By George So sad to see historic firm struggle
Last week, we heard the news that WJ & W Langs is set to mothball its long-standing tannery on Seedhill Road after nearly 160 years in operation.
Now, you know me - I’m always first to shout Paisley’s praises from the rooftops – so to hear that one of our historic local businesses is struggling as a result of Covid-19 makes me incredibly upset.
Paisley has an exceptional history in the textile and leather industry, dating back to the 15th century when monks at Paisley Abbey practised the art of tanning as they made leather for their sandals.
The Lang brothers have been in business since the 1800s so, with this rich history, it is important that we protect sites like the tannery – not only for the good of Paisley, but Scotland as a whole.
This news only emphasises how hard these recent months have been on our local businesses and economy, and how vital it is that Scotland has full control over its own finances.
With the UK Government still set to end the lifeline that is the furlough scheme at the end of the month, independence really seems like the only way to protect our economy as years of Tory austerity and shameful cuts are hitting home now more than ever.
Only last week did our Health Secretary announce a staggering package of support to ensure Scotland’s health and social care sector can continue to face the challenges of the ongoing pandemic – highlighting just what a government can do when people, dignity and respect are at the top of the agenda.
I have long been an advocate for the health and social care sector as I’m determined to make sure all of you have access to the best services possible, so I asked Jeanne Freeman how the Scottish Government will continue to make sure our health services can weather the continuing Covid-19 pandemic in Parliament – and I was certainly not disappointed by the response.
A mammoth £ 1.1billion has been set aside to make sure our frontline staff are equipped to handle the winter season and the challenges the change in weather often brings, with over £102million being allocated to the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board and nearly £68m going to our local Health and Social Care Partnership.
As the devastating impact of the UK Government’s decision to withdraw support for jobs in the middle of a pandemic is starting to hit home, the Scottish Government is ramping up funding into our most vital areas and proving just what we’re capable of – and under a very difficult set of circumstances too.
Making sure our social care sector thrives, alongside the NHS, has always been a priority of mine, so I know the further funding for our this sector will be life changing.
While Covid-19 continues to be prevalent within our towns and cities, I don’t think any restrictions have been more genuinely upsetting than those imposed on care homes and visitation.
So, in honour of the International Day of Older Persons last week, I spoke in a debate in the parliamentary chamber on the topic.
I would like to stress here that the government does not underestimate the profound impact coronavirus has had on so many – and that largely includes those who want to visit their loved ones in care homes, as well, of course, the residents themselves, who will undoubtedly be missing visits from family and friends .
So, it is important that each and every one of us remembers what’s at stake here and continues to follow the rules to the letter.
I know many of you will be desperately missing your spouses, partners, siblings, parents and friends right now, but, if we all stay the course and stop the spread of Covid-19, we will be reunited much more quickly and safely – and what a wonderful moment that will be.