Perth FM News - 14th Dec 09

Whisky figures show global growth

New figures have shown that more than 807 million bottles of Whisky were shipped abroad during the first nine months of 2009. Local MP Gordon Banks has welcomed the news for the Perthshire area, noting that Global shipments grew by 1.5 percent compared to 2008. The whisky industry is important to Scotland and to the Perthshire area, whether through production or the distillery tourist attractions. The figures, published by the Scotch Whisky Association has shown that the industry remains confident of future growth as international conditions improve.

New initiative launched for over 50s

People living in Perth and Kinross aged 50 and over are being asked to come forward with bright ideas to help improve the lives of older people in the area. An initiative has been launched today called Age Unlimited, which aims at tackling the issue of social isolation in the elderly. Launched by NESTA, (The National Endowment for Science Technology and the Arts, the initiative will give successful applicants support and funding of up to 10 thousand pounds to develop their idea into a live community project. The population in Scotland is predicted to age considerably between now and 2031 and the volume of the country's ageing society is placing increasing demands on areas such as health and care services.

Government invests 1 million in MacMillan

The Scottish Government has invested over 1 million pounds in a pilot expansion scheme of MacMillan Cancer Support's financial advice services. The money means Macmillan are able to offer advice in all of Scotland's five cancer centres and has also helped projects in Tayside for people affected by dementia, stroke and COPD. Perth and Kinross housing and health concener, Councillor Peter Barrett believes the help is extremely valuable for those affected who may not know what benefits they are entitled to. The cost of having these conditions can run into thousands of pounds and money worries can heap on added stress.