AS WE COME out of a long winter and into the warmer spring weather, it is great to see that the boats are being returned to Fisherrow Harbour.

It signals the start of a new season and preparations will be well under way for the annual Harbour Festival taking place on Saturday, May 20.

This promises to be another fun-filled family day and if you would like to find out more details on what’s on you can find the Fisherrow Harbour and Seafront Association on Facebook.

I talked about safety in and around the harbour last year and would like to reiterate this again: please do not put yourself, or anyone else, at risk by swimming under or jumping onto boats.

If you become aware of such behaviours, this should be reported to the police on 101.

We are lucky to have such a lovely area and we all need to respect other users and the environment we share, whilst staying safe.

Our coastline in Musselburgh and across East Lothian is a haven for many forms of wildlife, and of particular note are the many and varied seabirds that are now making their way back to us from their winter migration. Many of these are already nesting and must be left alone for their protection and ours.

If you do stumble across any while enjoying the coastline, keep a safe distance and enjoy watching them but please, do not disturb.

In other news, there have been developments with the public inquiry into the plans for the upgrade at Sheriffhall Roundabout.

With the inquiry concluded, we are expecting to see the final report published by the end of June.

My constituents and those who reside in the surrounding areas have been waiting for years for the improvements to start to the roundabout, with commuters also feeling the same frustration.

I maintain that this should not be delayed any further than it needs to be.