Jim Hume MSP, Liberal Democrat Transport spokesperson, has hit out at the Scottish Government for breaking its promise to take Scotland's rail franchise into public ownership.

The Rail 2014 - Public Consultation report from Transport Scotland has revealed that this plan was never feasible.

For the first time in a Scottish Government document, there is an admission that constitutional uncertainty is making it difficult to plan for the long term.

Jim Hume, Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP for South Scotland and Rural Affairs spokesperson, has questioned the Scottish Government's approach to agri-environment schemes after answers to parliamentary questions revealed the funding for a successful scheme was cut despite demand still being high.

The Scottish Government has cut the agri-environment budget by 28.1% but has always maintained that any cuts would be "demand led."

Jim Hume MSP, Scottish Liberal Democrat Rural Affairs spokesperson, has once again called on the Scottish Government to publish what it believes the read rate will have to be to meet new rules governing sheep EID.

After months of saying that farmers and crofters will not have to be 100% compliant, the Government has yet to come forward with any firm facts on the issue.

Commenting as figures reveal that house prices in some areas of rural Scotland have doubled, Scottish Liberal Democrat Housing spokesperson Jim Hume MSP said:

"It is getting more and more difficult for first time buyers to get on the rural housing ladder. Rural areas need affordable housing like all other parts of the country, but these new figures could mean that people are being priced out of their local area.

Scottish Liberal Democrat Rural Affairs spokesperson Jim Hume urged the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Richard Lochhead to support Scotland's farmers and reverse the damaging 19.3% cut in real terms to the Payments and Inspections Administration budget, outlined in the Scottish Government's spending review, during questions to the Cabinet Secretary today.

Commenting on the news that Borders Rail link will now be delivered by Network rail and Transport Scotland, Scottish Liberal Democrat Transport spokesperson and MSP for the South of Scotland Jim Hume said:

"After months and months of speculation, dodge and delay, the Transport Secretary has finally come clean on who will deliver the long awaited Borders Rail link.

In his keynote speech to the Liberal Democrat Conference, Party Leader and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has outlined his goals for the Government and the country over the coming years. He reiterated his commitment to liberal values on the environment and human rights and his determination to ensure a fair chance for every child, saying "every child can do good things, great things, if only we give them the opportunities they deserve."

On 5th May you have a choice. You can keep the discredited First Past the Post system to elect our MPs, or you can choose a new and fairer system - Alternative Vote (AV). Back the campaign for change at www.YesToFairerVotes.org

AV is a small change that makes a big difference.

Saying YES! to Fairer Votes Means:

Jim Hume, Liberal Democrat MSP for the South of Scotland, has echoed warnings of Scottish Liberal Democrat Leader Leader Tavish Scott that a single centralised police force for Scotland would draw police away from local communities right across the South of Scotland for major events.

The MSP made the comments following the Scottish League Cup Final weekend.

Jim Hume, Liberal Democrat MSP for the South of Scotland, has welcomed news that Ofgem has told energy firms that they must offer simpler tariffs to help consumers compare prices.

Jim Hume said:

"This is a welcome announcement from Ofgem. I am pleased that Ofgem have acknowledged that the way energy companies charge consumers has become extremely complicated and for the most part unmanageable.

Jim Hume, Liberal Democrat MSP for the South of Scotland, has this week warned that the crisis in Libya makes UK Budget fuel tax help all the more necessary.

Calling for decisive action in Wednesday's Budget, Jim Hume said:

"The crippling cost of fuel is hitting families, individuals and every business across the South of Scotland where cars are a necessity, not a luxury.

Jim Hume, Liberal Democrat MSP for the South of Scotland, has welcomed today's news that the controversial offshore wind farm proposal at Wigtown Bay has been dropped.

The MSP had earlier written to the Energy Minister asking for the plans to be halted.

Mr Hume said:

"I am pleased that this proposed will not go ahead. This is a victory for local campaigners who have fought hard to oppose the development.

Jim Hume, Liberal Democrat MSP for the South of Scotland, is calling on QinetiQ to reverse its decision to close West Freugh.

Earlier this week, the MSP called on the Scottish Government to do all it can to support employees of the site if the closure goes ahead.

Mr Hume said:

"I understand there are a number of agencies such as the UK Space Agency and European Space Agency which are in need of services provided by ground stations like West Freugh and could be potential clients in future.

Jim Hume, Liberal Democrat MSP for the South of Scotland, has commented on views of representatives from the agriculture industry who have said that vaccinating animals against foot and mouth disease and then returning them to the food chain could be a viable choice.

The comments were made at conference in Edinburgh which was held to look at how further outbreaks of foot and mouth could be handled in the UK.

Jim Hume, Liberal Democrat MSP for the South of Scotland, has condemned the SNP government's record on human trafficking following a report by the Children's Commissioner which reveals that at least 80 children have been trafficked into Scotland without any prosecutions.

Mr Hume's region covers the ports of Cairnryan and Stranraer where the authorities have detected human trafficking, however no prosecutions have been made. Earlier in the month, the MSP tackled the Justice Secretary during a debate on the subject.

Jim Hume, Liberal Democrat MSP for the South of Scotland, has today welcomed news that Scotland's share of the animal health and welfare budget is to be devolved.

The MSP tabled a successful amendment arguing for such a move during a Scottish Parliament debate on the Scudamore report on 2^nd October 2008.

Jim Hume, Liberal Democrat MSP for the South of Scotland, today celebrated the history of the cooperatives movement which was thought to have been founded by Fenwick weavers 250 years ago.

The event took place at Fenwick Church and was organized by the Fenwick Weavers' Cooperative.

Mr Hume said:

"The story of the Fenwick weavers is an inspirational one and even 250 years on, the principles of cooperative and joint working have been applied to many modern day projects.

Jim Hume, Liberal Democrat MSP for the South of Scotland, has expressed his disappointment at the proposed loss of 10 employees from the West Freugh Ground Station in Wigtonwshire.

Mr Hume said:

"The news that ten employees from Thorn SDS are to lose their jobs will come as a hammer blow to the staff concerned and their families. I understand that the West Freugh Ground Station has capabilities unrivalled by similar stations and it will obviously be a blow to Wigtownshire to potentially lose people with such technical skills.

Jim Hume, Liberal Democrat MSP for the South of Scotland, has commented on the announcement made by John Swinney that Transport Scotland's operating companies will carry out repair work on potholes.

Jim Hume said:

"The road network is an extremely important economic asset to the South of Scotland because of its rurality and the lack of trains in some parts, and must be properly maintained and supported.

Jim Hume, Liberal Democrat MSP for the South of Scotland, has today called the SNP's policing plans flawed and has urged the Scottish Government to go back to the drawing board.

Jim Hume said:

"I am more and more convinced that the true needs of the public and Scottish policing are being ignored in this very narrow, politically driven, so called consultation on a single police force.