Born in 1946 and brought up in Cupar, Fife, I was educated at the local school - 
Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson has welcomed the publication of the SNP Government’s budget bill for 2009-2010, detailing a range of measures designed to help hard pressed Scots through the current economic difficulties.
The budget provides details of the £230 million in accelerated capital spending that will be committed this year in order to give a timely boost to the Scottish economy, supporting 4, 700 jobs across the country and reflecting the Government's decision, taken within its first days in office, to put sustainable economic growth at the heart of everything it does.
Commenting, Mr Stevenson said:
“This budget demonstrates that the Scottish Government is committed to doing everything in its power to help people struggling with the current economic climate. By funding another year’s freeze in council tax, we are putting money back into people’s pockets at a time when they need it most.
“We are also taking real action to help small businesses by moving to the second phase of the small business bonus that will see 1, 141 businesses in Aberdeenshire pay substantially reduced business rates, and 6, 839 paying nothing whatsoever. These businesses are some of the most exposed to the economic storm, and this latest step will be of huge assistance to them, protecting jobs and livelihoods.
“By accelerating the money available to capital projects this year, we are also taking action to support thousands of jobs in the hard pressed construction industry.
“I believe that people in Banff & Buchan and across Scotland will welcome these measures and I sincerely hope that the other political parties will support this vital investment in Scotland economy and public services”.
Karen Adam is now the MSP for Banffshire and Buchan Coast
