The SNP is today welcoming a record rise in employment at the same time as the number of people out of work has continued to fall in Scotland.

Employment increased by 54,000 over the period January to March - the largest quarterly rise since 1992 when the figures began.

Welcoming reports that the MoD have withdrawn their plans to take over 50 acres of land at Scotland’s iconic Cape Wrath for military activity – SNP MSP Rob Gibson said this was a victory for the community who have stood up to the MoD and put forward alternative plans to take over the land for the community.

Rob Gibson MSP said:

Four Scottish universities ranking in the top 100 in a global league table measuring scientific performance has been welco

The Scottish National Party has welcomed the comments by Professor David Blanchflower, a former external member of the Monetary Policy Committee; and James Scott, formerly Executive Director of Scottish Financial Enterprise; on the debate about Scottish independence and the Scottish Government's proposals for a currency union with the rest of the UK following a Yes vote.

The SNP has today praised the police and communities across Scotland in their efforts and cooperation in overcoming drug dealing.

Welcoming the publication Drug Seizures by Scottish Police Forces which shows a 10% rise in seizures 2011-12 from the previous 12 months, Glasgow Kelvin MSP Sandra White, a member of the Justice Committee, said:

Ambitious targets to make Scotland tobacco-free by having less than five per cent of the population smoking by 2034 are being hailed by SNP MSP Stewart Maxwell.

The aim is part of a new tobacco control strategy and includes education programmes to prevent young people from starting to smoke and the introduction of standardised plain packaging.

The SNP is today welcoming a 50 per cent rise in the number of women consulting their doctor for breast cancer symptoms.

The rise in women consulting their GP is complimented by new figures showing patients who are referred for cancer treatment are continuing to be seen within the fastest possible time by the NHS in Scotland. 

Scottish employers value Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) as being important to their business and are keen to continue offering and increase opportunities for young people. So says the results of a Skills Development Scotland survey published today (Tuesday) which is being welcomed by the SNP.
 
SNP MSP George Adam, who is a member of the Education and Culture Committee, said: