Several members of the local party attended the leadership election hustings on 9 August.  These meetings were in Glasgow and Edinburgh, to be followed by similar events in Aberdeen and Inverness.  The three candidates,  Ross Finnie, Tavish Scott and Mike Rumbles addressed the meeting, and were then questioned by those attending on a broad spectrum of matters.  What is clear from the meeting is that whoever takes over the leadership will be both vocal and constructive in establishing the scottish kiberal democrats as the real alternative in Scotland.

Scottish Lib Dem Leader visits West Lothian

Nicol Stephen praised the work of the group, and outlined Lib Dem policy on the environment, adding:

“Lib Dem policy on the environment has been acknowledged by The Green Standard, an alliance of the UK’s leading environmental groups, as the “greenest” of all of the mainstream parties.Climate change is the biggest challenge facing our generation. Sustainable development must run through everything we do. I am determined that Scotland takes a leading role in tackling this global challenge.”

Kevin McPhillips, convenor of West Lothian Lib Dems, who had earlier in the year called for the people of Linlithgow to get together on a non-partisan basis to make Linlithgow a carbon neutral town added:

“I’m delighted that we are actively involved in LCC’s work, which has great potential for example to other towns. As it grows, it will demonstrate to local and national government that there is a public appetite for action on this matter.In the absence of determination from the government, people are taking the initiative themselves.The governments in Holyrood and Westminster need to become aware of this soon."

Westminster general election

Despite local organisational challenges at last year’s elections, Lib Dem membership and support is growing once again, according to Kevin McPhillips:

“I was also very encouraged by the reception we have been getting recently.We are expanding our membership in Linlithgow, with other parts of West Lothian and Falkirk being targeted next.Given the growth in our vote at the last two general elections, and that the SNP vote has peaked, we will mount a formidable challenge to Labour when Gordon Brown calls the next general election. This will become a target seat.”

“We will be selecting our prospective parliamentary candidates after the summer, so they will have a good run up to the election, and beyond

Growth

Nicol Stephen was equally positive about the party’s growth in West Lothian, adding:

“We were in a similar position in Aberdeen some years back, but through the dedication and commitment of local activists, we have 3 MPs and MSPs, and are the largest group on the city council.Edinburgh is another example of our success – with a combination of hard work and good candidates, support will grow in West Lothian.”

Open Meeting in Linlithgow

Our open meeting in Linlithgow Burgh Halls on climate change was a great success, well attended by members of local action groups, and other parties. Guest speakers were Dr Dave Reay, of Edinburgh University, author of "Climate Change begins at home", and Hugh O'Donnell MSP. Convenor Kevin McPhillips called for Linlithgow to become a carbon neutral town, and supporters are actively campaigning on this issue in Linlithgow, Livingston, Falkirk & Bathgate.