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The first week back in the Scottish Parliament after recess certainly started as it means to go on!
The Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government, Shona Robison, delivered the Pre-Budget Fiscal Update, meanwhile the First Minister delivered the Programme for Government. I spoke in both these important debates, firstly asking the Cabinet Secretary a question on ScotWind funds for the future wealth for Scotland, followed by a speech on the proposals set out by the First Minster. You can view more information on these contributions in my Facebook posts.
I also visited Food Train, a fantastic initiative in Falkirk helping the elderly with shopping, befriending, and Meal Making services. They are a great charity providing a vital service for many and some rewarding volunteering opportunities for anyone who is interested.
On Thursday morning I was a panellist for the SMIA Summit 2024 debate ‘A Sound Investment – What’s Scotland's Music Industry Worth?’. As the Convenor of the CPG on Music in the Scottish Parliament, I was delighted to be able to take part in such a worthwhile discussion exploring the economic impact and current financial landscape of our culture and arts sector.
On Thursday evening I attended the Holyrood Political Awards where I was privileged to be awarded Backbencher of the Year. It was a lovely evening celebrating the political contributions of everyone across all parties and roles.
My Surgery Tour for 2024 kicks off on Monday 5 August. Dates, times and locations are listed below. Please do pop along if you can.
If you cannot manage along to one of the meetings but would like to raise a matter with myself and my team, you can email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call the office on 01324 357373
I started off the week managing to miss the rain and headed out on a walk-about at Zetland Park with Danny Thalon of Falkirk Council, Councillor Balfour and Councillor Garner. It was really interesting to hear about all the developments that have been going on in the park over the last 10 years, and I look forward to seeing their future projects at other parks across Falkirk district in the future.
On Wednesday I convened the latest Women in Enterprise Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament. Around 20 people made it along to the roundtable discussion covering the importance of Intellectual Property, including women entrepreneurs, lawyers and those looking for advice.
On Thursday I welcomed Faroese MP, Sjúrður Skaale to the Scottish Parliament. Alongside being an MP in the Danish Parliament, he is also the Parliament’s Chair of the Arctic Delegation. I hope Mr Skaale and his accompanying party enjoyed their visit and the discussions had prove useful going forward.
On Friday, I met with newly elected Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament for Falkirk East, Declan and Catriona. I was impressed by their enthusiasm and ideas, and I look forward to seeing more from them as they get stuck into new challenges in their elected roles.