GP blasts MSP over housing project
A GP has hit out at the SNP’s former health minister Alex Neil for supporting plans to build thousands of houses on green belt land.
Dr David Walker accused Nei l of “Trump- l i ke grandiosity” in his backing of the EuroPark development off the M8 in Lanarkshire.
The medic, of Airdrie Community Health Centre, said: “As a local GP, I was surprised and saddened to read MSP Alex Neil ’s derogator y comments regarding those attempting to preserve the green belt site.
“The health and social benef its of such natural capital are well recognised and far outweigh the Trump-like grandiosity of Mr Neil’s rather speculative projections.
“The proposal to allow the destruction of green space is quite contrary to his own party’s view on the health of our nation.”
The Sunday Mail last week revealed that Rangers and Scotland legend Graeme Souness, 64, has a major stake in Orchard Brae, the firm behind plans to build a new community on the sprawling site between Calderbank and Carnbroe.
It is fronted by ex-bankrupt Scott Gillespie, 43, and has been met with local opposition. Another investor is transport tycoon Ann Gloag.
Nei l wa n t s Nor t h Lanarkshire to give the green light as it will boost jobs and investment but local Labour and Conservative MSPs oppose the plans.