LAST week’s historic budget marked the end of austerity, provided billions for investment in public services and prioritised economic growth.

It will deliver the largest funding settlement for the Scottish Government in the history of devolution, with a total £47.7 billion in 2025-26.

I am delighted that the budget will also deliver a pay rise for 200,000 of the lowest-paid Scots, ensure that one million pensioners benefit from maintaining the triple-lock, and increase working age benefits in line with inflation.

In summary, the budget protects working people in Scotland, delivers more money than ever before for Scottish public services, and heralds the start of the change people voted for in July.

In the days following the budget, I was out and about in the constituency talking to businesses, groups and individuals about its highlights and the benefits it will bring. I will continue that dialogue in the weeks and months ahead, so if you have questions about the budget, please contact me.

I was also pleased to have the opportunity to speak to a group of P7 pupils during Windygoul Primary School’s Career Week. While I could not compete with the farmer who had brought his tractor to the school or the police officer who showed them his taser, I did urge them to be ambitious and aim as high as possible in their choice of career.

Finally, on another local matter, I have been contacted by the organisers of this year’s Gullane Food Festival Christmas Market. Unfortunately, I am unable to attend, but did promise to give it a plug here.

The market, which is a spin-off from the hugely successful Gullane Food and Drink Festival, is taking place in Gullane Village Hall on Friday, November 29, between 4pm and 8pm. It will include a range of stalls for many of East Lothian’s excellent local producers and is a great opportunity to pick up some Christmas gifts!