Comment posted From Councillor Alison Hay’s solicitor by kintyre1.
Councillor Hay was all smiles on Saturday in Kintyre to press the flesh .
I expect the Libdem vote in Argyll & Bute to split 3 ways to Jamie McGrigor, Mick Rice & Mike Russell
kintyre1 also commented
- We have the same crazy situation in Kintyre /Islay/Jura sharing councillors when each island and mainland area should have one locally identified councillor .
- Having read the intolerant out pourings from the SNP activist above , I’m beginning to think Councillor Hay has much to recommend her .
- mean spirited was clearly an understatement
- For Ken McColl
The great majority of people in the area will wish the Royal couple well on their wedding.
It’s a shame mean spirited nationalists can’t drop their hatred of anything British even for one day . - What a shame for the electorate in A&B , that as yet there is no genuine Unionist candidate standing , one who does not wish to see more powers removed from Westminster and does not believe that appeasment is a suitable reponse to the SNP .
Recent comments by kintyre1
- McGrigor supports small scale hydro schemes but is concerned about lack of grid connectivity
A very bitter response by you to some very sensible comments by Jamie McGrigor MSP .Grid connection is a real problem in Kintyre where more locally produced power would be very welcome . - HIAL May 2013 overall passenger numbers up 7.2% on 2012 but with some substantial falls
27% down – a shocking reduction , in large part down to the SNP’s heath service cuts , which mean more Kintyre patients are being put “round the road ” rather than the more acceptable air journey . Disgraceful . - Russell to make parliamentary statement on rural schools today
I doubt it very much too , however I don’t need any lectures on the working of small rural schools , having attended one for seven years .
While it is quite possible to have friends and work together happily with older and younger pupils , what happens when the child goes to Secondary School ? He/she goes alone not knowing anyone , is amongst people who have their friends of seven years and will forever be an outsider , is likely to be poor at team sports having never experienced a proper same aged team .
The parents opting to send their children to larger schools are doing so for the best of reasons and should not be judged for so doing . - Russell to make parliamentary statement on rural schools today
Anne , I thought that living in Southend , you’d be more in touch with the goings on at the primary school .To talk of one parent and her child is either deliberately misleading or you are unaware of the children who will be absent from the school when it resumes after the summer .
Can you tell us out of interest , how many people are employed at the school and how many pupils there are at present ? I am told there are ten employees . - Russell to make parliamentary statement on rural schools today
What’s the situation regards Southend Primary School ? see post above
powered by SEO Super Comments
what did I say? “councillor hay had no entitlement to speak or vote on the issue. ” the chief executive could speak and take part but not vote – is that correct? it doesn’t matter that walsh did the actual deed they were accessories before and after the fact or at best dumb witnesses. good point on councillor hay’s expenses. is the the legal firm that used by the liberal democrats?
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
For coracle: We think Councilor Walsh has actually said that Councillor Hay may not even speak at such meetings never mind vote – which does beg the question about the point of attendance in her role as Environmental Spokesperson. But if COSLA’s paying her expenses, they pay for the networking opportunity.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
It’s a great pity that Councillor Hay didn’t clarify her role at that critical meeting last september as soon as the consequent massive budget loss became apparent, especially given the level of public disgust at the Lib Dems’ alacrity in jumping into bed with the Walsh party as soon as the SNP jumped ship.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Typical Libdem nonsense – do as I say not as I do. On the 15th Jan Allison Hay attacked the Scottish Government claiming that The Government had withdrawn all Special Islands Needs Allowance.
“If SINA is vital for the Western Isles, Orkney & Shetland then it is also vital to Argyll and Bute. The SNP are duty bound to explain why Argyll and Bute has had SINA removed”
We all know now as she did, having been at the COSLA meeting, that only the portion of SINA relative to Seil Island was affected which is only 17% of SINA due to Argyll & Bute.
