WE’RE drawing to the end of 2021 and I’m pleased we have seen some normality this year compared to the last.

I would like to again thank all our NHS staff and frontline workers. Without the NHS, our banks and our supermarkets, the last two years would have been more difficult, and I am grateful for the continuation of your services. I know it won’t have been easy for you facing new challenges, new variants and adapting to a new way of work in the pandemic but you have done a remarkable job which has not gone unnoticed. Thank you again.

For everyone who has self-isolated, carried out regular testing and continued to follow the guidance, you all deserve a thank you also. Your actions have helped protect the NHS and save lives. I also share the anger of many when you hear of the alleged reports of the Prime Minister and his colleagues blatantly flouting the rules. This level of hypocrisy is a kick in the teeth to us all.

Many of us remember the time when the alleged Downing Street celebrations were held. It was a time when bereaved families were separated from loved ones in their dying moments. My own wife was unable to attend her brother’s funeral.

The Tory Government at Westminster is not one that puts the people first. From flouting rules continuously to scrapping the £20 Universal Credit uplift, leaving the most vulnerable in our society worse off during a pandemic, it is a wholly unacceptable situation.

I look forward to what 2022 has to bring and continue to work on the pandemic recovery – to put the people of Scotland first. This is a chance for us to do things differently and learn from the past. As my constituents, it is important you continue to have your say and have your views represented. I would encourage you to participate in any ongoing Scottish Government consultations – you can access all consultations at consult.gov.scot

For now, I do hope you all have a merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year.