Latest news with #FifeCouncil
The Courier
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Courier
Tributes as Fife 'working class hero' and Unite Scotland chairman John Gillespie dies at 57
John Gillespie, a leading light in Fife's trade union movement and chairman of Unite Scotland, is being remembered as a 'class warrior, campaigner and great comrade' following his death aged 57. The working class hero, of Leslie, who was a stalwart fighter for the union members he represented on Fife Council, was a formidable grassroots activist. He was regarded as a 'trade unionist to his fingertips'. His passing on May 22, with his family by his side, has led to an outpouring of tributes from across the Scottish trade union movement, Labour Party and wider left-wing political landscape. Leading the tributes, Derek Thomson, Unite Scottish secretary described John as a 'wholly unpretentious' man who treated everyone with the same dignity and respect. He told The Courier: 'John was a humble man fiercely proud of his Fife roots. 'His great skill was in finding solutions to difficult issues our union faced but it was always done with a sense of purpose and humility. 'He brought a sense of calm irrespective of the occasion other than when accompanied by his infamous mic and boom box. But there was so much more to John than that public persona. 'Inside Unite, John was very much the go to person to help in difficult situations. He was a unifier and believed fully that the union and its members should come first above any personal or political aspirations. 'He was at heart a grassroots activist. The energy and humour he brought to the negotiating table, picket lines or demonstration on behalf of working people was unique.' Tribute also came from Glenrothes and Mid Fife Labour MP Richard Baker. He said: 'When it came to fighting for those less fortunate, John was always at the forefront, encouraging and inspiring people to stand against injustice and make the world a fairer and better place. 'We've lost a true working-class hero – but John's legacy will live on.' Mid Scotland & Fife Labour MSP Alex Rowley, who is also a former leader of Fife Council, added: 'John was an incredible man who was dedicated to fighting for the rights of working people, the right to have a job, the right for decent pay, terms and conditions. 'No matter the issue, John's approach was always calm, considered but forensic. That is what made him such a brilliant trade union negotiator who was respected throughout the trade union movement. 'He was a real socialist who understood the importance of community and fairness for all. For me personally, it was a privilege to be able to call John my friend.' John Gillespie was born on Saturday August 12 1967, the second child of Betty and John. He was raised in Kirktoun Park, Ballingry, alongside his brother Conn and sister Rosemarie. He was educated at St Kenneth's RC Primary School and St Columba's RC High School. John began an apprenticeship as a slater with the local council, a trade he would dedicate much of his working life to. In 1987, fate intervened when John met the love of his life, Frewine, in the West End Bar as he was picking up his brother. Their connection was immediate and grew steadily, leading to their marriage on September 4 1992 in Kirkcaldy. The couple's joy multiplied in 1994 with the birth of their twin boys, John and Robert. John embraced fatherhood with open arms, pouring his heart into raising his sons. He adored his family and took great pride in being a hands-on dad. He loved taking his boys to football matches and spending quality time with them. His devotion to his family often saw him acting as the reliable taxi driver. He always ensured everyone got home safely after a night out or a family gathering, even if it meant a late drive for him. He also extended his warmth and thoughtfulness to his wider family. When his nieces and nephews came round, John made sure there were always plenty of sweets and pizza waiting. He loved seeing everyone together. John's love for his family knew no bounds. He was overjoyed with the arrival of his grandchildren Theo in 2023 and Brodie in 2025. He absolutely thrived in his role as a grandad. Theo, in particular, was his little shadow, a true grandad's boy. John was endlessly proud of both grandsons and celebrated their every achievement, no matter how small, with a beaming smile and boundless enthusiasm. Professionally, John spent many years as a slater with the council. However, his growing discontent with how trade workers were treated led him down a new path. Fuelled by pursuit of justice, he became a trade union shop steward, driven to advocate for fair treatment, respect, and equality in the workplace. John's passion for workers' rights only grew stronger over time. His confidence and dedication propelled him to become the chairperson of Unite Scotland. Watching John in action, whether at a union meeting or standing alongside his colleagues, made it clear that he was a man of deep conviction, devoted, principled, and steadfast. Whether as a husband, father, grandfather, or trade unionist, John brought warmth, strength, and unwavering love to everything he did. Mike Arnott, secretary, Dundee Trades Union Council said: 'John was a great character and resolute campaigner. It has been an honour to serve with him on the STUC General Council. 'John was a stalwart fighter for the union members he represented on Fife Council, for his community and for progressive causes, both nationally and internationally. 'He always brought his natural warmth and humour to even the most fraught situations. 'Seeing him at your side on a march or rally gave you added resolve but also made you smile.' The STUC described John as a 'formidable grassroots activist and a trade unionist to his fingertips', adding: 'He acted as a source of strength and guidance to many in our movement. Our condolences and thoughts are with his loved ones. Rest in power, John.' John is survived by his mum Elizabeth, wife Frewine, sons John and Robert and grand children Theo and Brodie. A funeral service is being held at Leslie Cemetery on Wednesday June 11 at 10.30 am, preceded by his 'final march' from his home in Leslie. Red colours are to be worn to honour John and his work with Fife Trades Union Council.
