Columns and Opinions

As usual a mixture of welcome and disappointing news over the last couple of weeks. 

As usual a mixture of welcome and disappointing news over the last couple of weeks. 

In my previous column, I addressed the need for safety improvements on the A947 from Banff to Aberdeen.

Since then, the road has been closed three separate times in the King Edward area between Banff and Turriff.

In my continuing engagement with the Scottish fishing industry, one subject that keeps coming up is that of ‘spatial squeeze.’

The concept of spatial squeeze comes from competing requirements of our marine space and resources.

Proposals by the Scottish Government, to introduce restrictions on alcohol companies advertising their products, are the latest in a line of poorly thought-out ideas from the SNP/Green devolved administration.

I understand the health and social concerns linked to alcohol.

Drivers in Turriff are all too aware of the problems with the A947 but recent statistics bring home just how dangerous the road can be. 

30 people have suffered injuries on the A947 between Banff and Aberdeen between 2020 and the end of last year.

Earlier this month I was delighted to report that the Banff and Buchan 'Cultural Tides: North Sea Connections’ Levelling Up bid had been successful – bringing fantastic opportunity for regeneration and growth to Peterhead and Macduff.

I want to start my first Banffshire Journal column of 2023 by wishing all my constituents a very Happy New Year. 

Last week, figures revealed that the UK economy had unexpectedly bucked predictions and grown slightly.

As always, I’m glad to be writing my regular column for the Turriff Advertiser and I’m delighted to have the honour of my column being published in this particular issue.

However I’m sad that this will be the final issue of the Turriff Advertiser in print.

As your MP, I work to ensure the needs of constituents are met and that you receive the support and services you need.

This has been particularly important in recent months, facing challenges of the increased energy costs, fuelled by Putin’s barbaric war in Ukraine.