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Daily Record
3 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Record
Save Loch Lomond campaign protests at Scottish Parliament over 'shameful' Flamingo Land plan
Ross Greer said the Flamingo Land development would be a "scar" on the Loch Lomond landscape if it is allowed to go ahead. Protesters have gathered at Holyrood to demand the SNP Government overturns a decision to allow a "mega resort" to be built on the banks of Loch Lomond. Ross Greer said today it was "shameful" that Nationalist ministers have so far refused to overturn a decision by its officials to give the green light to Flamingo Land to construct a £40m tourist destination close to Balloch town centre. The long-running planning application was initially rejected by the Loch Lomond National Park authority in September last year after thousands of public objections were received. But that decision was overturned by the Scottish Government Reporter, subject to a legal agreement between Flamingo Land and park bosses. Flanked by protesters outside the Scottish Parliament, the Green MSP said: "There are simply no reasons to accept this application. It would be a scar on the natural landscape of Loch Lomond, it would be devastating for the local community, and for 10 years we have successfully made that case. "For 10 years, we have built our movement to protect Loch Lomond. At every step of the way we were succesful because the argument and the evidence were on our side. "And now, at the very end of this process, we have a Government official overturning local democracy, overturning a decision made on an incredible weight of evidence against the application. "We now have ministers of a Scottish Government that claims to stand up for Scotland deciding that, in this case, they simply will not do so, they will allow this destructive mega resort to go ahead. "We say, absolutely not. We can still save Loch Lomond, Government ministers still have the opportunity to recall and reject that decision." He added: "Appallingly, when I asked the Scottish Government planning minister if they would do that, they emphatically said no. Absolutely shameful. Scottish Government ministers not willing to stand up for Scotland's world famous natural environment." Greer, who has led protests against the development, called on SNP ministers to intervene on the matter - following a precedent established in 2008 when Trump was permitted to build a golf course in Aberdeenshire despite being initially refused permission by the local council. Flamingo Land have attempted to gain planning permission for their resort at Balloch for the past decade, with their first application failing in 2019. Their latest bid was unanimously rejected by the board of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park at a public hearing in September of last year. This followed a campaign led by Ross Greer which collected over 155,000 individual objections to the plans, as well as objections from the National Trust for Scotland, Woodland Trust, Scottish Environment Protection Agency, the local community council and the Park's own expert planning officers. Flamingo Land lodged an appeal against this decision shortly before Christmas, seeking to have the rejection overturned by the Scottish Government and secure consent for their plans, which include two hotels, a waterpark, over 370 car parking spaces, a hundred woodland lodges, monorail, and more. Jim Paterson, development director for Lomond Banks, previously described the planning victory a "real milestone moment for the Lomond Banks vision, and has been a long time in the making". He added: "Our proposals have been informed by more than two years of positive engagement with the local community and key stakeholders. "At the heart of our plans is a commitment to sustainable investment, local jobs, and a long-term partnership with the area, backed by our legally binding Lomond Promise to ensure the future prosperity of Balloch and beyond."
