WITH over two million Scots now vaccinated, including myself, it’s disappointing there’s going to be a slow down as supply reduces. But come back it will and I can testify that it doesn’t hurt and it’s a great relief. Moreover, the health team delivering it were impressive in both care and speed.

I’ve had the AstraZeneca vaccine; there was no option but I’m fine with that. I understand the concerns of some but both the World Health Organization and other medical councils have confirmed its safety and benefit. So I urge all to take up the vaccine offer when it comes.

In Parliament and in my constituency mailbag, policing and crime have been to the fore.

I voted against the Policing Bill in Parliament. Much, thankfully, doesn’t apply to Scotland but its thrust and powers are draconian and repressive.

There’s a threat from terrorism but this legislation isn’t geared at protecting us from that. Rather it’s pillorying minorities and damaging the necessity of maintaining policing by consent. Far from improving policing, it’s reducing public trust.

There have been issues here, especially with youth disorder, that I’ve previously commented on. Action does need taken but much is about efforts by others than the police.

But crime isn’t restricted to urban areas but affects rural communities. It’s as necessary to protect farmers and country dwellers from misbehaviour and targeting as it is in towns. There’s enough challenges through Brexit without inflicting more.

Some is just ignorance by those who don’t understand the countryside.

It’s good to get out and enjoy the great outdoors, and I do that regularly. But it needs respected. Lambing season is approaching so keep dogs on leads or under control, and whether driving or walking, take care.

More worryingly, there’s been targeting of farms for theft and threats to workers, along with illegal dumping. That’s frightening for individuals and damaging to us all. The dumping can be on a huge scale and the thefts and threats are extremely serious.

So, in the country, let’s be careful about our own behaviour and keep an eye out for those acting suspiciously.