Martin Whitfield

PARLIAMENTARY recesses are always a good time to catch up on some of the many positive things happening locally.

NEW Scottish Government statistics published last week show that the number of children in Scotland living in poverty has barely changed in the last year.

FOLLOWING last week’s UK Government budget, we have now had two underwhelming Budgets from two failing Governments.

EAST Lothian is rightly renowned for the excellence of the food and drink made by local producers.

HAVING a place to live and call your own is a basic human right which most of us take for granted. However, for ever-growing numbers of people in Scotland, this right is far from reality.

LAST month’s chaotic Scottish Budget will leave ordinary Scots paying more and getting less in return.

WHILE for most of us the festive period is a chance to have a proper break and spend some special time with our loved ones, many people will continue to do their jobs over the holiday.

A NEW report commissioned by the Scottish Government has found that violence and bad behaviour in Scotland’s schools is rising significantly, with more pupils and school staff increasingly facing aggression.

I was as disappointed as anyone to learn that there are currently insufficient funds to pay for the repairs needed to reopen the Loch Centre swimming pool. It is a vital resource for the health and well-being of the local community and re-opening the pool must be a priority.

THE Scottish Government’s lack of clarity on its approach to the Covid-19 inquiries is becoming more alarming by the day.