At the Council meeting on the 25th November, commenting on the vote to go to consultation on the closure of 25 primary schools, she trumpeted “get on with it” in spite of the alarm bells ringing in every affected community. Luckily Argyll & Bute Council has not lost all its SINA and the schools closure plans are on hold – thanks to the actions of our SNP Group on the council in organising the special meeting on the 5th Jan and inviting SRSN to report to it. These examples highlight why Alison should not be taken seriously as MSP material as does her approach to For Argyll. If you can’t stand the heat ?
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
How to win friends and influence people, I think not, seems to be a last rsort by a desperate politicion who is on a hiding to nothing to issue lawyer’s letters to curtail critisism.
At least by having an eyeball at the site she knows she need not pack her bag for Hollyrood,
maybe Hollywood to star in a Crazy Movie.
My defination of a loser.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I was wondering about For Argyll`s assumption that COSLA pays for Councillor Hay`s expenses and if this could be substantiated ? COSLA receives it`s money from the Councils and therefore everything they pay out is Council money. I understand at the Argyll & Bute Council meetings on the 27th January that great play was made by the Libdems about Cllr Hay`s appointment as a COSLA Spokesperson not being made by Argyll & Bute, but by a political process through the Libdem Party as some form of balancing of political interests at COSLA. This being the case I wonder if the Libdem Party should or does pay for Cllr Hay`s expenses or if indeed it is Argyll & Bute Council who still pick up the tab despite not having appointed her to this position? Perhaps this could be clarified. The question also arises on why she was attending a Leaders meeting in Edinburgh at COSLA in the first place, where she had no apparent input, function, role or interest and made no contribution?
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Surely it must be up to Councilor Hay to explain her presence at the Budget Meeting on the 19th where she, as stated by Councilor Walsh, had no input to said meeting or was she merely acting as a mute observer.
Is it my cynical mind that her presence was an opportunity to rake in a few more ex’s?
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Who is Councillor Hay then? If she really is to be involved in an election campaign she will have to climb off her high horse and start speaking for herself and the party she seeks to represent.
Lawyer’s letters, eh.Whatever next? She will be a star turn at Hustings meetings.
And, of course, COSLA’s expenses come out of our money as well.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Deary deary me. Alison Hay, in one very ill judged action, has just demonstrated quite how unfit she is to be a credible politician. Faced with some relatively minor pressure and accusation she runs directly to a lawyer. If you have no ability to defend yourself then stay out of politics at any level – she will be chewed up and spat out by a plethora of far more competent and robust politicians.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Yes I must agree with the previous comments. It looks like the lawyers letter was used to take an indirect swipe at ‘forargyll’s position on the schools issue, merely using ‘coracle’ as an excuse for confrontation.
Not the robustness you’d expect from an experienced politician. She would do well to continue to gauge real public opinion on this forum.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
what can one say ?
OOOOOOOOPPS
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Sounds like a serious case of PANIC ! within the small ranks of the Libdems. I doubt Alison Hay would have taken this decision on her own, I would of thought it would have been the campaign team led by, I believe, George Lyons.
Total over the top and I am sure it will lead to further embarrasment when the Hustings start.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
If she resorts to lawyer’s letter everytime she is criticised in the forthcoming election there’s going to be some very happy lawyers in Glasgow. I’ve never liked the woman since I held a door open for her one day at Kilmory and she just glared at me, very rude.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
In fairness to Alison Hay she is a model Lib Dem as evidenced by:
Following on from today’s meeting (this being the meeting in early November where the decision to go to consultation was postponed) Alison Hay said:
“I am pleased that the Independent/SNP Council has listened to parents and members regarding the inaccuracies contained in the draft consultation documents and as a consequence has delayed publication until the 25th November.
“The leader of the council also accepted an addition to his motion, put forward by me, that he should seek an early resolution to the Grant Aided Expenditure (GAE), from the Scottish Government. This issue has played such an important role in deciding which schools should be closed.
Three weeks later fundamentally unchanged papers were put forward and Alison Hay, in her new found role in the adiministration, voted to proceed. It would appear she was no longer all that fussed about inaccuracies and the GAE issue.
