I just wanted to say how sorry I was to have missed the march which I would have been pleased to have taken part in.

I spent 23rd and 24th April in Aberdeen at the SNP Spring conference. I believe Fiona Hyslop has already advised you but I was very pleased to be given the opportunity to introduce and speak to the only emergency resolution of the conference. Fiona Hyslop (SNP Shadow Education Minister) and Christine Grahame MSP strongly supported me.

The purpose of the resolution was to send a message of support from the conference as a whole to the campaigners in Midlothian on the day on which the march would take place. I hope that message was well received.

What became clear at conference is that across Scotland our activists are finding the same story. Labour/Liberal Democrat policy is to close and consolidate rural schools into urban schools and to introduce PPP. Only in SNP controlled areas in the North and East of Scotland is this not happening with community structures being strengthened, despite central government opposition, and community trusts set up.

I sincerely hope that the able campaigning which has taken place will have a positive result in Midlothian at least. You have certainly caused Labour and their Liberal Democrat colleagues to pause in the destruction which they are engaged in.

Best wishes from all in Midlothian SNP.

Colin Beattie
SNP Midlothian Spokesperson