AS WE GET closer to the end of recess, I am enjoying having the time to visit local businesses and organisations, as well as spending time speaking with constituents during my summer surgery tour.

One of my favourite parts of the job is talking to people and hearing their thoughts and opinions on all sorts of issues.

MSPs are here to help you and can assist with several different issues that you might have, from housing and healthcare to education, agriculture and much more.

I am always happy to help those that need it.

Fringe by the Sea in North Berwick is now well under way and is a fantastic event, with many free and ticketed shows and activities for both adults and children.

This event, which attracts international talent and excellent local performers, brings an estimated 70,000 visitors, putting East Lothian firmly on the map.

This is fantastic news for the local economy, as the festival apparently brings more than £7.3 million to the region.

However, securing government funding for such events has become increasingly challenging, with Fringe by the Sea describing the process as a “lottery”.

This event, and others like it, will vanish without proper funding from the Scottish Government, and this should not be allowed to happen.

I will continue to put pressure on the Scottish Government to ensure arts projects are not forgotten: they are essential to our economy and for social wellbeing.