AS WE CONTINUE to move through Phase 3 of our route map, we are also continuing to understand more about coronavirus itself.

We began with tentative steps but are now beginning to see more confidence return in our everyday lives, none more so than in the return of our young people to schools.

This week sees the introduction of mandatory face coverings in secondary schools, by adults and all pupils moving around the school. The updated guidance also advises that face coverings should be worn on dedicated school transport by all children aged five and over. I would like to emphasise how encouraged I have been by the positive way in which this has been accepted by the vast majority of our learners.

I would emphasise we must still stay safe and alert. This virus has not yet run its course.

Continuing on the schools theme, I am delighted to announce that I will again be holding my annual Christmas card competition for primary school children from the Midlothian North and Musselburgh constituencies for a chance to have their design displayed on my Christmas card this year

The judging will take place on November 16 by independent judges and the theme for the competition will be friends and community.

You may be aware that over last couple of years I have been contacted regularly by constituents who are having problems with their Musselburgh medical practice, Riverside. Regrettably, these concerns have become more persistent and, most recently, have been around the practice’s telephony service and the very real challenges patients encounter in simply getting through to the surgery.

I remain very frustrated at the poor progress being made to address the varying problems. I am still heavily involved in trying to make headway with these improvements and would urge any patient experiencing problems to get in touch with the practice, preferably in writing, so that they have a clear illustration of the difficulties patients are dealing with.