A SUDDEN and unexpected resignation from Jackson Carlaw last week has left the Scottish Conservatives without a clear leader in the run up to the Holyrood Elections next year.

It cannot be reassuring for the Scottish Tories that their leader has only been in the position since February and has now left the party in disarray.

It is clear the party do not hold Scottish Parliament seats in a high regard, given that it is looking likely that the next leader will be Douglas Ross, who is not even currently an MSP.

Scottish Parliament seats require a member who is willing to commit time and effort to their constituency, they are not simply a stepping stone for jumping into a leadership bid.

If you compare the Tories’ leadership with that of Nicola Sturgeon over the last few months, with her clear and consistent messaging throughout the Covid-19 crisis, it is easy to see why polls for the SNP and independence are through the roof.

I know that many are looking forward to enjoying the Eat Out to Help Out scheme, which will offer discounts of up to 50 per cent at restaurants and cafés throughout August.

I welcome this help for local businesses, and I am sure that this will benefit them in their restarts following lockdown.

I would like to stress, however, that guidelines should always be followed within these establishments.

That means that you should be socially distancing from those who are not from your household or extended household, and you should maintain good hygiene by regularly washing your hands for 20 seconds, as well as not touching your face.

To keep yourself safe, it is important to use businesses that are taking these measures seriously and putting safety precautions in place to protect their customers.

This week I will be hosting the first meeting of the Esk River Improvement Group.

I look forward to working with them to make progress towards cleaning up the Esk.