News from Nicol Stephen : Entering the campaign's final week

Nicol Stephen, Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, writes :

"We are entering the final phase of the 2007 campaign.

"I am proud that we are fighting a positive campaign. We are focused on the issues people and families care about, campaigning for 100 new local health centres, 100% renewable energy and a massive boost to sport for children to get them active.

"These issues are at the top of the Scottish Liberal Democrats agenda. They head up our policies to shape a bright future for Scotland.

"As we approach polling day, we will be using every opportunity to tell people about why a vote for the Liberal Democrats is a positive vote for change. A vote for the Liberal Democrats is a vote for more local health care, for more investment in excellent education, and for Scotland to be greener.

"In this election, only the Scottish Liberal Democrats are determined to deliver 100 new local health centres. We will build them and staff them, with 2000 extra nurses and 200 extra dentists.

"Only the Scottish Liberal Democrats plan the largest boost for grassroots sport and physical activity for children that Scotland has ever seen. We will improve the health of children with an hour of physical activity each day and 1,000 extra sports coaches to make it happen. We will invest over £100 million in sports facilities and clubs, including new Olympic Swimming Pools in Aberdeen, Inverness and Edinburgh.

"Only the Scottish Liberal Democrats will lead a renewables revolution, with 100% of electricity generated from clean, green sources. We want solar panels, wind turbines and combined heat and power generation in every community and home in Scotland. We want Scotland to be the renewables powerhouse of Europe, tackling climate change and creating thousands of new jobs.

"All of the feedback we are getting from the doorsteps is that our positive policies are winning people's support right across Scotland. Every recent opinion poll has shown the Scottish Liberal Democrats gaining support.

"While Labour and the SNP continue to bicker, over the next few days we will step up our campaign, focusing on family friendly policies that will make a difference to people's lives.

"Our positive approach on the issues that matter - more local healthcare, more investment in young people and a renewable energy revolution - is striking a chord. People are moving to the Scottish Liberal Democrats in ever increasing numbers, because they like what we say and know we can deliver.

With your help and with a final push over the coming week, we can build a bright future for Scotland."