If Wright, Johnston and Mackenzie LLP are reading this then a little googling should find this direct quote very easily.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Councillor Hay was all smiles on Saturday in Kintyre to press the flesh .
I expect the Libdem vote in Argyll & Bute to split 3 ways to Jamie McGrigor, Mick Rice & Mike Russell
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Its going to be a difficult choice for many former loyal libdem voters, including myself. I have been libdem(formerly liberal) since Ray Michies day).
Points to ponder;
1. I will not vote libdem this time in the Scottish election, by way of protest, as i dont like what they did in relation to the schools consultation, it being cynical opportunism. I will likely in the fullness of time return to vote libdem as that is where my heart is.
2. I am not Tory but as a constituency MSP Jamie McGrigor, is a good highland gentleman, and operates in a courteous individual and principled manner.
3. I would not vote Labour, sorry Mike – nothing personal.I have admired the input of the likes of John Smith, Donald Dewar, Gordon Brown, and others on a national level, but have never really felt that Labour give it their best shot up here in the ‘wilds’.
4. Re Snp/Mike Russell. In the snp nationally I find an arogance/animosity, towards all proud and passionate Scots, who are not under the nationalist banner. It comes through im afraid every day, especially from Alex Salmond. He (A.Salmond) may think he never misses a trick but it annoys me no end…. Westminster this,….. London that……
So there you have it, and im sure theres many in the same mode. McGrigor or Russell it will be this time round. HELP!
I dont think the lawyers letter has done Mrs Hay any good, either as a sitting councillor or prospective MSP.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Maybe Councillor Hay should of read her own party’s website –
“Liberal Democrats believe that a quality education is the biggest opportunity to improve people’s lives”. Except in Argyll and Bute where we will support proposals to close one of the highest rated schools in the county.
“Recognising that it is the quality of teaching that really makes a difference in the classroom”. Unless of course your a LibDem living in Argyll and Bute, in which case the quality of teaching doesn’t really matter if you can close a centre of excellence to save a few pennies, literally
“championing educational excellence in all schools”. Not in Argyll. Much better just to close our highest rated schools
“We champion the freedom, dignity and well-being of individuals, we acknowledge and respect their right to freedom of conscience”. But if you live Argyll and Bute and express an opinion that we don’t like we’ll get our solicitors on to you.
“We believe that the role of the state is to enable all citizens to attain these ideals, to contribute fully to their communities and to take part in the decisions which affect their lives”. Although if you live in Argyll we just won’t bother asking your opinions on whether we should close your school or not, it’s much easier just to support flawed documents as long as we can get a wee bit of extra power.
Councillor Hay, if this is what your party advocates why are you not championing your own local school that played a pivotal part in your own childrens education and has been recognised by the HMiE as a centre of excellence. Or should your party be censuring you for going against their beliefs and values.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
there will be plenty of liberals like Phill with conundrums.
Not liking what the Libdems have done in Westminster, so feeling let down by the whole party, despite the local loyalty.
REALLY not liking how Cllr Hay is behaving throughout the last few months. Someone said the other day that she had made herself unelectable, after this, surely her chances are so much poorer.
A&B needs someone who will really stand up for us, not just be a polite gent !
Someone who has the passion, intelligence, respect, and integrity to fight for our causes, and our people.
We are in trouble, and we need someone who can help us into a brighter future.
Is that someone in our list of candidates?
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
To Hot in the Kitchen ???
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Would Councillor Alison Hay, like to step back into the kitchen and comment or give us her thoughts on:
the recently proposed closure of ‘the Eventide’ home on Tiree…this could lead to the loss of 20 or so local jobs and possibly the the residents been moved to the mainland.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I have been a life-long LibDem voter, but not any more – I’ll be voting green thank you!
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Who is the ‘green’ candidate?
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
For phil: As far as we know the only declared candidates so far for Argyll and Bute in the Scottish Election 2011 are:
Alison Hay, Liberal Democrat
Jamie McGrigor, Conservative
Mick Rice, Labour
Michael Russell, SNP
George White, Liberal
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Thanks for the info. Once again your on the ball.
