On Monday I held a surgery at Banchory Business Centre. I also had the chance to visit Banchory Primary School. I spoke with students and answered questions they had about my job and parliament.
On Tuesday I attended the debate: Gender Representation on Public Boards (Scotland) Bill. The bill will make sure that 50% of non-executive members are women on local boards. Parliament agreed with the bill and it will be passed.
In the evening on Tuesday I attended the Time for Unrest - the impact of ME/CFS on Scotland reception. This event allowed Members to hear about the impact the long term, chronic illness ME/CFS is having on 21,000 people in Scotland. This event was an opportunity to meet people with ME, carers, charities and medical specialists and researchers to discuss what support could be offered in Scotland to help people suffering from ME/CFS and the people that help them.
On Wednesday I attended the Finance and Constitution committee. The only item of business for this committee was to take evidence on the European Union (withdrawal) Bill as amended by the House of Commons.
In the evening on Wednesday I attended the Scottish Enterprise Rural Leadership Programme Reception. The Scottish Enterprise Rural Leadership Programme is a fantastic opportunity for business managers and employees from rural areas to develop their leadership skills and grow their businesses.
On Thursday I attended First Minister Questions (FMQs). The main topics from the FMQs were the Budget and income tax policies. After I took part in the Members business debate on World Cancer Day, I must congratulate Richard Lochhead for gaining cross party support on this important topic. I appreciated being able to speak on World Cancer Day and the prevention measures we can all take against cancer. I also attended the Stage 3 debate on domestic abuse, the bill will create rules for criminal procedures; for the offence of abusing a person’s partner or ex-partner. Parliament voted almost unanimously to pass the Bill.
On Friday I held surgeries in Finzean, Strachan and at the Banchory Business Centre. As always I appreciate my constituents coming to speak with me about their concerns and issues