Gibson nominated for award

Caithness, Sutherland and Ross SNP MSP Rob Gibson has been shortlisted in the Politician of the Year category of the Nature of Scotland awards.

The awards, which are run by the RSPB, will be announced on the 1st March next year.

Mr Gibson, who is also the convener of the Rural Affairs, Environment and Climate Change committee said that he was delighted.

Rob has been shortlisted with cabinet secretary for Rural Affairs and Environment,Richard Lochhead, and Labour MSP Sarah Boyack.

Mr Gibson took the opportunity to reiterate the importance of peatlands in Scotland.

"I am delighted and honoured at being shortlisted for such a prestigious award. Environmental issues have been a strong guiding principles for me in my political philosophy, even before it became fashionable. The role of convener in the environment committee is one I greatly enjoy as it helps shape rural policies which are so vital to the country.

"An issue which I have been closely involved in with the RSPB (and others) is raising the understanding of the role that peatlands play in the world environment. These areas are critically important to the future of the planet in terms of climate change. They act as natural carbon stores which lock away large amounts of carbon dioxide. I will continue my work with the Scottish Government and the partners of the IUCN to make sure that more are restored.

"I hope that the UNESCO world heritage status can be conferred on the Flow Country in Caithness and Sutherland, which has been described as the Northern hemisphere’s amazon rain forest such is its importance. World heritage status would be a good way to recognise how vital peatlands are to all our futures.

"I am proud to be part of a governing party that has implemented world leading climate change policy. It is very much one of our touchstone issues and will continue to be so."