I HOPE that you have been able to enjoy the summer weather.

The Scottish Parliament is currently in recess for summer, so I have been conducting street surgeries to hear from residents about the issues affecting them.

After a successful surgery in Aberlady, a number of residents raised concerns about worrying levels of pollution at Aberlady Bay.

I am currently in contact with Scottish Water and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency on this and will be pressing them for a resolution.

I have also held surgeries in Macmerry, Gladsmuir and North Berwick, and have recently opened my office in Haddington, where I will hold weekly surgeries.

I will also soon be speaking to representatives of Lothian Buses to discuss issues across the bus network.

This includes concerns raised to me about the recently reinstated X5 service. Many residents are worried about the lack of provision for commuters working in the West End of Edinburgh to get into work by 9am. I understand there are also concerns about a lack of stops compared to before the pandemic. Constituents have also been in touch to inform me that across the bus network, many buses have been cancelled without notice, which has caused chaos for those attending events and commuting into work.

If you have any concerns, please get in touch at craig.hoy.msp@parliament.scot and I will raise these during my meeting with Lothian Buses at the end of August.

I also recently attended the Scottish Young Carer Festival, where I met young carers from East Lothian.

The work of young carers is often overlooked and they often struggle with competing demands; however, they have my sincere thanks for their dedicated contribution, and I hope to be able to work to provide them with more support.