The Courier
2 days ago
- Business
- The Courier
Lessons will be learned from Dunfermline roadworks chaos ahead of next major project
Fife Council has pledged to learn lessons from last year's Dunfermline roadworks chaos before the next phase begins. Work to install traffic lights at Bothwell Roundabout provoked anger when it started a day earlier than planned last summer. Frustrated drivers then reported half-hour queues and businesses complained of thousands of pounds in lost takings as people avoided the area. The lights, along with a second set at the city's Pitreavie Roundabout, were just the first phase of a major transport plan for Dunfermline. More than 8,000 new houses, including 2,000 affordable homes, are planned over the next 20 or 30 years. And new roads, infrastructure and active travel routes will all need to be in place. New primary and secondary schools are also planned. The Edinburgh City Deal awarded the council more than £16 million to help pay for the work. And officers are now preparing to apply for the second round of funding. This will allow for the upgrade of the King's Road/Admiralty Road roundabout. It will also pay for a new bridge at Halbeath, the first significant portion of a northern link road. Dunfermline area convener Derek Glen said the funding would be very welcome. However, he asked: 'What lessons can be learned and put into practice for the successful delivery of phase two?' The SNP councillor cited ongoing public concern about Bothwell Roundabout, including over safety. He also raised the timing and duration of the works and the impact on businesses. 'Are we able to articulate any benefits to residents?' he asked. Development manager Kevin Treadwell said a 'lessons learned exercise' will be carried out. Key hotspots will be identified and addressed in the next phase of roadworks. 'The first one that went in was the Pitreavie Roundabout signalisation,' he said. 'That was specifically to address traffic queuing onto the motorway.' Mr Treadwell said it is too early to say if the works at Pitreavie and Bothwell have been effective but they will be monitored. Meanwhile, Labour councillor Altany Craik added: 'We need to be much better at communicating with people and telling them what's coming. 'We need to explain the benefits and explain what's going to happen and what it's going to feel like. 'The northern link road is a key element in the development of Dunfermline.'
The Courier
3 days ago
- Business
- The Courier
New council sheltered housing planned in Dunfermline as progress made on another city site
A new council sheltered housing complex is planned for Dunfermline. Fife Council has signed an agreement with Campion Homes for 40 sheltered homes on empty land between Evershed Drive and Aberdour Road. Work on the £9.23 million development, next to Canmore Primary School, is expected to begin in July with a completion date of summer 2027. There will be a mix of one and two-bedroom flats, including 13 wheelchair properties. Funding has come from the Scottish Government's Affordable Housing Grant and Fife Council's Housing Revenue Account capital budget. Councillor Judy Hamilton, housing spokesperson, said: 'I'm delighted that in the face of a housing emergency, we are continuing to deliver our ambitious affordable housing programme, one of the country's largest social house-building programmes, while the pressure on housing services continues to be relentlessly high.' Meanwhile, Fife Council says it expects work on 45 new homes at Bellyeoman to be completed by summer 2027. It comes after the local authority appointed CCG (Scotland) Ltd the contract to complete the work, which was halted when previous contractor First Endeavour LLP went into receivership in March 2024. CCG (Scotland) Ltd has also been given the contract to finish 51 new homes at New Flockhouse in Lochore, while Clark Contracts Ltd has taken on the contract for 72 new homes at Lochgelly Road in Lumphinnans, as part of the same project. Work on all these sites is expected to resume in June.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
£1 million secured for redevelopment of historic Town House
