Serving as a Dunbar councillor, I saw the county change as new-build housing from coast to countryside meant growing towns and villages welcomed incoming families.

As elsewhere in Scotland, however, the county also experiences housing problems ranging from homelessness to high rents in the private sector, with a shortage of both affordable homes and long-term rentals.

At Holyrood, the focus is on governing well to deliver prioritised solutions; for example, co-operating with local councils and the construction industry to deliver 110,000 affordable homes across Scotland by 2032.

Since 2007, the Scottish Government has provided over 118,000 affordable homes, 83,000 for social rent, but soaring interest rates – outside Holyrood’s control – are now a key factor.

The annual Scottish House Condition Survey examines how far housing meets adequate maintenance standards, and the latest statistics found that 91 per cent of properties were free from damp and condensation issues; only one per cent suffered extensive disrepair.

My goal now is to eradicate the last pockets of poor-quality housing, an aim that will benefit both mental and physical health, drive economic growth and promote social justice.

Often overlooked, but valuable, is the enhancement of the county’s housing stock by homeowners themselves, as well as the efforts of amenity groups, all vital in keeping the county attractive for residents and visitors.

Tackling inequalities strengthens communities and produces change and last weekend saw change unfolding in Northern Ireland.

Eleven years after the Queen shook hands with Martin McGuinness, Sinn Féin is the largest party both in local government and at Stormont. Like Scotland, Northern Ireland rejected Brexit but suffers its consequences and, as Mhairi Black MP argued, “the only thing more deluded than Tory defence of Brexit is the Labour party’s support of it”.

Many in East Lothian who wanted to keep Scotland in the EU rejected independence in 2014 and feel betrayed by Brexit.

East Lothian’s views reflect those across Scotland, where 21st-century children are eager for a new European Scotland.

Older generations can support our future teachers, doctors, nurses, carers, researchers and other highly skilled workers in fulfilling these ambitions.