Video: Brexit impact on Scottish farmers
/The Business Secretary could not tell me one Scottish farming sector or seafood producer that is happy with the Brexit deal. Because, apparently, that is not her job.
Armed Forces Day 2023
/Last week I was honoured to attend East Ayrshire Council flag-raising event at London Road HQ.
Always a pleasure to speak to the veterans at these events.
It is imperative we pay tribute to all the service men and women, past and present, for their dedication and sacrifice.
Constituent visit to Westminster
/Delighted to meet my constituent Ewan Carmichael in Westminster yesterday.
Ewan is a very enthusiastic young person who has a great interest in politics.
I am glad he was able to take in PMQs and also see me "in action" in the Chamber, posing a question to the Scottish Secretary.
Great to hear he enjoyed the experience - best of luck with uni in September!
George Leslie Tribute
/An honour to attend the celebration of the life of George Leslie.
"Larger than life" seemed to be a recurring theme.
I am well aware that people like myself getting elected is due to the hard work of folk like George. A lifelong campaigner. An engaging personality. A singer. A quoter of poetry. And a man that liked a wee* dram.
Some tremendous eulogies that paid justice to a life well lived.
Stewarton Bonnet Guild
/Great pre match build up yesterday...firstly in Darvel for the Darvelo cycling event and town square cafe...Great to see the use of "The Corner in Darvel. A fantastic space.
Next up was Stewarton Bonnet Guild Gala - their 90th one!
Brilliant parade as always and great stalls including local businesses such as lumiescents_candles .
Well done to all - two fantastic vibrant communities.
Darvel Corner
/Great pre-match build-up yesterday...firstly in Darvel for the Darvelo cycling event and town square cafe...Great to see the use of "The Corner” in Darvel. A fantastic space.
Next up was Stewarton Bonnet Guild Gala - their 90th one!
Brilliant parade as always and great stalls including local businesses such as lumiescents_candles .
Well done to all - two fantastic vibrant communities.
Visit: Ayrshire Food Hub
/Yesterday, I had a fantastic visit and pop-up surgery at Ayrshire Food Hub - Crossroads Community Hub.
It was a pleasure to meet Hub Manager Lauren Clark and hear about the recent changes and her vital role. Tracy, the gardener, kindly gave me a tour of the outdoor area and I was impressed by the progress they've made. They're growing an abundance of strawberries, rhubarb, and various vegetables for the kitchen and classes.
It was great to hear that the Hub is now producing its own food for the freezer section, alongside the other local producers they support.
The café was bustling with activity, offering a delightful range of delicious options and mouth-watering home baking.
Of course, I couldn't resist supporting our local producers and treated myself to some of the excellent Ayrshire fare available at the shop.
It was also good to speak to some constituents at the surgery and pick up a couple of cases for the office.
The Ayrshire Food Hub is a vibrant and thriving community space, dedicated to making a positive difference. I highly encourage everyone to pay a visit and experience the wonderful atmosphere firsthand.
Video: Ban trade with illegal Israeli settlements
/Time to ban trade with illegal Israeli settlements
"...when it comes to trade, instead of allowing settlers to benefit from selling goods and products from land that is not theirs, isn't it time to make trade with settlements illegal as well?"
