meters with smart meters at no additional cost - anyone who thinks they may have an RTS meter should contact their supplier now to book an upgrade, local MSP Colin Beattie has said. Commenting, local MSP Colin Beattie said: “The RTS switch-off takes place on the 30th of June - and it could have real consequences for households that haven’t made the switch. “There are 3,416 RTS meters still in use in Midlothian and East Lothian - and no one should be left with an unreliable meter or unexpected bills. Replacing these old meters is free, people only need to contact their electricity supplier. “I’m particularly concerned about vulnerable residents, including our older people who may not be aware of this change. I urge the UK Government and Ofgem to immediately delay or guarantee full compensation to consumers ahead of the planned switch off. “I encourage everyone in Midlothian North and Musselburgh to replace their RTS meter ahead of switch-off at the end of June - this is one of those simple changes that can save a lot of stress down the line.” ENDS Colin Beattie, Member of the Scottish Parliament for Midlothian North and Musselburgh visited Sure Start this week to see first-hand the vital work the organisation is doing to support families and young children in the local area.
During the visit, Colin Beattie MSP met with staff, volunteers, and parents who benefit from the range of early years and family support services offered by Sure Start. These include parenting programmes, baby and toddler groups, mental health support, and outreach services tailored to the needs of local families. Speaking after the visit, Colin Beattie MSP said: “Sure Start plays a crucial role in giving children the best start in life and supporting parents through what can often be a challenging time. “The dedication of the staff and volunteers is truly commendable. Their work not only supports children’s early development but also strengthens the wellbeing of the entire family.” ENDS Colin Beattie MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh attended Garvald Edinburgh's Spring Fair at Mayfield House on Saturday the 10th of May. Garvald are a charity that offers people in the Lothians with disabilities a high-standard of care and a safe space where they can partake in creative workshops and explore their creative potential.
SNP MSP Colin Beattie said: "It was a pleasure to attend Garvald's Spring Fair this weekend where I met so many talented individuals. "I enjoyed making some purchases from the members beautiful handmade gift and art stalls. "I'd like to thank the staff at Garvald for their incredible hard-work and invaluable support they offer to everyone who attends Garvald. "I look forward to returning to Garvald to see even more crafts from their skilled members create." ENDS COLIN BEATTIE HIGHLIGHTS CAMPAIGN TO RECRUIT MORE FOSTER CARERS IN MIDLOTHIAN NORTH AND MUSSELBURGH14/5/2025 Colin Beattie MSP has urged people in Midlothian North and Musselburgh to consider becoming foster carers as a new SNP Scottish Government national campaign to find more foster carers was launched.
Foster carers play a vital role in supporting and providing safe and loving foster homes to children and young people. They are key to the SNP Scottish Government’s ambition of delivering The Promise by 2030. The Fostering Network estimates that Scotland needs at least 400 more foster carers. The new campaign aims to raise awareness of fostering and encourage people in Midlothian North and Musselburgh and across Scotland to consider the life-changing impact they could make on the lives of a child or young person. The Scottish Government’s campaign will run across TV, radio, press and digital channels through May and June. A new website and advice line will support people interested in fostering. Commenting, SNP MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh, Colin Beattie MSP , said: “Foster carers across Midlothian North and Musselburgh and the whole of Scotland are everyday heroes who give children the love, care and support they need to flourish. "You do not need special qualifications to foster, just the compassion and commitment to make a difference. Ordinary acts of care can have an extraordinary impact on a child’s life. “We need more foster carers across Midlothian North and Musselburgh. I would encourage anyone who thinks they could offer a loving home to take that first step and find out more.” ENDS Colin Beattie, MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh, has hit out at Labour’s “reckless and damaging” migration proposals, warning that the plans would be devastating for local NHS and care services and risk harming the economy across Midlothian North and Musselburgh.
