On Tuesday I attended a meeting of the Environment, Climate Change, and Land Reform Committee, and supported a motion of condolence regarding the sudden passing of MSP Alex Johnstone.

On Wednesday I attended a meeting of the Oil and Gas Cross-Party group, and attended the oath and affirmation of Bill Bowman, who is replacing Johnstone as the North-East MSP.

On Thursday at First Minister Question time, I pressed First Minister Sturgeon for assurance that the Scottish Government is doing all it can to protect citizens across Aberdeenshire, particularly in Ballater and Kemnay from the devastating effects of floods like those resulting from Storm Frank. A video of the full question and response can be found here.

Full question text: Still on storms, as we approach the anniversary of Storm Frank, an estimated 70 families have still not returned to their homes, and Aberdeenshire Council has spent more than £11 million on the clean-up bill.
The residents of Ballater and Kemnay are feeling forgotten, flood repairs are inadequate or non-existent, and people are rightly concerned that they are still at risk this winter. Can the First Minister reassure them that the Scottish Government is doing all that it can to protect them and their families from future floods?

This week marked the final meeting of Parliament for the year, and I plan to enjoy the holiday season with family and friends and look forward to resuming Parliamentary business in January 2017.