AS A SUPPORTER of devolution and Scotland remaining part of the UK, I believe we are best served when both of our Parliaments and all levels of government work together in the interests of our communities.

By coming together to make all levels of government work more collaboratively, we can deliver improvements to services and facilities in East Lothian.

That’s why I am sceptical about the SNP’s divisive politics, which seek to set parliaments and people against each other. But I am confident there are other routes.

Only last week, I welcomed the UK Government’s commitment to award over £4 million to East Lothian Council to work with communities to help spread opportunities and level-up.

The money will be delivered through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and deliver new infrastructure, support for local business and developing skills and numeracy programmes.

Ahead of next month’s council elections, I am encouraging all candidates to pledge to put forward every possible bid for Levelling Up and Community Renewal funds to the UK Government if elected. I am pleased that my Scottish Conservative colleagues have already made this pledge.

The SNP have so far refused to work with the UK Government to deliver level-up funding to our local communities during this cost of living crisis, and Labour have described it as “very small beer”. That’s why electing a team of Conservative councillors in East Lothian will give our local area the best shot at securing more levelling-up grants.

We have already seen £190 million-plus invested in Scotland through UK Government funds and there is much more to come. The Levelling Up and Community Renewal funds have the potential to boost the county economy, deliver jobs and rejuvenate communities.