Colin Beattie MSP used his latest parliamentary contribution to recognise the positive impact gala days have in harnessing community cohesion and improving resilience.


On 25th of June, Colin asked the Scottish Government:


"What its position is on the importance of community cohesion and resilience, including the role that local galas play in promoting this."


The Minister for Equalities and International Development responded:


"Community cohesion remains a core priority for the Scottish Government, recognising that trust, connection and inclusion underpin resilient communities and a flourishing Scotland for all. Gala days and local celebrations showcase communities at their very best. They bring people together in inclusive and welcoming spaces to build relationships and celebrate our shared identity."


Commenting SNP Colin Beattie MSP said:


"I was proud to use my last parliamentary contribution before summer recess to celebrate all the wonderful gala days across Midlothian North.


"One of my highlights of the year is attending our local gala days and I try to attend as many as I can. This year did not disappoint with boundary changes bringing “Nitten” back into the constituency I represent, it was especially nice to reconnect with the community.


"Congratulations to all the Gala Committees on representing their community brilliantly.


"I am already looking forward to next year"


ENDS

FINANCIAL INCOMPETENCE SHOWS YOU CAN'T TRUST LABOUR AHEAD OF COUNCIL ELECTIONS 
  
The Labour Party’s disastrous PFI (Private Finance Initiative) and PPP (Public Private Partnership) schemes are expected to cost Midlothian residents £12.56m in 2026/27.   
  
PFI/PPP is a model of funding public projects where private businesses build public infrastructure like schools, hospitals and roads, and the public then pay a monthly charge to those businesses for the cost of the build and services.  
  
However – the scheme has caused significant problems in Scotland, as the public continue to pay for projects as private businesses make substantial profit - in some cases paying above the odds for subpar infrastructure.   
 
So far, the schemes have cost Midlothian £210.94m since being introduced – with an additional £128.60 m still to be paid off.  
  
The SNP scrapped the scheme after coming to power, replacing it with the Non-Profit Distribution model, which capped private profits at 5%.  
   
As Council’s across Scotland implement difficult decisions on Council Tax, local MSP Colin Beattie has highlighted the continued cost of the Labour PFI scheme to taxpayers.  
  
Commenting, local MSP Colin Beattie said:   
  
“We’ve known for quite some time now that PFI is costing the public a ridiculous amount of money – the actions of the Labour Party amount to an expected £12.56m in 2026/27, with £128.60m still to pay off.  
  
“That is why the SNP scrapped PFI after coming to power – but these contracts are still in place – costing the Scottish public over half a billion pounds this year alone.  
  
“We know that public finances are stretched as it is, with Council Tax rates in Midlothian set to rise due to the scandal that is PFI – that is the legacy of the Labour Party. 
 
"This just goes to show that whether it's in national or local government, you simply cannot trust Labour when it comes to public money." 
  
ENDS  
 

Colin Beattie MSP for Midlothian North's first action since being re-elected was to formally request a walk-in GP centre for his constituents.

Commenting SNP MSP Colin Beattie said:

"Throughout the campaign period, improving GP access was consistently raised. The public are excited by the idea of the SNPs policy to end the 8am rush by expanding the walk-in GP trial.

"Existing services in Midlothian are already under pressure and with Midlothian being the fastest growing local authority in Scotland this must be exacerbated. 

"I believe this should make Midlothian North a priority location for a walk-in GP centre

"As the constituency’s representative at the Scottish Parliament I have written to the Scottish Government requesting that a new walk-in centre is opened in Midlothian North as soon as possible."

ENDS

​At  the very beginning of every election campaign in which I have been a candidate  I have pledged at the outset not to descend to personal attacks on my political opponents. I have always stood by that and while I will certainly be robust in attacking daft policies, I will keep to my strongly held principles in keeping personalities out of the campaign.

Unfortunately, politics seems to be on a downward spiral to the gutter in terms of the quality of debate and the participation of politicians. Social media has become the repository of false information and a means to attack one’s opponents – sometimes in the most despicable ways.

The result has been a collapse in trust and respect for many politicians. Some of that fall in trust and respect is justified but the public will have the final judgement on that.

I will continue to follow what now may appear a rather old-fashioned concept of public service and hard work within the constituency. I have served the people and the businesses and organisations within much of this constituency for the past 15 years as MSP. In doing so I have meticulously kept to my work and responsibilities and ignored the fake or twisted information put around about myself and my fellow politicians. I am well aware that I am not alone in receiving such treatment. Most politicians are subjected to unacceptable personal abuse, and female politicians seem to be intensely abused more than most others.

I look forward to a good campaign where the merits of differing policies can be debated, and the voting public can decide to whom they will lend their vote without distraction and without being deceived by contaminated reports of false rumours presented as facts.

​ENDS

This week Colin Beattie, MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh took a pledge to ‘Speak up for babies in Scotland’ if he is re-elected in the May elections.
 
The ‘Speak up for babies in Scotland’ campaign run by a coalition of seven children’s and mental health charities.
 
