Every year, I go on a summer surgery tour across the Borders.
As your MP, I know how important it is to be accountable and accessible to you, my constituents.
This year I had the privilege of speaking with hundreds of local residents at 81 locations, including Gala, Kelso, Hawick, Eyemouth, Melrose, Lauder, Selkirk, Tweedbank, Coldstream, Newcastleton, Jedburgh and dozens of villages across the Borders.
These advice surgeries are an opportunity for me to hear your concerns, listen to any issues you may have, and gain valuable insight into what matters to Borders residents.
After holding these discussions, my team and I focus on what we can do to help find a solution to whatever challenge you may be facing.
We work hard to get potholes and streetlights repaired. We do whatever we can to ensure you’re able to access NHS services quickly. We campaign for better broadband, better transport links and better business support. We're always focused on your top priorities and on delivering for you.
From speaking with you during this year's tour, I know how important it is to you that politicians concentrate on the day job.
Local people told me that, above all else, they want elected officials to focus solely on the key issues that really matter to them, especially improving essential public services.
That's why it bothers people in the Borders so much when it appears that the First Minister, Humza Yousaf, doesn't seem to be listening.
He continues to insist on wasting taxpayers' money - your money - on independence. The SNP leader has used public funds to produce proposals for a new passport and outline what he would do if Scotland separated from the rest of the United Kingdom. When our country is facing so many huge challenges, it's disappointing that Mr Yousaf is concentrating so much on the constitution.
But I'll always stay focused on what matters most to you. All year round, my job is to serve you by making sure the Borders is the best possible place to live and work.
So thank you to everyone who came to speak with me during this year's summer surgery tour.
If you didn’t manage to attend or if you need further help, there will be many other chances as I hold surgeries on a regular basis all over the Borders. Please contact my office who will arrange a meeting at the earliest possible date.