Fife Council has successfully secured £1 million from the Scottish Government's Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF) to support the "ambitious" redevelopment of Cowdenbeath's historic Town House. The funding marks a major milestone in the journey to breathe new life into the C-listed building -which has been closed since 2016 - and transform it into a sustainable and vibrant community and enterprise hub. Working in partnership with BRAG Enterprises, the council's vision is to repurpose the landmark building into a training and co-working enterprise space, alongside a welcoming social hub for the community. The project also seeks to celebrate Cowdenbeath's rich heritage, showcasing local artefacts and telling the story of its mining past and community activism. As a key part of the area's Local Community Plan, Fife Council said the redevelopment will boost access to employment, training, health and wellbeing services, while preserving an iconic part of the town's identity. READ MORE: First foot passenger fare approved for 'lifeline' ferry route Council to launch free Gaelic language courses for locals Emergency public meeting called over Flamingo Land decision Cllr Linda Erskine, Spokesperson for Communities said: "This is fantastic news for the town and a big step forward in helping us realise the community's vision for Cowdenbeath Town House. The building is steeped in local history and this project will ensure it continues to play a central role in the life of the town – now and for generations to come." Fife firm BRAG Enterprises will lead on delivering the project. Brian Robertson-Fern from BRAG added: "BRAG are delighted to be involved in finding a new future for this iconic local building. The building is part of the built and intangible heritage of Cowdenbeath and it has overseen the people who have lived and worked in the town for many years now. To local people it's also been a rallying point for where people could make their views known and it's a look back to the time when Cowdenbeath was once described as like the Chicago of Scotland. "We will aim to deliver a range of new services from this new space along with providing affordable and accessible enterprise space and community spaces alike. We also want it to showcase local heritage and history to influence the next generation. It will be a place for the people that celebrates Cowdenbeath and its people, creating new opportunities for all."
The Courier
4 days ago
- General
- The Courier
Find out your Fife school's attendance rate as more than 1 in 3 children 'persistently absent'
With more than 1 in 3 schoolchildren 'persistently absent', improving attendance is a priority for Fife schools. Absence has increased over the last decade and the number of children missing at least 10% of their school days has soared since Covid. In this analysis of Fife schools' attendance, we detail the attendance rate of every primary and secondary school. You can find your local school in our table at the bottom of this article. We also look at the downward trend in attendance at Fife primary and secondary schools, mirroring the picture nationwide. And we examine the escalation in recent years of persistent absence – pupils with less than 90% attendance. Finally we ask what is being done to tackle this issue. Overall, attendance has fallen at Fife schools over the last decade. There was a slight improvement in primary schools last year. Attendance for the last full academic year – 2023/24 – was 87.2% at secondary schools and 91.5% in primary schools. The secondary schools with the poorest attendance are: Primary schools with the lowest attendance are: Absence includes sickness, family holidays, being on a part-time timetable, truancy and temporary exclusion. Since schools closed during Covid lockdowns persistent absence has rocketed. That is where an individual pupil misses 10% or more of the school year, equivalent to at least 19 days or a day each fortnight. Attainment and achievement is affected when pupils' attendance falls below 90%, according to Education Scotland. Poor attendance is also linked with poorer peer relationships, poorer employment opportunities and emotional and behavioural difficulties. An investigation by Education Scotland in 2023 amid 'system-wide concern' found pupils living in poverty, with additional support needs or from Gypsy and traveller communities were more likely to miss school. In Fife 34.2% of pupils were deemed persistently absent during 2023/24. We asked Fife Council what is being done by its education service and schools to improve Fife schools attendance. Donald Macleod, director for education, said: 'Across Fife, schools monitor attendance so that they can intervene early, providing support as needed from either within the school or in partnership with external agencies. 'When a young person isn't attending school, we need to understand why that's happening and good relationships are key to being able to support them and their family. 'This helps us to work out what supports and strategies need to be put in place to help them get back to attending school. 'There's no 'one size fits all' solution. The approaches we take are all underpinned by Scottish Government guidance and best practice nationally. 'Schools and, where necessary, social work and health partners use creative approaches to promote and support positive attendance.'