Babies depend on sensitive, responsive care to grow and develop healthily. But many do not get the nurturing care they need. Not everyone bonds easily with their baby. Parents can be overwhelmed by trauma from their own childhood. Some are struggling with mental or physical health difficulties.
 
The charities estimate that more than 9,000 babies in Scotland are living in fear and distress, and say more support is needed for families. Over 14% of babies in Scotland have at least one developmental concern recorded at their 13-15 month health visitor check.[1]
 
As MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh, Colin represents communities across Midlothian, Bonnyrigg, Musselburgh and Dalkeith. Latest estimates [2] show that there are approximately 1864 babies aged 0-2 in this constituency so Colin is speaking up for all these local babies and their families who need support. Close to local 260 babies and their families could need more intensive support from specialist services.
 
The coalition of charities have just launched a Manifesto for Babies in Scotland, with policy recommendations for the next Holyrood government, noting inequality is already visible in toddlers’ development.[3]
 
The manifesto is backed by Save the Children Scotland, NSPCC Scotland, Home-Start UK, Mental Health Foundation, Parenting Across Scotland, Starcatchers and the Parent-Infant Foundation.
 
Colin Beattie MSP said:
“I am delighted to pledge my support for the campaign to speak up for Babies in Scotland. We know what harms babies and what enables them to thrive, and we must ensure all babies have the best start in life”.
 
-END
 
References:
[1] Child development statistics data from Public Health Scotland:
Early child development statistics - Scotland 2023 to 2024 - Early child development - Publications - Public Health Scotland
[2] Constituency population estimates
Scottish Parliamentary Constituency population estimates - National Records of Scotland (NRS)
[3] Inequality is visible in toddlers’ development: 17% of all children in Scotland are identified as having a developmental concern at their 27–30-month health visitor check. This rises to 25% amongst babies living in low-income households.
https://publichealthscotland.scot/publications/early-child-development/early-child-development-statistics-scotland-2023-to-2024/
 
Note: A pledge does not imply support for all the Manifesto’s recommendations – it is a promise to consider babies' needs and to speak up for them in Holyrood. Constituents can check if their local candidates have pledged support here. A pledge can be made via the Parent-Infant Foundation website.

Colin Beattie MSP has criticised the action taken by the US against the illegitimate Maduro regime in Venezuela and warned of the dangerous precedent it sets.


SNP MSP Colin Beattie said:


“I am deeply concerned by the situation in Venezuela and the worrying precedent this may set across the global stage. 


“Nicolás Maduro was an illegitimate president and a dictator; however, this should not allow the US to act in the way it has. It is crucial that the international rules-based system is respected.


“My gravest concern is for the message this sends to other global powers such as Russia with their illegal invasion of Ukraine.


“In this moment it is crucial that the international community unite to ensure de-escalation, diplomacy and democracy are at the forefront of our future”.


ENDS

“For decades, our mining communities powered Scotland and the UK, often at great personal cost. These men and women worked in tough conditions, building the foundations of our modern economy. Yet, many of them have been left behind when it comes to pension fairness. As the MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh, and as someone deeply connected to our mining heritage through my involvement with the National Mining Museum, I have always stood firm with miners and their families. This fight is about justice, dignity, and ensuring that those who gave so much are not forgotten.
 
“The British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme (BCSSS) currently holds a reserve of £2.3 billion that has not been distributed to its members. This is in stark contrast to the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme (MPS), which received a £1.5 billion transfer last year after decades of campaigning. The disparity is indefensible. Many BCSSS members are elderly, average age around 75, and thousands have already passed away without seeing the fairness they deserve. Among them are almost all of the 5,000 women who worked in mining, a group that has been disproportionately affected by this injustice.
 
“Since this issue came to light, I have taken every opportunity to press the UK Government for action. I wrote directly to Ministers demanding that the £2.3 billion reserve be transferred to BCSSS members and that surplus-sharing arrangements be reviewed. I have raised the matter publicly, calling the Government’s failure to act “deeply disappointing” and highlighting the inconsistency in its approach. These are not just numbers on a balance sheet, they represent real people who contributed enormously to our country and who now face financial hardship during a cost-of-living crisis.
 
“I am pleased that, following sustained pressure from many, the UK Government has met with BCSSS Trustees multiple times and is now engaging with HM Treasury to agree a way forward. The Prime Minister recently confirmed that the Government aims to reach an agreement later this year that will benefit scheme members. This is progress, but we will not stop until the commitment becomes reality.
 
“My work on this issue is part of a broader commitment to our mining communities. Through my involvement with the National Mining Museum, I have worked to preserve the history and legacy of Scotland’s miners, ensuring that future generations understand the sacrifices made. But preserving history is not enough, we must also fight for fairness today. That is why I, along with my SNP colleagues, will continue to hold the UK Government to account until BCSSS members receive what they are owed.
 
“This is about more than pensions, it is about respect. Our miners built this nation. They deserve justice, and I will not rest until they get it.”
 
ENDS