John Thurso MP

After a long campaign, local MP John Thurso has now received confirmation from the Identity and Passport Service that a Video Interview Service will shortly be available in the new Highland Council Service point in Wick.

First time passport applicants who are very often young people are required to undergo an interview before they can receive their passport. Currently there are only interview services in Inverness and Lochinver but due to demand there many people have been forced to travel as far afield as Dundee and Edinburgh a round trip of 500 to 600 miles.

Far North MP John Thurso has welcomed measures announced in the Queen's speech (8^th May) to offer pensioners a fairer deal and to support small businesses across the Far North.

The speech outlined the Government's plans to introduce a fair flat rate state pension that will benefit thousands of Far North pensioners, ending the complex and confusing provision of state pensions at the moment and offering security in retirement. The change will particularly benefit parents who have taken time off work to care for their children. This is in addition to the 'triple lock', championed by the Liberal Democrats and introduced in 2010, which has ensured a record rise in the state pension of £12.50 a week since then. The triple lock will continue to safeguard an increase in the state pension in line with earnings, inflation or 2.5% - whichever is higher.

Local MP John Thurso is encouraging local schools to get involved in the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games by signing up for the educational opportunities available through the Game On Scotland educational programme.

To kick off the programme Game On Scotland is offering school pupils the opportunity to showcase their artistic talents by creating Games inspired artwork for the Athletes Village.