Updates from Holyrood
Alison writes a regular column for local newspapers in the North East to keep residents updated with the latest goings on at Holyrood, and on her work on important issues from around the region. Below you can find a recent column, along with links to those from previous months.
Victims and Witnesses Bill
Being a member of the Scottish Parliament's Justice Committee involves a lot of work on new legislation, covering a huge range of topics. Right now, we are in the middle of taking evidence on the Victims and Witnesses Bill.
This is a major new law that, if it comes into force, should provide extra safeguards for victims and witnesses of crime. It's a really important move - our justice system is there to serve these people, so we need to make sure that we get it right for them.
Key parts of the Bill would see victims have more access to information about their case, give vulnerable victims and witnesses extra rights when attending court, and would introduce a "victim surcharge" that would move some of the financial burden of supporting victims of crime onto offenders.
We've already heard from a wide range of experts on the Bill, and the Committee will soon be considering its report. All being well - and subject to amendments being tabled - the new measures should be in place by next year.
Handling of children's remains
I'm sure you've seen the recent news investigation on how certain council-owned crematoriums have mishandled the ashes of dead babies, and not informed parents. Clearly what has happened is unacceptable, and we need to ensure that it can't happen again.
I'm pleased that the Scottish Government has announced an independent commission to examine the policies and practices that are in place for handling ashes and cremated remains. I know that there will be many here in the North East affected, and I hope that the commission will get them the answers that they deserve.
Local courts
Last week, the government announced that they would be accepting recommendations to close 10 of Scotland's sheriff courts, and a further seven justice of the peace courts. Among those on the list for closure is Stonehaven Sheriff Court - a move that could have a knock-on effect across the North East.
I'm a firm believer that justice best serves communities when it is delivered as locally as possible. That clearly won't be the case if people from Stonehaven and further south have to travel to Aberdeen to attend court.
Worse, the courts in Aberdeen are already extremely busy. But under these plans, they will have to take on even more cases, pushing their capacity to the limit. I'm really worried that this is inevitably going to bring about more delays in cases being heard.
The Justice Committee - and, hopefully, the whole parliament - will get a chance to vote on the plans in the next few months. I am going to be voting to protect our local courts, and I would encourage everyone to get in touch with their other local MSPs to make sure that they do the same.