MOST of our schools study the Scottish Parliament in P6 or P7 and many come into the Parliament for a tour.

Holyrood has an excellent education department, staffed by trained teachers, to introduce youngsters to the Parliament and how it works. I will be invited to come and answer children’s questions, or follow up with a visit to the school later. I really enjoy these visits.

Last week I was in Dunbar Primary answering questions from P7, who had recently visited Parliament. As always, the interest and engagement of the pupils – and their searching questions – made it all great fun.

Dunbar always combine my visit with their ‘World of Work’ project, which sees lots of visitors talk to pupils about their jobs. This year they had heard from a marine biologist, police officer, hairdresser, vet and me.

When pupils ask me what my job actually IS, I usually say that I do three things on behalf of East Lothian. Firstly, I help make Scotland’s laws (although the Scottish Government hasn’t been bringing much forward in the way of legislation). Secondly, I help decide how resources are divided between various priorities like education, the NHS, police and fire service etc.

Thirdly, though, I try to help individual constituents with any problems they bring to me. For this, my local office, and the staff based there, are critical. For 10 years that office has been in Tranent High Street, and we pride ourselves on the service it provides.

However, Parliament has changed its rules about office rentals, and so we are on the move. I have my sights set on another office on Tranent High Street, but it will not be ready for some time.

So, in the meantime my local office will be at Prestongrange House, Royal Musselburgh Golf Course, Prestonpans. The phone number is 01875 818415, or email me on iain.gray.msp@parliament.scot