| LBA becomes Linlithgow Broadcasting Association |
| January 20 2010 15:33:32 |
Brian Taylor’s Big Debate – or should that be Big Brian Taylor’s Debate? Whatever the nomenclature, the BBC Scotland political correspondent brought his weekly radio show to West Lothian, hosted at West Lothian College in Livingston, last Friday (15 January). Joining the robust and rotund reckoner of political rhetoric was a panel of five leading speakers from Scottish contemporary life. SNP MSP Angela Constance and Labour MP Michael Connarty fulfilled the political connections; the chief executive of Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Ron Hewitt represented a business perspective; while Andy Walker, the vice principal of Heriot Watt University and Joy Hendry who published the literary magazine Chapmans took their seats for the gown and town voices. Of course, we were there. The Linlithgow Business Association was invited along as informed members of the select audience. Chairman David Tait and treasurer Jim Hay took a listening brief, while Simon Walton strode purposefully up to the microphone to air his succinct question “Is Stephen Hestor worth five hundred … of me?”
Committee member Simon was of course alluding to his lack of earning potential, and the figure, widely reported, of almost ten million pounds, being the pay and bonus package offered to the chief executive of RBS Group. As the bankrupt bank is almost three-quarters owned by the taxpayer, some say the figure makes Mr Hestor the best paid public servant in history. Whatever the validity of that statement, the question certainly encouraged some lively debate, the whole purpose of the programme.
The rest of the programme took a swath of opinion on matters as wide ranging as the crisis and natural disaster in Haiti, and the prospects for carers in Scotland. The latter topic was brought up by a written question from Westminster Parliamentary Candidate Tam Smith, who queries the attendance allowance scheme. His question highlighted the legislative differences between Westminster benefits and Holyrood health care, and gave the largely young audience a strong opportunity to voice their own understanding of the need to respect the contribution of all members of Scottish society – no matter what their age or active status. Kate Hoper, producer of the very popular Radio Scotland show, said afterwards she was delighted with the broadcast, and the contribution of the audience. In thanking the LBA contingent, she said the programme would be back, and welcomed ideas for venues. The invitation did not fall on deaf ears, and Linlithgow may soon find the true political heavyweight of Brian Taylor striding down the High Street.
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