PARLIAMENTARY recesses are always a good time to catch up on some of the many positive things happening locally.

Despite the ongoing financial and economic difficulties many continue to face, groups and residents across East Lothian are still making a difference in their communities.

Local businesses have achieved various successes, I recently congratulated Svetlana Kukharchuk, owner of The Cheese Lady in Haddington, on being named last year’s Scottish Business Woman of the Year at the National Business Women’s Awards. Night Owl Books in East Linton was among the finalists at this year’s British Book Awards, and Carfrae Farm Shop was commended at the Scottish ‘Rural Oscars’.

Dunbar Garden Centre was recognised at the Scottish Cafe and Bakery Awards, and Dunbar Community Bakery won two prizes at the World Championship Scotch Pie Awards. East Linton-based Brose Original Style oat drink was also awarded gold in the drinks category at Scotland’s Speciality Food & Drink Show.

Sports teams and individuals across the county continue to record successes on and off the field. Former Dunbar resident Ethan Wilson won the Young Person’s Award at Scottish Rugby’s Community Recognition Awards, Preston Lodge RFC won promotion to National League Division Two and local bowlers clinched two titles at the recent Scottish Indoor Championships.

I was also delighted to see Carers of East Lothian receive a prestigious award from the Carers Trust in recognition of the excellence of their work with local carers.

These are only the tip of the iceberg for successes achieved week in, week out by groups and individuals across East Lothian. At a time when it is all too easy to focus on negatives, I will keep celebrating the many positives happening here in our local communities.