First Minister John Swinney visits Banff to back Karen Adam and highlight local priorities
The First Minister John Swinney visited Banff yesterday to support SNP candidate Karen Adam in Banffshire and Buchan Coast, meeting local residents, businesses and community groups as part of the ongoing campaign.
Arriving to a crowd of supporters, the First Minister spent time speaking with people in the town centre, sharing the SNP’s message of hope and optimism for Scotland’s future.
During the visit, Karen Adam took the First Minister to The Vinery, which is currently under threat of closure following the withdrawal of UK Shared Prosperity Fund support. There, they met staff and service users and heard directly about the vital role the organisation plays in supporting people locally.
The visit also included a short canvassing session speaking with residents in Banff, followed by a stop at Petal on the high street to discuss the future of town centres and the importance of local, experience-led businesses.
The Banff visit builds on a series of recent engagements led by Karen Adam, including visits with the First Minister to the St Fergus Gas Terminal and meetings with seafood processors in Buckie and Cullen, highlighting the importance of energy, food and drink, and coastal industries to the local economy.
Commenting, Karen Adam said:
“It was fantastic to welcome the First Minister to Banff and for him to meet so many people who care deeply about their community.
“I was particularly pleased to take him to The Vinery so he could see first hand the difference it makes to people’s lives. It is a much loved local resource, and hearing directly from those who rely on it really underlined just how important it is that we do everything we can to support its future.
“If I am re-elected, I have letters ready to go to the Scottish Government and Aberdeenshire Council on day one, seeking urgent support to help protect The Vinery’s future. I’ll continue working with partners at every level to explore all possible options, and I’m grateful to the community for the strength of feeling and ideas that have already come forward.
“From our high streets to our energy sector and coastal industries, this visit builds on the work I’ve been doing to make sure Banffshire and Buchan Coast is firmly on the national agenda.”