CHRISTMAS is just around the corner and I hope it will be an enjoyable and peaceful time for many residents.

While this year has been difficult for many, I would like to reflect on some positive stories from this year.

At the start of the year, the UK Government announced that it would be funding £11.3 million to support remedial work to the grounds of the former Cockenzie Power Station site, which will support job creation opportunities in East Lothian.

In summer, I joined Historic Environment Scotland ahead of the reopening of Dirleton Castle and Tantallon Castle, which had been closed for two years for essential repair work. And this week, on Wednesday, East Linton Railway Station welcomed passengers into the village for the first time in 59 years.

The collapse of North Berwick’s harbour wall in October was a disappointing moment but a good example where people from East Lothian came together to raise almost £35,000 to support the future of the harbour area through a JustGiving campaign launched by North Berwick Harbour Trust. To donate online, please visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/northberwickharbour

We have seen inflation fall to a two-year low of 4.6 per cent, more than half of the 10.7 per cent average inflation rate at the end of 2022, with wage growth outpacing inflation on 7.3 per cent.

Recently, I also visited Haddington Day Centre and hosted my annual Christmas card competition in the run-up to Christmas. It suddenly started to feel festive.

As we near the big day, I hope that you have an enjoyable holiday season and thank you if you are one of the many frontline workers or retail staff who will be working this Christmas.

As ever, should you require any assistance you can contact me at craig.hoy.msp@parliament.scot or on 01620 849350.