IN MY LAST column before the official start of the school holidays (I know that some may have already departed to make the most of cheaper deals!), I would like to wish both teachers and young people a pleasant and relaxing holiday, wherever that may be.

At times last year, various issues of anti-social behaviour developed around the county which were linked to young people behaving irresponsibly through the school holidays.

I appreciate the overwhelming majority of young people behave in a respectful and law-abiding manner; however, unfortunately there were a minority who were involved in criminal and anti-social behaviour which portrayed a negative image of the areas concerned and caused suffering and inconvenience for people who live and work there.

Police Scotland Youth VolunteersPolice Scotland Youth Volunteers

Earlier in the week, I wrote to parents and guardians of high school children in a joint letter from East Lothian Police, Council and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to make a direct appeal to them to ensure that this does not happen and that the county is a safe and enjoyable area for all to use during the summer.

I would continue to encourage all those who have young people in their care to ensure they behave responsibly by checking where they are going and what they are doing and, more especially, that they are not in possession of alcohol.

Issues of water and fire safety around beaches and areas of woodland are paramount and are why our school link and fire safety officers have been delivering talks on these subjects to young people throughout the year. Again, I would urge parents and guardians to discuss these topics with their young people in order that they are reminded of the dangers and avoid the need for emergency services to have to respond, which creates additional demand that could be avoided.

Police Scotland Youth VolunteersPolice Scotland Youth Volunteers

I know there are a wide range of summer camps and activities available for young people throughout the county, some of which my community officers have been working in partnership to support, and these represent a great opportunity to try something new, be it a new skill or activity.

It is also a good opportunity to visit and try out our own Police Scotland Youth Volunteer programme, which is looking for new recruits just now and meets at the Fisherrow Centre in Musselburgh, 2pm-4.30pm on Friday afternoons. As the pictures show, the group have been busy over the last few months helping out at the Edinburgh Marathon finish line in Musselburgh and some of the group have just been away on a national team bonding adventure excursion to Loch Eil for a week. Coming up, they are signed up to help out at the Scottish Open in a few weeks’ time and also at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, which demonstrates what fantastic opportunities there are. For more details, please visit psyv.org

Finally, can I take this opportunity to wish you all a pleasant summer holiday and let’s hope the weather improves to allow some sunshine for those staying at home.