A Week in Parliament

Holidays and Travel

I have just returned from a holiday within Scotland. We are lucky to own a (15-year-old) motorhome and so did what we like to do – holiday within Scotland. For the most part, the weather was great. The scenery, beaches and coastlines saw off both the east coast and west coast were picture book stunning. It was great to have some downtime, although of course emails always accessible! It is good to be reminded what is on our doorstep. It is also a stark realisation that the tourism industry which creates so many jobs will take a while to recover. An expansion of the internal market is vital to make up for the shortfall in foreign tourists coming here.

On a separate holiday note, I feel sorry for those who travelled in good faith to countries such as France only to be “caught out” by the change in quarantine guidance. This is why Nicola Sturgeon in particular has stressed that booking foreign travel carries risks as restrictions may be applied at any time in reaction to covid-19 spikes in other countries. It also shows how the ravel industry and airline will struggle for a while yet as more uncertainty is created. Be sure to check all terms and conditions when making any travel plans.

Douglas Ross

After being made Scottish leader of the Tories, Douglas Ross missed a VJ commemoration ceremony in his constituency so he could be linesman at the Killie St Johnstone match. A poor error of judgement and I am sure all Killie fans would agree that with my sentiment that I wished he stayed away! An elected politician is rightly expected to turn up at community events. I don’t have a problem with him having a paid linesman “hobby” over and above his MP role as it will keep him fit and healthy, physically as well as mentally. However, it should not come to the detriment of his MP role. I make no secret of my support for Killie and attend as many matches as I can, but a few years ago, I forewent the trip to Easter Road, when Kris Boyd scored to ensure we were not relegated. This was because I had an engagement as a local councillor in Galston. That match will seem trivial to many, but it was huge for Killie fans. I will always try my best to honour commitments. Interesting that Douglas Ross wants to be MP, leader of the Scottish Tories and an MSP all while combining linesman duties. He may be issuing many more apologies!

UK Internal Market

Both Food Standards Scotland and the National Farmers Union of Scotland have issued warnings of the risks to food standards. They reference the quality aspects of Scotland’s foods due to the UK Government having the ability to set the rules on an “internal UK market’. This is the reality of what SNP politicians have called a power grab by Westminster and why we will fight for Scotland’s markets to be protected and not undermined in a race to the bottom.