I hope readers have had an enjoyable break over Easter.
Lighter nights and the sight of lambs across the countryside, herald the arrival of spring and renewal.
I have been heartened by the sight of daffodils across the constituency, a bright reminder of the hard work of many in our community groups.
Volunteers, on whom we have come to depend, play such an important role in our daily life by sprucing up our towns and villages with flower baskets and planters.
An attractive environment is not only important for the well-being of residents, but also a vital element in the package of ideas to attract tourists to our beautiful area.
However, it cannot be left to volunteers to do all the work.
Green spaces overrun by weeds are a depressing sight and inevitably give the area a ‘run-down’ feel.
I hope the Council will take on board residents' calls to smarten up any neglected areas for which they are responsible, and also ensure that the floral displays this year are restored to their former much-admired pre-COVID glory.
Next month, we will be celebrating the Coronation of King Charles with parties and events across the country.
In characteristic style, His Majesty is putting volunteering and community at the heart of the coronation celebrations.
It is wonderful to see that 850 community and charity representatives are invited to the coronation, including 450 British Empire Medal recipients.
As the MP for Banff and Buchan, I am particularly proud that John Anderson BEM from Fraserburgh will be one of those attending.
John is a great local champion for Fraserburgh and for decades has been a stalwart of community engagement in the area.
The King would be hard-pressed to find someone more deserving of this invitation.
This Spring has also seen the UK Government increase the state pension by 10.1%.
This month, the biggest ever cash increase in the basic state pension will provide over 18,000 pensioners in Banff and Buchan with a much-needed uplift to their incomes.
In addition to this uplift, pensioners will also benefit from a £300 Cost of Living Payment this winter, continuing the UK government's direct support for those groups most vulnerable to the effects of global high inflation.
On a less happy note, it is troubling to see the number of crashes on dangerous stretches of the A90, A947, and A96 appearing on my newsfeeds.
Even under new leadership, the SNP Government continues to bow to demands of their Green coalition partners and do everything they can to foil the everyday road user – including by refusing to dual the A90 north of Ellon.
I have written to the new Minister for Transport, Kevin Stewart MSP, asking him to reverse the decision made by his predecessor.
I hope that his Aberdonian background will influence his decision-making, as he will have local knowledge of how essential the upgrade of this dangerous road is.
In the meantime, I continue to press for improvements to the A947, which is so important for local residents and visitors alike.
Speaking of visitors, I am looking forward to the return of the Turriff Mayday event on 1 May. It is always such a lively family occasion and brings lots of welcome trade to local businesses.
I hope to see many of you there – let's hope the sun shines.