India Gazette
4 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to visit Goa for 2 days from May 29
New Delhi [India], May 28 (ANI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Goa for a two-days scheduled from May 29 to May 30. During his visit, the Defence Minister will interact with the Indian Navy personnel. Earlier in the day, Singh paid tribute to Vinayak Damodar Savarkar on his birth anniversary. Rajnath Singh termed Veer Savarkar as a 'great revolutionary' and 'thinker'. He asserted that Savarkar's 'indomitable courage' and 'dedication' to the nation are exemplary to the countrymen. 'On the birth anniversary of the great revolutionary and thinker Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, I remember and salute him with reverence. His indomitable courage, dedication to the nation and his contribution to the Indian freedom struggle are inspiring. His thoughtfulness and patriotism are exemplary for the countrymen', Rajnath Singh's 'X' post said. Meanwhile, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant hailed Veer Savarkar on his birth anniversary and considered him a 'fearless revolutionary, fiery nationalist and visionary' leader. 'On the birth anniversary of Shri Vinayak Damodar Savarkar proudly hailed as Veer Savarkar, I salute the fearless revolutionary, fiery nationalist & visionary who lit the spark of independence & selfless sacrifice in India's freedom movement', Pramod Sawant posted on his 'X' Damodar Savarkar, popularly known as Veer Savarkar, was born on May 28, 1883, in Nashik. Savarkar was a freedom fighter, politician, lawyer, and writer and was popularly known for coining the term 'Hindutva'. Savarkar was also a leading figure in the 'Hindu Mahasabha.' Savarkar started participating in the freedom movement while still a high school student and continued doing so while attending Fergusson College in Pune. He was greatly influenced by the Nationalist leader, Lokmanya Tilak. He got active with groups like India House and the Free India Society while studying law in the United Kingdom. He also published books that promoted revolutionary methods for achieving total Indian independence. The British colonial authorities outlawed one of his works, 'The Indian War of Independence', which was about the 1857 'Sepoy Mutiny' or the First War of Independence. (ANI)
India Gazette
4 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
His sacrifice and courage will guide in creation of developed India: PM Modi pays tribute to Veer Savarkar on his birth anniversary
New Delhi [India], May 28 (ANI): Paying tribute to Vinayak Damodar Savarkar on his birth anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called him 'a true son of Mother India'. Hailing Veer Savarkar's contribution to India's freedom movement, PM Modi said the nation will not forget his indomitable courage and struggle. He said that Savarkar's sacrifice and dedication for the country will continue to guide the creation of a developed India. 'Respectful tributes to Veer Savarkar ji, a true son of Mother India, on his birth anniversary. Even the harshest tortures of the foreign government could not shake his devotion towards the motherland. The grateful nation can never forget the saga of his indomitable courage and struggle in the freedom movement. His sacrifice and dedication for the country will continue to be a guide in the creation of a developed India', PM Modi wrote in his 'X' post. Other than PM Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah also paid his tribute to Veer Savarkar on the occasion of his birth anniversary. In his 'X' post, Amit Shah believed that Veer Savarkar devoted his whole life towards freeing the Indian society from the 'scourge of untouchability and binding it in a strong thread of unity.' 'Swatantryaveer Savarkar ji, who crossed the pinnacle of courage and restraint for the freedom of the motherland, made an unforgettable contribution in making national interest an all-India consciousness. Savarkar ji, who made the freedom struggle of 1857 historic with his writings, could not be shaken by the harsh tortures of the British. On his birth anniversary, on behalf of the grateful nation, we offer our heartfelt tributes to Veer Savarkar Ji, who devoted his whole life to freeing the Indian society from the scourge of untouchability and binding it in a strong thread of unity', the 'X' post said. Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, popularly known as Veer Savarkar, was born on May 28, 1883, in Nashik. Savarkar was a freedom fighter, politician, lawyer, and writer and was popularly known for coining the term 'Hindutva'. Savarkar was also a leading figure in the 'Hindu Mahasabha.' Savarkar started participating in the freedom movement while still a high school student and continued doing so while attending Fergusson College in Pune. He was greatly influenced by the Nationalist leader, Lokmanya Tilak. He got active with groups like India House and the Free India Society while studying law in the United Kingdom. He also published books that promoted revolutionary methods for achieving total Indian independence. The British colonial authorities outlawed one of his works, 'The Indian War of Independence', which was about the 1857 'Sepoy Mutiny' or the First War of Independence. (ANI)
