News Updates
Below are some collected stories of the work I have been doing here in the Bothwell and Uddingston ward, work at the South Lanarkshire Council, and matters of national and international importance that may be relevant for members of these communities.
FAQ: Uddingston Shinty / Porterwell Playing Fields
Over the past few months, I have received a number of enquiries by email and on social media regarding the possible future Community Asset Transfer of Porterswell playing fields to Uddingston Shinty Club. Many of these enquiries had recurring questions, so I thought it would be good to create this Frequently Asked Questions post to answer these points. To get answers to these questions, I attended the Shinty Club’s consultation event in Bothwell Community Hub on 29th July. 🗓️ What: Another consultation event When: 26th August, 6:30-8.30pmWhere: Uddingston Grammar School. I highly recommend you attend if you have any interest…
Proposed Whistleberry Development
I was between two campaign sessions, so I popped up to the Blantyre Miners Welfare to attend the consultation on the proposed housing development on Whistleberry Road. The site sits awkwardly between the Blantyre, Bothwell & Uddingston, and Hamilton North & East wards. I suspect it will be of most concern to those who live directly on the Clyde in Bothwell. I am limited as a member of the Planning Committee on what I can say publicly for or against the proposal but thought it best to attend and listen on behalf of my constituents.
The FM in Uddingston and Endorsing Steven Bonnar
I am endorsing Steven Bonnar for Uddingston and Bellshill MSP at the Holyrood elections on May 7th. Stevie is a true local guy and was the first person to welcome me into the constituency branch when I returned to Lanarkshire. He has represented this area on North Lanarkshire Council and in Westminster. Let’s add Holyrood to that list! Over the past few days, I have been especially active in getting out the vote, including leading a team of South Lanarkshire SNP councillors campaigning in our ward around the Porterswell area (above) and welcoming First Minister John Swinney to the constituency…
Defibrillators in G71
Thank you to everyone who’s contacted me about the defibrillator situation. I’m well aware of the problem. My position is clear: My constituents have donated money in good faith to install these life-saving devices, they must remain in place. I don’t believe there’s anything the council can directly control or enforce regarding this matter. But I will not remain silent. I will write to the charity regulator (OSCR) and will liaise with relevant council officers. (Same video available on Facebook)
Uddingston and Bothwell Post Offices
🏦 With so many bank branches closing (including here in the ward), Post Offices are a vital service for access to cash. ✉️ You can withdraw or deposit cash and cheques for most UK bank accounts at Uddingston and Bothwell Post Offices Monday to Saturday. 📋 You can also handle some DVLA and Passport Office applications — and you can even send a letter or parcel.
Remembering Christina McKelvie
It was devastating to hear this morning that Christina McKelvie MSP had passed away. She was an absolute gem. Even when I was just some wee guy in the party, she always made every interaction feel like a real conversation, not the usual political patter. My thoughts are with Keith, Jack and Lewis.
Free Under-16 Swimming
💷 I’m proud to been involved in creating the 2026/27 South Lanarkshire Council budget that was co-presented by the SNP. 🏊♀️ One of the great investments in that budget is a quarter of a million pounds to South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture to enable free swimming for all under-16s from April 1st. 😁 Swimming is great for both mental and physical health and becoming confident in the water could save a child’s life one day. 🍼 I look forward to making good use of this initiative after my own wee one is born in the summer. 🔗 More info in…
PASSED! Co-Presented Budget ’26
Since the 2022 Council Elections, where the SNP was returned as the largest party in South Lanarkshire (both in terms of vote share and councillors elected), we have been clear in the belief that there was a democratic deficit created by the pact between Labour, the Lib Dems, the Tories, and some independent members. Every year since, we have produced an Alternative Budget for South Lanarkshire, wholly demonstrating our priorities, principles, and the decisions we would have made if we were in Administration. This year, due to political changes within South Lanarkshire and beyond, we were in a position to…
Another Local Bank Closure
🛑 The Bank of Scotland in Bellshill is closing. ❌ When they closed Uddingston BoS, they used Bellshill branch as part of the justification as to why Uddingston didn’t need banking services. 🥀 I’m calling on the local Labour MPs to do the right thing and save the Bellshill branch and/or facilitate an Uddingston banking hub. See also:
Citizen, Not Subject
It was a sweltering day to rally for a republic on Calton Hill in Edinburgh today. Scotland’s tradition of popular sovereignty is much older than the Windsor family’s rule of these islands. A modern, free, democratic nation deserves an elected head of state that represents, and is answerable to, all of us. Our Republic (Scottish organisation)Republic (UK organisation)
SNP Alternative Budget 2025
For the third year in a row, as the largest party returned at the 2022 South Lanarkshire Council elections, the SNP Group today presented an Alternative Budget to that of the coalition Administration. Also for the third year in a row, Labour teamed-up with the Tories, Lib Dems, and independents to vote against the expressed wishes of the electorate. Our Alternative Budget focused on keeping council tax as low as possible, avoiding cuts to services and providing additional investment in key areas. We were able to work constructively with Cllr Robb of the Scottish Greens and we’ve incorporated many of…
A New Flag for Bothwell
Last month, I attended the unveiling of the new Bothwell Flag. I very much support this new flag. Civic symbols are great for creating a sense of community. Municipalities across Europe and North America really identify with their local symbols such as arms and flags — and display them prominently. This flag is hopefully something all the people, companies, institutions and elected representatives of Bothwell can get behind. Four finalists were shortlisted by representatives from Bothwell Community Council, Bothwell Futures, Bothwell Parish Church, Bothwell Scarecrow Fest, the Lanarkshire Lieutenancy, the Flag Institute, St Bride’s & Bothwell primary schools and the…
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Election‑related material is published and promoted, unless otherwise stated, by Cal Johnston‑Dempsey on behalf of himself, the Scottish National Party, and/or the relevant candidate; all c/o 3 Jackson’s Entry, Edinburgh, EH8 8JP. All costs associated with this site have been met personally, with no public funds.