Andy Philip

1 day ago | thecourier.co.uk | Andy Philip

Legalised assisted dying passed its crucial first stage in an emotionally charged 70-56 vote in the Scottish Parliament tonight. The decision shortly after 7pm means Scotland is one step closer to giving terminally ill adults the right to request medical help to end their life. Speakers debating the proposals heard concerns about the long-term impact of such a significant change in society.

1 day ago | pressandjournal.co.uk | Andy Philip

Legalised assisted dying passed its crucial first stage in an emotionally charged 70-56 vote in the Scottish Parliament tonight. The decision shortly after 7pm means Scotland is one step closer to giving terminally ill adults the right to request medical help to end their life. Speakers debating Orkney MSP Liam McArthur’s proposals heard deep concerns about the long-term impact of such a significant change in society.

5 days ago | pressandjournal.co.uk | Andy Philip

A leading Highland doctor says patients used to get a better deal on an NHS which needs urgent action to avoid a downward spiral. Inverness GP Dr Iain Kennedy spoke out after the P&J revealed the findings of a survey across the north and north-east. He says our findings raise alarm about “sleepwalking” into a two-tier service where people spend thousands going private to beat queues.

6 days ago | thecourier.co.uk | Andy Philip

First Minister John Swinney says his own family perspective played a part in his decision to vote against legalising assisted dying in Scotland. He shared his views on Thursday ahead of a landmark vote in the Scottish Parliament which could spell the end for the third attempt to change the law. Mr Swinney, whose wife Elizabeth Quigley has multiple sclerosis, said the latest proposals have been carefully put together and improved.

1 week ago | pressandjournal.co.uk | Andy Philip

An Aberdeenshire councillor quit the troubled Conservative group in protest at nursery closures – and vows to fight them from opposition. Robbie Withey resigned in a letter to leader Gillian Owen and followed it up with a letter to residents in the Huntly, Strathbogie and Howe of Alford area. The closures have shocked parents in the north-east. The council sent letters before the Easter holidays announcing Huntly, Crossroads and Ballogie nurseries are set to close.