The MSP joined calls from the care sector and other industries for Keir Starmer to urgently abandon his proposed restrictions on international recruitment, which would block access to much needed overseas workers in key sectors like health and social care. Recent remarks from Scottish Care and UNISON have highlighted the deepening workforce crisis in care, and the risk of collapse if international recruitment is restricted further. Commenting, Colin Beattie MSP said: “These plans are a direct attack on the fabric of our local NHS and care services here in Midlothian North and Musselburgh. Like communities across Scotland, we rely on the dedication of international staff to keep our hospitals, care homes and community services running. “Migration not only enriches our communities and culture, but slamming the door shut on international recruitment also hurts our public services, threatens jobs, economic growth, and our ability to care for the most vulnerable in our community. “It’s becoming clearer by the day that Keir Starmer is more interested in chasing Reform Party votes in England, than he is in protecting Scotland’s interests. And throughout it all, Anas Sarwar remains nowhere to be seen. “These Labour proposals might as well have been written by Nigel Farage, and they show exactly why Scotland needs the powers of independence. “Instead of working with Scotland to address our unique population and workforce needs, Labour continues to impose one-size-fits-all policies that simply do not work for our communities. Scotland desperately needs powers over immigration to put an end to these reckless and damaging policies inflicted by Westminster.” ENDS  SNP MSP COLIN BEATTIE: PROGRAMME FOR GOVERNMENT WILL DELIVER MORE NHS APPOINTMENTS
Colin Beattie, MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh, has welcomed the Scottish Government’s ambitious Programme for Government, highlighting significant investments and reforms aimed at strengthening NHS services in Midlothian North and Musselburgh. The Programme outlines a comprehensive approach to enhancing healthcare delivery, focusing on reducing waiting times, expanding capacity, and improving patient access to services. Key initiatives include:
“Only the SNP is delivering for Scotland’s NHS. Not just promises, but real action. Waiting times are being cut, treatment centres are being expanded and mental health services are seeing unprecedented levels of investment. “While Labour’s Westminster cuts threaten public services, the SNP is focused on solutions. We are delivering for patients and frontline staff. This week’s Programme for Government sets out a clear, ambitious plan to tackle waiting times, expand our National Treatment Centres, and ensure faster, fairer access to care. “The SNP are protecting what Labour will not. Our NHS is free at the point of need, and under the SNP, it always will be.” ENDS Colin Beattie, who has been MSP for Midlothian North & Musselburgh Constituency for more than 14 years, has been resoundingly selected by local SNP members as the SNP candidate to fight the 2026 Holyrood Elections in the new constituency of Midlothian North.
Commenting Colin stated “I would like to thank the members who gave me this solid mandate. Their trust and confidence is not given lightly and is truly appreciated and valued. I will give my best efforts to ensure that I do not fail to deliver on my commitments.” He continued “The shape of our constituency changes as from next May. We lose Musselburgh, Wallyford, and Whitecraig where I have built up a strong network in the local community over many years. I will miss so many people and organisations with whom I currently work closely. We gain Newtongrange and district where I will reconnect with the community and people with whom I worked during my 5 years as a local Councillor. This means disappointment in no longer having our friends in East Lothian, but pleasure to represent Midlothian North where I live and to again have Newtongrange in my patch.” “I am looking forward to the coming campaign year where I will bring a positive message to the constituency. We face many challenges as a community. Sometimes it seems as if these are unsurmountable. Yet I have faith in our collective ability to deal with them – hard as it must be sometimes. The constant diet through the media of negativity and doom and disaster may sell newspapers and drive online engagement but it does not restore our confidence in ourselves or others. Yet most people are simply looking for a decent quality of life and the peace and security to enjoy it. Politicians are responsible for ensuring that – but so far do not seem to be making much of a job of it across the world. We do need change. If we simply carry on as we are we will not prosper. It is time for a rethink and I will share my thoughts on this over the coming months”. ENDS PEAK RAIL FARES SCRAPPED, MORE GP APPOINTMENTS AND MORE MONEY IN POCKETS IN MIDLOTHIAN NORTH AND MUSSELBURGH.
The SNP’s Programme for Government (PfG) will put more money in people's pockets and deliver more GP appointments in Midlothian North and Musselburgh, local MSP [NAME] has said. The PfG will scrap peak rail fares on publicly-owned Scotrail for good and deliver 100,000 additional GP appointments and provide a larger share of new NHS funding to primary care – as well as introducing a range of measures to grow the Scottish economy both nationally and internationally. Scrapping peak rail fares forms part of the First Minister’s Cost of Living Guarantee - with Scots paying on average lower bills than people in the rest of the UK whilst also having access to a more extensive range of public services. The announcement marks one year since John Swinney took office as First Minister – and was brought forward to ensure a full year of delivery ahead of next year’s Scottish Parliament election. Commenting, SNP MSP Colin Beattie said: “I welcome John Swinney’s Programme for Government which focusses on delivery and hope for people in Midlothian North and Musselburgh. “This SNP Government will put money back into people’s pockets, improve access to GPs, and introduce a raft of measures to grow the economy both nationally and here in Midlothian North and Musselburgh – that is what you get with a John Swinney Government. “We’ve announced this Programme for Government a year ahead of the Scottish Parliament elections to ensure a full year of delivery for the people of Scotland at this critical time. “The SNP is delivering for Midlothian North and Musselburgh and for Scotland – we have heard loud and clear that people are facing challenges and are taking action to fix them. "This is a Programme for Government that demonstrates that the SNP is on Scotland's side." ENDS |
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