FROM my father, a hospital porter in Forfar, and my mother, a crofter’s daughter, I learned the values of integrity, fairness and justice.

Like many Scots, I was driven to work outside Scotland. Following my successful career in finance, I returned to Scotland and settled in Dalkeith. My values motivated me to stand for election as councillor and then as an MSP. By my commitment to supporting education, training, and employment, I believe we can work towards a fairer and more equitable society.

Protecting Scotland’s public services against privatisation is very important to me – most particularly the NHS, which we all value so highly.

The misguided and ill-considered austerity programme being imposed on Scotland must be resisted and, where possible, mitigated. The less well-off in our society should not be forced to pay for Tory cuts.

My professional skills have proved valuable in serving constituents and moving Midlothian’s tremendous potential forward.

The majority of my time is devoted to addressing constituents’ needs and concerns. Throughout the past five years, I have dealt with the consequences of the recession and the brutal Tory austerity programme. I have argued with HMRC on behalf of constituents with cash flow and VAT problems and I have used my financial skills to help negotiate with banks to stop businesses closing.

I have worked with the energy minister to promote geothermal energy, which provides a ‘green’ alternative for our homes and businesses – potentially making use of our flooded mines as a source of energy. At his request, I set up a working group to evaluate the viability of this.

Over recent years, I’ve spoken at several events against the introduction of fracking in our constituency and I am absolutely opposed to its use in our crowded and fragile environment.

I have spoken out about infrastructure. As we build much-needed homes, the infrastructure is not keeping up. Schools, doctors’ surgeries, drainage and other utilities are overloaded. Community facilities are inadequate. This situation must be better recognised and addressed – soon.

I support the refurbishment of the Musselburgh Town Hall; a great asset which needs to be upgraded and brought into more active community use.

I forced East Lothian Council, through Freedom of Information, to release the report on the potential flooding of the Esk and its possible impact on Musselburgh. I’m pursuing this diligently.

The continued high levels of pollution on Musselburgh High Street emanate from slow-moving heavy traffic. Trucks and buses seem to be the greatest offenders. Better traffic management would help reduce the impact of these vehicles.

Fisherrow Harbour could be a great tourist attraction, if improvements were undertaken, helping to boost the local economy. I will support any such initiative.

Free education is guaranteed under an SNP Government. The ability to learn and not the ability to pay is crucial. More than 500 schools have been rebuilt or refurbished since 2007.

Around 100,000 small businesses saved £618 million in 2015/16 due to the Small Business Bonus Scheme, where business rates are rebated and small businesses supported. Scotland’s productivity increased from 92.7 per cent of UK levels to 97.7 per cent in 2013. Our exports increased by 40 per cent between 2007 and 2013 (from £20 billion to £27.9 billion) – a stark contrast to the dismal UK performance.The above is only a snapshot. Much work remains to be done both locally and nationally. The Tory budget cuts are savage but there is much that can be achieved in spite of this. I am optimistic about our future.