AFTER nearly six months at Holyrood, I’m reviewing your concerns, including the impact of price rises and Universal Credit cuts.

Tackling poverty remains my priority, along with addressing the threats to businesses and supermarket shortages; these stem from Boris Johnson’s failure to anticipate the consequences of a reckless Brexit.

Second, climate and environmental threats are affecting everyday life – heating your homes can’t be achieved by turning up the thermostat; that’s unaffordable for most and damaging for the planet.

The recently published Biodiversity Index placed the UK behind other G7 members in the bottom quarter of world countries for its loss of biodiversity – the living environment of water, oxygen, food and other essentials for human life. The UK retains roughly half of its biodiversity and, according to Natural History Museum research, “nature is at the base of our supply chains”: when supply chains break, there’s a crisis and experts warn of “ecological meltdown”.

I am regularly contacted by groups and individuals concerned about East Lothian’s inter-related environmental issues – even preserving local healthcare provision (such as the Edington) can minimise car journeys for accessing treatment. Data provided to MSPs in June showed that Scotland retains 56 per cent of its species, slightly ahead of other UK nations, including England on 47 per cent.

Biodiversity loss stems from the 19th-century Industrial Revolution but, as industrialised Germany’s index is 67 per cent, other factors are also relevant. There’s work to be done, and when COP26 in Glasgow spotlights environmental threats, pioneer ecological thinker John Muir of Dunbar should be celebrated, reminding the world of Scotland’s distinguished contributions to science.

Scots-born David MacMillan won this year’s Nobel Prize for Chemistry and I’ve no doubt that he cheered just as loudly for Scotland’s win against Israel. A heroic defence at Wembley in the Euros was fantastic; the chance of playing in the World Cup is another huge step for the national team.

When the Queen ceremonially inaugurated the new session at Holyrood recently, it was a symbol that in Scotland power rests with the people: all can share their talents to benefit the nation.