LAST week, I had the pleasure of a few additional days in East Lothian to catch up with various constituents, businesses and other organisations.

Among the visits I made were two excellent projects based at Tranent’s Sanderson’s Wynd Primary School – one well established and one very new.

Home-Start East Lothian is a long-standing and much-loved befriending charity. I welcomed the opportunity for another visit and an update on their superb work supporting local families with children under five. They are currently looking for new trustees and volunteers with the relevant skills and experience, so anyone who is interested should get in touch.

I also met with the Fa’side Fridge project and was overwhelmed by the receptive and inclusive atmosphere where the opportunity for a chat, a cup of tea and advice goes such a long way to empower new families. A special thanks goes to one of the volunteers who shared her thoughts on Universal Credit and the challenges she has faced but has also set up a weekly saving scheme for a summer treat for the mums.

This passion for others was also reflected in the Heavy Sound project, which allows young people who might be struggling to share their voice, with a chance, through music, to be themselves. To listen to the knowledge and experience the young people have gained and the confidence this gives them is empowering in its own right.

The work of Sporting Memories was on display at Musselburgh Racecourse with the launch of their racing memorabilia cards, featuring photographs from across racing history, developed in partnership with the charity Racing Welfare. Listening to how the photographs prompted memories for Peter Scudamore, who shared from his book, was a highlight. It was also fascinating to see how memories triggered by the photographs brought history alive for people there. Well done to Chris Wilkins and all at Sporting Memories Network.