I’VE been out knocking on doors across East Lothian over the October recess.

Initially, this was to raise awareness of the council’s decision to restrict library opening hours.

I believe it is important to get out of the Holyrood bubble, where too many MSPs forget about the real-world issues they are elected to address.

One recurring theme people raised is how let down they feel by Governments which promise the earth and then don’t deliver: or, in the case of Labour’s decision to remove the winter fuel payment, how people are shocked by what politicians do deliver.

It’s no surprise that people are frustrated because the papers have been filled with a less-than-rosy outlook and talk of “tough decisions” in Labour’s first budget.

But it’s not all doom and gloom and that’s why, this week, I want to talk about some positive things about living in East Lothian – and how lucky I am to represent this part of the world.

East Lothian is a welcoming, friendly and beautiful area. It has rolling hills with beautiful agricultural land, sweeping coastal scenes and fantastic town centres. That’s why so many people want to live and visit here.

We also have world-class food and drink producers, we have companies innovating at the cutting edge of the technology sector. Many high street shops, restaurants and cafés all add to the unique character of our towns. But some are struggling. That’s why I spent some of the recess out talking to them, so I can understand their unique concerns.

I want East Lothian to continue to thrive. While we need to appreciate the good things that we have in our area, we also need to speak up and speak out when these are put at risk.

So let’s celebrate the positives and grasp the opportunity, but not be afraid to call out our local council, the Scottish Government or the new Labour Government when, regrettably, they let East Lothian down.