ANOTHER WAY IS POSSIBLE. DIRECTOR OF THE COMMON WEAL ROBIN MCALPINE SPEAKS TO A PACKED DROUTHY COBBL

Society is broken and it is up to us to fix it was the message delivered to a packed drouthy cobbler by Robin McAlpine at their most recent meeting. The meeting, arranged by The Common

Weals Moray members was the first of what is intended to be a series of meetings to discuss alternative proposals for how we can shape society using the powers that the Scottish Parliament has and should be receiving in the very near future.

Mr McAlpine discussed a broad range of ideas and possibililites that had been pulled together and published in the Common Weals "Little Book of Ideas", these ranged from ideas such as a National Investment Bank that would provide loans to small and medium sized business to help support those that provide most potential for growth and high quality job production to proposals for new ways to link local suppliers of high quality goods with local markets.

Responding to questions from the audience McAlpine addressed issues relating to food waste at large supermarkets the way social housing is built and funded and the importance of allowing children to learn by play during their developmental years.

Following the lengthy debate and discussion members posted thanks to the group on the Facebook page describing the talk as inspiring and thought provoking. Common Weal Moray intends to bring more speakers over the coming months to discuss issues such as land reform, social housing, currency options and the EU. The next event that the group are planning on hosting is entitled "The Politics of Food" and will feature local MSP Richard Lochhead who will

speak about his role as cabinet secretary with responsibility for food and how we can embrace a culture of using local suppliers where possible.