THIS morning, as the pink light hit the clouds over the Firth of Forth and the golden mist rolled in off the Lammermuirs, East Lothian’s beauty took my breath away.

This land has a way of drawing you in, comforting you, making you feel whole, and we are so lucky to be living on it.

Too often, the land around us is little more than a backdrop to the clunky, day-to-day world of work or getting the messages. But taking a step on to Belhaven Beach or negotiating around the wild ponies on Traprain Law has a way of connecting you to the land and making the everyday fade away.

Sadly, the pressures on that countryside will only increase. Population growth with new homes springing up across the county and our position on the doorstep of Scotland’s capital mean that our beaches, hills and woods will see higher footfall and need greater care.

It’s lucky, then, that East Lothian is home to one of the best Countryside Ranger Services in the country (and winner of the East Lothian Courier Award).

They ensure that wildlife is protected, that we are all able to access and enjoy the countryside and that our impact is never too great.

What’s more, the service is supported by a huge team of volunteers across the county. Last year, local people gave 10,000 hours of time cleaning up beaches, monitoring wildlife populations and restoring public paths.

Later this month, East Lothian Council will vote on the budget for the coming year, determining the future of the funding for this vital service. Times are incredibly tough for local councils across Scotland, with cuts passed down from an austerity-driven Westminster Government and too little responsibility placed on the shoulders of those with the most wealth and income here in Scotland.

As a Green, I have always fought against cuts, particularly to local services. That’s why I was so pleased to see my Green colleagues in the Scottish Parliament secure an extra £3million for East Lothian in negotiations over the Scottish budget last week.

Whilst there will still be some cuts to come, we have an opportunity now to protect vital local services. Let’s remember the land on which we live and to support those who work so hard to protect it.