India Gazette
5 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh pays tribute to Veer Savarkar on his birth anniversary
New Delhi [India], May 28 (ANI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday paid tribute to Vinayak Damodar Savarkar on his birth anniversary. Rajnath Singh termed Veer Savarkar as a 'great revolutionary' and 'thinker'. He asserted that Savarkar's 'indomitable courage' and 'dedication' to the nation are exemplary to the countrymen. 'On the birth anniversary of the great revolutionary and thinker Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, I remember and salute him with reverence. His indomitable courage, dedication to the nation and his contribution to the Indian freedom struggle are inspiring. His thoughtfulness and patriotism are exemplary for the countrymen', Rajnath Singh's 'X' post said. Meanwhile, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant hailed Veer Savarkar on his birth anniversary and considered him a 'fearless revolutionary, fiery nationalist and visionary' leader. 'On the birth anniversary of Shri Vinayak Damodar Savarkar proudly hailed as Veer Savarkar, I salute the fearless revolutionary, fiery nationalist & visionary who lit the spark of independence & selfless sacrifice in India's freedom movement', Pramod Sawant posted on his 'X' handle. Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, popularly known as Veer Savarkar, was born on May 28, 1883, in Nashik. Savarkar was a freedom fighter, politician, lawyer, and writer and was popularly known for coining the term 'Hindutva'. Savarkar was also a leading figure in the 'Hindu Mahasabha.' Savarkar started participating in the freedom movement while still a high school student and continued doing so while attending Fergusson College in Pune. He was greatly influenced by the Nationalist leader, Lokmanya Tilak. He got active with groups like India House and the Free India Society while studying law in the United Kingdom. He also published books that promoted revolutionary methods for achieving total Indian independence. The British colonial authorities outlawed one of his works, 'The Indian War of Independence', which was about the 1857 'Sepoy Mutiny' or the First War of Independence. (ANI)
Daily Record
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
Scottish Labour figures fear third place in Hamilton by-election as Reform surge harms Anas Sarwar
Labour insiders say Reform are eating into their vote as they try to capture the seat from the SNP. Senior Scottish Labour figures fear they will slump to third behind Reform UK in the crunch Holyrood by-election in Hamilton. Sources said they expect the SNP to hold the seat and worry Farage's right wing party could run Labour close for second place. Labour are trying to overturn a 4,582 Nationalist majority in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse after the death of the SNP 's Christina McKelvie. But controversial decisions by the UK Government like cutting winter fuel payments have hit Labour's poll rating in Scotland. Farage's Reform are also surging across the UK, with polls predicting they could secure over a dozen MSPs at the Holyrood election. Insiders on the Labour campaign have painted a gloomy picture of the by-election and claim Prime Minister Keir Starmer is unpopular on the doors. Multiple sources said support for Reform in the seat is strong and worry the anti-immigration party could come second ahead of Labour. A senior Labour source said: 'It would be foolish to deny Reform UK could overtake Scottish Labour in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse and there is no doubt this is a possibility. 'Unlike the SNP, Anas Sarwar is rightly listening to people's concerns about immigration." Another source predicted it would be 'tight' between Labour and Reform in the battle for second place. However, another insider said the party data from the doorsteps looked positive and the race was 'neck and neck' between Labour and the SNP. Scottish Labour's social media strategy has also been adjusted to combat the threat of Reform, with one post claiming a vote for Farage's party lets the SNP in 'through the back door'. It comes after the SNP won a council by-election in West Dunbartonshire, with Reform UK pushing Labour into third. Kevin Crawford came first in the Clydebank Waterfront ward after the resignation of the SNP incumbent. Elections expert Allan Faulds from the Ballot Box Scotland website said: 'Completely and utterly disastrous outcome for Labour here.' A recent opinion poll also found Reform UK in line to win more seats than Labour at the next Holyrood election. A Scottish Labour spokesman said 'The Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election is a straight choice between Scottish Labour and the SNP. We can see the consequences of SNP failure in communities right across Scotland – from the chaos in our NHS to the sorry state of our high streets to the rising levels of violence in our schools. 'Every single vote for Reform or the Tories in this by-election is a gift to the SNP and gives them the chance to continue their record of failure. Only Davy Russell and Scottish Labour can turn the page on SNP incompetence and deliver the new direction Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse needs.'