What is the story with the liberal candidate, George white? Seems that would cut into Mrs Hay’s vote anyway, even before the schools/power game carry on!
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
George White was a Lib Dem councillor with Inverclyde Councillor. He would have been standing as the Lib Dem councillor in A&B but (and someone correct me if I am wrong) he is, under party rules, not allowed to run in competition with Alison Hay.
There are two sides to the story as to why he left the Lib Dems and joined the Liberals. One was because of the fact detailed above and the other is that he was disgusted with the Lib Dems for selling out in return for short term gain in Westminster.
I don’t know which is true but I hope it is the latter and I hope that the actions of our local Lib Dems makes him even more determined to fight to win over the Hay vote.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
What a shame for the electorate in A&B , that as yet there is no genuine Unionist candidate standing , one who does not wish to see more powers removed from Westminster and does not believe that appeasment is a suitable reponse to the SNP .
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
You can always depend upon kintyre1 to introduce a bit of levity into the political debate. Such uncritical deference to the Westminster parliament is sadly lacking these days.I wonder why?
Lack of moral fibre is all too evident in the present electorate!!!
He will doubtless derive immense consolation from the Royal Wedding that is scheduled for the Friday preceding the election.
He could always put himself forward although he would then have to stop hiding behind a pseudonym.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I noticed that Cllr Hay has responded to these accusations in this week’s Helensburgh Advertiser (I don’t have it to hand but I am pretty sure it was a response to Cllr MacDonald).
I wonder if her solicitors are having the lucrative task of double dipping with their letters or is Cllr Hay inclined to throw legal threats at the public rather than other elected members.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
For Phill,
I have never met Jamie McGrigor, but I have to say his public persona is very much the Anglofied gentry that has been the bane of this country for 300 years.
What exactly are the characteristics of a ‘highland gentleman’ that you find so appealing?
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
For Ken McColl
The great majority of people in the area will wish the Royal couple well on their wedding.
It’s a shame mean spirited nationalists can’t drop their hatred of anything British even for one day .
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
For Ron Wilson,
Jamie McGrigor has worked the land for many years, lives on the land with his family, gets involved with his community, supports his constituents, enjoys a wee glass or two, and is always readily available and approachable. He is well respected by folk from all walks of life and politica spectrum. He is proud of, and effectively fights and lobbies for our area, all of which are more important than how ‘you choose’ to percieve his public persona.Yes he is a decent ‘highland gentleman’.
Your reference to the ‘anglofied gentry being the bane of this country for 300 years’ merely underlines your extremely blinkered take on things. There again, as you state, you have ‘never met Jamie Mcgrigor’!
While on the subject of blinkered views, Ken Macoll’s reference to the Royal Wedding is the type of comment that will lose the SNP many votes here in Argyll from ‘floating’ voters, as he just doesnt get it that you can be passionately Scottish, and retain pride in being Brittish. This dismissive attitude does a great disservice to the SNP, and I must agree with ‘Kintyre 1′ that the great majority of people in Argyll will wish the Royal couple well, as the viewing figures will no doubt back up.
Slainte.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Phill, I think if you reread your post you’ll see that it is your good self that is ‘blinkered’, or perhaps confused. I’m sure Jamie McGrigor is a decent enough cove, but that in itself doesn’t wipe away the pernicious consequences arising from the Anglofication of the gentry. Michael Lynch’s book ‘Scotland’ is a good place to start if you wish to delve into the issue in greater detail.
And you still haven’t explained what the characteristics of a ‘highland gentleman’ are!
As for your Scottish/British sentiments, everybody is entitled to the identity that they choose, but I find it more than passing strange why a ‘passionate’ Scot would wish their country to be ruled by another. If England were ruled from Berlin at some stage in the future, as part of a united Europe, I do not think for a minute you’d find a ‘passionate’ Englishman taking pride in being ‘European’.
