I HAVE been a strong supporter of Small Business Saturday UK since it started in 2013. Originating in the US, the campaign centres around the first Saturday in December and promotes small businesses across the UK in the crucial period running up to Christmas.

Some of East Lothian’s small businesses have featured in the campaign over the years as part of its Small Biz 100, where it showcases one business a day for 100 days leading up to Small Business Saturday.

This year, with so many businesses having suffered such a difficult time through the pandemic, Small Business Saturday is more important than ever. I hope that people will decide to shop local this year and help our retailers and other businesses to recover from the impact of lockdown and the public health restrictions they have faced with a bumper festive period.

Find out more at smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com

As the recovery from the pandemic gathers pace, Scotland’s colleges will have a crucial part to play. This is in the spotlight this week thanks to the #LoveScotlandsColleges campaign run by the College Development Network. The campaign has been highlighting the importance of the sector all week, with nearly one million students in Scotland’s colleges already studying as part of their occupation, upskilling and learning the skills to progress and enhance their career.

In a time of uncertainty and significant changes in the economic landscape, colleges are there for those who need extra help.

However, the college sector has suffered in recent years, with significant funding cuts resulting in 120,000 fewer college places now being available.

These cuts should now be reversed and proper recognition given to the role of colleges as we move into the recovery phase.