To repeat what I have said elsewhere, my wife and I are very relieved that this long-standing police investigation is now at an end. It has been a very stressful two years.

When this was announced on Thursday last week many people contacted me to express their support. Members, constituents, and the public in general. Both my wife and I felt so heartened by knowing that there were such numbers reaching out to us with a genuine wish to share our moment of vindication that I had done nothing wrong. I tried to get back to everyone who contacted me however briefly.

These messages of support have continued over the weekend and I’m afraid are at a volume where I have no possibility to send everyone a personal response.

So let me take this opportunity to thank everyone who has taken the time to get in touch and to assure them that both my wife and I are truly grateful for your kindness and good wishes. It means a lot to us to know that so many people actually do care.

Thank you.
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Colin Beattie MSP

PRESS RELEASE – 20TH March 2025

I am absolutely delighted that the police investigation which involved myself is now officially over and I have been completely cleared of all suspicion. It’s nearly two years since I was arrested and released without charge.
The time since then has been very hard for myself and my wife and being able to live a normal life again, without almost daily press reminders and speculation about the investigation will be strange for a while. While there was no question in my mind that I had done nothing wrong the fact is that it created a question among those who do not know me.
There is still an ongoing case – which does not involve myself – so I need to be circumspect in my references to this.
I would like to thank the very many people who gave me, and my wife, their support and encouragement through the sometimes difficult times, including my constituents who stood by me and put their trust in me as their MSP.
Now, I intend to share a glass of something with my wife tonight, and tomorrow I can focus on the future as I put myself forward for consideration as the SNP candidate for the Midlothian North County Constituency.
 
Colin Beattie MSP

In the Scottish Parliament Debate Chamber on Thursday 6th of March, Colin Beattie MSP asked the Minister for Housing what steps the Scottish Government will take to improve protections for park home residents. The Minister for Housing confirmed that the Government is considering how to streamline the housing adaptations system for park home residents as part of its Housing to 2040 Strategy.
 
Additionally, the 2025/26 budget will see a doubling of support for registered social landlords to deliver housing adaptions, ensuring more tenants can live safely and comfortably in their home. 
 
The Minister also confirmed that he will engage with OFGEM to raise issues faced by park home residents in relation to oil.
 
Commenting MSP Colin Beattie said:
 
“This is a hugely positive step that can make a real difference to people across Midlothian North & Musselburgh, in particular residents in Nivensknowe and Pentland mobile home parks. Housing adaptions are essential in ensuring older and disabled residents are safe and can remain in their homes.
 
“I will follow this review closely and continue to advocate for a fairer adaption system for my constituents, especially those currently exempt in mobile homes.
 
“I welcome the news that the Minister will engage with OFGEM to discuss the energy issues park home residents are facing. I hope this can lead to the legislation being tightened to close any loopholes to give residents full transparency over their energy bills.”
 
ENDS

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LOCAL MSP SHOWS SUPPORT FOR LOCAL CHARITY VISUALISE SCOTLAND
 
Colin Beattie MSP visited Visualise Scotland’s day centre at Newhailes Business Park in Musselburgh,  following their expanded into more spacious premises.
 
Visualise Scotland opened their Musselburgh day centre in 2014 and since moving into a larger space, they are now able to offer more space to those who rely on their service.
 
Commenting Midlothian North & Musselburgh MSP Colin Beattie said:
 
“Visualise Scotland specialise in providing high-quality support to adults with disabilities and their recent expansion is welcomed news that will allow them to improve their services.
 
“The wellbeing of my constituency is one of my main priorities and I am all too aware of how important expert charities like Visualise Scotland are for the community, and the support they offer to those in need.
 
“I’d like to thank all the staff at Visualise Scotland for accommodating me and teaching me more about their valuable work. I wish you all the best the future.”
 
ENDS
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COLIN BEATTIE MSP WELCOMES £21m INVESTMENT IN LOCAL SERVICES IN EAST LOTHIAN AND £19.7m IN MIDLOTHIAN.

Colin Beattie MSP has highlighted the record funding going to Midlothian and East Lothian after the Scottish Budget was passed at Holyrood this week, providing a £1 billion increase in funding to local authorities.

After the budget received cross-party support – despite Labour and Tory MSPs sitting on their hands – Midlothian is set to receive an increase in funding worth £19.7m and East Lothian is set to receive an increase worth £21m.

This increases funding for local priorities, teachers and additional support for learning and to tackle the climate emergency. It also facilitates pay increases agreed for our teachers, social care workers, refuse collectors and more.

Commenting, Colin Beattie MSP said:
“This year’s Scottish Budget provides record funding for Midlothian & East Lothian which will help deliver the services people rely on and ensure our community gets the investment it needs.

“After over a decade of austerity and a Labour tax hike which is set to cost councils £100 million, our local authorities have been repeatedly betrayed by Westminster parties.

“Under the SNP, we are not only investing in areas like Midlothian and East Lothian, but we are mitigating the impact of Westminster decisions, to the tune of £144 million for the National Insurance hike alone.

“This SNP government is delivering for Mid and East Lothian, and I am pleased parliament has backed this budget to ensure that continues.”
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ENDS