Perhaps we ought to take a leaf out of our Scandinavian neighbours book, who are happy to be Scandinavian AND Norwegian/Swedish/Danish, yet at the same time time as patriots would never dream of permitting someone else to rule them. That way you can have the British tag whilst having a sovereign Scottish government fully representing the national interest.
Ken McColl can answer for himself, but I for one have no time for the bread and circuses that is the ‘Royal’ pantomime. Large viewing numbers there may well be, but the same goes for ‘X Factor’ and the like. Mind you, at least in X Factor the winners get there on merit and the votes of the public.
Phill ought to know that there is a healthy segment of the population who are proud to consider themselves as republicans, including Tory, Liberal & Labour voters. Just as there are SNP and pro-sovereignty voters who favour the monarchy.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
mean spirited was clearly an understatement
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Ron Wilson;
Rather than respond your latest post, I wish you well in any positive aspirations you may have. You have made you feelings known and far be it from me to ram any opposing thoughts down your throat on the Monarchy, Brittish/Scottishness, sovereignty, living in harmony etc, other than to say that in your eyes the majority of the population are either ‘blinkered or confused’ – not!
Im too young to have any grasp of what you mean abou the ‘anglified’ thing and comong from you i would not be inclined to give your recomendation on reading material (Michael Lynch book) any serious contemplation.
I am sure Ken Macoll is well able to speak for himself, being well versed in political matters.
As for yourself all i can say is that your brand of ‘nationalism’ will drive many to the other parties. there are so many important issues facing us all, that your constitutional agenda appears to have put on the backburner by ALL responsible people.
You ‘DO RON RON, but please dont attempt to ‘force’ your opinions in such a disrespecful and dictatorial manner.
Let democracy thrive always, be it in Scotland, Britain, Scandanavia or wherever.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Come on guys….I was seriously enjoying the various threads….’til you seriously went off the subject!!!!!!
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Has anyone read the latest edition of the Argyll Gazette (may have the title wrong it’s under the cat tray now) this the Libdem propaganda organ that tries to look like a proper newspaper. The front page article is hilarious.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Hi Morag,
Please accept my appologies for going off tack a wee bit, its just that sometimes you cant lie down to certain peoples characteristics.
You are right, as there are so many issues affecting us all, not least the forthcoming Council budget, and the schools situation, which off course affects communities greatly.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Phill,
With the greatest respect, you have not addressed the substantive points addressed to you, rather you have gone off on a rant with the sadly pathetic ‘I’m too young to understand the Anglofied thing’. Hey, where’s your curiosity? Start reading, throw the monkey off your shoulders and apply your intellect to the national question.
Gach deagh dhùrachd.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I’m sure it didn’t take the Anglofication of the gentry to make them the bain of this country or any other, we should have guillotined the lot fo them years ago.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Having read the intolerant out pourings from the SNP activist above , I’m beginning to think Councillor Hay has much to recommend her .
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Vive le revolution!
Jeez Splenic, thats a bit vicious! Make them do hard labour – they would hate that more.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Kintyre 1 – the only intolerance that I can see is from folk unable to engage with the issues, just like the people spouting all manner of rubbish behind daft aliases.
For Splenic Vent: I couldn’t agree more – the majestic sounding ‘maiden’ would make short work of the beggers!
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Morag is correct, most of you have gone seriously off the ubject. This was supposed to be about Councillor Alsion Hay and her solicitors letter. Are some folk just trying to avoid discussing that issue in the hope that it will be forgotten about?
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
My apologies for going off track. My problem with Alison Hay is that I just cannot take her seriously. She seems content to be dragged along on the coat-tails of others, happily doing what she is told. I don’t like people who can’t think for themselves – especially politicians.
As far as bringing her lawyer into this, well once again we have entered into the “farce” zone. I’ve seen plenty of Councillors on For Argyll giving answers themselves and standing up to (I believe the council call them) “inaccuracies”. Is she not allowed to do this? Has the gag on council staff been extended to her as well?
When your own local school is threatened with closure and you don’t speak out to defend it – that speaks volumes about the kind of person you are.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Crazy
As I mentioned earlier Cllr Hay has responded to another Cllr in the Helensburgh Advertiser and I very much doubt there has been a letter from a solicitor involved in that debate. So why do people think For Argyll should get legal threat but another Councillor doesn’t? Could it be
1. The Administration are looking to scare For Argyll off as they realise the impact of such a public forum on their popularity?
2. The Administration realise that a legal threat by one Councillor against another would be too debilitating (on that note how are things Cllr Freeman?)
3. Alison Hay acted on her own and scored a massive own goal.
The only one of the three we can eliminate is the third! Alison Hay would not take such an action without being advised by Walsh, Morton, Loudon and probably Reid.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Integ – I wonder if she had her response in the Helensburgh Advertiser checked over by her “advisors” before sending it? I see another trip to Ladbrokes.
I think it fairly obvious that For Argyll has unwittingly found itself recategorised as a school and its on a now infamous hitlist. Freedom of speech is an inconvenient liberty for a council with so many “Bloomers” hanging out at the moment.
However, in the words of Nelson Mandela:
“The day of reckoning between the forces of freedom and those of reaction is not very far off. I have not the slightest doubt that when that day comes truth and justice will prevail.”
I sincerely hope so.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I have to apologise for deflecting the thread of the debate above. My remark about the April wedding was entirely innocent.I was not aware that I had made any sort of criticism of the young couple although I confess to not knowng very much about them; a situation I will seek to maintain against all the odds.
I know my place…………….
Last time I was threatened with a lawyer’s letter George Lyon was involved.
Must be a LibDem thing!!!!
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Alison Hay, Liberal Democrat
Jamie McGrigor, Conservative
Mick Rice, Labour
Michael Russell, SNP
George White, Liberal
So which one of you is going to help us on Tiree stop the Argyll Array…?
or keep the Tiree Eventide home open so that older Tirisdeachs can at least see their last days out with dignity and on their home isle (do you have any concept of what it is to be an islander? )…….council didn’t manage it…they were to busy sc—ing things up on the mainland.
Perhaps the SNP Budget will collapse at Holyrood on Tuesday (8th).
If it were to fall the parliament would very likely be dissolved.
Elections would then be brought forward to March. And Salmond and his other messianic cronies would have lost their legacy!!! The Strategic Energy farce and sell out to the Spanish.
It’s going to be very interesting too see what went on behind the curtains in the meetings with The Crown Estates…prior to the announcement of the remaining 9 leases…just what did the SNP gain??? Tax control maybe?..
Jim Mathers SNP has such a clash of interest in regards to representing the Tirisdeach that he must have burnt out two computers just passing the Argyll Array hot potato backwards and forwards to his ‘departments’.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I feel the islands are very much at a disadvantage now, since the introduction of the multi member ward system. Previously you had a volce locally (Cllr Gillies), who could get information and lobby on the islanders behalf. As things stand, I’ll bet very few people know who their 3 or 4 councillors are, whether on an island or the mainland Argyll. It does nothing for accountability.
Good luck to the Tiree folk in their battle.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
We have the same crazy situation in Kintyre /Islay/Jura sharing councillors when each island and mainland area should have one locally identified councillor .
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
The island of Mull has two locally based councillors at present as a result of the multi-member wards.
Clearly the electorate can operate the system to their advantage of they choose to do so.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Which may say something about the calibre of candidate on the mainland!
I feel there will be more interest in standing for ‘the Council’ next time round, due to the tough times, as people are rightly looking closer at all things, particularly financial. This will be a good thing, as the choice for the electorate will be greater, and prospective candidates will work harder in ensuring their manifetos are up to scratch and not empty promises.
The small matter of money being better for elected members these days (and expenses/responsibility payments) will also assist in opening up the field. There will be changes in council personnel, for sure.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Folk appear to be moving away from the subject matter here.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Appears they’ve moved away, full stop!
Like or Dislike:
0 
0